HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 06/10/20081 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 June 10, 2008, which were approved by the City
Council on June 24, 2008.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, on this the 24th day of June, 2008.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
PRESENT
Mayor Henry Garrett
Mayor Pro Tem John Marez*
Council Members:
Larry Elizondo, Sr.
Mike Hummell
Bill Kelly
Priscilla Leal
Michael McCutchon
Nelda Martinez
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
June 10, 2008 - 10:00 a.m.
City Staff:
City Manager George K. Noe
City Attorney Mary Kay Fischer
Assistant City Secretary Mary Juarez
ABSENT
Melody Cooper
*Arrived at 10:08 a.m.
Mayor Garrett called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
The invocation was delivered by Pastor David Lewis with Bayshore Bible Church and the
Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag was led by Mayor Henry Garrett.
City Secretary Chapa called the roll and verified that the necessary quorum of the Council
and the required charter officers were present to conduct the meeting.
Mayor Garrett called for approval of the minutes of the regular Council meetings of May 20,
2008 and May 27, 2008 and the special meeting of June 1, 2008. A motion was made and passed
to approve the minutes as presented.
******** * * * *
Mayor Garrett called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 2 - 16). Mr. Charles
Roberts requested that Item 9 be pulled for individual consideration. Council members requested
that Items 10, 12, and 15 be pulled for individual consideration. Assistant City Secretary Juarez
polled the Council for their votes as follows:
2. MOTION NO. 2008-132
Motion approving the purchase of five (5) heavy trucks from Grande Truck Center, of San
Antonio, Texas, based on low bid, in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0156-08 for a
total amount of $405,602. The vehicles will be used by the Gas and the Solid Waste
Departments. All five units are replacements to the fleet. Funding is available in the Public
Health & Safety 2008 Tax Notes Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Fund and the
Maintenance Services Fund.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Cooper and Marez were
absent.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
June 10, 2008 — Page 2
3. MOTION NO. 2008-133
Motion approving a Service agreement with R & R Delivery Service, of Corpus Christi, Texas
for meal delivery service consisting of the delivery of approximately 133,000 meals for the
Elderly Nutrition Program, Adult Protective and Title XX Meals on Wheels, in accordance
with Bid Invitation No. 81-0136-08 based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of
$171,570, of which $28,595 is required in FY 2007-2008. The term of the agreementwill be
for twelve months with options to extend for up to two additional twelve-month periods,
subject to the approval of the contractor and the City Manager, or his designee. Funds have
been budgeted by the Senior Community Services Division of the Parks and Recreation
Department in FY 2007-2008.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Cooper and Marez were
absent.
4. MOTION NO. 2008-134
Motion approving the purchase of 120 tasers, and 2,100 taser cartridges from GT
Distributors, of Austin, Texas, based on sole source fora total expenditure of $166,972.20.
The equipment will be used by the Police Department. Funds are available through the
Crime Control Fund.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Cooper and Marez were
absent.
5. MOTION NO. 2008-135
Motion approving a supply agreement with Oil Patch Petroleum, Inc., of Corpus Christi,
Texas for lubricating oils, greases and antifreeze in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -
0138 -08 based on low total bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $181,213.20, of
which $30,202.20 is required in FY 2007-2008. The term of the agreement will be for twelve
months with options 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 using departments in FY 2007-2008.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Cooper and Marez were
absent.
6. MOTION NO. 2008-136
Motion approving a supply agreement with Morrison Supply Co., of San Antonio, Texas for
approximately 6,495 pipe repair clamps and couplings ranging in size from 2 inches to 30
inches in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0120-08 based on low bid and low bid
meeting specifications for an estimated annual expenditure of $336,931.87 of which
$56,155.32 is budgeted in FY 2007-2008. The term of the contract is for twelve months with
options to extend for up to two additional twelve-month periods, subject to the approval of
the contractor and the City Manager, or his designee. These items are purchased into
Warehouse inventory and charged out to the Water and Wastewater Departments.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
June 10, 2008 — Page 3
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Cooper and Marez were
absent.
7. ORDINANCE NO. 027717
Ordinance appropriating $16,997.29 into the Library Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
Fund No. 3210, Project No. 120095, for improvements to the Parkdale Branch Library from
the following sources: $9,946.69 from unappropriated interest earnings from the Library CIP
Fund No. 3210 and $7,050.60 from royalties from oil, gas and mineral interests bequeathed
to the City from the Estate of William T. Neyland; changing FY 2007-2008 Capital Budget
adopted by Ordinance No. 027546 to increase appropriations by $16,997.29.
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.
8. ORDINANCE NO. 027718
Ordinance authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Use Permit with the
Special Olympics, Inc. for the use of the Memorial Coliseum parking lots from July 22, 2008
through July 28, 2008 for the 2008 Bay Ball Ballyhoop.
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.
11.a. MOTION NO. 2008-138
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with
SER Construction, of Pasadena, Texas, in the amount of $861,493.20 for the Wood River
Lift Station Upgrades for Total Base Bid "A".
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Cooper and Marez were
absent.
11.b. MOTION NO. 2008-139
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with
Big State Excavation of Corpus Christi, Texas, in the amount of $1,372,420 for the Wood
River Lift Station Force Main Extension for Total Base Bid "B".
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Cooper and Marez were
absent.
13.a. MOTION NO. 2008-141
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 1 to the
Contract for Professional Services with Coym, Rehmet & Gutierrez Engineering, LP, of
Corpus Christi, Texas in the amount of $72,965 for a revised fee of $120,200 for the Street
Overlays Cluster 1 Project.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
June 10, 2008 -- Page 4
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Cooper and Marez were
absent.
13.b. MOTION NO. 2008-142
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 1 to the
Contract for Professional Services with LNV Engineering, of Corpus Christi, Texas in the
amount of $70,660 for a revised fee of $115,610 for the Street Overlays Cluster 2 Project.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Cooper and Marez were
absent.
13.c. MOTION NO. 2008-143
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 1 to the
Contract for Professional Services with RVE, Inc., of Corpus Christi, Texas in the amount of
$52,890 for a revised fee of $97,530 for the Street Overlays Cluster 3 Project.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Cooper and Marez were
absent.
14.a. MOTION NO. 2008-144
Motion to ratify payments to Kuhn Crane Co., of Corpus Christi, Texas in the amount of
$106,920 for rental of protective mats to support temporary leachate storage tanks at Cefe
Valenzuela Landfill.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Cooper and Marez were
absent.
14.b. MOTION NO. 2008-145
Motion to ratify payments to Rain for Rent, of Corpus Christi, Texas in the amount of
$58,465.30 for rental of temporary leachate storage tanks and accessories at Cefe
Valenzuela Landfill.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Elizondo,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Cooper and Marez were
absent.
16. ORDINANCE NO. 027720
Ordinance abandoning and vacating a 124.36 -square foot portion of a 7.5 -foot wide utility
easement out of the Bent Tree Subdivision, Block 2, Lot 15, adjacent to Bretshire Drive and
approximately 153 -feet south of the Raven Hill Road and Bretshire Drive intersection;
requiring the owners, Roy Hranicky and Ruby Lou Hranicky, to comply with the specified
conditions.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
June 10, 2008 — Page 5
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 opened discussion on Item 9 regarding a temporary street closure application
from Special Olympics Texas. Charles Roberts, 2142 Alazan, stated that the certificate of insurance
for the Special Olympics Texas closure met all of the requirements of the Code of Ordinances. Mr.
Roberts questioned the reason that the permit from the Downtown Management District for the
South Texas Celtic Music Festival was approved without the proper insurance requirements.
Assistant City Secretary Juarez polled the Council for their votes as follows:
9. MOTION NO. 2008-137
Motion approving the application from Special Olympics Texas to temporarily close Park
Avenue from northbound Shoreline Boulevard to southbound Shoreline Boulevard for the
"19`h Annual Pepsi Bay Ball Ballyhoop," beginning at7:00 a.m. on July26, 2008 through 8:00
p.m. on July 27, 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.
Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 10 regarding an Interlocal Agreement with the
Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD) for transportation services. Council Member
Leal asked for the location of the sites for the summer programs. Stacie Talbert, Superintendent of
Recreation Services, said the camps are held at the recreation facilities, Club Estates Elementary
School, Fannin Elementary School, Windsor Park Elementary School, Yeager Elementary School,
Chula Vista Elementary School and Calk Elementary School. Ms. Leal asked how many of these
schools were located in the 78415 area. Ms. Talbert stated that two schools were in the 78415 area
and that there are several participants from the 78415 area in the program. Ms. Leal asked whether
Calallen and Tuloso-Midway were provided services. Ms. Talbert stated that the City does not have
programs for those areas. Assistant City Secretary Juarez polled the Council for their votes as
follows:
10. RESOLUTION NO. 027719
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an Interlocal Agreement
with the Corpus Christi Independent School District to provide transportation services for
youth recreation programs.
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 Items 12 and 15 regarding Master Channel 27
Improvements. Council members asked questions regarding the total costs of the Master Channel
27 improvements; the cost for land acquisition; the total drainage area; the percentage of
undeveloped area three years ago; whether the master plans have to be updated prior to
implementing impact fees; whether staff is working on the master plans; whether the Council has to
follow the consultant's recommendations; whether the City currently has a storm water master plan;
the reasons for completely redoing the storm water master plan; whether the storm water master
plan has been updated in the last 40 years; the minimum level of protection standards; the
requirements for new developments to build adequate levels of protection; the level of protection
standards approved in October 2006; whether builders build arterial streets; prior administrative
action; mitigation of the wetlands; the status of the storm water master plan; the entity that pays for
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
June 10, 2008 — Page 6
the retention ponds at the HEB on Saratoga and Williams and Airline; the status on the completion
of the ditch; whether the ditch will handle drainage for Cimarron and Yorktown; the reason for
authorizing six administrative awards in May 2008; the estimated amount of money the City could
have collected if impact fees were in place; and ways to enable the Council to address impact fees
prior to the completion of the master plan. A brief discussion ensued regarding impact fees.
Dr. McCutchon made a motion directing staff to place an item on the agenda in the next 30
days to develop a schedule for implementing impact fees and a discussion on the solvency of the
trust funds. The motion was seconded by Ms. Martinez and passed. Assistant City Secretary Juarez
polled the Council for their votes as follows:
12. MOTION NO. 2008-140
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Change Order No. 11 with
Ramos Industries, Inc., of Pasadena, Texas, in the amount of $393,450.15 for the Master
Channel 27 Improvements project for U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) mitigation
work.
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.
15. MOTION NO. 2008-146
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Real Estate Sales
Contract and a UtilitylTemporary Construction Easement with the property owner, Alty
Enterprises, Inc., in the total amount of $254,066 for fee simple property rights to a 1.740 -
acre tract of land known as Parcel 12A and for a 0.212 -acre Utility Easement and 0.705 -acre
Temporary Construction Easement collectively known as Parcel 12B, plus $2,200 in
estimated closing costs; all out of Lot 7, Section 20, Flour Bluff & Encinal Farm & Garden
Tracts, located on Saratoga Boulevard, west of Rodd Field Road; necessary for the Master
Channel 27 Drainage Improvement Project and for other related public purposes.
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 referred to Item 23 regarding a report on the South Texas Jail Diversion
Program and the Corpus Christi Police Department Crisis Intervention (CIT)/Jail Diversion. Police
Chief Bryan Smith introduced Chief John Galvan and Program Administrator Debbie Dumesnil with
the South Texas Jail Diversion Program. Chief Galvan explained that the Jail Diversion grant was for
a three year period with 112 trained officers. Chief Galvan stated that this program is to identify
arrestees that are mentally ill and divert them to the mental health system for treatment. Ms.
Dumesnil provided a brief overview of the program including the history of the jail diversion program;
the definition of jail diversion; the development of the grant proposal; the success of the program in
other cities; the participating agencies; the City's contribution; the criteria for the program; pre -
booking and post -booking procedures; the benefits of the program; and the education campaign.
Council members asked questions regarding whether there is any money still available in the
grant; whether the City is expected to fully fund continuation of the program; the location that
arrestees go once eligibility is determined; whether eligible participants receive mental health
treatment; how the grant money was used; what happens to the criminal charges for individuals in
Minutes -- Regular Council Meeting
June 10, 2008 -- Page 7
the program; the list provided of participants in the program; how success of the program is
measured; and an analysis of the recidivism rate.
Mayor Garrett called for a brief recess to present proclamations and listen to public
comment.
*************
Mayor Garrett called for petitions from the audience. Charles Roberts, 2142 Alazan, spoke
regarding the auto liability insurance missing from the application for the South Texas Celtic Music
Festival approved by City Council on April 29th. Mike Staff, 3122 Leopard Street, thanked the
Council for approving the purchase of additional tasers for the Police Department. Mr. Staff also
spoke in support of expediting the contract with the Corpus Christi Firefighters Association. Drue
Combs, 410 Colony Drive, asked the Council to consider restoring the budget for the Sister City
Committee. Brenda Williams and Willie Perez were also in attendance to show their support for the
Sister City Program. Jerry Garcia, President of Southside Youth Sports Complex, spoke regarding
charges for labor on an open records request and the eligibility of projects for the Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG). Richard Pulido, 5617 Narasonne Street, provided a resolution
from the Human Relations Commission requesting sufficient funding for the Human Relation's
Department and to restore the Department's staffing to nine (9) permanent positions. Rolando Garza
spoke regarding the priorities of the Council. Carlos Torres, President of the Corpus Christi
Firefighters Association, spoke in support of the Fire Department budget and finalizing negotiations
with the firefighters. Bob Algeo, 15629 Three Fathoms, spoke regarding safety on the beach on
Padre Isalnd. Mr. Algeo requested a moment of silence for late Coast Guard Amy Ignatowski.
*************
Mayor Garrett returned to item 23 regarding a report on the South Texas Jail Diversion
Program and the Corpus Christi Police Department Crisis Intervention (CIT)/Jail Diversion. Senior
Officer Denise Pace provided a powerpoint presentation on the Crisis Intervention Team Program
including how the CIT program is defined; goals; the CIT model; training; community collaboration;
trained agencies; and the benefits to the City.
In response to Mayor Garrett, Police Chief Bryan Smith said that his goal is to get all of the
department's police officers trained.
*************
Mayor Garrett referred to Item 17, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open
the following public hearing:
17. Public hearing on the FY 2008-2009 Budget adopted by the Corpus Christi Crime Control
and Prevention District Board of Directors.
Police Chief Bryan Smith provided a brief overview of the core programs including the 50
police officers; the Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC); Pawn Shop Detail; and Graffiti Eradication.
Council Members asked questions regarding the number of officers; how the Crime Control
and Prevention District is funded; the board's commitment to the graffiti program; the reason the
board did not support the addition of a graffiti truck; the cost to fund the 50 officers; other types of
equipment to eradicate graffiti; and whether the cost of a graffiti truck includes staffing personnel.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
June 10, 2008 — Page 8
Mike Staff, 3122 Leopard, encouraged the Council to adopt the budget as presented. Mr.
Staff stated that the board completely supports graffiti eradication; however, felt that officers needed
additional equipment. Mr. Kelly made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Marez,
and passed.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 18 regarding the North Port Avenue Project from
Interstate Highway 37 to U.S. Highway 181. Interim Assistant City Manager Angel Escobar
explained that this item is to execute Amendment No. 1 for professional services with MEI Maverick
Engineering. Mr. Escobar stated that this project is a joint project between the Texas Department of
Transportation (TxDOT) with an 80/20 cost share and the City is responsible for land acquisition and
utilities associated with the project. Ron Guzman, Project Manager, referred to a powerpoint
presentation including the project limits; the current conditions of Port Avenue; project activities
completed to date; goals; land acquisition requirements; and project schedule.
Council members asked questions regarding the sections of Port Avenue that still have the
original concrete; development of sidewalks; whether this project is a Bond 2004 project; funding
from the Texas Military Value Revolving Loan Fund; the cost of the City's portion for the project;
whether the first phase of the project come in as budgeted; an explanation of the summary of fees;
whether the project agreement had four phases; whether there was a list of costs associated with
the preliminary phase; whether the original contract work is completed; programmatic categorical
exclusion; how the money was spent for the formal public involvement process; land acquisition; and
whether staff anticipates that Port Avenue will be built with concrete.
There were no comments from the audience. Assistant City Secretary Juarez polled the
Council for their votes as follows:
18. MOTION NO. 2008-147
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 1 to the
Contract for Professional Services with MEI Maverick Engineering, inc. in the amount of
$1,970,108 for a total restated fee not to exceed $2,719,329 for the North Port Avenue
Project from IH -37 to US 181. (BOND ISSUE 2004))
The foregoing motion 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 20 regarding an update from the Convention and Visitor's
Bureau (CVB) on the Nature Tourism Initiative. Keith Arnold, CEO of the CVB, introduced Ted
Eubanks, Nature Tourism Consultant. Mr. Eubanks provided a brief overview of the nature tourism
initiative including an inventory of potential sites in the region; public outreach meetings; launching
of the new website and materials by July 2008; and next steps. Mr. Eubanks said this initiative is an
effort on the part of the CVB and the community to position Corpus Christi as a place to play from a
natural standpoint.
Mayor Garrett referred to Item 21 regarding a presentation, "Corpus Christi: An Age -Friendly
Community," presented by the Mayors Council on Aging. Superintendent of Senior Community
Services Elsa Munoz introduced Betty Lamb, Chairperson, and Janna Shoe, Secretary, of the
Mayor's Council on Aging. Ms. Munoz provided an overview of the Mayor's Council on Aging
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
June 10, 2008 — Page 9
including the mission; history; purpose; membership profile; database members; and a demographic
of the individuals 65 or older.
Ms. Lamb provided information on the demographics specific to the Corpus Christi area; the
national trend; an action plan for the aging community; and key issues affecting senior. Ms. Shoe
spoke regarding the current progress; initiatives; economic benefits; suggestions for emerging as an
age -friendly community; examples of programs in place; and continuing characteristics. Ms. Shoe
stated that the recommended council action is to identify aging issues as a council priority; assess
the city services to become age -friendly; assess and plan for economic impact of the "aging in
place"; and offer aging sensitivity training for public service employees.
Council Member McCutchon suggested that the first resource to assist the aging should be
education of family members. Council Member Leal asked questions regarding whether there are
programs available to assist senior citizens with plumbing issues. Ms. Munoz said there currently are
no resources in place. Ms. Leal stated that she has requested that a senior center be placed in
District 3.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Garrett referred to Item 19 regarding an overview of the Proposed FY2008-2009
Operating Budgets for the General Fund. Assistant City Manager Oscar Martinez referred to a
powerpoint presentation including the balanced scorecard; major revenue sources; revenue items;
history of net taxable values; history of assessed valuations; history of ad valorem tax rates; sales
tax collections; general fund unreserved fund balance; budget reductions; major expenditures by
department; expenditure increases; full time equivalent changes; and expenditures by function for
General Government Services, Fire, Police, Health, Library, Park and Recreation, and
Neighborhood Services.
Fire Chief Richard Hooks provided a brief overview of the department including services
performed; the total proposed budget; number of uniform and civilian personnel; operating
expenses; the addition of staffing for the new EMS unit and the Southside Fire Station; the funding
for two EMS units and replacement pumpers; concerns with the reserve fleet; challenges; and new
systems.
Director of Human Relations Leon Bazar spoke regarding the reduction of staffing for the
Human Relations Department and the impact to the department.
Police Chief Bryan Smith gave a brief presentation including the number of officers and
civilians; the total budget; personnel costs; the increase in the capital and operating budget;
additional staffing and modifications; the new Coplogic Online Citizen Police Reporting system; the
attrition level; overtime increases; and fleet replacement.
Interim Director of Public Health Administration Annette Rodriguez provided information
including a background of the department; building maintenance and safety issues; personnel
issues regarding the different types of employees, policy issues, software, holidays, administrative
positions, compensation, budget, and fiscal years; and testing. Ms. Rodriguez said the Health
Department is requesting funding from the supplemental budget for additional staffing; a new
building; increased funding for nurse salaries; integrated patient information billing system; vector
control cross -training; equipment maintenance; automated imaging system to retain birth
certificates; and a TB (tuberculosis) van for outreach. Animal Care/Control Program Manager Kelli
Copeland addressed the staffing issues of the department.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
June 10, 2008 — Page 10
Director of Libraries Herb Canales spoke regarding the increase in the budget for the
Southside library; a comparison on the budget of other libraries in the state; capital improvement
projects; the annual number of visitors; the number of items circulated; the book budget; the number
of children served through programs; the number of website visitors and hits; and facility challenges.
Director of Parks and Recreation Sally Gavlik provided a brief overview of the budget
including the components of the department; increase in revenues and expenditures; initiation of the
Turtle Patrol; personnel, food costs, maintenance supplies and tool increases; major
accomplishments; completion of the bond projects; reduction of summer youth programs;
elimination of park services, skate park attendants, support of special events, and the Sister City
Program; closure of TC Ayers Recreation Center and HEB Pool; the reduction of contract labor and
travel; and major concerns.
Director of Neighborhood Services Yvonne Haag provided the following information: funding
for the department; the three divisions of the department; recent ordinance changes; initiatives; NIP
and Model Block programs; postage increase; reduction of two positions; request for additional staff;
anticipated increase in revenues for demolition, lien accounts, and special debris pickup;
implementation of additional fines and penalties; continued opportunities; and budget challenges.
Council members asked questions regarding how franchise taxes vary with the economy;
projected tax revenues for 2009; adjustments for inflation; where the funds came from to develop
the unreserved fund balance; whether any money went into the unreserved fund balance this fiscal
year; salary savings for vacancies; whether the fund balance would be used for cost of fuel; whether
there would be a decrease in the fund balance if expenditures exceed revenues for 2008; whether
the personnel reduction amount is for the proposed 23 cut positions; whether all vacant positions
have been frozen; whether it is feasible to freeze vacant positions rather than occupied positions;
the number of proposed cut positions that have a person in place; the operating reductions; whether
people will be loosing their jobs; whether the council goals will be affected by this budget; garbage
service pickup; the Director of E -Government position; comparison of other cities for municipal court
judge salaries; the 15% increase in the fire operating budget; ISO rating; whether the Fire
Department relies on grants to purchase protective equipment; maintenance repairs for fire stations;
the figure set for the price of fuel; the use of fire trucks as a secondary response; the number of
times fire trucks go to a scene but are not needed; whether citizens will prepare police reports on-
line and the category of reports; attrition for the Police Department; the red light camera system; the
difference in salaries at the Health Department; creation of an independent health district; whether
services at the Health Department are duplicated; the number of injured staff members at Animal
Care; the MIS allocation for Animal Care; collecting permit fees from various animal shops; the book
budget; whether the Library receives donations for books; whether the Library received donations for
the naming of the Dr. Clotilde Garcia Library; the reason TC Ayers was considered for closure;
whether the TC Ayers outdoor facility is still available; whether the Solomon Coles center will have
the same or new programs as TC Ayers; the number of students funded by Sister City; whether
there will be a reduction in summer programs; the age of the HEB pool; plans for the HEB pool
property and TC Ayers facility; the five (5) additional code enforcement offices requested by
Neighborhood Services; programs to refer the elderly to that have code enforcement fines; whether
there will be any new NIP areas; the number of outstanding code cases; the percentage of efforts
directed toward brush; the percentage of outstanding code enforcement cases related to brush; the
amount of generated revenue from code enforcement; the percentage of fines for code violations
that are not collected; and repeat violations for code enforcement.
Mayor Garrett announced that the Council would continue the special presentation on the
Proposed Operating Budgets to the General Fund prior to the consent agenda at the next Council
meeting.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
June 10, 2008 -- Page 11
Item 22 regarding the Bond Issue 2008 Project Recommendations was postponed by staff.
* ********* ** *
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Garrett adjourned the
Council meeting at 5:45 p.m. on June 10, 2008.
*************