HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 09/11/2007I 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 September 11, 2007, which were approved by the
City Council on September 18, 2007.
WITNESSETH M AND SEAL, on this the 18th day of September, 2007.
(912)
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
September 11, 2007 - 10:00 a.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Henry Garrett
Mayor Pro Tem Mike Hummel)
Council Members:
Melody Cooper
Larry Elizondo, Sr.
Bill Kelly
Priscilla Leal
Michael McCutchon
John Marez
Nelda Martinez
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 Dr. Sam Gutierrez with Cornerstone Church and the Pledge
of Allegiance to the United States flag was led by Council Member Larry Elizondo. Mayor Garrett
asked for a moment of silence for the victims and survivors of the 9/11 attacks.
Mayor Garrett called for approval of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of August 28,
2007. Council Member Leal made a correction to Pg. 11, Paragraph 7 to reflect her recommendation
for funding projects on Item 18.b. as follows: (1) Ayers Street Drainage Improvements - $62,000; (3)
Broadmoor Senior Center- $125,000; (7) Cole's Gym - $65,000; (14) Greenwood Softball Complex -
$125,000 (25) Residential Traffic Management Program - $13,000; (35) Coastal Bend Alcohol and
Drug Rehabilitation Center dba Charlie's Place - $40,000; (40) Fighting to Rid Gangs in America
Foundation Inc. - $100,000; and (41) Greenwood Molina Children's Center- $50,000. A motion was
made and passed to approve the minutes as amended.
************
Mayor Garrett referred to Item 2 and the following board appointments were made:
C. C. Regional Economic Development Corporation
Leon Loeb (Appointed)
Museum of Science and History Advisory Committee
Jim Moloney (Appointed)
Lucia Inez Sosa (Appointed)
Thomas Kimes (Appointed)
Kathy Juneau (Appointed)
Jamie Duff (Appointed)
Luella R. Gipson -Torres (Appointed)
Kimberly Harris (Appointed)
Nueces County Community Action Agency
Council Member Bill Kelly (Reappointed)
Council Member John Marez (Reappointed)
Council Member Priscilla Leal (Appointed)
Nueces County Tax Appraisal District
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
September 11, 2007 — Page 2
Robert Adler (Reappointed)
Sandy Billish (Appointed)
Sister City Committee
Randy Farrar (Reappointed)
Heather Stanton Moretzsohn (Reappointed)
Guillermo "Willie" Perez (Reappointed)
Westi Horn (Reappointed)
Almira Flores (Reappointed)
Brenda (Brandi) Williams (Appointed)
Alfonso Trujano, Jr. (Appointed)
Danny Williams (Appointed)
Small Business Advisory Committee
Michael San Miguel
************
Mayor Garrett called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 3 - 14). Ms. Paige Dinn
requested that Item 8 be pulled for individual consideration. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council
for their votes as follows:
3. MOTION NO. 2007-228
Motion approving a supply agreement for polyethylene pipe, fittings, and risers from the
following companies for the following amounts in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0179-
07 based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $221,178.55. The term of the
contract will be for twelve months with an option to extend for up to two additional twelve-
month periods subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee.
Funds have been budgeted by the Gas Department in FY 2007-2008.
Cooper Supply, Inc.
Corpus Christi, TX
Group No. 1
$121,080
Gajeske, Inc.
San Antonio, TX
Group Nos. 2, 3, 4 & 5
$100,098.55
Grand Total: $221,178.55
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Cooper was absent.
4. MOTION NO. 2007-229
Motion approving a professional services agreement for veterinary services with Thomas
House, DVM, in the amount of $106,140 of which $88,450 is required in FY 2007-2008. The
term of the agreement will be for one year with an option to extend for up to two additional
twelve-month periods subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his
designee. Funding is available in the Health Grants Fund for FY 2007-2008.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Cooper was absent.
5. RESOLUTION NO. 027400
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
September 11, 2007 — Page 3
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to submit a grant application in the
amount of $18,000 to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Governor's Division of
Emergency Management, Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Grant Program for
public awareness brochures, school book covers, production and broadcast of public service
announcements, and to conduct an emergency response exercise, with a hard match of
$3,600.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Elizondo, Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Cooper was
absent.
6.a. MOTION NO. 2007-230
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a grant in the amount of
$236,403 from the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, for
funding eligible under the FY 2007 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant, 50% of
the funds to be distributed to Nueces County under an established interlocal agreement and
to execute all related documents.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Cooper was absent.
6.b. ORDINANCE NO. 027401
Ordinance appropriating $236,403 from the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of
Justice Assistance in the No. 1061 Police Grant Fund to purchase law enforcement
equipment for the Police Department and Nueces County.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with
the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo, Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, Marez, and Martinez,
voting "Aye"; Cooper was absent.
7.a. RESOLUTION NO. 027402
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a grant of $96,685 from
the Texas Department of State Health Services to provide tuberculosis prevention and
control services and to execute all related documents.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Elizondo, Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Cooper was
absent.
7.b. ORDINANCE NO. 027403
Ordinance appropriating a grant of $96,685 from the Texas Department of State Health
Services in the No. 1066 Health Grants Fund to provide tuberculosis prevention and control
services.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with
the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo, Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, Marez, and Martinez,
voting "Aye"; Cooper was absent.
9.a. MOTION NO. 2007-231
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
September 11, 2007 — Page 4
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract with Absolute
Waste Acquisitions, Inc., guaranteeing the annual delivery of specific tonnage of acceptable
waste to the J. C. Elliott Landfill for a specified fee, for a period not to exceed the life of the J.
C. Elliott Municipal Landfill, including a retroactive provision commencing on June 1, 2007,
for the specified fee.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Cooper was absent.
9.b. MOTION NO. 2007-232
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract with Absolute
Waste Acquisitions, Inc., guaranteeing the delivery of specified tonnage of acceptable waste
collected within the boundaries of the Coastal Bend Council of Governments region to the
Cefe Valenzuela Municipal Landfill for a period of twenty years.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Cooper was absent.
10.a. MOTION NO. 2007-233
Motion approving the amount of monies to be paid as cash in lieu of construction of Ametrine
Drive, a half street, and its related water infrastructure in accordance with the Platting
Ordinance Section IV -Design Standards, Subsection A.12.d)(1).
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Cooper was absent.
10.b. MOTION NO. 2007-234
Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute a Half Street Deferment Agreement with
JJAR Development, LLP, (Developer), in the amount of $91,491.90 for public improvements
including pavement, curb, gutter, sidewalks, and water infrastructure for the future street
construction improvements to Ametrine Drive adjacent to the west property line of Legends
of Diamante Unit 2, located north of Slough Road and east of Rodd Field Road, in
accordance with the Platting Ordinance Section IV -Design Standards, Subsection A.12.c).
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Cooper was absent.
11. ORDINANCE NO. 027406
Ordinance abandoning and vacating a 249.70 -square foot portion of a 10 -foot wide utility
easement out of Lot 16A, Block 1, Lakeview Acres, located on Williams Drive, west of
Rodd Field Road; requiring the owner, L.I.P., LLC to comply with the specified
conditions.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with
the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo, Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, Marez, and Martinez,
voting "Aye"; Cooper was absent.
12. ORDINANCE NO. 027407
Ordinance abandoning and vacating a 4,250 -square foot portion of a 10 -foot wide utility
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
September 11, 2007 — Page 5
easement out of Lots 14-27, Block K, Flour Bluff Estates, between East Lakeside Drive and
Recreation Drive; requiring the owner, Renato A. DePaolis II, d.b.a. DB Ventures, LLC to
comply with the specified conditions.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with
the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo, Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, Marez, and Martinez,
voting "Aye"; Cooper was absent.
13. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Animal Care and Control, Article V, Animal
and Rabies Control, by creating new Section 6-128, Spay/Neuter Clinic Fees; revising a
reserved section reference.
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its first reading with the following
vote: Garrett, Elizondo, Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye";
Cooper was absent.
14.a. MOTION NO. 2007-235
Motion to amend prior to second reading the Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances,
City of Corpus Christi, Chapter 2, to establish the Marina Advisory Committee and the
Watershore and Beach Advisory Committee in place of the Water/Shore Advisory
Committee, amending Section 1 and Section 2 to provide that appointments to the new
Marina Advisory and Watershore and Beach Advisory Committees are subject to City Council
approval.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Cooper was absent.
14.b. ORDINANCE NO. 027408
Amending the Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, Chapter 2 to establish the Marina
Advisory Committee and the Water Shore and Beach Advisory Committee in place of the
Water/Shore Advisory Committee; providing for publication. (First Reading 8/28/07)
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its second reading with the following
vote: Garrett, Elizondo, Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye";
Cooper was absent.
Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 8 regarding a gift from the Corpus Christi Public
Library Foundation, Inc. Paige Dinn, President of the Corpus Christi Public Library Foundation, Inc.,
said the board is excited to present the $55,000 gift agreement for the books at the new southside
library located next to Kaffie Middle School. Council Member Elizondo thanked the board for their
contributions to assisting the public libraries. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes
as follows:
8.a. RESOLUTION NO. 027404
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Gift Agreement with the
Corpus Christi Public Library Foundation, Inc., in the amount of $55,000 for books and other
library materials for the new Southside Library.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
September 11, 2007 — Page 6
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Elizondo, Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Cooper and Marez
were absent.
8.b. ORDINANCE NO. 027405
Ordinance appropriating $55,000 into the General Fund No. 1020, Organization No. 12800
for books and other library materials for the new Southside Branch Library from the Corpus
Christi Public Library Foundation, Inc.; changing FY 2007-2008 General Fund Budget
adopted by Ordinance No. 027352 to increase appropriations by $55,000.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with
the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo, Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, and Martinez, voting
"Aye"; Cooper and Marez were absent.
*************
Mayor Garrett referred to Item 15, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open
the public hearing on the following zoning case:
Case No. 0807-01, A.C. Gilmore: A change of zoning from a "B-1" Neighborhood Business
District to a "B-4" General Business District on property described as Gardendale Unit 2,
Block 5, Lot 18, located approximately 200 feet south of the intersection of South Staples
Street and Curtis Clark Drive.
City Secretary Chapa stated that the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval
of a "B-4" General Business District.
No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. Mr. Kelly made a motion to close the
public hearing, seconded by Mr. Hummell, and passed. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes
as follows:
15. ORDINANCE NO. 027409
Amending the Zoning Ordinance, upon application by A. C. Gilmore, by changing the zoning
map in reference to Gardendale Unit 2, Block 5, Lot 18, from "B-1" Neighborhood Business
District to "B-4" General Business District; amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for
any deviations from the existing Comprehensive Plan; providing a repealer clause; providing
a penalty; providing for publication.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with
the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo, Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, Marez, and Martinez,
voting "Aye"; Cooper was absent.
*************
Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 22 regarding a contract for engineering consultant
services related to the recent public water quality issues. City Secretary Chapa announced that Item
22 was submitted by the City Council Ad Hoc Committee on Water Issues.
Walter Chiang, Chiang, Patel & Yerby, Inc., thanked the council for the opportunity to present
the team that will provide an independent evaluation to assess the water system, address the issues
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
September 11, 2007 — Page 7
raised by TCEQ, and directly study the water system to resolve the issues.
Mayor Garrett said that the committee is working closely with the team to identify the
problems and provide a solution so that the issues will not happen again. Council Member Leal
thanked the committee on behalf of the citizens. Council members expressed their appreciation to
Interim Water Superintendent Angel Escobar for the impressive job he is doing at the water
department. Council Member McCutchon stated that the outside consultants were hired to provide
an assessment to restore public confidence in the water system. There were no comments from the
audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
22. MOTION NO. 2007-237
Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Chiang, Patel & Yerby, Inc.,
of Dallas, Texas for the provision of engineering consultant services to the City Council
related to the recent public water quality issues.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo,
Hummel!, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Cooper was absent.
*************
Mayor Garrett referred to Item 16 regarding the Visual Concept Study of the Museum of
Science and History by Ralph Appelbaum and Associates. Rick Stryker, Director of the Museum of
Science and History, provided a background of the long range planning for the Museum and the
Columbus ships; the recommended study plan; and the mission for the museum to accommodate
the new concept.
Ralph Appelbaum, Appelbaum and Associates, referred to a powerpoint presentation
including a map of the museum's role as part of the CTown cultural district; pictures of the museum's
current collection of exhibits and Columbus ships; digitalization of the collections; the option and
advantages to building a new museum; design concept for the new building with the Columbus ships
as the central feature; a map of the world embedded on the floor; views of the central area and
upstairs; a diagram of the visitor's experience; the exhibit areas including Rancheros and Tejanos,
Discovery of Our World, Technology of Texas History, and the Children's Zone; and the role of
technology and culture at the new museum.
Council members asked questions regarding the intention to replace the current museum, the
Columbus ship concept and accessibility; whether the situation of maintaining the Columbus ships
would improve if the ships were indoors; investment in the current exhibits at the museum; reuse of
the Spanish ceiling at the new building; cost and funding; and the anticipated increase of new visitors
to the museum.
Jim Maloney, President of the Friends of the Museum, said he anticipated the cost to be
expensive and that the Friends Board believes that most of the funds will come from outside of the
city.
City Manager Noe thanked the Friends of the Museum for their funding of this study and
support. Council Members thanked Mr. Stryker and the museum employees for their work.
Dr. Gloria Scott spoke regarding the inclusion of African American history to the concept. Mr.
Stryker said the intent of the project is to be inclusive and that he is willing to talk to the community
for suggestions.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
September 11, 2007 — Page 8
*************
Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 18 regarding setting the tax rate of $0.563846 per
$100 valuation. Cindy O'Brien, Director of Financial Service, said this item is a motion to approve an
ordinance adopting the ad valorem property tax rate of $0.563846 per $100 valuation and includes
the effective maintenance and operations rate of $0.364671 and the debt service rate of $0.199175.
Bill Kopecky, 3609 Topeka, spoke regarding the debt service rate; changing the beginning of
the fiscal year to adopt the tax rate and budget at the same time; and recommended adoption of the
tax rate of $0.549193.
Council members asked questions regarding the rate for bonds; the debt service fund
balance; the value for future capital improvements; whether the proposed rate is consistent with the
council policies; the debt service fund potential uses; the amount of money received if the effective
tax rate is adopted; and the actual new property values.
J.E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, spoke regarding overtaxing citizens; no reduction to the debt
service rate; and adopting the effective tax rate of $0.549193. Jack Gordy, 4118 Bray, spoke
regarding the increase in taxes and adopting the tax rate of $0.549193. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames,
asked for justification to the increase in taxes. Marianne Kelly, 3402 Schanen, spoke in support of
adopting the effective tax rate. Louis Hoelscher, 4429 Congressional Drive, ask the Council to adopt
the effective tax rate of $0.549 per $100 valuation.
Ms. Leal made a motion to adopt the tax rate of $0.549193 per $100 valuation. The motion
died for lack of second.
Mr. Kelly made a motion that property taxes be increased by the adoption of a tax rate of
$0.563846 per $100 valuation. The motion was seconded by Ms. Martinez and passed; Leal voting
"No" (Cooper and Marez were absent)
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
18. ORDINANCE NO. 027410
Ordinance setting a tax rate of $0.563846 per $100 valuation. The ordinance prescribes the
taxes to be levied, assessed, and collected by the City of Corpus Christi, Texas for tax year
2007 and for each succeeding year thereafter until otherwise provided and ordained and
such other years as the same may be applicable.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with
the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo, Hummel!, Kelly, McCutchon, and Martinez, voting
"Aye"; Leal voting "No"; Cooper and Marez were absent.
Mayor Garrett called for a brief recess to present proclamations and listen to public comment.
*************
Mayor Garrett called for petitions from the audience. Dr. Gloria Scott, 4422 S. Alameda,
spoke regarding the appointment of an Education Director. Joan Veith, 5701 Cain Drive, spoke
regarding trapping possums and the response from Animal Control. Carolyn Moon, 4902 Calvin,
spoke regarding the accountability of staff on City issues. Jack Gordy, 4118 Bray, spoke regarding
LED and illegal signs. Domingo Ybarra, President of the Corpus Christi Police Officers Association,
requested to meet with the Mayor to address issues at the police department. Dr. Nick Adame,
President of LULAC Council No. 1, requested a meeting with the Mayor to review situations at the
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
September 11, 2007 — Page 9
police department. Abel Chapa, Jr., 1308 Ayers, spoke regarding changing the city council's tenure
and giving incentives to citizens for beautification of the neighborhood. John Kelly, 413 Waco, spoke
regarding funding for the American Bowling Congress Tournament and the response and cost of his
request for public information. Carlos Perez, 2518 Ashlock, spoke regarding drunk driving in Corpus
Christi and changing the law to install deep long breath mechanisms in vehicles.
*************
Mayor Garrett referred to Item 17 regarding an update of the Regional Health Awareness
Board. Assistant City Manager Margie Rose said the board was created to promote dialogue with
citizens related to health, safety, environment and the quality of life.
Dr. James A. Mobley, Chairman of the Regional Health Awareness Board, referred to a
powerpoint presentation including the creation of the board; the board's mission; characteristics of
the board; the 2007 goals; board representation; board duties; active inquires; and board meetings.
Council members asked questions regarding the active inquiries; initiatives for diabetes;
resources, scientific studies and research; funding; paid positions; office space at health department;
when the current funding will be depleted; and using the RHAB as a resource for water issues.
*************
Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 19 regarding the Voyage Exhibit. Colleen McIntyre,
President of the Island Foundation, referred to a powerpoint presentation including a listing of the
groups involved; a background of the Voyage program; a map of the Voyage communities locations;
a description of the scale model; the components of the exhibit; cost of the project; the materials,
maintenance and warranties for the project; sources of funding; and the scope of the project. Ms.
McIntyre said the request from the City included the site preparation, installation and regular
exhibition cleaning.
Council Members asked questions regarding the cost for installation; conflict with the bayfront
design; location of the project; and the City's participation.
Carol Scott, Corpus Christi Independent School District Board of Trustees, said this was a
unique opportunity to have school districts and non-profit organizations come together to support the
Voyage project. She added that CCISD plans to fully integrate the curriculum at the appropriate
grade levels. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, said it was refreshing to see all the entities working
together and asked about the project being ADA compliant. Ms. McIntyre said the heights of the
storyboards are wheelchair accessible and some of the components assist the visually impaired.
Sharon Trott, Executive Director of the Tuloso-Midway Independent School District Education
Foundation, said the Voyage project was a wonderful and educational benefit to students and
visitors. Alicia Needham, Director of Instruction at Flour Bluff Independent School District, expressed
support for the Voyage project and said the project encouraged math and science enrichment with
the community.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
19. RESOLUTION NO. 027411
Resolution approving the submission of a grant application to the Institute of Museum and
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
September 11, 2007 — Page 10
Library Services to fund the placement of the Voyage Exhibit on Shoreline Boulevard;
approving the solicitation of matching funds on behalf of the City to acquire and place the
Voyage Exhibit; approving placement of the Voyage Exhibit on Shoreline Boulevard; and
agreeing to manage the installation and undertake the maintenance of the exhibit.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Elizondo, Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Cooper was
absent.
Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 20 regarding the admission fee for Bayfest.
Director of Park and Recreation said staff is recommending the approval of admission fees for
Bayfest 2007. She added that the item was tabled from the August 28' meeting and that the Bayfest
Board of Directors provided a letter stating that the board would like to continue with the current fees.
Sue Madrey, President of the Bayfest Board of Directors, said the board did not know how to
address the issue of the fee reduction and determination of a person with disabilities. She added
that the board believes that the admission fees are reasonable.
Hal George, Legal Counsel for Bayfest, said the issues raised by the board included that
Bayfest paid the city for department services; instantly recognizing a disability; the effect to the
revenues; and that all festivals should have a uniform policy.
Wanese Taylor -Butler, Human Relations Analyst, said a disability is defined as limiting a
major life function.
Council members asked questions regarding the economic impact if the disabled community
received the $3.00 discounted rate; whether the City can set a pricing structure; the issues
discussed by the Bayfest board; the cost for Bayfest to be ADA compliant; the criteria to determine a
special need or disability; current Bayfest admission reductions; whether the nondiscrimination
ordinance required changing the price of a ticket; and consideration of a fee reduction or donation of
tickets in the future.
Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, spoke regarding including a reduction of fares for the disabled.
Mr. Alonzo read a resolution from the Committee for the Persons with Disabilities unanimously
supporting a reduction of fares from $5.00 to $3.00 for individuals with disabilities. Marie Goldston,
502 Barracuda, made the suggestion to donate or allocate a certain number of tickets and determine
a way to fairly distribute to persons with disabilities on a fixed income instead of a discounted price.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
20. MOTION NO. 2007-236
Motion approving an admission fee for Bayfest of five dollars ($5.00) per day for adults and
three dollars ($3.00) per day for military, seniors and children between the ages of seven to
twelve. Children ages six and under are admitted free. Bayfest will be held September 28-
30, 2007. (TABLED 8/28/07)
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Cooper was absent.
Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 21 regarding the American Bowling Congress
Tournament. City Manager Noe stated that this item supports the Convention and Visitors Bureau
(CVB) to host the 2001 American Bowling Congress Tournament. He added that the CVB has put
together a proposal of $1.1 million with the CVB donating funds as well as raising funds from the
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
September 11, 2007 — Page 11
community. Mr. Noe said the CVB is asking the city to pledge $500,000 over the next four years.
Keith Arnold, Convention and Visitors Bureau, announced that the private sector has
committed to $250,000.
Mayor Garrett, and Council Members Marez and Martinez spoke in support of the project and
the economic impact.
There were no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for
their votes as follows:
21. RESOLUTION NO. 027412
Resolution expressing the City's desire to host the American Bowling Congress Tournament
in 2011, and authorizing the City Manager to provide assistance in the form of $500,000
payable over four years, free rental of the American Bank Center Exhibit Hall, and related in-
kind services, subject to acceptance of the bid and annual appropriations as required by law.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Elizondo, Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Cooper was
absent.
Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 23 regarding the Doddridge Street Improvements.
Director of Engineering Angel Escobar provided a description of the improvements and the three
phases of work.
Council Members asked questions regarding the completion time for the total project; phase
work street closures; timeframe for closure of Ocean Drive to Santa Fe; sidewalk improvements; the
encroachment into the neighborhood; and traffic control.
Abel Alonzo, thank City Engineering Angel Escobar and his staff for their work on the Bond
2004 issue. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
23.a. MOTION NO. 2007-238
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with
Haas -Anderson Construction, Ltd., of Corpus Christi, Texas in the amount of $8,084,452.10
for the Doddridge Street Improvements from Ocean Drive to Staples Street Project. (BOND
ISSUE 2004)
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Cooper was absent.
23.b. MOTION NO. 2007-239
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Construction Materials
Engineering Laboratory's Inspection and Materials Testing Services Agreement with Rock
Engineering and Testing Laboratory, Inc., of Corpus Christi, Texas in the amount of $59,959
for the Doddridge Street Improvements from Ocean Drive to Staples Street Project. (BOND
ISSUE 2004)
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Cooper was absent.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
September 11, 2007 — Page 12
Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 24 regarding the Corpus Christi Southeast Weed
and Seed Community. Stacie Talbert, Recreation Superintendent, spoke regarding the Weed and
Seed efforts for the Flour Bluff area including computer labs, health clinics and expanding the
recreation programs.
Harold Smith, Weed and Seed Coordinator, provided a background of the Weed and Seed
program and the two current sites. He explained that the multi -agency program is to weed out crime
and seed in programs to make a difference. Mr. Smith invited the Council to the annual festival on
October 20th at Hector P. Garcia Park.
Lt. Edward Longoria, Police Department, provided an explanation of the weed program
including a new concept to address reentry issues for people coming out of the prison system; ways
to direct ex -prisoners to resources of the seed program and other agencies; and taking the
opportunity to monitor their efforts.
Council members asked questions regarding the location of the Site II West area; funding
remaining for the Site II area; whether the weed and seed program had been located in the 78415
area; boundaries of the new site; and the focus areas in Flour Bluff.
Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, said he was gratefully for the weed and seed program
concentrating in the bluff area. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
24.a. RESOLUTION NO. 027413
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute all documents necessary
to accept the $175,000 grant from the United States Department of Justice, Office of Justice
Programs, for support of the Corpus Christi Southeast Weed and Seed Community, for FY
2007-2008.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Elizondo, Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Cooper was
absent.
24.b. ORDINANCE NO. 027414
Ordinance appropriating $175,000 from the United States Department of Justice, Office of
Justice Programs in the No. 1067 Federal/State Grants fund for support of the Corpus Christi
Southeast Weed and Seed Community, for FY 2007-2008.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with
the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo, Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, Marez, and Martinez,
voting "Aye"; Cooper was absent.
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Mayor Garrett called for the City Manager's report. City Manager Noe announced two public
meetings on September 13th at Island of the Son United Methodist Church and September 20th at
Holiday Inn — Sunspree from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to give public comment on the proposed code
amendments related to issues at Packery Channel regarding no swimming areas and the length of
the no wake zone. Mr. Noe added that citizens unable to attend those meetings can submit written
comments to the Parks and Recreation Department by September 28th. City Manager Noe
announced that the City received awards for the operation of the six wastewater treatment plants as
part of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies with the Whitecap Treatment Plant
receiving the Platinum Ten Award for being 100% compliant for 10 consecutive years.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
September 11, 2007 — Page 13
Mayor Garrett asked for a status of the work on Waldron Road and whether work could be
done on the weekend. Mayor Garrett spoke regarding the patch work on Ocean Drive and the cost
of redoing Ocean Drive from Holiday Inn to IH 37. In response to Mayor Garrett, Police Chief Bryan
Smith said there are 20 Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officers and the department is considering
training code enforcement officers.
Mayor Garrett called for Council concerns and reports. In response to Council Member
Martinez, City Engineer Angel Escobar said the Adopt a Spot Program is a fairly new program with
four participants. Ms Martinez asked President of the Corpus Christi Firefighters Association Carlos
Torres to speak about his recent elected position as a representative for the City. Mr. Torres
announced that he was elected to be one of five vice presidents for the State Association of
Firefighters.
Council Member Hummel) asked questions regarding the quality of paving and timeframe for
street repairs at Wood Iron Drive off Acushnet Drive. Mr. Hummel) spoke regarding the repair of
Shoreline Boulevard and asked for an itemized detail of the 2004 Bond issue.
Council Member Elizondo spoke regarding repairing Shoreline Boulevard; a quality control
program and comprehensive maintenance program for streets; and a report on the response time
from animal control. Mr. Elizondo announced the town hall meeting on September 17th at 6:00 p.m.
at Faye Webb Elementary School.
Council Member McCutchon spoke regarding received feedback on the proposed ordinance
for Packery Channel; the traffic issues at Flour Bluff Independent School District; and consideration
of an Island Visitors Center. Dr. McCutchon asked that staff attend next month's Estuary Bays
Foundation meeting to discuss sargassum.
Council Member Marez asked staff to consider installing beach volleyball courts at Magee
Beach. Park and Recreation Director Sally Gavlik said volleyball equipment will be installed at
Magee and Corpus Christi Beach during the winter time. Mr. Marez spoke regarding dialogue or
partnerships with the County on the retail issues; the status of the noise ordinance; and a timeline for
the 2008 bond proposal. Mr. Marez requested a presentation on the response time and call center
issues regarding code enforcement.
Council Member Leal asked for a breakdown of the 78415 students by each school and the
number of parents serviced and their addresses. Ms. Gavlik said the addresses could not be
provided but will provide the number of students in the program. Ms. Leal also requested information
on how the children in the 78415 area are being transported to the providers. Ms. Leal spoke
regarding the response from animal control on a dog bite, the environmental services department;
and when the 78415 youth center would be placed on the agenda. Ms. Leal expressed her concern
for the juveniles, the neighborhood and the citizen safety in the 78415 area.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Garrett adjourned the
Council meeting at 3:38 p.m. on September 11, 2007.
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