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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 12/13/2005I 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 December 13, 2005, which were approved by the Cite Council on December 20, 2005. WITNESSETH :TH MY HAND AND SEAL, on this the 20th day of December, 2005. Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL CI PRESENI 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 MINU1 ES Y OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Meeting December 13, 2005 - 10:00 a.m. 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 Allen Mosiman with Parkway Presbyterian Church and the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag was led by Council Member Noyola. Mayor Garrett called for approval of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of November 15, 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 - 24). City Secretary Chapa announced that Council Member Scott was abstaining from the vote and discussion on Item 17. Council members requested that Item 6 be pulled for individual consideration. There were no comments from the public. A motion was made, seconded, and passed to approve Items 2 through 24, constituting the consent agenda, except for Item 6, which was pulled for individual consideration. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 13, 2005 — Page 2 2.a. RESOLUT1ON NO. 026553 Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a grant from the Department of State Health Services in the amount of $108,430 for the elimination and control of tuberculosis in Nueces County. 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. 2.b. ORDINANCE NO. 026554 Ordinance appropriating a grant of $108,430 from the Department of State Health Services in the No. 1066 Health Grants Fund for the elimination and control of tuberculosis in Nueces County 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. 3.a. RESOLUTION NO. 026555 Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a state funded grant agreement with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in the amount of $884,600 for air quality planning activities. 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. 3.b. ORDINANCE NO. 026556 Ordinance appropriating $884,600 from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in the No. 1071 Community Enrichment Grants Fund for air quality planning activities. 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 December 13, 2005 - Page 3 MOTION NO. 2005-408 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an annual joint funding agreement with the United States Geological Survey (USGS), United States Department of the Interior, for the continuation of surface water data collection and limited studies by the USGS for the City's water supply activity; and providing for the City to pay the USGS the amount $229,310, out of a total project cost of $288,070 during the federal fiscal year October 1, 2005 through September 30, 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. MOTION NO. 2005-409 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to extend the Software Maintenance Agreement with Infosol, Inc., of Bellaire, Texas for one year in an amount not to exceed $41,299.05 for support of the CourtHouse software currently being utilized by the Municipal Court. 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. MOTION NO. 2005-41 I Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Contract for Professional Services with Maverick Engineering, of Corpus Christi, Texas in the amount of $73.912 for a total restated fee of $1,433,911 for the Cimarron Boulevard Street Improvement Project. * Phase 1 - from Saratoga to Yorktown * Phase 2 - from Yorktown to Bison For additional design work on Phase 2 (BOND ISSUE 2004) 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 December 13. 2005 — Page 4 MOTION NO. 2005-412 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 13 to the Contract for Professional Services with LNV Engineering, of Corpus Christi, Texas for a total fee of $90,860 for a total re -stated contract fee of $2,943,467.21 for the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant Wash Water System Project. 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. MOTION NO. 2005-413 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 4 to the Contract for Professional Services with LNV Engineering of Corpus Christi, Texas in the amount of $352,150 for a total re -stated fee of $659,600 for the Oso Water Reclamation Plant Structure/Process Improvements Clarifier Bridges/Aeration Basin/Fine Bubble Diffuser. 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. 10. MOTION NO. 2005-414 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with A. Ortiz Construction, of Corpus Christi, Texas in the amount of $36,354 for the Fire Station No. 3 Concrete Drive Repairs 2005. 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. MOTION NO. 2005-415 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Change Order No. 3 with Jalco, Inc.. of Houston, Texas in the amount of $248.770.55 for the Antelope/Salt Flats Area 36"/48" Wastewater Gravity Interceptor 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. Minutes -- Regular Council Meeting December 13, 2005 - Page 5 12. MOTION NO. 2005-416 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Change Order No. 1 to increase the Enterprise Products pipeline adjustment allowance in the amount of $159,965 with Longhorn Excavation, Inc.. of Richmond, Texas for the Cefe F. Valenzuela Landfill Site Development Project. 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. 13. MOTION NO. 2005-417 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to authorize payment for adjustment of an eight (8") pipeline in the amount of $32,011 with Duke Energy, Inc., of Charlotte, North Carolina for the Cefe F. Valenzuela Landfill Site Development Project. 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. 14. MOTION NO. 2005-418 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Architectural Services Contract with Chuck Anastos Associates, Inc., of Corpus Christi, Texas in the amount of $5,000 for a total contract amount of $30,000 for the Water Department Buildings Architectural Condition Survey. 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. 15. MOTION NO. 2005-419 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to increase the escrow amount of the Advanced Funding Agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for Change Order No. 13 in the amount of $240,710.27 for construction of barrier free ramps and sidewalks at selected street locations associated with the Sidewalk Accessibility Improvements project. 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 December 11 2005 - Page 6 16. MOTION NO. 2005-407 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Real Estate Sales Contract with Bryan L. Holmes. Manager of Nueces Real Estate Management Company, LI. C, as General Partner of Nueces Real Estate Partnership, LP in the amount of $73,535 plus $L500 in closing costs. for the purchase of fee simple property rights to 2.101 acres out of Lot 1, Section 11, Bohemian Colony Lands, located southwest of Saratoga Boulevard between Everhart Road and Sanders Drive in connection with the Club Estates Channel Improvements. Phase 2. Project (#2238) and for other municipal purposes. 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. 1 7. MOTION NO. 2005-420 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Real Estate Sales Contract with Johnston Family Investments, Ltd., in the amount of $25,000 plus $1,000 in closing costs, for the purchase of fee simple property rights for Parcel 532, being all of Lot 8, Block 2, Kingswood Addition, necessary for the Southside Water Transmission Main, Phase 5, Project (#8391), and for other municipal purposes. The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Chesney, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison. Marez, and Noyola, voting "Aye"; Cooper was absent; Scott abstained. 18. ORDINANCE NO. 026557 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a five-year Grazing Lease with RWT Cattle Company for 92.538 acres of City property known as the Westside Landfill located at Carbon Plant Road and Hearn's Ferry Road, for cattle grazing and approving the rental fee of $1 per year and the construction of 3,755 linear feet of stock fence by the tenant, valued at $6,000 which will remain the property of the City at the end of the lease term. 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 December 13. 2005 — Page 7 I 0. ORDINANCE NO. 026558 Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances. Chapter 53 -Traffic, by revising Section 53-255. Schedule VI, decrease of state law maximum speed limit, by lowering the speed limit on Elizabeth Street from 30 MPH to 20 MPH from 100 feet west of the center line of Ocean Drive to a point 75 feet east of the center line of Third Street; and providing for penalties. 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. 20. ORDINANCE NO. 026559 Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 53 - Traffic, by revising Section 53-255, Schedule VI, decrease of state law maximum speed limit, by lowering the speed limit on Spohn Drive from 30 MPH to 20 MPH from Spohn South Drive to a point 900 feet east of the east right-of-way line of Spohn South Drive; and providing for penalties. 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. 21.a. MOTION NO. 2005-421 Motion approving the Arterial Transmission and Grid Main Construction and Reimbursement Agreement submitted by C.C.T. Navigation -Cameron, LP, owner and developer of Navigation Pointe, Block 1, Lot 1, located west of Navigation Boulevard and south of Bates Drive for the installation of 464 linear feet of a 12 -inch PVC water grid main. 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. 21.b. ORDINANCE NO. 026560 Ordinance appropriating $35,308.38 from the Arterial Transmission and Grid Main Trust Fund No. 209010-4030 to pay C.0 T. Navigation -Cameron, L.P.'s (Developer) reimbursement request for the installation of 464 linear feet of a 12 -inch PVC water grid main as specified in the Transmission and Grid Main Construction and Reimbursement Agreement to develop Navigation Pointe. Block 1, Lot 1. 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 December 13, 2005 — Page 8 22.a, MOTION NO. 2005-422 Motion approving the Sanitary Sewer Collection Line Extension Construction and Reimbursement Agreement with C.C.T. Navigation -Cameron, LP, developer of Navigation Pointe. Block 1, I,ot 1 located west of Navigation Boulevard and south of Bates Drive for the installation of 1,600 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. 22.b. ORDINANCE NO. 026561 Ordinance appropriating $110,141.25 from the Sanitary Sewer Collection Line Trust Fund No. 4220-250420 to pay C.C.T. Navigation -Cameron, L.P. (Developer) for the installation of 1,600 linear feet of offsite 15 -inch sanitary sewer collection line as specified in the Sanitary Sewer Collection Line Extension Construction and Reimbursement Agreement to develop Navigation Pointe, Block 1, Lot 1. 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. ORDINANCE NO. 026562 Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 16561 relating to the closing and abandoning of a sixty foot (60') wide public street on Corpus Christi Beach designated as Dickinson Street, from Surfside Boulevard to North Shoreline Boulevard to remove the visual corridor plat requirement of section 1 (c) thereof and to add a plat statement indicating the utility lines within the vacated and abandoned public street are private utilities. 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. 24.a. ORDINANCE NO. 026563 Amending the Rodd Field Public Improvement District boundary map, approved by Ordinance No. 025496, to redraw the boundary to include approximately 3.46 additional acres and to modify the preliminary assessment roll. (First Reading 11/15/05) 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 December 13. 2005 — Page 9 24.b ORDINANCE NO. 026564 Authorizing and levying the assessment amount of $790,300 as a special assessment to the property owners as their portion of the costs for the public improvements to the property within the Rodd Field Public Improvement District. (First Reading 11/15/05) 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 "Ave": Cooper was absent. 24.c ORDINANCE NO. 026565 Specifying the payment of the assessment to each property owner to be paid with regular yearly installments over a period of ten (10) years at an interest rate not to exceed one- half ('/2) of one (1) percent higher than the actual interest rate paid on the public debt used to finance the improvements. (First Reading 11/15/05) 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. Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 6 regarding a professional services contract for the renovation of senior and recreation facilities as part of Bond Issue 2004. Mr. Marez stated a constituent had requested that the city erect a flagpole at Broadmoor Senior Center so participants could honor their war veterans. He said the participants at Broadmoor Senior Center often felt their center was ignored compared with the larger centers. City Manager Noe said he would look into the matter. 6. MOTION NO. 2005-410 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Contract for Professional Services with Roots/Foster Associates, Inc. of Corpus Christi, Texas in the amount or $150,385 for a total re -stated fee of $158,710 for the Renovation of Senior and Recreation Facilities City -Wide. (BOND ISSUE 2004) X Renovations and Maintenance Improvements to Facilities: • Lindale Recreation Center • Joe Garza Recreation Center • Oak Park Recreation Center • Oso Recreation Center • T.C. Ayers Recreation Center • Ethel Eyerly Community Center • Northwest Senior Center Parking Lot Improvements: ■ ()veal Williams Senior Center ■ Lindale Senior Center Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 13. 2005 Page 10 • Greenwood Senior Center • Zavala Senior Center • Heritage Park Facility ADA Compliance, Maintenance Improvements and Enhancements: • Collier Pool • Greenwood Pool • H.E.B. Pool • Joe Garza Pool • Oso Pool • Parker Pool • Violet Pool • T.C. Ayers Pool • West Guth Pool 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. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Garrett deviated from the agenda and referred to Item 31, a presentation on the 17th Annual Feast of Sharing celebration. Assistant to the Mayor Diana Zertuche Garza introduced Ms. Shelley Parks with H -E -B, who briefed the Council on the event. Ms. Parks stated the Feast of Sharing would take place on December 24, 2005 at the American Bank Center Convention Center from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. She said Mr. Eddie Garcia, an H -E -B partner, began the Feast of Sharing event 17 years ago because he recognized the need to aid those less fortunate in the community during the holidays. Ms. Terri Cardona with SMG thanked the city for including the American Bank Center Convention Center in this holiday tradition. Master of Ceremonies Judge Richard S. Schmidt encouraged everyone to attend the event. Finally, Mrs. Mata, a long-time volunteer, discussed her family's experiences volunteering for the event. Finally, Ms. Garza provided a series of phone numbers individuals could call for more information as follows: to volunteer -- 887-8282, ext. 10 or 19; home deliveries — 826-3150 by December 20; and general information -- 826-3102. She also recognized Mr. Julio Wilmont with the R.T.A , and mentioned that the RTA was providing free bus service to the event. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Garrett referred to Item 33, a presentation regarding water issues legislation discussed in the previous State legislative session and possible issues in the upcoming 2007 legislative session. Special Assistant to the City Manager Tom Utter remarked that Item 33 and Item 34, the appointment of five directors to the Corpus Christi Aquifer Storage and Recovery Conservation District, were related items. He introduced State Representative Vilma Luna, the Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 13. 2005 Page 11 area's water issues representative: Mr. Ron. Lewis. water lobbyist; and Mr. Tim Brown, water issues attorney. Representative Luna briefed the Council on the Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) bill that was passed in the legislature last session. She said it was progressive, one -of -a -kind legislation that would aid the area's long-term water planning. While the ASR technology is not new. it was emerging technology. She stated the ASR legislation would reverberate throughout the State as other governmental entities sought to use this technology to enhance their water rights. Representative Luna stated it was important to scrutinize all proposed water legislation carefully to ensure that it would not adversely impact our region, and a team approach was the best strategy to this end. She thanked Mr. Utter, Mr. Lewis, and Mr. Brown as well as city staff for their efforts. In addition, she reported that the Texas Water Development Board received an appropriation to further pursue desalination projects in the State. The Council thanked Representative Luna for her strong leadership and for efforts to protect the area's interests in the legislature. Mr. Ron Lewis. the City's water lobbyist, thanked the Council for the opportunity to speak with them today. He emphasized that Representative Luna was truly a powerful member of the State House, and had used her influence to benefit her district as well as the State. He said if he had to pick two areas of the State that had planned well for their long-term water needs, he would name Corpus Christi and the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. He commended the City for its water planning efforts to date, and challenged the City to continue to be the leader in water planning for the South Texas region. Ultimately. the City could become the crossroads for selling water to the Rio Grande Valley area and other areas that had not adequately planned for their long-term water needs. In response to Mr. Scott's question, Mr. Lewis said the Governor was preparing to appoint an Instream Flow Committee tasked with balancing the needs of the environmental community with the needs of citizens and industry. Their task would be to determine the minimum amount of water discharges needed to sustain the bays and estuaries while meeting human and industry needs. He said this committee had the potential to adversely impact the City's water rights. and the team would have to keep a close eye on its activity. Mr. Garcia asked questions about water rights and the future of desalination, Mr. Lewis stated he doubted whether politically. water rights would be sold, traded or bargained in the future. Water may be stolen, but not the water rights. He said the Governor was in strong support of proceeding with a desal pilot project. However, Mr. Lewis did not feel desal was the answer to the State's future water needs; rather, this technology needed to be blended with other methods such as pipelines and water sales. He strongly encouraged the City to continue to take the lead in aggressively pursuing opportunities to acquire other water resources that they could sell to other areas in need. Mr. Scott agreed with Mr. Lewis' belief that the City should try to acquire additional water to sell to other regions that need it to benefit the area. He said, however, that the concern Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 13. 2005 — Page 12 among the area's constituents was that if the City were to enter into contracts with larger cities and regions to provide water, the larger cities would use their political clout to keep the water once the contract was over. Mr. Lewis replied the best protection would be to only enter into long-term contracts of at least 100 years. If the City were to require long-term contract with significant financial investments. then if the larger cities were to usurp the water at the end of the contract, it probably wouldn't matter anyway. In conclusion. Mr. Tim Brown. the City's water attorney, provided a brief history on the City's successful bid to acquire the water rights needed to meet the area's long-term water needs. He said the ASR District was the next step in the process, and he heralded the District as an innovation since it was the first of its kind in Texas. He said he was here to celebrate the implementation of the ASR District, and thanked Representative Luna and Mr. Lewis for their efforts to pass the legislation through both houses of the legislature. He also complimented the Council and the City for their foresight. Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 34, the implementation of the Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) District. There were no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 34. MOTION NO. 2005-423 Motion authorizing the appointment of the Initial Five Directors of the Corpus Christi Aquifer Storage and Recovery Conservation District. 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. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Garrett referred to Item 32, a presentation regarding the Work Force 1 quarterly update. Mr. Rick Zamarripa, Director of Business Development for Work Force 1, discussed the state of the regional workforce, the initiatives addressing current workforce challenges, and the initiatives addressing future workforce challenges. Regarding the labor force, Mr. Zamarripa reported the City had gained approximately 500 new jobs from the last quarter, a growth rate of 0.40 percent. Since January 2005, the City has cumulatively gained 2,300 jobs, the seventh best employment growth rate in the State, In addition, this was the best local employment performance since 2001. He said the industries gaining the most jobs were as follows: construction, petrochemical, transportation, utilities, and retail. Industry sectors that experiences job losses were as follows: information technology (telecommunications), education services, and health care services. Mr. Zamarripa reported the unemployment rate for the month of October was 4.9 percent; it was 6.2 percent the same time last year. In addition, there was a reduction in unemployment claims. pointing at positive signs of economic recovery. Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 13, 2005 — Page 13 Mr Zamarripa listed the top ten industries projected to add the most jobs from 2005-2012 as follows elementary and secondary schools; home health care; general medical and surgical hospitals; and limited service eating places, among others. Among the top fifteen occupations projected to add the most jobs from 2005-2012 were personal and home care aides, registered nurses. and fast food preparation and serving workers. Mr Zamarripa reported the area had received $2.7 million in state and federal grants, $2.1 million of which was for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The remaining portion was distributed as follows: $50,000 for BRA(' planning; $475,000 in youth grants; and $104,000 for re-employment. Regarding the BRAC grant, he said Work Force 1 was planning to use the funds for an impact study to determine the magnitude of the BRAC"s impact on the region. Mr Zamarripa discussed current Work Force 1 programs. He said there were 2,671 participants in child care programs and 9.206 participants in the Work Force 1 system. To date, he said 2,264 employers had been served, 7,769 active jobs were posted on the Work Force 1 database, and over 200 individuals had been trained in 2005. Mr. Zamarripa covered initiatives addressing current workforce challenges as follows: apprenticeship program; work skills enhancement grant; TAMU-CC nursing initiative; Hurricane Katrina National Emergency Grant; BRAC Phase 1 National Emergency Grant; and Youth Grant. Mr. Zamarripa briefly discussed initiatives addressing future workforce challenges as follows: develop a marketing plan; emerging technology fund; expansion of Work Force 1 facilities; and implementation of Phase I1 of the BRAC study. Mr. Garcia asked what economic impact the job losses resulting from the BRAC would have on the community, particularly in the civilian sector. Mr. Zamarripa replied that one to three percent of the employment population, or 4,000 civilian positions, could be lost as a result of the BRAC. He emphasized. however, that the results of the BRAC report commissioned by Work Force 1 would not be completed until December 15; thus, these were speculative numbers. He said Work Force 1 expected that 70 percent, or approximately 3,000, of the positions would be quickly reabsorbed into existing industries because of the high skill levels of those individuals.. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 37 regarding a proposed requirement that youth sports leagues using city property or facilities require parents to take a parent and coach sportsmanship program. Director of Parks and Recreation Sally Gavlik stated the concept had been approved by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, and was endorsed by twelve leagues within the community. She introduced Special Projects Superintendent Billy Delgado and Mr Mark Lord, executive director of the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF), who would he providing more information Mr Delgado described the elements of the proposed Youth Sports Parents Training Program is follows: education on health concerns such as heat and hydration; how to keep Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 13. 2005 - Page 14 sporting events safe for children; methods to reduce violence at games and/or tournaments; maintaining children's self-esteem; and the recognition that adults who are involved in children's sporting activities act as important role models. As the former president of the Oso Baseball program, and the former administrator of the city's athletic programs, Mr. Delgado felt this parent education program was greatly needed. He introduced Mr. Mark Lord to discuss the program in more detail. Mr. Lord reported that the TAAF's parent training program was a proactive step to avoiding the conflicts and violence involving parents with children in youth sports. The City of El Paso. 1 X had implemented a parent youth sports training program with great success. He said the only way the program worked was to make it a mandatory requirement, because those parents who truly needed the training tended to avoid it. Mr Lord stated most parent training programs included the following elements: sportsmanship; accountability and ownership; tips on how to avoid confrontation; consequences of inappropriate behavior; recognizing the signs of child abuse and how to report it; and a signed parent's pledge. He said the TAAF S.M.A.R.T. Parents for Youth Sports certification promoted "self policing". encouraging other parents to control other team parents. Ultimately, he said the training would improve the environment for parents, coaches, officials, and especially for the children. Finally, Mr. Lord provided more information on TAAF itself. He said the federation was founded in 1925 to standardize sports rules in Texas, comprised of 140 municipal athletic departments. They offered 67 State championships in 13 sports, included the "Games of Texas", the official State games which was recognized by the United States Olympic Committee. He said even if the City were not to use the TAAF's parent training program, he still advocated the importance of using any State or nationally recognized program and making the program mandatory Mr. Noyola asked for the cost of the parents training. Mr. Delgado replied the TAAF program charged $5.00 per family. For those families who could not afford the fee, Mr. Delgado suggested scholarships. sponsorships, or raising the league fees by $5.00 so the parents pay the cost up front. Mr Noyola asked how often parents would need to renew the certification. Mr. Delgado replied the TAAF program required renewal every two years. In response to Mr. Noyola's question. Mr. Delgado stated that at least one parent had to attend the mandatory training before their child could participate in the league. Mr_ Delgado explained that the mandatory parent training would be required as the leagues renewed their leases with the city for use of facilities or land. There are currently 20 leagues, but only four of the leagues have contracts under renewal at this time. Mr. Noyola asked if it would be possible to amend the ordinance to require all the leagues to attend the mandatory training now. City Manager Noe replied staff could review all the leases to see if the city had the ability to cancel the lease to force the leagues to negotiate the mandatory training. Mr. Noyola felt it was more equitable to require all the leagues to comply with the mandatory training requirement. Obviously, he said it would preferable for all the leagues to endorse the mandatory training requirement voluntarily, but he asked staff to look into forcing the issue if necessary !Minutes -- Regular Council Meeting December 13, 2005 --. Page 15 Mr. Marez spoke in support of the mandatory parents training requirement, and he thought the $5.00 was reasonable for most families. Mr. Delgado replied the TAAF program charged $5.00, and while he was not aware what other programs charged, he felt they would also be reasonable. Mr. Kelly asked if the city kept statistics on the number of incidents involving violent or inappropriate parent behavior. Mr. Delgado replied negatively, but said the city received numerous calls from leagues asking how to suspend or prohibit individuals from attending games. Mr. Kelly spoke in support of making the training voluntary, allowing leagues to decide whether the program was needed at their own discretion. Mr. Delgado replied that mandatory training requirements were preferable because it was a proactive approach and since the parents who really needed the training tended to avoid it. Mr. Kelly felt the mandatory training was an extra burden for those parents and those leagues that didn't need the training. Mr Garcia spoke in support of requiring all the leagues to take the mandatory training. Mr. Kinnison asked whether staff planned to require the mandatory training for the city's youth athletic programs. Mr. Delgado replied affirmatively. Mayor Garrett asked for public comment. Mr. Gary Dorsey, president of the Padre Island Little League, stated that he thought the program had merit, but had a number of questions about its implementation. He asked who would enforce the requirement that parents in the stands have a certification card. Mr. Delgado replied the league would monitor the certification. Mr. Noe added the enforcement would take place during the league registration period. Mr. Sylvester Peterson, district administrator for Little League baseball in the region, explained that the Little League already conducted an annual review of reported incidents in the region and then suggested changes in regulations as needed. He said there were very few problems because the league did not tolerate poor behavior from parents. In addition, he said coaches were already required to attend mandatory sportsmanship training. Thus, he was concerned the city 's proposed mandatory training would be an extra burden on parents and coaches. He was also concerned about the $5.00 charge, saying it could become a barrier to many kids. He noted that the Little League allowed any kid to play, whether they could afford it or not. City Manager Noe replied the city would not require the leagues to charge for the training. He said the TAAF charged $5.00, but the leagues could decide to conduct their own training sessions with whatever accredited organization they chose. The leagues would also determine the cost for the training. He said the City was simply asking for proof that they had offered the training. Mr. Delgado stated that based on today's discussion, Assistant City Attorney Doyle Curtis suggested that the Council amend the proposed ordinance to allow for local as well as state and nationally recognized parent and coach sportsmanship programs. Mr. Chesney made a motion to amend the ordinance as stated by Mr. Chapa, seconded by Mr. Garcia, and passed. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 13, 2005 -- Page 16 37 MOTION NO. 2005-427 Motion authorizing all new leases for any and all land and/or facility owned by the City and leased to youth programs to include in the new lease a clause mandating that leagues require their parents to take a local, state or nationally recognized parent and coach sportsmanship program. The foregoing motion was passed and approved as amended with the following vote: Garrett, Chesney, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Kelly voting "No"; Cooper was absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Garrett called for a brief recess to present proclamations. * * * * * * * * * * * * * The Council returned from recess. Mayor Garrett called for petitions from the audience. Mr. J.E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, remarked the City's annual financial statement was required to be published 120 days after the budget was passed, but it was still not completed. He commented that the City had yet to meet his deadline since the elimination of the Internal Auditor position years ago, and he asked the City to consider reinstating the position to provide a checks and balances system on staff. City Manager Noe replied there was absolutely no relationship between the Internal Auditor position and the completion date of the report. Mr. Noyola asked why the report was late again. Director of Finance Cindy O'Brien replied the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) was 95 percent complete; staff was waiting for budget numbers from SMG and the arena, which should be available by the end of the week. She said the report would probably be ready by the first week in January. Finally, she said problems with the PeopleSoft Financials upgrade had delayed staff accountants by two months. Mayor Garrett and Mr. Chesney stated that they would like to discuss the idea of reinstating the Internal Auditor position. Mr. Chesney stated the question was whether the Internal Auditor position could recoup the $130.000 in salary costs through cost savings to the City. Mr. Noyola stated that the CAFR had not been submitted on a timely basis since he had served on the Council. He said he would like to see it completed on time. Ms. O'Brien replied the Finance department had recently hired a new comptroller who had a number of good ideas on how to compile data on a monthly basis to expedite the process. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 13, 2005 - Page 17 The following individuals asked the Council to consider extending the pedestrian -only beach from 4,200 feet to 7,400 feet: Mr. Jimmy B. Johnston, 15896 Punta; Mr. John Trice, 13706 Tajamar; Mr. Billy Holmes, 14121 Jackfish; Ms. Carol Chandler, 15129 Cane Harbor; Mr. Albert Perez, 15421 Seamount #110; Dr, Mark Saleff, 14142 Cabana A; Mr. Ned Reed, 13553 Peseta Court; Mr. Garrett Dorsey, Ms. Gabriele Hilpold. 13701 Three Fathoms Bank; Rick and Jody Patel 13773 Eaglesnest Bay Dr.; Ms. Katie Howell, 13826 Hawksnest Bay; an unidentified woman; Ms. Gladys Choyke, 15321 Cartagena Court; Ms. Linda Walsh, 15350 Isabella Court; and Ms. Teresa Ranly, 14801 Dasmarinas. Mr. Domingo Ibarra with the Corpus Christi Police Officers Association asked the Council to place an item on goal setting for the community policing effort on the December 20 agenda. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Garrett called for a brief recess. * * * * * * * * * * * * * The Council returned from recess. Mayor Garrett referred to Item 28, and a motion was made, seconded, and passed to open the public hearing on the following zoning case: Case No. 1105-03, ATA O. AZALI, Inc.: A change of zoning from a "B-1" Neighborhood Business District and a `B-4" General Business District to a "B-1" Neighborhood Business District and a "B-4" General Business District with a "PUD -2" Planned Unit Development. The property is 1.58 acres out of a 3.28 acre tract of Lot 2, Baldwin Moore Farm Lots, located east of South Padre Island Drive, west of Friendship Drive and south of Westpoint Drive. City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended the approval of a "B-1" Neighborhood Business District and a "B-4" General Business District with a "PUD - 2" Planned Unit Development, subject to the attached site plan. No one spoke in opposition to the zoning change. A motion was made, seconded, and passed to close the public hearing. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 28. ORDINANCE NO. 026567 Minutes -- Regular Council Meeting December 13, 2005 -- Page 18 Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by ATA O. AZALI, Inc. by changing the zoning map in reference to 1.58 acres out of a 3.28 acres tract of Lot 2, Baldwin Moore Farm Lots. from "B-1" Neighborhood Business District and "B-4" General Business District to `B-1" Neighborhood Business District and "B-4" General Business District with a `"PUD -2" Planned Unit Development subject to a site plan and eleven (11) 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 Scott, voting "Ave"; Cooper and Noyola were absent. Mayor Garrett referred to Items 29 and 30, and a motion was made, seconded, and passed to open the public hearing on the following zoning cases: 29. Case No. 1005-01. Southside Ventures, L.P.: A change of zoning from a "R -1B" One - family Dwelling District to an "A -1A" Apartment House District on Tract 1; an "A-2" Apartment House District on Tract 2; and a "B-1" Neighborhood Business District on Tract 3. The property is 27.02 acres out of Lots 1 and 2, Block 11, out of Bohemian Colony Lands, located along Everhart Road, 900 feet south of Middlecoff Road and west of Snowgoose Drive. 30. Case No. 1005-04, Southside Ventures, L.P.: A change of zoning from a "R -1B" One - family Dwelling District to an -A-1" Apartment House District on Tract 1 and a `B-4" General Business District on Tract 2. The property is 20.10 acres out of Lots 5 and 6, Block 11, out of Bohemian Colony Lands, located along Weber Road, 150 feet south of Way Out Weber Road and 125 feet north of Adrianna Drive. City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff made the following recommendations: 29. Denial of an "A -1A" Apartment House District on Tract 1 and in lieu thereof, approval of an "A-1" Apartment House District; denial of an "A-2" Apartment House District on Tract 2 and in lieu thereof, approval of a "R-1B"/SP One -family Dwelling District with a Special Permit for townhomes; and approval of a "B-1" Neighborhood Business District on Tract 3 30. Denial of the "A-1" Apartment House District on Tract 1 and, in lieu thereof, approval of a -R-1B" One -family Dwelling District with a Special Permit for townhomes. Denial of the `B-4" General Business District on Tract 2 and, in lieu thereof, approval of a "B-1" Neighborhood Business District. No one spoke in opposition to the zoning changes. A motion was made, seconded, and passed to close the public hearings. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 29. ORDINANCE NO. 026568 Minutes — Regular Council Meeting 1)ecemher 13, 2005 — Page 19 Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Southside Ventures, L.P. by changing the zoning map in reference to 27.02 acres out of Bohemian Colony Lands, Lots 1, 2, and 3, Block 11. from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling on Tracts 1 and 2, to "A- 1" Apartment House District on Tract 1 and "R -1B" One -family Dwelling with a Special Permit for Townhome Development on Tract 2, and "B-1" Neighborhood Business District on Tract 3: 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 Scott, voting "Ave"; Cooper and Noyola were absent. 30. ORDINANCE NO. 026569 Amending the Zoning Ordinance. upon application by Southside Ventures, L.P. by changing the zoning map in reference to 20.10 acres out of Bohemian Colony Lands, Lots 5 and 6, Block 11, from -R-1B" One -family Dwelling on Tracts 1 and 2, to "R -1B" One -family Dwelling with a Special Permit for Townhome Development on Tract 1, and "B-1" Neighborhood Business District on Tract 2; 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 Scott, voting "Ave": Cooper and Noyola were absent. Mayor Garrett referred to Items 25.a. and 26.a., and a motion was made, seconded, and passed to open the public hearings on the following items: 75.a. Public hearing to consider amending the 1969 Master Plan for Storm Drainage for the Area West of Clarkwood Road and the Flour Bluff Area of the City of Corpus Christi, Texas to add a Master Plan culvert crossing Flour Bluff Drive approximately 550 feet south of the intersection of Cornerstone Drive and Flour Bluff Drive; increase the drainage basin boundary, basin EA -C-2, by approximately 13 acres; and, realign the master channel with underground culverts through Cornerstone Unit 3 Subdivision. 26,a. Public hearing to consider amending the 1965 Master Sanitary Sewer Plan for the Flour Bluff Area by increasing wastewater Basin 3-B-1 by 28,4 acres now served by Flour Bluff Lift Station No. 1086, The 28.4 acres will be served by a new 10 -inch PVC sanitary sewer collection line located between Don Patricio Road and the extension of Division Road. approximately 1.375 linear feet south east of and parallel to Flour Bluff Road. Director of Development Services Barbara Bailey Holly stated Items 25 and 26 were related to amendments to the Storm Drainage Master Plans and the Sanitary Sewer Master Plans for the Cornerstone Unit 3 development. Regarding Item 25, she said the developer of the cornerstone Unit 3 is locating the subdivision across a Master Channel in the existing Storm Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 13,. 2005 -- Page 20 Drainage Master Plan. The amendment to the master plan is necessary to ensure that runoff from the south can flow unimpeded through the subdivision. Ms. Holly stated that Item 26 involved shifting the flows from the 28.4 acre Cornerstone Unit 3 subdivision to a wastewater basin to the south to provide the subdivision with wastewater service to an existing gravity sanitary sewer. This action would negate the need for septic systems in this subdivision. She said staff was recommending both actions. Mr Garcia asked if the proposed amendments would address drainage problems in the Glen Oak and Flour Bluff Drive area. Special Services Superintendent Mary Frances Teniente replied the proposed amendments would not improve or adversely impact the Glen Oak area. Mr. Garcia asked if the City would be able to enhance future growth in the area considering the limited capacity of the Flour Bluff Lift Station. Ms. Teniente replied the proposed amendments were simply tying in to the system on Flour Bluff Drive, using the existing capacity of the existing Flour Bluff Lift Station. Mr. Noe added that the Engineering department has made an effort to look at a number of other opportunities to update sections of the Sanitary Sewer Master Plan for Flour Bluff Drive where subdivisions are expected to develop. Mr. Garcia said he wished to limit the need for septic systems in new subdivisions by building on the existing systems. There were no comments from the audience. Mr. Garcia 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: 25.b. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Amending the 1969 Master Plan for Storm Drainage for the Area West of Clarkwood Road and the Flour Bluff Area of the City of Corpus Christi, Texas to add a Master Plan culvert crossing Flour Bluff Drive approximately 550 feet south of the intersection of Cornerstone Drive and Flour Bluff Drive; increase the drainage basin boundary, basin EA -C-2, by approximately 13 acres; and realign the master channel with underground culvert through Cornerstone Unit 3 Subdivision. The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its first reading with the following vote: Garrett, Chesney, Garcia, Kelly. Kinnison. Marez, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Cooper and Noyola were absent. 26.b. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 13. 2005 - Page 21 Amending the 1965 Master Sanitary Sewer Plan for the Flour Bluff Area by increasing wastewater Basin 3-B-1 by 28.4 acres now served by Flour Bluff Lift Station No. 1086. The 28.4 acres will be served by a new 10 -inch PVC sanitary sewer collection line located between Don Patricio Road and the extension of Division Road, approximately 1,375 linear feet south east of and parallel to Flour Bluff Road. The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its first reading with the following vote: Garrett. Chesney, Garcia. Kelly, Kinnison. Marez, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Cooper and Noyola were absent. Mayor Garrett referred to Item 27.a., and a motion was made, seconded, and passed to open the public hearing on the following item: 27.a. Public hearing to consider and nominate applications to the Office of the Governor for Renewal Community Commercial Revitalization Deduction Allocations. Director of Economic Development Irma Caballero stated each year, the Council approves allocations for the Renewal Community, consisting of ten census tracts, for Commercial Revitalization Deduction Allocations up to $12 million. She said the Office of the Governor served as the Commercial Revitalization Agency and was responsible for certifying allocations nominated by the governing bodies of the Renewal Communities in the state. In July 2005, Ms. Caballero stated the Council approved approximately $2 million in allocations for seven projects. She said today. staff was requesting approval to allocate an additional $6.75 million for the following five projects: Ullah Investments Inc. (building at 3500 McKenzie Road and IH -37) - $3.6 million; Puerto Los Caballeros Properties LTD (building at 1214 N. Chaparral)- $1.2 million; Ek Dashi Investment LLC (building at 2901 Surfside) - $1.1 million; Charles G. Herin (building at 901 Navigation) - $700,000; and Stewart Brandon (9002 Leopard Street) - $150,000. If approved. she said the total allocation for 2005 would be $8.79 million. In addition, she said staff would be bringing on additional project for Council approval on December 20 for $3.21 million, which would use the entire $12 million allocation available for 2005. Ms. Caballero stated staff was also asking approval for an allocation of $8.925 million for Valero Refining from the 2004 allocation for a building located at 1147 Cantwell. She said the project was identified in 2004. but staff did not receive official written notification until July 2005that the building was located in one of the five new census tracts deemed eligible for the deductions by the federal government. She stated Mr. Mannti Cummins, the CPA the City hired to market and prepare Commercial Revitalization Deduction application, was present to respond to any questions. There were no comments from the public. A motion was made, seconded, and passed to close the public hearing. Besides the Puerto Los Caballeros Properties project, Mr. Scott asked if any other projects were located in the downtown area. Mr Cummins responded negatively, but said there were a number of projects in different phases of development that staff may be able to bring forward for Council consideration in 2006. Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 13. 2005 — Page 22 Mr Garcia asked why more businesses weren't applying for the deductions. Mr. Cummins replied the program provided approximately 20 cents on the dollar for every project. Thus, the majority of the project costs had to be obtained through other funding sources. City Secretary ('hapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 27. RESOLUTION NO. 026566 Resolution nominating projects to the Office of the Governor for Renewal Community Commercial Revitalization Deductions. The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Chesney, Garcia, Kelly. Kinnison. Marez. and Scott, voting "Aye"; Cooper and Noyola were absent. ************* Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 35 regarding a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City, the Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC), and the Corpus Christi Business and Job Development Corporation (4A Board). City Manager Noe stated the MOU clarified the roles and responsibilities among the three entities operating in the City's economic development program. He said the 4A Board approved the MOU as presented at their last meeting, and the EDC Board had approved it as well. There were no comments from the public. Mr. Marez spoke in support of the MOU because it gave the entities involved the guidelines and specific direction needed in the City's economic development program. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 5. MOTION NO. 2005-424 Motion approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Corpus Christi ("City"), the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation "EDC"), and the Corpus Christi Business and Job Development Corporation ("4A"). The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Chesney, Garcia, Kelly. Kinnison. Marez. and Scott, voting "Aye"; Cooper and Noyola were absent. Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 36 regarding contracts for consulting services and legal services related to the citywide broadband wireless network. City Manager Noe stated that as the City was in the process of finalizing the business plan and partnership arrangements for the WiFi project, staff required consulting services for economic and business planning and legal services in telecommunications issues. He said staff was requesting that the City retain Next Step Consulting, LLC and Baller Herbst Law Firm for consulting services and legal services respectively. Mr. Noe said staff anticipated that the contracts and partnership arrangements would be brought to the Council in February 2006. There were no comments from the public. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 13, 2005 — Page 23 36.a. MOTION NO. 2005-425 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract with Next Step Consulting, LLC, of Malvern, Pennsylvania in the amount of $100,000 for consulting services related to development of citywide broadband wireless network. The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Chesney, Garcia, Kelly. Kinnison. Marez, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Cooper and Noyola were absent. 36.b MOTION NO. 2005-426 Motion to employ the Bailer Herbst Law Firm. of Washington, D.C. to provide legal services related to citywide broadband wireless network, at an hourly rate not to exceed $265 per hour, subject to certification of funds. The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Chesney, Garcia, Kelly. Kinnison. Marez, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Cooper and Noyola were absent. Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 38 regarding a community-based initiative to address gang -related crime in Corpus Christi. City Manager Noe stated at the October 25 Council meeting, the Corpus Christi Police Officers Association (CCPOA) asked for an endorsement for their grassroots gang intervention program. The program involved a dialogue with various stakeholders in the community, and they asked the Council to encourage citizen and staff participation in the program. The Council directed staff to prepare today's resolution, which was reviewed both by the Police department and the CCPOA. There were no comments from the public. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 38. RESOLUTION NO. 026570 Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee, to express City Council's support for the grassroots, community based initiative to address gang -related crime in Corpus Christi. The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Chesney, Garcia, Kelly. Kinnison.. Marez, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Cooper and Noyola were absent. Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 39 regarding proposed code amendments to the taxicab ordinance. City Manager Noe reported that Mr. Dan Stiefel and other representatives from the taxi cab industry had requested potential amendments to the taxicab ordinance to enhance the viability of the industry Staff agreed to two amendments, the first allowing for a slightly longer age for vehicles and the second allowing for a temporary, 30 -day license for drivers having completed background checks but awaiting the completion of remaining paperwork He said both amendments were acceptable to staff and to the Police department. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 13, 2005 -- Page 24 Mayor Garrett asked when the second reading of the ordinance was scheduled. City Manager Noe replied that the second reading ordinance was scheduled on December 20. There were no comments from the public. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 39. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Amending the Corpus Christi Code of Ordinances, Chapter 57, Vehicles for Hire, Section 57-88, Age of Vehicle, to increase the maximum age of a taxicab already in service from eight (8) years to ten (10) years; Section 57-97, application for taxicab driver's permit, to provide for a temporary permit upon finding that the applicant's criminal background check comports with the requirements found at Section 57-98; providing for penalties. The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its first reading with the following vote: Garrett. Chesney, Garcia. Kelly, Kinnison, Marez. and Scott, voting "Aye"; Cooper and Noyola were absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Garrett called for the City Manager's report. City Manager Noe reported the City was ranked number one in cities over 250,000 in the Annual Digital Cities Survey that reviewed websites and city services provided electronically. He said the City of Corpus Christi competed against larger cities such as Los Angeles and New York City yet still finished first in the rankings. He thanked Director of E -Government Services Susan Cable and staff for their efforts. Mr. Noe announced that the annual Senior Community Services Holiday Dinner would be held this Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the American Bank Center. The ceremonies would begin at 3:00 p.m. and the dinner would be served at 5:00 p.m. Finally. Mr. Noe stated the following items were scheduled for the December 20 Council meeting: five zoning cases; the zoning text amendment related to the small lot program; and a presentation on the results of Bayfest 2005. Mayor Garrett reported that an area on S.P.I.D. near the intersection of Staples and Everhart needed to be mowed badly. Mr. Noe was aware of the problem, and said he would look into it. Mayor Garrett also asked about the possibility of accelerating the street improvements to Cimarron Boulevard. Mr. Noe stated the improvements would begin in March 2006. Mayor Garrett called for Council reports. Mr. Marez stated he understood a Scottish company that used alternative fuel sources like wind power had purchased a local energy company. Mr. Marez was supportive of pursuing alternative fuel sources, and asked if anyone had more information. Assistant City Manager Oscar Martinez replied the City was currently studying a proposal from the South Texas Aggregate Project (STAP) to use coal as an energy source. Ile said staff would look into the possibility of wind power, but he was uncertain Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 13, 2005 - Page 25 whether wind power alone would be able to service the area's power needs. Mr. Noe added that the City, could advise the company about opportunities to bid competitively as an energy supplier for the City. Mr. Martinez stated that the federal government was supporting initiatives to develop alternative fuel sources, so it would behoove the city to learn more about them. Mr. Kelly congratulated the King High School boys cross country team for winning the >A state championship. He also congratulated the Calallen football team for reaching the state finals, and announced a pep rally would be held on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Calallen High School gym. The championship game would be held on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. in Round Rock. Mayor Garrett asked Mr. Noe to invite the Calallen team to next week's Council meeting to be recognized for their achievement. Mr. Garcia also congratulated the Calallen High School football team. He also reported that vehicles were ignoring stop signs on Yorktown Boulevard at Rodd Field. In addition, he said he and the Mayor have been discussing concerns about the tremendous traffic volume on Flour Bluff Drive that made it difficult for vehicles to make left turns. He also thanked staff for preparing the last Packer), Channel update. Finally. he asked what feedback the City was receiving from constituents and business owners related to the sign ordinance. Assistant Director of Development Services Michael Gunning reported three meetings had been held with various stakeholders, but the turnout was low, due in part to the upcoming holiday season. He said staff was holding a follow-up meeting on Thursday night at 5:30 p.m. with all three stakeholders groups in the Council chambers. He said staff sent out approximately 4000 notices. Mr. Garcia asked if staff was planning to hold another meeting after the holidays. Mr. Gunning stated that after January 1, 2006, staff would be organizing roundtable discussions comprised of three to four members of each stakeholder group. He said the current meetings were simply for public input and were not conducive to a public dialogue. Mr. Garcia said business owners had contacted him about the meetings, saying they wanted to attend but were had scheduling conflicts. He asked staff to hold another meeting after the holidays. In response to Mayor Garrett's question, Mr. Gunning replied that about 55 percent of the available land on Saratoga Boulevard from Old Brownsville Road to Rodd Field Road had been developed. In his opinion, there was a substantial portion of land that remained to be developed, and the developments would have a major impact on the area. Mayor Garrett stated he did not want to make it too difficult for businesses to complete their projects on Saratoga Boulevard. Mr. Noe said the clear regulations in the sign ordinance would address citywide problems with signage, not just on Saratoga Boulevard. Mr. Kinnison reported he had been receiving a number of letters from out-of-town companies about signage. He said when he called the companies, he was told that they understood the City was prohibiting any signage whatsoever on Saratoga Boulevard. When he informed them the City was only limiting the height and square footage of signage, the ompanies were surprised and said they were misled. He said there appeared to be a misinformation campaign being led by the local sign industry. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 13, 2005 — Page 26 Mr. Scott asked if Valero, Circle K, Whataburger, and other large companies had been included in the discussions. Mr. Gunning replied they had been included, but unfortunately, he understood that the individuals who needed to see the notices did not receive them in time. Mr. Scott asked if the large commercial realtors had also been included. Mr. Noe said staff would make every effort to ensure that all the stakeholders would be present for the discussions, including commercial realtors. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Garrett adjourned the Council meeting at 1:50 p.m. on December 13, 2005. * * * * * * * * * * * * *