HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 06/24/2008I 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 24, 2008, which were approved by the City
Council on July 8, 2008.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, on this the 8th day of July, 2008.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
PRESENT
Mayor Henry Garrett
Mayor Pro Tem John Marez*
Council Members:
Melody Cooper
Larry Elizondo, Sr.**
Mike Hummell
Bill Kelly
Priscilla Leal
Michael McCutchon
Nelda Martinez***
*Arrived at 10:37 a.m.
**Arrived at 10:05 a.m.
***Arrived at 10:02 a.m.
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
June 24, 2008 - 10:00 a.m.
City Staff:
City Manager George K. Noe
Assistant City Attorney Jay Reining
City Secretary Armando Chapa
Mayor Garrett called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
The invocation was delivered by Mayor Garrett and the Pledge of Allegiance to the United
States flag was led by Council Member Bill Kelly.
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 meeting of June 10,
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). Ms. Pat Suter
requested that Item 4 be pulled for individual consideration. Mr. Bill Kopecky requested that Item 15
be pulled for individual consideration. Council Member Kelly requested that Item 4 be pulled for
individual consideration. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
2.a. RESOLUTION NO. 027726
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an Interlocal Agreement
between the City or Corpus Christi and Nueces County to establish terms for the sharing of
the 2008 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program Award.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Cooper,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Elizondo and Marez were
absent.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
June 24, 2008 — Page 2
2.b. RESOLUTION NO. 027727
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to submit a grant application in the
amount of $73,850 to the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance for
funding eligible under the FY 2008 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant, 50% of the
funds to be distributed to Nueces County under the established Interlocal Agreement. Grant
funds will be used for the enhancement of law enforcement efforts by the Police Department
and Nueces County.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Cooper,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Elizondo and Marez were
absent.
3.a. RESOLUTION NO. 027728
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept two grant amendments,
totaling $115,750, from the Texas Department of State Health Services for the Women,
Infants, and Children (WIC) program, with changes as follows: (1) an increase in the
reimbursement rate to $11.83 per participant served, resulting in an additional $15,250 in
program income, and (2) additional funds of $100,500 for supplies, equipment, travel,
bathroom renovations, and the purchase of a modular building, subject to further approval of
the State of Texas and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA); and to execute all
related documents.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Cooper,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Elizondo and Marez were
absent.
3.b. ORDINANCE NO. 027729
Ordinance appropriating two grant amendments, totaling $115,750, from the Texas
Department of State Health Services in the No. 1066 Health Grants Fund for the Women,
Infants, and Children (WIC) program as follows: (1) $15,250 in program income due to a
change in the reimbursement rate per participant served, and (2) $100,500 in additional
funding for State and federally -approved program expenses.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with
the following vote: Garrett, Cooper, Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, and Martinez, voting
"Aye"; Elizondo and Marez were absent.
5.a. RESOLUTION NO. 027732
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute all documents necessary
to accept the grant from the Coastal Bend Diabetes Initiative, Inc. in the amount of $8,350
for the healthy living program for youth known as Sajai Wise Kids Program at Latchkey sites
and recreation centers.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Cooper,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Elizondo and Marez were
absent.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
June 24, 2008 — Page 3
5. b. ORDINANCE NO. 027733
Ordinance appropriating a $8,350 grant from the Coastal Bend Diabetes Initiative, Inc. in the
No. 1067 Parks and Recreation Grant Fund for the healthy living program for youth known
as the Sajai Wise Kids Program at Latchkey sites and recreation centers.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with
the following vote: Garrett, Cooper, Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, and Martinez, voting
"Aye"; Elizondo and Marez were absent.
7. ORDINANCE NO. 027735
Ordinance authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a five-year lease
agreement with Santa Fe Soccer League, a non-profit organization, for the use of North
Pope Park and South Pope Park for its soccer program in consideration of Santa Fe Soccer
League maintaining the premises and improvements.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with
the following vote: Garrett, Cooper, Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, and Martinez, voting
"Aye"; Elizondo and Marez were absent.
8. ORDINANCE NO. 027736
Ordinance authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a five-year lease
agreement with Corpus Christi United Little Miss Kickball, Inc. (CCULMK) a non-profit
corporation, for the use of Bill Witt Park for its kickball program, in consideration of CCULMK
maintaining the premises and improvements.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with
the following vote: Garrett, Cooper, Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, and Martinez, voting
"Aye"; Elizondo and Marez were absent.
9. ORDINANCE NO. 027737
Ordinance authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a five-year lease
agreementwith Great Western Soccer League, a non-profit organization, for the use of Terry
and Bobby Labonte Park for its soccer program in consideration of Great Western Soccer
League maintaining the premises and improvements.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with
the following vote: Garrett, Cooper, Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, and Martinez, voting
"Aye"; Elizondo and Marez were absent.
10. ORDINANCE NO. 027738
Ordinance authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a five-year lease
agreement with South Texas Association for Radio Controlled Automobile Racing, Inc.
("STARCAR") for the use of Bill Witt Park in consideration of STARCAR maintaining the
premises and improvements.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with
the following vote: Garrett, Cooper, Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, and Martinez, voting
"Aye"; Elizondo and Marez were absent.
Minutes -- Regular Council Meeting
June 24, 2008 — Page 4
11. RESOLUTION NO. 027739
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an Interlocal
Cooperation Agreement with Nueces County, Texas for City of Corpus Christi, Texas to
provide Lifeguard Services on Nueces County Gulf Beaches in Newport Pass and Padre
Balli Parks owned by County.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Cooper,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, and Martinez, voting "Aye'; Elizondo and Marez were
absent.
12. RESOLUTION NO. 027740
Resolution approving the First Amendment to Corpus Christi Business and Job
Development Corporation's Agreement to grant Business Incentives to Texas A&M
University — Corpus Christi for the retention of jobs.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Cooper,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Elizondo and Marez were
absent.
13. RESOLUTION NO. 027741
Resolution approving the First Amendment to Corpus Christi Business and Job
Development Corporation's Agreement to grant Business Incentives to Del Mar College for
the retention of jobs.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Cooper,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Elizondo and Marez were
absent.
14. MOTION NO. 2008-152
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with
Rabalais I & E Constructors of Corpus Christi, Texas in the amount of $189,600 for the
Water Facilities Power Adjustment.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Cooper,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Elizondo and Marez were
absent.
16.a. MOTION NO. 2008-153
Motion to amend prior to second reading Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, City
of Corpus Christi, Chapter 55, regarding Rules and Procedures for Public Access
Cablecasting, to change program deadline day from Friday to Wednesday in Sections 2 and
6, prior to second reading.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Cooper,
Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Elizondo and Marez were
absent.
Minutes -- Regular Council Meeting
June 24, 2008 — Page 5
16.b. ORDINANCE NO. 027743
Amending the Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, Chapter 55 regarding rules and
procedures for public access cablecasting; providing for publication; and providing for an
effective date of July 1, 2008.
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its second reading with the following
vote: Garrett, Cooper, Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, and Martinez, voting "Aye";
Elizondo and Marez were absent.
Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 4 regarding a grant application to the Coastal
Bend Council of Governments. Pat Suter, 1002 Chamberlin, explained that she opposed this item
because she does not believe that recycling should be combined with anti -litter education. Ms. Suter
also spoke regarding the project summary; previously awarded grants provided to the Solid Waste
Department; and the Clean Cities Committee. Council Member McCutchon asked whether there
was a way to effectively separate the two projects. Assistant Director of Streets & Solid Waste
Services Lawrence Mikolajczyk stated that the grant proportionately gives money to promote the
different functions of the department. City Manager Noe explained that the emphasis of the grant is
on education and funding education materials. Council Member McCutchon asked whether the
recycling committee was formed; the name of the committee; and the role of the Chamber of
Commerce representative on that committee. Mr. Mikolajczyk said that staff is still receiving
applications for the Clean City Advisory Committee. Mr. Noe stated that the role of the Chamber of
Commerce member is to focus on business participation on recycling programs.
Council Member Kelly asked whether there would be a market for paper and plastic products
if the City dramatically increased the recycling capacity. Council Member McCutchon said there was
a company opening to handle recycling. Mayor Garrett asked a question regarding the status on
commercial recycling. Mr. Mikolajczyk stated that commercial recycling is offered by the commercial
haulers Allied Waste and C.C. Disposal and that there are currently two processing centers. Council
Member Martinez asked for the percentage of recycling received between businesses and
residences. Mr. Mikolajczyk explained that the City only recycles for residences. City Secretary
Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
4.a. RESOLUTION NO. 027730
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to submit a grant application to the
Coastal Bend Council of Governments in the amount of $25,000 for Recycling and Anti -Litter
Education.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Cooper,
Elizondo, Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, Martinez, voting "Aye"; Marez was absent.
4.b. RESOLUTION NO. 027731
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to submit a grant application to the
Coastal Bend Council of Governments in the amount of $6,000 for three events to be held in
2008-2009: Recycled Art Contest open to school children in Grades K-6; Christmas Tree
Recycling Event; and the 2008 Clean Air Fair.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Cooper,
Elizondo, Hummell, Kelly, Leal, McCutchon, Martinez, voting "Aye"; Marez was absent.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
June 24, 2008 — Page 6
Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 6 regarding the Ziegenbock Music Festival.
Council Member Kelly asked questions regarding the Ziegenbock event; when the event will be held;
the type of music; and the charity assistance. Matt Peveto, Mustang Music Group, provided
background information on the Ziegenbock Festival and stated that the event would be held on July
25th and 26th. Mr. Peveto said the music for the event is Texas Country and the event will raise
money for local charities. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
6. ORDINANCE NO. 027734
Ordinance authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an use permit agreement
with Matthew Peveto d.b.a. Mustang Music Group for use of Corpus Christi Beach during
July 21 through July 29, 2008 for ZiegenBock Music Festival; providing for payment of 100%
of all City costs, plus $5,000.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with
the following vote: Garrett, Cooper, Elizondo, Hummell, Kelly, Leal, and Martinez, voting
"Aye"; McCutchon and Marez were absent.
Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 15 regarding the Northside Redevelopment Plan.
Bill Kopecky, 3609 Topeka, questioned the source of funding for the planning study. City Secretary
Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
15. ORDINANCE NO. 027742
Ordinance appropriating $60,800 from unappropriated settlement proceeds in the No. 3160
City Hall Capital Improvement Program (CI P) Fund, transferring to and appropriating in the
No. 4670 Development Services Fund for Consultant Services for the Performance
Improvement in the Northside Redevelopment Plan Project, Phase II; changing the FY2007-
2008 Capital Budget adopted by Ordinance No. 027546 by increasing appropriations by
$60,800; changing the FY2007-2008 Operating Budget adopted by Ordinance No. 027352
by increasing revenues and appropriations by $60,800 each.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with
the following vote: Garrett, Cooper, Elizondo, Hummell, Kelly, Leal, and Martinez, voting
"Aye"; McCutchon and Marez were absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Garrett referred to Item 17 regarding an overview of proposed 2008-2009 budgets for
Internal Services/Special Revenue/Debt Service funds. Assistant City Manager Oscar Martinez
referred to a powerpoint presentation including the list of internal service funds; the summary of fund
balances for the internal service funds; internal service funds full time equivalents; major revenues
and expenditures by function for Stores, Maintenance Services, Municipal Information System,
Engineering, Liability & Employee Benefits Group Health, Liability & Employee Benefits General
Liabilities; Liability & Employee Benefits Workers' Compensation, and Liability & Employee Benefits
Administration; special revenue funds summary; special revenue funds full time equivalents; and the
major revenues and expenditures by function for Special Revenue Funds, Hotel Occupancy Tax
(HOT) Fund, and Development Services.
Council members asked questions regarding whether the budget included adjustments for
staffing Engineering Services; whether there is a charge for the internal service departments
providing services to other departments; how services are billed and paid by departments; whether
the Print Shop generates revenue; whether in-house printing is less expensive than outsourcing
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
June 24, 2008 — Page 7
printing; how payment for internal services is reflected in the budget; whether it would be beneficial
to reflect net out transfers in the budget; whether the Engineering Department generates revenue;
whether the City calculates and keeps track of the work done by the City engineers; the allocation of
Engineering Services; whetherthe Engineering Department has the flexibility to shift funds around to
cover the costs of projects; tracking charges for engineering projects; whether staff anticipates any
surprises on air conditioners that may fail; whetherthe air condition at the Public Health Department
is addressed in the budget; if paying salaries from the proposed Bond 2008 is reflected in the
budget; the number of employees the Engineering Department anticipates on hiring with the $1
million savings; whether the actuarial information on the health premiums was made available to the
Fire and Police Associations; projections for GASB 45; the increase in stop loss insurance; the
amount of money invested on employee safety; subsidy to the Convention Center; how the funds
can be used in the Seawall Improvement Fund; visitors' facility expenditures; convention promotion;
the HOT expenditures for debt service; whether the plan review process for Development Services
is done in-house; and the cost for sending out the plan review process to outside consultants.
Mayor Garrett called for a brief recess to present proclamations and listen to public
comment.
*************
Mayor Garrett called for petitions from the audience. Johnny French, 4417 Carlton Street,
spoke regarding the Packery Channel parks. Pat Suter, 1002 Chamberlin, said the Park and
Recreation is doing a good job operating the parks. Ms. Suter requested that Council increase the
Park and Recreation Department budget for park maintenance. Lazaro (Larry) Quintanilla spoke
regarding charging residents for drainage fees. Mike Staff, 3122 Leopard, stated that the Corpus
Christi Police Officers Association and the Corpus Christi Firefighters Association have hired a third
party consultant to make an assessment on the increases in health premiums. Mr. Staff said that the
association has not received all of the requested information from staff regarding the actuary's
findings. Mr. Staff asked the Council to make a motion to table discussion and/or vote on the health
insurance plans until the association has received correspondence from their consultant. A brief
discussion ensued regarding the requested information. Carlos Torres, President of the Corpus
Christi Firefighters Association, stated that he was disappointed that the firefighter contract
negotiations were not placed on today's agenda. Mr. Torres also asked for support to make a motion
to table the insurance item until their consultant provided a review of the actuary information.
Ellen Murry, Sister City board member, requested that the budget for the Sister City
Committee be restored to the current level of funding. Mikaela Murry, Sister City participant, spoke
regarding the benefits of the Sister City Exchange Program. Marco Gamboa, Jody Patel, Tisha
Mende, and Cheryl Grundy stated that they all represented major properties along the seawall and
have concerns about the safety and enforcement of the area. They stressed that Option 4
addressing the safety issues on the beach area in front of the seawall is not a valid option. Bob
Algeo, 15629 Three Fathoms Bank Drive, spoke regarding the safety issues on the seawall. Gladys
Choke, 15321 Cartagena Court, said the seawall is not safe for vehicles and that there is no
enforcement on the beach. Ms. Choke suggested that the option for vehicular traffic near the
seawall be placed on the ballot. J.E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, spoke regarding the ending balance
of funds for the last ten years listed in the City's Annual Financial Report and bond ratings. Andrew
DuArte, 1203 Van Loan Avenue, said that the field on Haven Drive is being underutilized and asked
the Council to consider allowing War Cat Youth Football League to take over or share this field.
Angie Ramos, 6910 Aswan Drive, thanked the Council for their support of the Instituto de Cultura
Hispanica. Dora Garza, Museum Director for the Instituto de Cultura Hispanica, expressed
appreciation to the Council for funding for the museum.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 24, 2008 - Page 8
Mayor Garrett announced the executive session, which was listed on the agenda as follows:
(Items 24 and 25 were withdrawn.)
23. Executive Session under Texas Government Code Section 551.087 to deliberate the offer of
a financial or other incentive to a business prospect that the City Council seeks to have
locate, stay or expand in or near the City and with which the City Council is conducting
economic development negotiations, with possible discussion and action in open session.
24. Executive session under Tcxa-Gevernmcnt Cede Sesti n 551.071 regarding Title VI
Environmental Protection -Age -Rey (EPA) and tl=}e U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
25. Executive cession under Texas Govere{aacnt Cede Scetien 551.071, regarding Cause No.
�, .s� - - .. - _ • • to
District Court of Nueces County, Texas, with -possible discussion and action related thereto
in open session.
The Council went into executive session. The Council returned from executive session and
the following motion was passed with the following vote:
23. MOTION NO. 2008-154
Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute the First Amendment to the Chapter 380
Agreement for Economic Development Incentives between Sam Kane Beef Processors, Inc.
and the City of Corpus Christi, which was approved by the City Council on December 19,
2006, to modify the repayment terms.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Cooper,
Elizondo, HummelI, Kelly, Leal, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; McCutchon voting "No".
(Ms. Leal and Mr. Marez were originally absent during the vote on Item 23. There was a
consensus of the Council to allow Ms. Leal and Mr. Marez to record their votes.)
*************
Mayor Garrett returned to Item 17 regarding an overview of proposed 2008-2009 budgets for
Internal Services/Special Revenue/Debt Service funds. Assistant City Manager Oscar Martinez
referred to the powerpoint presentation including the major revenues and expenditures for
Development Services and Visitors' Facilities; summary of the projected balance for the
Reinvestment Zone Number Two; debt service obligations; and the Debt Services major revenues
and expenditures.
Council members asked questions regarding administrative service costs in the visitors'
facilities fund; how the MIS services are reflected for the arena; whether the RIZ #2 projections
include the construction of amenities; if the TIF was designed to assist with funding infrastructure in
the zone; whether the TIF includes Tortuga Dunes, Zahn Road and/or Aquarius Drive; the
boundaries of the TIF; whether the TIF guidelines included dredging; the timeframe for adjusting the
cost for dredging; whether the approved tax notes are considered certificates of obligation and are
reflected in the debt services obligations; whether there are any other debts that are not reflected on
the debt service obligations; Nueces River Authority Bonds; seawall improvement debt services
expenditures; the amount of sales tax collected for the seawall; the liability left on the note for the
seawall; the principal amount for the seawall; the call date for the seawall; the total amount of the
debt services funds; seawall repairs; and the budget public hearing.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
June 24, 2008 -- Page 9
Mayor Garrett referred to Item 18 regarding an overview of the proposed FY2008-2009
budgets for the Enterprise fund. Assistant City Manager Oscar Martinez referred to a powerpoint
presentation including the summary of fund balances for enterprise funds; summary of working
capital for enterprise funds; utility capital improvement projects; utility debt services with revenue
bond and refunding debt; total utility debt services; customer growth rates for utility funds; gallons of
water consumed; cost of purchased water from Lake Texana; an analysis of sample water bills; gas
consumption; wastewater sample billing; full time equivalents, major revenues and expenditures for
Water, Gas, Wastewater, Storm Water, Airport, Golf, and Marina; and the budget calendar.
Council members asked questions regarding the reason the Golf Fund is in the negative;
customer growth rates; projections for water consumption; the daily water usage from the pipeline;
whether the City is currently under a water advisory; capital outlay for underground storage tanks;
educating the public on the storm water rates; whether the City is getting the best deal for gas; a
comparison of gas prices with Austin and San Antonio; the number of years left for the natural gas
supply contract; the contract price for gas; whether the City charges differently for large volume gas
customers; when the City anticipates doing a rate study for gas; the company that the City
purchases gas from; tenants for the industrial park; golf cart rental deposit; slip rentals; the Texas
International Boat Show projects; marketing efforts; whether the additional advertising dollars for the
Marina were included in this year's allocation; plans to repair Piers M and R; the transfer to general
fund non -department expenditures in the Marina fund; internal services allocations and transfer out
expenditure classifications for the Marina; and whether the paving of the Marina was charged back
to the Marina.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Garrett referred to Item 19 regarding an update on the activities of the City Council
Memorial Coliseum Committee. Council Member Hummell provided the following information on the
activities of the committee including arranging for the consultant to put together a marketing
package designed to generate private interest in the Coliseum property; using the demographic
information from the Downtown TIF; preparing the Request for Proposal (RFP) process; and final
Council review. Council Member Martinez provided a time line for the market analysis; feasibility
analysis; economic impact; issuing Request for Qualification (RFQ); receiving RFP; review of the
RFP; and presentation to the City Council.
In response to Mayor Garrett, Council Member Martinez stated that the Council will have the
final presentation by the end of November. Council Member John Marez thanked Council Members
Hummell and Martinez and the City staff for their hard work on this project.
Mayor Garrett referred to Item 20, a presentation on the discussion regarding safety issues
on the beach area in front of the Padre Island Seawall. City Manager Noe referred to a powerpoint
presentation including the current profile of the beach area; space requirement for vehicular
operations; current situation; long-term solution; short term alternatives; an illustration of beach
access; and recommendation.
Council members asked questions regarding the reason the Texas General Land Office
(GLO) denied the request to set the direction of traffic flow; whether the City will need approval from
the GLO for Option 3; the consequences for running someone over on the beach; whether the City
has the authority to increase penalties; whether traffic is currently one-way south; driving down the
length of the seawall; whether the City needs approval from the GLO for placing signs on the
seawall; whether bollards can be placed at the north end of the seawall; the reason that signs and
bollards have not been placed at 25 feet; and the language in the ordinance allowing for temporary
closure of the beach from vehicular traffic.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
June 24, 2008 -- Page 10
City Manager Noe stated that staff would develop a plan for installing bollards and
appropriate signage. Mayor Garrett directed staff to increase enforcement at the seawall.
Mayor Garrett referred to Item 22 regarding a report on City Youth League leases and
recommended changes. Director of Parks and Recreation Sally Gavlik referred to a powerpoint
presentation including the types of youth ball field leases; league requirements; concerns with
current lease program; Westside Baseball Little League; International Westside Pony Baseball;
recommendations for current concerns; recommendations for all of the leases; and recommendation
of a pilot program at the new South Guth Park.
Council Member Leal provided pictures of the maintenance problems existing at Westside
Baseball Little League. Ms. Leal also provided pictures of the well maintained fields and bleachers
at International Westside Pony Baseball League.
Council members asked questions regarding how staff evaluates and reviews leases for
renewal; potential problems with the pilot program at the new South Guth League; whether activities
will occur at the South Guth League during off-season; the RFP process; the increase in teams at
the International Westside League; and the baseball fields that received Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) funding.
Council Member Leal made a motion to direct the City Manager to begin proceedings to
terminate the lease agreement with Westside Baseball Little League and to begin proceedings to
award this lease agreement to International Westside Pony Baseball League. The motion was
seconded by Mr. Marez.
Assistant City Attorney Reining stated that Ms. Leal's motion violated the Open Meetings Act
because the motion was not published as an action item. There was a general consensus of the
Council to place this item on the agenda for future action in the next two weeks.
Mayor Garrett referred to Item 21 regarding the third quarter report of the Health Benefit/Risk
Management Fund. Director of Human Resources Cynthia Garcia referred to a powerpoint
presentation including plan enrollment; total medical and pharmacy expenses; total medical
expenses paid including stop loss reimbursement; total medical expenses by plan; total pharmacy
expenses by plan; cost per member performance; workers' comp claims comparison; workers comp
costs performance; workers comp paid on prior year claims; general liabilities performance claims
count; general liabilities incurred cost; general liabilities paid on prior year claims; and city vehicle
accidents status.
Council members asked questions regarding the cost per member increases; whether there
was an option to include individuals that have exceeded the lifetime maximum of $1 million in the
new plan for $2 million; and if the amount provided for the cost per member performance is the
amount the City pays.
*************
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Garrett adjourned the
Council meeting at 5:42 p.m. on June 24, 2008.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *