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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.