HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 07/07/2009I 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 July 7, 2009, which were approved by the City
Council on July 14, 2009.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, on this the 14th day of July, 2009.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
July 7, 2009 - 10:00 a.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Joe Adame
Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Kieschnick
Council Members:
Chris N. Adler
Brent Chesney
Larry Elizondo, Sr.
Priscilla Leal
John Marez
Nelda Martinez
Mark Scott
City Staff:
City Manager Angel R. Escobar
City Attorney Mary Kay Fischer
City Secretary Armando Chapa
Mayor Adame called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
The invocation was delivered by Minister Todd Collier with Arlington Heights Church of Christ
and the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag was led by Council Member Brent Chesney.
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 Adame called for approval of the minutes of the retreat Council meeting of June 2,
2009. A motion was made and passed to approve the minutes as presented.
Mayor Adame called for petitions from the audience. Eloy Soza, 104 Buccaneer, spoke
regarding the "Greatest Generation Award" presented by the Mayor's Council on Aging and cost of
the nomination fee. Jack Gordy, 4118 Bray Drive, spoke regarding the work performed by the Street
Department and placing grass and dirt into the storm sewer system. Carolyn Moon, 4902 Calvin,
thanked City Secretary Chapa for quickly responding to her request over the weekend for a copy of
the agenda summary. Drue Combs, 4100 Colony Drive, asked the Council to consider restoration of
the Sister City budget. Tim Dowling, 8017 Villefranche, requested that the Council restore or
consider fully funding the Sister City budget. Don Cudd, 6505 Pharaoh Drive, spoke regarding a
decision by the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) to move a disc golf course from
Lamar Park to South Bluff Park and boards and commission complying with the open meetings act.
Director of Parks and Recreation Sally Gavlik stated that this item has not been presented to the
PRAC board. Mariah Boone, 710 Ponder Street, spoke regarding health issue concerns if pollution
is increased by the Las Brisas Plant.
Ann Smith, 1005 Meadowbrook, spoke in opposition to the Las Brisas Plant. Colin Sykes,
309 Aberdeen, spoke in protest to the proposal to building the Las Brisas Plant. Louis Hoelscher,
4429 Congressional Drive, spoke regarding the 24-hour dispatch number for utility problems and
stated that if there is not an operator or dispatcher to answer callers, an answer machine should be
made available. Joan Veith, 5701 Cain Drive, asked the Council to not make decisions that would
affect the firefighter and police officers retirement plans. Amanda Stukenburg asked the Council to
reconsider cutting the funding for the Parks and Recreation Department. Ray Govett, 4146 Harry
Street, asked whether Item 7, Zoning Case No. 0509-01, Paul Sutherland & Adan Pruneda, was
withdrawn. City Manager Escobar stated that Item 7 was withdrawn. Mr. Govett asked the Council to
enforce the single-family district zoning and spoke regarding the traffic hazards on the property.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
July 7, 2009 — Page 2
Hunter Young, Chairman of the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee, spoke regarding
the budget cuts to the Park and Recreation fund. Ron Woods, 5113 Merganser, asked the Council
to consider additional funding for the Parks and Recreation Department. Carlos Haney, 335
Peerman, asked the Council to fully restore the budget for the summer youth programs and
maintenance for parks. Carrie Robertson, 4401 Gulfbreeze Boulevard, spoke regarding the trash
situation on North Beach and stated that cutting the budget would make the situation worse. Kyle
Garrison, 15401 A -Cruiser Street, spoke regarding vandalism of lifeguard stands on the beach.
Lonnie Garcia, 917 Oak Park Ave, spoke regarding providing better benefits for police and
firefighters. Chrisela Torres, 4629 Moravian, spoke regarding budget cuts for recreation centers.
Danny Noyola, Jr., 4132 Kevin, asked the Council to provide additional resources to fund the Park
and Recreation department. Sonia Noyola, 4410 Acushnet, spoke regarding the summer youth
programs and stated that cutting this program would diminish the goals of the City. Danny Noyola,
Sr., 4410 Acushnet, asked the Council to find a solution to fund the Park and Recreation
department, especially the summer youth programs, and consider minimizing consultant fees.
Ron Hamilton, 3636 S. Alameda, asked the Council to take action to address the Las Brisas
issue during a city council meeting. Mike Staff, President of the Corpus Christi Police Officers
Association, spoke regarding GASB45 and the health insurance premium increases. Council
Member Chesney requested background information on GASB45 including the funding, who
requires the funding and how much funding is being considered. Mr. Chesney also requested
information on the actual claims history for the City. Council Member Kieschnick asked that the
information on GASB45 also include what other cities are currently doing. J.E. O'Brien, 4130
Pompano, spoke regarding changing the fiscal year and the fund balances. Rudy DeLeon, 263
Solidad, spoke regarding the City funding GASB45. Rolando Garza spoke regarding the
consequences of funding GASB45. Carlos Torres, President of the Corpus Christi Firefighters
Association, spoke regarding issues with the Human Resources Department and the health
insurance increases. Jesse Molina, 4314 Leonard, asked the Council to reconsider cutting the
funding for the Park and Recreation summer programs.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
7. WITHDRAWN BY APPLICANT
ase No. 0500 01, Paul Sutherland & Adan Pruneda: A change of zoning from an "AB"
generally located on tho corner lot east of Everhart Road and south of Harry Street.
MayorAdame referred to Item 8, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the
public hearing on the following zoning case:
Case No. 0509-04, Williard H. Hammonds, Individually, and as Independent Executor of the
Estate of Jeannine D. Hammonds: A change of Zoning from an "A-1" Apartment House
District and an "A-2" Apartment House District to a "B-4" General Business District on
property described as 1.007 acre tract of land out of Lot F-2, Wilkey Addition Unit 2,
generally located south of South Padre Island Drive, west of Airline Road, north of Williams
Drive, and east of East Manor Drive.
City Secretary Chapa stated that the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval
of the "B-4" General Business District.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
July 7, 2009 — Page 3
No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. Ms. Martinez made a motion to close
the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Chesney, and passed. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their
votes as follows:
8. ORDINANCE NO. 028228
Amending the Zoning Ordinance, upon application by Willard H. Hammonds, Individually,
and as Independent Executor of the Estate of Jeannine D. Hammonds, by changing the
Zoning Map in reference to a 1.007 acre tract of land out of Lot F-2, Wilkey Addition Unit 2,
from "A-1" Apartment House District and "A-2" Apartment House District to a "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: Adame, Adler, Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, Martinez, and
Scott, voting "Aye".
Mayor Adame referred to Item 2 and the following board appointments were made:
Arts and Cultural Commission
JoAnna Benavides-Franke (Appointed)
David Brian Watson (Appointed)
Alene Burch (Appointed)
C.C. Business and Job Development Corporation
Butch Escobedo (Reappointed)
Brad Lomax (Reappointed)
Landmark Commission
Kris Cardona (Appointed)
Kim Charba (Appointed)
Susan Ashley Kesler (Appointed)
Cable Communications Commission
Carolyn Moon (Reappointed)
Stephen R. West (Reappointed)
Human Relations Commission
Robert Adler (Reappointed)
Lucy Reta (Reappointed)
Edna Arredondo (Reappointed)
Robert J. Bonner (Reappointed)
Jacob Sendejar (Reappointed)
Toni Cole Davis (Appointed)
Eric Holguin (Appointed)
Mariah Howard (Appointed)
Ramiro Gamboa (Reappointed as Chairperson)
Mayor Adame called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 3 - 6). Ms. Carolyn
Moon requested that Item 5 be pulled for individual consideration. Council Member Leal requested
that Item 6 be pulled for individual consideration. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their
votes as follows:
3. MOTION NO. 2009-187
Motion approving supply agreements with the following companies for the following amounts
in accordance with the Coastal Bend Council of Governments Bid Invitation No. CBCOG-9-4
for food items which include canned and frozen fruit and vegetables, meats and condiments
for an estimated six month expenditure of $219,083.19, of which $18,256.93 is required in
FY 2008-2009. The terms of the contracts shall be for six months with options to extend for
up to three additional months, subject to the approval of the Coastal Bend Council of
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
July 7, 2009 — Page 4
Governments, the suppliers, and the City Manager or his designee. Funds have been
budgeted by Senior Community Services in FY 2008-2009 and have been requested for FY
2009-2010.
LaBatt Food Service
Corpus Christi, Texas
152 Items
$91,883.27
Performance Food Group
Victoria, Texas
91 Items
127,199.92
Grand Total: $219,083.19
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame, Adler,
Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, Martinez, and Scott, voting "Aye".
4. RESOLUTION NO. 028225
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement with Del
Mar College for use of the College's training field and the Police Department's firing range.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame, Adler,
Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, Martinez, and Scott, voting "Aye".
Mayor Adame opened discussion on Item 5 regarding an Interlocal Agreement with the Port
of Corpus Christi Authority to jointly fund gas and water line adjustments and relocations for the Joe
Fulton International Trade Corridor Project. Carolyn Moon, 4902 Calvin, stated that the City should
wait to fund the gas and water line adjustments and relocation until the economy improves. Director
of Engineering Pete Anaya explained that the Port is in the process of widening the Joe Fulton
Corridor and the water line needs to be moved. Mr. Anaya added that the Port is paying 50% of the
relocation costs. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
5. RESOLUTION NO. 028226
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an Interlocal Agreement
and related documents with the Port of Corpus Christi Authority of Nueces County, Texas
("POCCA") to jointly fund gas and water line adjustments and relocations for Joe Fulton
International Trade Corridor Project — Phase II.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame, Adler,
Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, Martinez, and Scott, voting "Aye".
Mayor Adame opened discussion on Item 6 regarding a lease agreement with the Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for two air monitoring sites. Council Member Leal
asked questions regarding the types of volatile organic compounds monitored and the location of
the monitoring sites. Director of Parks and Recreation Sally Gavlik stated that she would provide that
information on the compounds monitored by TCEQ. Ms. Gavlik said the sites were located at Oak
Park and Bayview Park. In response to Council Member Leal, a citizen, Carolyn Moon reported that
TCEQ does not monitor carbon dioxide. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as
follows:
6. ORDINANCE NO. 028227
Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a five-year lease agreement, with a
five year renewal option, at the City Manager's, or designee's, discretion, with the Texas
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
July 7, 2009 — Page 5
Commission on Environmental Quality for two air monitoring station sites at Oakpark Park
and Bayview (H.J. Williams) Park; providing for publication. (First Reading 06/09/09)
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its second reading with the following
vote: Adame, Adler, Chesney, Elizondo, Leal, Marez, Martinez, and Scott, voting "Aye";
Kieschnick was absent.
*************
Mayor Adame announced that Item 9 was withdrawn by staff.
9. WITHDRAWN
(WITHDRAWN BY STAFF)
Mayor Adame referred to Item 10, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open
the public hearing on the following special budget public hearing:
10. Public Hearing on the Proposed FY 2009-2010 Operating Budget. This budget will raise
more total property taxes than last year's budget by $2,971,452 (General Fund $1,801,926,
Debt Service Fund $989,600, and Special Revenue $179,926), or4.1 %, and of that amount,
an estimated $1,910,359 is tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll
this year. This additional amount is due entirely to increases in property tax valuations and
new property added to the tax roll and NOT to any increase of the current tax rate of
$.563846.
Assistant City Manager Oscar Martinez announced that staff is recommending deferring the
storm water rate for at least six (6) months to allow for public input and to allow time to review model
charges.
Assistant Director of Budget Eddie Houlihan referred to a powerpoint presentation including
the fund balance and highlights of the general fund, enterprise fund, internal service fund, special
revenue fund and the debt service fund; the council directed budget amendments; the tax rate
adoption calendar; issues to address in FY2010; and the budget calendar.
Mayor Adame called for comments from the audience. Bill Kopecky, 3609 Topeka, spoke
regarding the City not having a charter amendment election next fiscal year and the issue of the
internal auditor position. J.E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, spoke regarding the issuance of revenue
bonds; the increase for wastewater utilities; and the storm water utility rate. Hunter Young, 301
Country Club, spoke regarding funding park and recreation programs and considering the beach
parking permits as a revenue source. Carolyn Moon, 4902 Calvin, stated that she would rather pay
more taxes than reduce important city services. Huxley Smith, 1930 Thames, suggested twice a
week garbage pickup during hurricane season. Mike Staff, President of the Corpus Christi Police
Officers Association, spoke regarding GASB45 and meetings between the labor organizations and
city staff. Sylvia Samiango, 4410 Fir, spoke regarding funding for the park and recreation programs
and providing basic services.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
July 7, 2009 — Page 6
The following topics pertaining to this item were discussed: the storm water rate; options for
changing the budget cycle; funding a full time municipal court position to maintain current levels;
summer youth programs; the sister city fund; property appraisals; once a week garbage collection;
the municipal solid waste service charge to commercial customers; where the funding came from to
restore the arts program funding; foregoing the charter election for this year; GASB45; Development
Services transfer to the general fund; the number of cases in municipal court; increasing parking
fines to fund summer youth programs; reduction of staff travel; the amount to fully fund recreation
centers; the National League of Cities response to GASB45; development services staffing versus
services provided over the last five (5) years; the charge for an extra trash can; seawall
expenditures; revenue from beach parking permits; whether the Lyondell payment was budgeted;
process to accept and record donations from the public to fund departments; finding additional
revenue sources for funding the arts or park and recreation including the HEB coupon; code
enforcement problems; the status of the overdue liens; and beach cleaning.
Council Member Marez requested that staff explore funding for a full time municipal court
position and maintaining the summer programs and sister city committee. Council Member
Kieschnick stated that he would like to see a solution to funding the summer youth programs.
Council Member Chesney requested information on the water rate comparisons and a list of capital
improvement projects.
Mayor Adame referred to Item 11 regarding the Corpus Christi Convention and Visitors
Bureau Quarterly Report. Keith Arnold, CEO of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, referred to a
powerpoint presentation including the top 10 events of 2009; convention, sports sales, and services;
consumer tradeshows; pictures from the Texas Society of Association Executives (TSAE) and the
Southwest Showcase; tourism and media advertising; nature tourism initiatives; the Blucher Park
enhancements; the logo for Texas Coastal Bend; return on investment items; the 2009 economic
impact study; the website; kiosks; and newsletters.
The following topics pertaining to this item were discussed: increased tourism due to
advertising campaigns and the promotion of the galaxy kiosks.
* * * * * ****...
Mayor Adame called for the City Manager's report. City Manager Escobar referred to a
powerpoint presentation on the status of the City Council 2009-2011 goals including the logos; the
guiding principles in plan development; the economic development strategic plan; coliseum plan;
development process improvement; support of public safety; the Garwood water plan; street
planning; community pride; and sustainability and renewable energy. Mr. Escobar also provided a
timeline of plan elements to address the status of the goals.
The following topics pertaining to this item were discussed: the implementation of the
electronic project management process using the CCISD bond program as a pilot project; master
plan updates; the staffing study for fire and police; whether the Garwood Water plan will be shovel
ready within two years; the cost for the Garwood plan; and the salary for the Clean City/Pride
position.
Council Member Scott directed staff to include the master plan updates as an action plan for
improving development services infrastructure.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
July 7, 2009 — Page 7
Mr. Scott made a motion directing staff to take the necessary action to change the Garwood
Water Plan to be shovel ready within three (3) years and provide the Council with the action that will
be achievable within two years. The motion was seconded by Mr. Chesney.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame, Adler,
Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Martinez, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Marez was absent.
Council Member Martinez suggested that the City Manager report to the Council with an
update of the goals semi-annually or quarterly. City Manager Escobar stated that an update will be
provided monthly in the City Manager's report and a presentation will be provided on a quarterly
basis.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Adame adjourned the
Council meeting at 4:27 p.m. on July 7, 2009.