HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 01/26/2010PRESENT
Mayor Joe Adame
Mayor Pro Tem Priscilla Leal
Council Members:
Chris N. Adler
Brent Chesney
Larry Elizondo, Sr.
Kevin Kieschnick
John Marez
Nelda Martinez
Mark Scott
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
January 26, 2010 - 10:00 a.m.
City Staff:
City Manager Angel R. Escobar
Interim City Attorney Lisa Aguilar
City Secretary Armando Chapa
Mayor Adame called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
The invocation was delivered by Mr. Brian Smith with Christus Spohn Health System and the
Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag was led by Council Member Kevin Kieschnick.
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 meeting of January
19, 2010. A motion was made and passed to approve the minutes as presented.
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Mayor Adame opened discussion on Item 2 regarding an amendment to the FY2009-2010
Operating Budget due to the projected decline in sales tax revenues. City Manager Escobar stated
that staff is recommending $6.6 million in budget cuts based on recommendations and alternatives
from the City Council and staff. Mr. Escobar added that staff is monitoring the current shortfalls and
determining long range plans to save money for next fiscal year. Mr. Escobar reported that the
measures approved today will continue to be monitored on a monthly basis. Assistant City Manager
Oscar Martinez provided a presentation on what other cities in Texas are doing; the items that were
restored based on discussions held on January 19th; council direction and staff alternatives for
consideration; and staff recommendations. Mr. Martinez announced that staff was recommending no
additional furlough days than originally recommended. Assistant Director of Management and
Budget Eddie Houlihan, Interim Assistant City Manager Cindy O'Brien, Interim Director of Financial
Services Constance Sanchez, and Director of Human Resources Cynthia Garcia were available to
respond to questions.
Council Member Elizondo requested a hard copy of the information provided by Mr. Martinez
regarding what other cities in Texas are doing. Council Member Leal requested information on cities
comparable to Corpus Christi including Lubbock and El Paso.
The following topics pertaining to this item were discussed: the shortfall for the City of San
Antonio; an explanation of furlough days; the cost savings for shutting down City services for one
day; certification training; and the elimination of add pay.
INDEXED
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
January 26, 2010 — Page 2
Mr. Martinez stated that staff is also making considerations for next fiscal year including zero
based budgeting; acceleration of an energy conservation program; working with the police and fire
unions; the benefits of a four (4) day workweek; consolidation of departments; the health insurance
program; reviewing purchasing and fleet service contracts; reviewing the salary and compensation
package; reviewing the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS); alternatives for a retirement
program; outsourcing of park maintenance, Human Resources Department, and recycling; closure
of parks; involvement of an outside advisor/auditor; reconsideration of the smoking ordinance and
the fiscal impact; and removal of downtown parking meters.
Council Member Chesney stated that he did not support any additional furlough days. Mr.
Chesney spoke regarding the City's contribution for health insurance; the reason the Assistant City
manager and Economic Development Director positions were not eliminated; legal options for
pursuing the funding from the Appraisal District; and the surcharge fee for recycling. Mr. Chesney
requested information on the rate of return for the Economic Development Department and the
Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC).
Council Member Elizondo spoke regarding the furlough days; revisiting the goals of the
Council and making necessary adjustments; the increase in the employee portion of health
insurance; the recovery of surplus from the Appraisal District; reevaluation of programs; and
soliciting suggestions from the community and employees on cost savings. Council Member
Elizondo recommended that staff hold a metropolitan summit with other governmental entities to
work together on issues.
Council Member Leal stated that she was glad that staff was evaluating a four (4) day work
week and suggested that the recommended furlough day be considered for the Monday after Easter
if approved. Ms. Leal also spoke regarding the City Attorney vacancy; eliminating the position of
Deputy City Manager; surveying the employees to determine how many would elect to drop their
insurance because of increased costs; the City's contribution to the health insurance; applying a $1
surcharge for recycling; recovering the $400,000 from the Appraisal District; the elimination of an
Assistant City Manager position; aggressively pursuing delinquent ad valorem taxes; and collecting
franchise fees. In response to Council Member Leal, Mr. Martinez stated that there would not be a
saving for holding vacant the City Attorney position because the Legal Department is over -budgeted.
Ms. Leal offered to hire a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to review the financials to advise the
City on how to alleviate some of the budgetary problems.
Council Member Scott asked staff questions regarding the recommendations that would only
be one-time solutions. Mr. Scott spoke regarding the long term effects the economy will have on the
City's sales tax revenues and ad valorem taxes; the health insurance deductibles; the reason the
City would delay a bond sale; what other cities are spending for economic development; and
scheduling a meeting with the Appraisal District.
Mr. Scott made a motion to direct the City Manager to send a letter to the Nueces County
Appraisal District on behalf of the City Council requesting the City's surplus money. The motion was
seconded by Ms. Martinez. The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote:
Adame, Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, Martinez, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Adler
abstained.
Council Member Adler thanked the City employees fortheirwork. Ms. Adler spoke regarding
the importance of recycling and having a local advisor assist the City on how to make additional
budget cuts within the next two months.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
January 26, 2010 — Page 3
Council Member Martinez requested that staff provide the long term recommendations to
what other cities in Texas are doing. Ms. Martinez spoke regarding outreach to City employees for
input on departmental savings; the return on investment from the Economic Development
Department and the EDC; the recovery of funds from the Appraisal District; and the City's long term
challenges and next steps. City Manager Escobar stated that the City will receive input from outside
auditors on how the City should operate; reorganize and shift the focus on how the City does
business; and continue to stay conservative on projections. Ms. Martinez recommended developing
a strategic plan for the short and long term within the next quarter.
Council Member Kieschnick spoke regarding a zero based budget; reorganization; and
recovering the funds from the Appraisal District. In response to Council Member Kieschnick, Mr.
Martinez stated that staff would provide a plan for recommendations on significant changes for
reorganization within the next two weeks.
Council Member Marez spoke regarding the employee concerns on furlough days and health
insurance premium increases. Mr. Marez thanked the Budget Committee, Administration Committee
and staff for their work. Mr. Marez clarified that as a State employee he is not allowed to receive his
Council salary and is redirecting that funding to the general fund this year instead of to a non-profit
organization.
Assistant City Manager Martinez stated that if the Council desired, they could take funds
from the General Liability fund to offset the furlough day.
Mayor Adame thanked Assistant City Manager Martinez and staff for their work on the
budget and all the staff attending the meeting. Mr. Adame stated that anytime there is a downturn in
the economy, it is important to maintain a good spirit and there are projects and opportunities out
there to create additional revenues. Mr. Adame reported that the City is not the only one affected by
the expense in health care and property insurance. Mr. Adame asked staff to look at the surplus real
estate.
Council Member Martinez made a motion to amend the ordinance to accept staffs
recommendations as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Kieschnick. The foregoing motion
was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame, Adler, Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick,
Leal, Marez, Martinez, and Scott, voting "Aye".
Mayor Adame called for comments from the audience. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, thanked
the Council for their comments and the work of the committee members and spoke regarding the
need for economic development. June Martinez, 4014 Herndon, spoke regarding the effect of
furlough days and health insurance increases on city employees; receiving departmental input from
employees; requesting that fire and police delay increases; and revenue generating ideas. A brief
discussion ensued regarding a program in promote employee input. Claude Nowlin, City Employees
Association, asked that the Council consider not including a furlough day or increases in health
insurance for City employees. Mr. Nowlin recommended increasing the recycling fee so that the
entire community can pay for recycling. Sandra Perez asked the Council to reconsider the furlough
day and increasing insurance premiums.
Maricela Cueves asked the Council to reconsider the insurance premium increase and
furlough days and challenged the Council to find other options for funding. Priscilla Garza spoke in
opposition to increased benefits and furlough days and asked the police and fire unions re -open
their contracts. Ms. Garza requested the hurricane mandate be changed for city employees if the
furlough days are approved. Verna Townsend, 4810 Dody, spoke regarding furlough days and
health insurance increase and urged the council to consider the employee's ability to support their
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
January 26, 2010 — Page 4
families instead of funding recycling. Maria Gonzalez, 1813 Amazon, stated that the City employees
present at the meeting used their own leave to attend today's meeting and spoke regarding the
elimination of cell phones; insurance increases; and asking the departments to reduce their
expenditures by 20% or more. Toby Flores, 2746 Dixie, asked the Council to not pass furlough days
and insurance increases for employees. Mr. Flores recommended that the City not use contractors
for wastewater projects and purchase equipment instead of renting to save money.
Tessy Garza, 3005 S. Staples, challenged the City Council and staff to look at other creative
ways to reduce the budget and to reconsider furlough days. Alma Casas spoke regarding working in
the Finance Department; insurance; suggested changes to TMRS benefits; and furlough days.
Stacy Richards stated that while she has sympathy for city employees, the private sector has already
faced the challenges the City is going through. Joe Martinez spoke regarding skill based pay and
furlough days. Sheila Cudd, 7106 Ft. Collins, says she is sympathetic to city workers but asked the
Council not to do away with recycling. Stephanie Saenz spoke regarding options for recycling to
prevent city employees getting furlough days. Carolyn Moon, 4902 Calvin, stated that the City should
hold off borrowing money in the future.
Mr. Chesney made a motion to remove the recommended furlough day and instead reduce
the Assistant City Manager position and the remaining car allowance, which includes City Council in
the amount of $150,000; and to create an employee input committee on how to run more efficiently
with a mechanism to allow employees to make suggestions anonymously. The motion was
seconded by Ms. Leal. The following topics regarding this motion were discussed: the employee fear
of retaliation; the car allowance for City Council members; delaying the increase to health insurance
premiums; taking additional funds out of the general liability rebate; and the Assistant City Manager
Position.
Mr. Scott made a motion to amend Mr. Chesney's motion to not eliminate the Assistant City
Manager position and reduce the general liability fund rebate. The motion was seconded by Ms.
Martinez. Mr. Chesney stated that he did not support amending his motion. A brief discussion
ensued regarding the need for the Assistant City Manager position and increasing the recycling fee.
Mr. Chesney withdrew his motion.
Mr. Scott made a motion to eliminate the furlough day and make up the difference with
eliminating the additional car allowance and reducing the general liability. The motion was seconded
by Mr. Chesney. The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame,
Adler, Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, Martinez, and Scott, voting "Aye".
Ms. Leal made a motion to eliminate the health insurance increase and take the funding out
of the general liability rebate. The motion died for lack of second.
Mr. Chesney made a motion to direct the City Manager to come back within 30 days to
create a system for employee input on cost savings. The motion was seconded by Mr. Kieschnick.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame, Adler, Chesney,
Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, Martinez, and Scott, voting "Aye".
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
2. ORDINANCE NO. 028467
Ordinance amending the FY2009-2010 Operating Budget adopted by Ordinance No. 028252
due to projected decline in sales tax revenues of $6.6 million, by adjusting expenditures and
revenues in the General Fund, and various Internal Service, Enterprise, and Special
Revenue Funds; and declaring an emergency.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
January 26, 2010 — Page 5
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved as
amended with the following vote: Adame, Adler, Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Marez,
Martinez, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Leal voting "No". (This ordinance was reconsidered at the
end of the meeting.)
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Mayor Adame announced the executive session, which was listed on the agenda as follows:
11. Executive Session regarding former Municipal Juvenile Court Judge under Texas
Government Code Section 551.071 Consultation with Attorney with possible discussion and
action in open session.
The Council went into executive session. The Council returned from executive session.
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Mayor Adame called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 4 - 10). Mr. Raul Ortiz
requested that Item 7 be pulled for individual consideration. Council members requested that Items
9 and 10 be pulled for individual consideration. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their
votes as follows:
4. MOTION NO. 2010-024
Motion approving a service agreement with ISS Facility Services, of Corpus Christi, Texas
for custodial service for the Frost Building in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0171-09
based on best value for an estimated annual expenditure of $63,186.84 of which $31,593.36
is required for FY 2009-2010. The term of the contract will be for twelve months with an
option to extend for up to two additional twelve-month periods subject to the approval of the
service provider and the City Manager or his designee. Funds have been budgeted by
Building Maintenance in FY 2009-2010.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame, Adler,
Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, Martinez, and Scott, voting "Aye".
5. ORDINANCE NO. 028469
Ordinance appropriating $170,272.66 from Nueces County in the No. 1061 Police Grants
fund for funding eligible under the FY 2009 Operation Stonegarden Grant Program, to
reimburse fuel, overtime, fringe benefits, and equipment expenditures for the Police
Department's collaborative enforcement efforts with Nueces County along routes of ingress
and egress including (but not limited to) U. S. Highway 77 and State Highway 44.
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".
6. RESOLUTION NO. 028470
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to submit a grant application in the
amount of $517,268 to the State of Texas, Criminal Justice Division of the Governor's Office
for funding eligible under the FY 2009 Recovery Act - Edward Byrne Memorial Justice
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
January 26, 2010 — Page 6
Assistance Formula Grant, to be used for the purchase of equipment and sworn officer
overtime in an effort to disrupt gangs as well as the trafficking of illegal drugs, contraband,
and human beings.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame, Adler,
Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, Martinez, and Scott, voting "Aye".
8. RESOLUTION NO. 028471
Resolution authorizing the formation of a Joint Land Use Study Committee to address land
use compatibility next to or associated with flight patterns from Naval
Air Station Corpus Christi, Cabaniss Field and Waldron Field and, directing staff to prepare a
joint land use study grant application for review by the committee and for submission to the
Office of Economic Adjustment of the Department of Defense.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame, Adler,
Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, Martinez, and Scott, voting "Aye".
MayorAdame opened discussion on Item 7 regarding the McNorton Channel Improvements -
Phase 1, Gilliam Street Improvements project. Raul Ortiz, Salinas Construction Technologies, asked
questions regarding the reason Salinas Construction Technologies was not recommended award of
this contract since they were the low bidder. Director of Engineering Services Pete Anaya explained
that the bidding process is based on price and review performance. Mr. Anaya added that due to the
previous performance by Salinas Construction on the Garcia Arts CDBG Project and Greenwood
projects, staff concluded to disqualify Salinas Construction. In response to Council Member
Elizondo, Assistant City Attorney Veronica Ocanas stated that the City is not authorized to pre -
qualify bidders; however, the City can analyze each bidder and can disqualify the bidder based on
provisions in the bid documents. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
7. MOTION NO. 2010-025
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with
SLC Construction, LLC of Aransas Pass, Texas, in the amount of $471,941.75 for McNorton
Channel Improvements — Phase 1, Gilliam Street Improvements for the Total Base Bid Part
A, Part B, Part C and Part D.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame, Adler,
Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, Martinez, and Scott, voting "Aye".
MayorAdame opened discussion on Item 9 regarding the approval of a business incentive
agreement with First American Corporation. Emily Martinez, Economic Development, stated that this
item is the approval of a business incentive agreement with First American Corporation fora total
investment amount of $5.2 million for 400 jobs created in the area. Ms. Martinez provided the
Council with a revised draft of the contract. Ms. Martinez introduced J.J. Johnston and Mike
Culberson with the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation who were available
to respond to questions.
The following topics pertaining to this item were discussed: the reason this item was on the
consent agenda and the number of jobs available for local residents.
Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, stated that he was a strong supporter of economic development
and the improvement to the community. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as
follows:
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
January 26, 2010 — Page 7
9. RESOLUTION NO. 028472
Resolution approving a Business Incentive Agreement between the Corpus Christi Business
and Job Development Corporation and the First American Corporation for the creation and
retention of jobs and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Business
Incentive Project Support Agreement with the Corpus Christi Business and Job
Development Corporation regarding implementation and administration of the First American
Corporation Business Incentive Agreement.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Adler, Elizondo,
Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, Martinez, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Adame and Chesney abstained.
Mayor Adame opened discussion on Item 10 regarding the establishment of the Island
Strategic Action Committee. Ms. Martinez stated that the Mustang -Padre Island Development Plan
calls for the establishment of a Strategic Action Committee to aggressively pursue the
implementation of the plan. Ms. Martinez provided a copy of the application. Ms. Martinez provided a
brief overview of the composition of the committee.
The following topics pertaining to this item were discussed: how the application will be
obtainable; concerns with a representative of the Island United Political Action Committee (PAC)
member on the board; whether the environment group should be specified; increasing the
composition; the duties of the committee; the exception that four members of the action committee
do not have to be residents of the City; and the reason the ad hoc committee was never formally
established by the City Council in April 2004.
Mayor Adame called for comments from the audience. John Adams, 307 Katherine, stated
that he has an issue with a PAC member being part of any City commission or committee and the
exception of having non-residents. Mr. Adams also stated that the Mustang -Island Area
Development Plan should be amended to reflect the current projected growth rate for that area.
Carolyn Moon, 4902 Calvin, spoke regarding having a PAC member on the committee and having
outside residents on the committee. Dan Winship, 13509 Queen Johanna, stated that he had no
objections to a PAC representative and stated that one member would not have that much effect to
influence an entire committee. Mr. Winship added that excluding a PAC member would not be the
right thing to do. John Kelley, 413 Waco, stated that having a PAC representative is setting a
dangerous precedence and that the committee composition does not have diverse representation of
the City.
Ms. Martinez made a motion that the PAC representative be replaced with an additional
environmental representative. The motion was seconded by Ms. Leal. A brief discussion ensued
regarding considering representatives that live outside of Padre Island and diversify the committee.
Ms. Martinez withdrew her motion.
Mr. Elizondo made a motion to eliminate the PAC member; increase the representative of an
environmental group to two (2); remove the resident of Corpus Christi who has no financial interest
on Mustang or Padre Island; and have three (3) at large members. The motion was seconded by
Ms. Leal. The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Elizondo,
Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Adame, Adler, Chesney, and Scott, voting
"Aye".
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
January 26, 2010 — Page 8
10. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Amending Article IV, Chapter 2, Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, by adding a new
Division 29 to establish the Island Strategic Action Committee; providing for publication.
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its first reading as amended with the
following vote: Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, and Martinez, voting "Aye"; Adame, Adler,
Chesney, and Scott, voting "No".
************
MayorAdame opened discussion on Item 12 regarding an agreement with the Junior League
of Corpus Christi for design, installation and donation of park improvements at the Antonio E. Garcia
Park. Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Stacie Talbert explained that this item is for the
approval of an ordinance to grant the City Manager permission to execute an agreement with the
Junior League to construct and donate park improvements at Antonio E. Garcia Park. Ashley Cocke,
Junior League, referred to a powerpoint presentation including the Antonio Garcia Arts Center
mission statement; the Junior League vision and position statements; the purpose of the project;
project description; partnership; budget; project timeline; and layout of the project.
MayorAdame called for comments from the audience. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, spoke in
support of the project and thanked the Junior League for bringing solutions to problems in that area.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
12. ORDINANCE NO. 028473
Ordinance authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Use Agreement with
the Junior League of Corpus Christi for the design, installation and donation of park
improvements at the Antonio E. Garcia Park located at the corner of Agnes and 17th
Streets.
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".
MayorAdame opened discussion on Item 13 regarding the inclusion of The Gardens at Cole
Park in the Cole Park Site plan. Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Stacie Talbert stated that
this item is a request to approve a resolution to include The Gardens within the Cole Park Site plan.
Ms. Talbert provided a background of the project and the site plan. Daiquiri Richard, Beautify
Corpus Christi, provided a brief overview of the project, maintenance, security issues, and partners.
Ms. Richard stated that the intent of the project is to be a demonstration and education facility. Ms.
Richard added that the project will incorporate the labeling of plants; an informational kiosks; and
ADA accessibility.
The following topics pertaining to this item were discussed: whether gazebos are part of the
plan and the 2008 bond improvements at Cole Park.
Council Member Adler requested that staff inspect the pier at Cole Park.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
January 26, 2010 — Page 9
Mayor Adame called for comments from the audience. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, thanked
staff for making sure that all new projects are ADA compliant. City Secretary Chapa polled the
Council for their votes as follows:
13. RESOLUTION NO. 028474
Resolution approving the inclusion of The Gardens at Cole Park in the Cole Park Site Plan.
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 14 regarding the execution of a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with the arts organizations representing the Arts and Cultural Alliance.
Assistant City Manager Margie Rose explained that this item was a resolution authorizing the City
Manager to execute a MOU to supplement or replace hotel occupancy tax (HOT) funding for nine (9)
arts agencies. Ms. Rose stated that staff met with the arts groups that currently receive HOT funds
to provide them with the status of the HOT fund and informed them that they should consider other
funding opportunities. Ms. Rose added that the arts organizations came up with ideas for funding
that are incorporated in the MOU.
Heidi Hovda, Chairperson of the Arts and Cultural Alliance, provided an overview of the idea
for a utility bill insert requesting a monthly or onetime contribution for the Arts and Cultural Alliance
to supplement or replace the HOT funding.
The following topics pertaining to this item were discussed: bylaws; surplus funding; the
terms of the agreement; use of the funding; disbursement of arts funding; and whether the Arts and
Cultural Commission will use their funding for the continuation of arts grants.
Mayor Adame called for comments from the audience. Larry Cashion, 4010 Manhattan,
spoke in support of the arts and asked the Council to please consider funding the arts through the
HOT funding. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, stated that he is happy to see the arts programs taking an
initiative to find other sources of funding. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as
follows:
14. RESOLUTION NO. 028475
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Memorandum of
Understanding to supplement or replace Hotel Occupancy Tax funding for the following
organizations: Arts and Cultural Commission, Corpus Christi Symphony, Antonio E. Garcia
Arts & Education Center, Texas Jazz Festival, Arts Community Center, Instituto de Cultura
Hispanica, South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, Harbor Playhouse, Texas
State Museum of Asian Cultures.
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 No. 3 regarding an amendment to the personnel
ordinance. Assistant Director of Human Resources Joan McKaughan provided an explanation of the
amendments to the ordinance that reflect the changes made to the budget approved on Item 2. Ms.
McKaughan stated that the ordinance would need to be amended to exclude the furlough day.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
January 26, 2010 — Page 10
Ms. Adler made a motion to amend the ordinance as presented, seconded by Ms. Martinez.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame, Adler, Chesney,
Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, Martinez, and Scott, voting "Aye". City Secretary Chapa polled
the Council for their votes as follows:
3. ORDINANCE NO. 028468
Amending Code of Ordinances, Chapter 39, Personnel, Article III Employee Compensation
and Classification System, revising Section 39-307 Eliminating Pro -rated Benefits for
Holiday, Vacation, Sick Leave, and Personal Leave Accrual and Any Other Benefits
Provided in Specific Sections of this Article, except Section 39-320 Funeral Benefit; revising
Section 39-309 to Increase the Employee Premium for Coverage under the City's Group
Health Plan; revising Section 39-324 to Exclude Part-time Employees from Eligibility for
Holiday Pay Except for Time Actually Worked Which Will Be Paid at One Times the Straight
Time Rate; revising Section 39-325 to Exclude Part-time Employees from Leave Plan I;
revising Section 39-326 to Eliminate Vacation Accrual on a Pro -rated Basis for Part-time
Employees; revising Section 39-332 to Suspend Cash -in of Vacation Leave until Economic
Conditions of the City Improve; revising Section 39-335 to Eliminate Sick Leave Accrual and
Accumulation for Part-time Employees; revising Section 39-340 to Suspend Cash -in of Sick
Leave until Economic Conditions of the City Improve; revising Section 39-341 to Exclude
Part-time Employees from Leave Plan 11; revising Section 39-342 to Eliminate Vacation
Accrual on a Pro -rated Basis for Part-time Employees; revising Section 39-347 to Suspend
Cash -in of Vacation Leave until Economic Conditions of the City Improve; revising Section
39-354 to Suspend Cash -in of Sick Leave until Economic Conditions of the City Improve;
revising Section 39-366 to Eliminate Personal Leave Accrual on a Pro -rated Basis for Part-
time Employees; revising Section 39-367 to Eliminate Bereavement Leave on a Pro -rated
Basis for Part-time Employees; revising Section 39-368 to Indicate that the Catastrophic
Leave Program Applies to Full-time Employees Only; repealing all other ordinances, and
rules, or parts of ordinances and rules, in conflict with this ordinance; providing for effective
date.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved as
amended with the following vote: Adame, Adler, Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal,
Marez, Martinez, and Scott, voting "Aye".
Council Member Scott made a motion to reconsider Item No. 2, the ordinance which
approved the reductions to the budget. The motion was seconded by Ms. Martinez. The foregoing
motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame, Adler, Chesney, Elizondo,
Kieschnick, Leal, Martinez, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Marez abstained.
Mr. Scott made a motion to amend the budget reduction ordinance to include all
amendments approved earlier except that Council Member Marez be allowed to continue to receive
the car allowance he currently receives and to take that funding from the general liability rebate. The
motion was seconded by Ms. Martinez. The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the
following vote: Adame, Adler, Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Martinez, and Scott, voting
"Aye"; Marez abstained.
Council Member Marez thanked the Council for the amendment. City Secretary Chapa polled
the Council for their votes as follows:
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
January 26, 2010 — Page 11
2. ORDINANCE NO. 028467
Ordinance amending the FY2009-2010 Operating Budget adopted by Ordinance No. 028252
due to projected decline in sales tax revenues of $6.6 million, by adjusting expenditures and
revenues in the General Fund, and various Internal Service, Enterprise, and Special
Revenue Funds; and declaring an emergency.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved as
amended with the following vote: Adame, Adler, Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal,
Martinez, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Marez abstained.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Adame called for petitions from the audience. Carolyn Moon, 4902 Calvin, spoke
regarding the reuse of the Memorial Coliseum and not using City money to demolish the Coliseum.
Marco Gamboa, 14810 Windward, thanked the Council for creating the Island Strategic Committee
and asked that the Council make the fire station at 209 S. Carancahua a priority of the Council.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Adame adjourned the
Council meeting at 4:20 p.m. on January 26, 2010.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
I 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 January 26, 2009, which were approved by the City
Council on February 9, 2010.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, on this the 9th day of February, 2010.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL