HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 07/14/2009I 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 14, 2009, which were approved by the City
Council on July 21, 2009.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, on this the 21st day of July, 2009.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
July 14, 2009 - 12:00 p.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
ABSENT
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 Associate Pastor Dr. Samuel Gutierrez with Cornerstone
Church and the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag was led by Council Member Nelda
Martinez.
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 regular Council meetings of June 30,
2009 and July 7, 2009. A motion was made and passed to approve the minutes as presented.
Mayor Adame called for petitions from the audience. Isabel Palacios, 5929 Raven Hill, spoke
in support of funding for the Sister City Program. Margaret Olivera Dechant, 7405 Lake Travis,
asked the Council to continue the Sister City International Exchange Program. Brandi Williams,
2518 Scabbard, asked that the Council not cut the Sister City budget. Wilson Wakefield, 6026
Killarmet, spoke in opposition to the Las Brisas Plant. Colin Sykes, 309 Aberdeen Avenue, spoke in
protest to the consideration of the Las Brisas Plant. David Diaz, 809 S. Port, spoke regarding a
trash violation he received for tires that were dropped off on his property. Maria Gonzalez, 1813
Amazon, asked the Council not to consider projected amounts regarding GASB45 and requested a
cost of living increase for City employees. Alex Nieto, 5302 Hitching Post, requested that the Council
consider a salary increase for City employees. Susie Luna Saldana, 4710 Hakel, spoke regarding
Las Brisas and a cost of living increase for City employees. Mary Ann Kelly, 4302 Schanen,
requested that the Council consider having a time frame allotted for important issues on the agenda.
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Mayor Adame called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 2 - 8). Mr. Bill Kopecky
requested that Item 5 be pulled for individual consideration. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council
for their votes as follows:
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
July 14, 2009 — Page 2
2. ORDINANCE NO. 028229
Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 028190 authorizing the transfer of $100,000 from the
No. 1020 General Fund and appropriating in the No. 1061 Police Grants Fund as the grant
match for the FY 2007 Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) Grant Project to
be used for the enhancement of voice interoperability on the 800 Mhz radio system.
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame,
Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Adler and Scott
were absent.
3.a. MOTION NO. 2009-188
Motion authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute a geotechnical services
agreement with Kleinfelder, Inc. of Corpus Christi, Texas in an estimated amount not to
exceed $182,500 for the J. C. Elliott Landfill Groundwater Monitoring and Sampling
Agreement - 2010.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame, Chesney,
Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Adler and Scottwere absent.
3.b. MOTION NO. 2009-189
Motion authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute a geotechnical services
agreement with Kleinfelder, Inc. of Corpus Christi, Texas in an estimated amount not to
exceed $291,900 for the Cefe Valenzuela Landfill Groundwater Monitoring and Sampling
Agreement - 2010.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame, Chesney,
Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Adler and Scottwere absent.
4. MOTION NO. 2009-190
Motion authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute a Contract for Professional
Services with LNV Engineering of Corpus Christi, Texas in the amount of $141,520, for
Resaca Lift Station Upgrade for preliminary design phase, design phase, preparation of
construction documents, bid phase, construction phase services, and additional services.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame, Chesney,
Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Adler and Scott were absent.
6. MOTION NO. 2009-192
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract for
the Base Bid including allowance, and Additive Alternatives 1-2 with Barcom Commercial,
Inc. of Corpus Christi, Texas in an amount not to exceed $2,053,000 for the Corpus Christi
International Airport for the Airfield Equipment and Maintenance Facility.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame, Chesney,
Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Adler and Scottwere absent.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
July 14, 2009 — Page 3
MOTION NO. 2009-193
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to renew the contract with Rabalais I&E
Constructors of Corpus Christi, Texas, for the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant On -
Going Instrument Maintenance Program FY 2009-2010, in the amount of $130,000, for an
additional six-month period [by exercising the renewal option under the contract with
Rabalais I&E Constructors approved by City Council on October 30, 2007 (Motion No. 2007-
283)]. The contract will begin August 1, 2009 pending approval of the Water Department's
FY 2010 Operating Budget.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame, Chesney,
Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Adler and Scottwere absent.
8.a. ORDINANCE NO. 028230
Ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute a Use Permit
Agreement with Special Olympics, Inc. for the use of the Memorial Coliseum Parking Lots
from July 22, 2009 through July 27, 2009 for the 2009 Bay Ball Bally Hoop.
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame,
Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Adler and Scott
were absent.
8.b. MOTION NO. 2009-194
Motion approving the application from Special Olympics, Inc. to temporarily close Park
Avenue from northbound Shoreline Boulevard to southbound Shoreline Boulevard for the
2009 Bay Ball Bally Hoop, beginning at 7:00 a.m. on July 25, 2009 through 8:00 p.m. on
July 26, 2009.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame, Chesney,
Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Adler and Scottwere absent.
Mayor Adame opened discussion on Item 5 regarding a change order for the Doddridge
Street Improvements — Ocean Drive to South Staples Street. Bill Kopecky, 3609 Topeka, spoke
regarding the number of change orders and the errors made by the design engineering firm. Mr.
Kopecky commented that there was no mention of the City filing a claim with the engineer's carrier
for errors and emissions. Director of Engineering Pete Anaya explained that staff did discuss the
errors and emission with the legal department. Mr. Anaya added that if the mistake on the bid
quantity had initially been corrected, the City would still have paid for the correct quantity as part of
the original contract. In response to Council Member Chesney, Mr. Anaya stated that all of the bids
received included the same wrong information. Council Members Martinez asked questions
regarding what could be done to avoid similar problems in the future. Mr. Anaya said that the
consultant would provide more internal quality control. Ms. Martinez stated that the information
provided by the City needs to be correct and accurate. Council Member Elizondo asked questions
regarding the process by the City once the work is executed. Mr. Anaya said that the City will have
an inspector on site and provide monthly pay estimates. Don Peoples, Goldston Engineering, stated
that this error would never happen again. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as
follows:
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
July 14, 2009 — Page 4
5. MOTION NO. 2009-191
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Change Order No. 20 with
Haas -Anderson Construction, Ltd. of Corpus Christi, Texas in the amount of $764,312.79 for
a restated amount of $9,314,422.20 for the Doddridge Street Improvements — Ocean Drive
to South Staples Street project construct proposed storm sewer to a deeper depth to avoid
relocation of two (2) six-inch gas lines and an AEP concrete encased electric duct bank and
to address an error in the bid unit -quantity of work items by the design consultant. (BOND
ISSUE 2004)
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame, Adler,
Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Leal voting "No"; Scott
was absent.
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Mayor Adame announced that Item 9 was withdrawn by staff.
WITHDRAWN BY STAFF
cquarc foot portion of undeveloped and uncurfaccd, dedicated public right of way (Nilc
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MayorAdame opened discussion on Item 10 regarding the first reading to adopt the FY2009-
2010 operating budget and ratifying the increase in property tax revenues from last years operating
budget. Assistant Director of Budget Eddie Houlihan provided a brief overview of the fund balances
and the responses to previous discussions by Council for the General Fund; Development Services;
the Water Fund; and Storm Water Fund. Assistant City Manager Oscar Martinez provided
information on the potential budget additions of a Municipal Court Judge -$102,000, Youth Summer
Programs -$121,000, Sister City - $15,000, Park Maintenance - $145,000, Beach Operations for 1
full time equivalent - $20,500, Violet Pool - $22,000, Animal Control for 1.5 full time equivalents -
$44,000, and Animal Control operational expenses - $70,0001, and funding options.
MayorAdame called for comments from the audience. J.E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, spoke
regarding the increase in wastewater rates; the consideration to postpone capital improvement
projects; adopting a policy for the sale of revenue bonds; the postponement of the separate storm
water utility rate; the increase in fees for swimming programs; once a week garbage pickup; and the
increase in property taxes. Bill Kopecky, 3609 Topeka, asked the Council to consider funding the
Charter Amendment Election. Juan Araiza, 5921 Shadow Wood, spoke regarding the increase in
property tax revenues.
The following topics pertaining to this item were discussed: the mock billing for storm water;
reinstating the municipal court judge position; the savings for the incorporation of the environmental
and juvenile assessment into one court; the reason for including Violet Pool and the animal control
budget additions; the costs associated with the potential additional funding for park maintenance;
the number of part time judges; the payment from Lyondell; the trend of sales tax decrease; the
revenue generated by municipal court; whether there is potential revenue projected with the
additional municipal court judge position; the request by staff for additional funding for animal
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
July 14, 2009 — Page 5
control; status on establishing a program for donations to the City to support specific departments;
possum control; the estimate to ratify the increase in the property tax rate; the cost projected for the
charter election and whether the projected amount took into consideration joining the County for
their constitutional amendments election; the consideration of an interdepartmental transfer as a
funding option; and the capital improvement projects associated with utility rate increases.
Council Member Martinez asked for information on the costs associated with combining the
charter amendment election with Nueces County's constitutional amendment election to be held in
November. City Secretary Chapa stated that $180,000 budgeted in FY2009-2010 for the charter
amendment election to be combined with Nueces County was based on the costs of the Joint
Election held in November 2008.
City Secretary Chapa asked if staff needed further direction from the Council regarding the
potential amendments to the budget. Mr. Martinez responded that staff is clear on the direction the
Council wants to go regarding the budget and will bring those amendments prior to the second
reading.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
10.a. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Adopting the City of Corpus Christi budget for the ensuing Fiscal Year beginning August 1,
2009; to be filed with the County Clerk; appropriating monies as provided in the budget.
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its first reading with the following
vote: Adame, Adler, Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Leal
voting "No"; Scott was absent. (Note: Mr. Chesney advised City Secretary Chapa that he
would abstain on the discussion and vote on the portion of the budget pertaining to 4A
funding for the marketing fund for SMG.)
10.b. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
To ratify increase of $2,971,452 in Property Tax Revenues from last year's Operating
Budget as reflected in the FY 2009-2010 Operating Budget.
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its first reading with the following
vote: Adame, Adler, Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Leal
voting "No"; Scott was absent.
Mayor Adame opened discussion on Item 13 regarding an appeal by Ronald A. Voss, Sr. of
the Building Standards Board's decision to require demolition on a property at 1502 Tarlton Street.
Ms. Martinez made a motion to remove Item 13 from the table. The motion was seconded by Ms.
Adler and passed. Arnold Gonzalez, Jr., representative for Ronald A. Voss Sr., stated that the
applicant and staff have been working to resolve short term and long term resolutions to the issue.
Mr. Gonzalez requested that the Council postpone this item for 30 days to allow both parties to
finalize the discussions undertaken thus far.
Council Member Chesney made a motion to postpone this item for 30 days. The motion was
seconded by Mr. Elizondo. Council Member Marez asked questions regarding the reason for the 30
day extension. Mr. Gonzalez stated that the 30 days would be to address the issues of the Building
Standards Board to hopefully achieve a resolution. In response to Council Member Chesney,
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
July 14, 2009 — Page 6
Assistant City Manager Margie Rose stated that staff concurred with the 30 day extension.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame, Adler,
Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Scott was absent.
13. POSTPONED FOR 30 DAYS
Mayor Adame opened discussion on Item 14 regarding the initiative proceedings and
consideration of an ordinance pursuant to Article I, Section 4, of the City Charter to rebuild Memorial
Coliseum to its original condition, and replace the plaque to its original location honoring: "the sons
and daughters of Nueces County who made the supreme sacrifice in World War If'. Council Member
Chesney abstained from the discussion and vote on this item.
Mayor Adame stated that the City Secretary Chapa provided this request pursuant to the City
Charter to rebuild the Memorial Coliseum to its original condition and replace the plaque honoring
World War II veterans. MayorAdame added that the Council has 45 days to consider this request or
reject the request. Mr. Adame said if the Council does not consider the request, the applicant has 90
days to gather the required number of signatures to force an election to this matter.
MayorAdame called for comments from the audience. Ray Madrigal stated that the citizens
are interested in preserving the Memorial Coliseum; rebuilding it to its original condition; and
replacing the plaque honoring the veterans of World War II. Mr. Madrigal introduced World War II
veteran Estevan Cavazos. Juan Araiza, 5921 Shadow Wood, spoke regarding the events that have
taken place at the Coliseum and stated that if the City invested money in the Coliseum, it could be
another potential revenue source for the City.
The following topics pertaining to this item were discussed: the three options for the Council;
the next available election date for consideration of this item; the timeframe to resolve the issue of
the Memorial Coliseum; and the action to remove the plaque for preservation.
No action was taken on this item.
MayorAdame opened discussion on Item 11 regarding the Compensation and Classification
Plan for FY2009-2010. Director of Human Resources Cynthia Garcia provided a list of
recommended amendments to the compensation and classification plan including changes to the
standard classifications, pay grades, and ranges; clarifying the definition to address new pay plan for
health district employees; Plan I and Plan II use of sick leave; prior service credits; and adding a
new section for a catastrophic leave program
Mayor Adame called for comments from the audience. Mike Staff, President of the Corpus
Christi Police Officers Association, spoke regarding the 5% differential from the Police contract pay
schedule; the status of the market study; and the salary structure for the next Chief of Police.
The following topics pertaining to this item were discussed: recommendations or adjustments
to the Police Chief and Deputy City Manager pay ranges to attract qualified individuals to those
positions; the adjustment to police managerial and Pay Plan 400 executive pay plan to maintain a
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
July 14, 2009 — Page 7
5% differential above employees whom they supervise; the results of the market study; the salary
advertised for the Police Chief; the average salary level of police chiefs throughout the state; and
including the Police and Fire Chief in Section 39-303 under the executive pay plan.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
11. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 39, Personnel, Article III Employee
Compensation and Classification System, revising Section 39-303 to include pay adjustment
for Commercial Driver's License (CDL) on Pay Plan 100, update minimum wage in Pay Plan
200, adjust police management pay range in Pay Plan 300, add provision to maintain 5%
differential above employees supervised by select positions in Pay Plan 400; modify work
coordinator career ladder maximum pay ranges, change pay grades in Pay Plan 1000;
revising Section 39-304, Classified Service defined to clarify pay plans exempt from
classified service; revising Sections 39-337 and 39-352 to clarify use of sick leave consistent
with the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA); revising Section 39-362 to clarify that prior
service of a temporary employee shall not be considered and recognition of prior service
after completion of probationary period; adding Section 39-368 Catastrophic Leave Program;
repealing all other ordinances, and rules, or parts of ordinances and rules, in conflict with
this ordinance; providing for effective date.
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its first reading with the following
vote: Adame, Adler, Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye";
Scott was absent.
Mayor Adame opened discussion on Item 12 regarding fee and rate increases and proposed
fees and rates in support of the FY2009-2010 proposed budget. Assistant Director of Budget Eddie
Houlihan provided a brief summary of the proposed rates including utility rate increases for water,
gas, and wastewater; local exchange access line 9-1-1 service fee; juvenile case manager fee
increase; solid waste fees; increase in water tap fees; and new rental fees and recreation fees.
The following topics pertaining to this item were discussed: whether the solid waste charges
are due to the once a week garbage collection; the increased rate for water; the amount of the utility
rate increase to fund capital improvement projects; the timing and process for funding capital
improvement projects; short term tax notes; and the reason for using commercial paper to fund
capital improvement projects.
Council Member Chesney requested a copy of the capital improvement projects and asked
staff to consider changing the process for approving and funding these projects.
There were no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for
their votes as follows:
12.a. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Amending the Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, Chapter 55, Utilities, regarding
water, gas and wastewater rates and fees, providing an effective date; and providing for
publication.
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame, Adler,
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
July 14, 2009 — Page 8
Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Scott was absent.
12.b. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Amending Section 55-7, "Local Exchange Access Line 9-1-1 Service Fee," of the Code of
Ordinances, by increasing the service fees for residential, business, and business trunk local
exchange access lines; providing for an effective date; and providing for publication.
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its first reading with the following
vote: Adame, Adler, Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye";
Scott was absent.
12.c. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Amending the Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, Chapter 29 Municipal Court,
regarding Juvenile Case Manager Fee increase; and providing for publication.
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its first reading with the following
vote: Adame, Adler, Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye";
Scott was absent.
12.d. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 21, Article 1, Section 21-1 by revising the
definition for"Can Account"; amending Article IV, Section 21-40(a) by revising Solid Waste
resource recovery fees and enacting a residential cart collection fee; amending Article IV,
Sections 21-47(a) and (b) by revising the State Agency reference and the Municipal Solid
Waste System service charges; providing for an effective date; providing for publication; and
providing for penalties.
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its first reading with the following
vote: Adame, Adler, Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Leal
voting "No"; Scott was absent.
12.e. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Revising Section 55-70(9), Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, to increase water tap
fees; providing for penalties; and providing for publication.
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its first reading with the following
vote: Adame, Adler, Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye";
Scott was absent.
125 RESOLUTION NO.
Resolution authorizing adjustment of Parks, Recreation, Cultural, and Leisure Time Activities
rental and recreational fees; adding new rental fees and recreational fees for Fiscal Year
2009-2010; providing for publication; and providing for an effective date.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame, Adler,
Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Scott was absent.
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Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
July 14, 2009 — Page 9
Mayor Adame referred to Item 15 regarding an update on the Public Information Act (PIA)
procedures. Assistant City Attorney Ronnie Bounds referred to a powerpoint presentation including
the philosophy and mission; what is considered a request; the departments that are precleared to
date; the process once the request is received; the department response evaluation; information not
protected from disclosure; information subject to attorney general ruling; important mandatory
exceptions; and statistical information.
The following topics pertaining to this item were discussed: the number of repeat requestors;
the previous response process versus the current response time and the percentage of
improvement; and the exclusion process.
Mayor Adame referred to Item 16 regarding an update on the Wind Energy Ordinance
Amendment. Interim Assistant City Manager of Development Services Johnny Perales introduced
Senior City Planner Lisa Wargo who was available to respond to questions. Mr. Perales referred to a
powerpoint presentation including the existing ordinance summary; the effect of the proposed
amendments; maximum wind energy system heights; wind energy system use permitted "by right";
special use exception permit options; sound emissions data; interagency
considerations/coordination; and the comparative summary between the existing and proposed
ordinance.
The following topics pertaining to this item were discussed: the average decibel readings
outside in a residential area; decibel readings from an air conditioning unit; enforcing decibel
readings; raising the maximum decibel level; exclusions for portable units; de -commissioning
requirements; eliminating decibel restrictions in industrial zones; the fall radius; the purpose of the
110% horizontal clearance; the high pitch noises resulting from the hollow tower of the wind turbine;
concerns from a resident at 1118 Graham Road regarding the wind turbines located on the
adjourning property; timeline for the wind energy ordinance; notifying residents that deed restrictions
could prohibit the use of wind turbines; and the total system height.
Mayor Adame referred to Item 17 regarding an update on the status of the Comprehensive
Restructuring of Developer Trust Funds. Interim Assistant City Manager Johnny Perales referred to
a powerpoint presentation including the trust fund balances as of June 30, 2009; the previous
considerations; methodology for evaluating the proposed trust fund revenue structure; review of
history of the water arterial, water distribution, wastewater trunk, and wastewater collector funds;
wastewater fund inter -fund transfer; impact of transfers to wastewater collection line trust fund from
the wastewater trunk line trust fund; solutions recommended to increase wastewater trust fund
viability; revenue components of combined wastewater funds; existing apportionment of revenues
for wastewater trust funds; proposed re -apportionment of revenues for wastewater trust funds;
wastewater collection line trust fund activity before and after connection surcharge re-
apportionment; wastewater trunk line trust fund before and after connection surcharge re-
apportionment; proposed revenue enhancements for the wastewater trunk line trust fund; density
factors and the affects to the wastewater trunk line; expansion of concept to water trust funds; water
distribution line trust fund activity before and after connection surcharge re -apportionment; water
arterial line trust fund activity before and after connection surcharge re -apportionment and the
density factor applied; activity from August 28, 2008 workshop to current; and staff proposal to
address re -development needs.
The following topics pertaining to this item were discussed: tap fees; explanation of pro -rata
fees; appraisal procedures for assessing property values; staff's proposal to establish two new trust
funds in the platting ordinance; the proposal that in order to qualify as "re -development", the original
platting of the project area would have had to occur prior to the creation of the existing trust funds
and fee structure in 1983; when the item will be presented to the planning commission; and the
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
July 14, 2009 — Page 10
reimbursement of lift stations.
The Council concurred to give staff direction to go back to the Planning Commission and
request action on the trust funds. City Manager Escobar stated that staff will continue the process
and bring an update to the Council in late August or early September.
Mayor Adame referred to Item 18 regarding the zero based budget and change in fiscal year.
The presentation team included Assistant City Manager Oscar Martinez, Assistant Budget Director
Eddie Houlihan, Interim Director of Financial Services Constance Sanchez and Interim Assistant
City Manager Cindy O'Brien. Mr. Martinez referred to a powerpoint presentation on the zero base
budget including the definition of zero based budgeting; commitment by the organization;
implementation components; pros and cons; questions to transition to a zero based budget
approach; an example of a zero base budget approach; and staffs recommendation to finalize the
transition plan no later than November 1, 2009. Ms. O'Brien referred to a powerpoint presentation on
the fiscal year change including a background; the top twenty Texas cities fiscal year; the reason for
considering September 30th; key dates that relate to the fiscal year; the timeline; reasons to change;
the variables; options; and staffs recommendation.
The following topics pertaining to this item were discussed: if staff is suggesting evaluating
every department and setting a goal of service levels; assuming the current level of service; creating
a zero based budget by next year's budget; the budget preparation process in the 1980's; starting
with the current level of funding and then refining department by department; the number of
departments; whether the zero base budget is achievable for next fiscal year; starting the zero base
budget approach with the general fund; the new election date and the date the council is seated;
when the fiscal year date would change; the shortage of revenues due to the fact that no ad valorem
taxes will be received for August and September during the transition year; options to fund the
shortage; if grants will be effective; the recommendation to prepare a 14 -month budget for August 1,
2010 to September 30, 2011; and increased costs for shifting the fiscal year.
Mayor Adame directed staff to set up a workshop with the Budget Advisory Committee and
the Council to develop a transition plan for a zero based budget and the change in fiscal year.
City Secretary Chapa reported for clarification that the legislature has given the City the
option to move the uniform election date to May or November. Mr. Chapa added that the decision
will need to be made between now and December.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Adame adjourned the
Council meeting at 5:20 p.m. on July 14, 2009.
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