HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 05/25/2010MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
May 25, 2010 - 12:00 p.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Joe Adame
Mayor Pro Tem Larry Elizondo, Sr.
Council Members: City Staff:
Chris Adler City Manager Angel R. Escobar
Brent Chesney City Attorney Carlos Valdez
Kevin Kieschnick City Secretary Armando Chapa
Priscilla Leal
John Marez
Nelda Martinez
Mark Scott
Mayor Adame called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Council Member Leal requested that a special prayer be given for three-year olds Isaac
DeLeon and Eli Rodriguez who tragically lost their lives this week. The invocation was delivered by
Reverend Anthony Washington with The Lord is Peace Worship Center and the Pledge of
Allegiance to the United States flag was led by Council Member Elizondo.
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 May 18,
2010. A motion was made and passed to approve the minutes as presented.
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Mayor Adame called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 2 - 8). There were no
comments from the public. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
2. MOTION NO. 2010-121
Motion approving a service agreement with Office Communications Systems, Inc., d.b.a.
Toshiba Business Solutions forthe lease of copiers in accordance with Request for Proposal
Number BI -0208-09 for approximately $663,130.12, of which $21,118.24 is required in FY
2009-2010. The term of the service agreement will be for thirty-six months with an option to
extend for up to two additional twelve-month periods subject to the approval of the supplier
and the City Manager or his designee. Copiers will be replaced in City Hall and in the
Development Services, Municipal Court, Police, Fire, Animal Control, Parks & Recreation,
Gas, Stormwater, Water, Health, General Services, Solid Waste, Wastewater and
Engineering Departments. Funds are budgeted and available in the Stores Fund and in the
Development Services, Municipal Court, Police, Fire, Animal Control, Parks & Recreation,
Gas, Stormwater, Water, Health, General Services, Solid Waste, Wastewater and
Engineering Departments for FY 2009-2010 and will be requested for subsequent fiscal
years.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame, Adler,
Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, Martinez, and Scott, voting "Aye".
INDEXED
Minutes -- Regular Council Meeting
May 25,2010 -- Page 2
3. RESOLUTION NO. 028610
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to submit a grant application in the
amount of $150,747.24 to the State of Texas, Criminal Justice Division (CJD) of the
Governor's Office for funding available under the Coverdell Forensic Sciences Improvement
Grant Program to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science and medical
examiner services and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to apply for, accept,
reject, alter, or terminate the grant.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame, Adler,
Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, Martinez, and Scott, voting "Aye".
4.a. MOTION NO. 2010-122
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept grant funding in the amount of
$20,000 from the Texas Department of Transportation for the Click It or Ticket (CIOT)
Selective Traffic Enforcement Project (STEP) for occupant protection enforcement overtime
within the Police Department and to execute all related documents.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame, Adler,
Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, Martinez, and Scott, voting "Aye".
4.b. ORDINANCE NO. 028611
Ordinance appropriating $20,000 from the Texas Department of Transportation for funding
of the Click it or Ticket (CIOT) Selective Traffic Enforcement Project (STEP) within the
Police Department in No. 1061 Police Grants Fund.
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".
5.a. RESOLUTION NO. 028612
Resolution ratifying the acceptance of a Regional Local Services System/Social Services
Block Grant from the Texas Department of State Health Services in the amount of $52,000
to provide essential public health services beginning April 1, 2010; and authorizing the City
Manager or his designee to execute all necessary and related documents to implement this
grant.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame, Adler,
Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, Martinez, and Scott, voting "Aye".
5.b. ORDINANCE NO. 028613
Ordinance appropriating a grant of $52,000 from the Texas Department of State Health
Services in the No. 1066 Health Grants Fund to provide essential public health services.
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".
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
May 25, 2010 — Page 3
6.a. RESOLUTION NO. 028614
Resolution ratifying the acceptance of the 2009 Continuum of Care ("COC") grant from the
U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and execution of the grant funding
agreements under the 2009 COC grant terms as follows: (1) $134,971 for Wesley
Community Center, and (2) $160,255 for Corpus Christi Metro Ministries, for homeless
supportive program renewal projects and activities; authorizing the City Manager or his
designee to implement the COC grant and to execute all necessary and related documents.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame, Adler,
Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, Martinez, and Scott, voting "Aye".
6.b. ORDINANCE NO. 028615
Ordinance appropriating a grant of $295,226 from the U. S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development for the 2009 Continuum of Care grant program in the No. 1071
Community Enrichment Fund for homeless supportive housing program renewals.
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".
7. MOTION NO. 2010-123
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Contract for Professional
Services with HDR Engineering, Inc. of Corpus Christi, Texas in the amount of $151,000, for
design, bidding, and construction phase services and additional services for Traffic Signals
(New and Synchronized). (BOND ISSUE 2004)
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame, Adler,
Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, Martinez, and Scott, voting "Aye".
8. MOTION NO. 2010-124
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an environmental consulting
services contract with Weston Solutions, Inc., of Corpus Christi, Texas in the amount of
$299,000 for Brownfields Hazardous Substances and Petroleum Assessments.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame, Adler,
Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, Martinez, and Scott, voting "Aye".
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Mayor Adame announced the executive sessions, which were listed on the agenda as
follows:
9. Executive Session under Texas Government Code Section 551.071 regarding American GI
Forum vs. City of Corpus Christi, Texas Cause No. 10-60455-4, in the County Court at Law
Number 4, Nueces County, with possible discussion and action in open session.
10. Executive Session under Texas Government Code Section 551.071 regarding Friends of the
Coliseum vs. City of Corpus Christi, Texas Cause No. 10-000769, in the 250th District Court,
Travis County, with possible discussion and action in open session.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
May 25, 2010 -- Page 4
The Council went into executive session. The Council returned from executive session.
Mayor Adame advised that the public that no action was taken in executive session or will be taken
in open session regarding either executive session.
Mayor Adame opened discussion on Item 11 regarding the Oso Water Reclamation Plant
Effluent Re -Use Pump Station. Director of Engineering Services Pete Anaya introduced Director of
Wastewater Foster Crowell who was available to respond to questions. Mr. Anaya referred to a
powerpoint presentation including the background; the Oso effluent distribution system alternatives
and recommended routes; project scope; project schedule; and costs.
The following topics pertaining to this item were discussed: the use of effluent at Pharaohs
Golf Course; additional planned uses for irrigation; the line to the future Oso Conservation
Interpretive Park; placing additional lines for future developments; the sale of effluent water; the
timeline for the entire project to provide effluent re -use water; coordinating the Williams Drive
improvements; whether the City is encouraging the use of the gray water system; maintaining the
quality of the water; and the proposed elevated storage tank for Bill Witt Park.
There were no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for
their votes as follows:
11. MOTION NO. 2010-125
Motion authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute a construction contract with
Holloman Corporation of Converse, Texas, in the amount of $1,675,381 for Oso Water
Reclamation Plant Effluent Re -Use Pump Station (Re -Bid) Project. (CIP FY 2010)
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 opened discussion on Item 12 regarding the Weatherization Assistance
program. Director of Neighborhood Services Eddie Ortega explained that this item is for the
authorization to execute construction agreements with B & J Services and Accurate Assessment,
LLC for the purpose of implementing the Weatherization Assistance Program with a cost not to
exceed $6,500 per unit. Mr. Ortega provided a brief overview of the prior Council action and a
background of the funding from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
Mayor Adame called for comments from the audience. Dr. Gloria Scott asked questions
regarding who would be eligible for the program and how individuals would be notified of the
program. Ms. Scott requested that Council Member Kieschnick consider holding awareness
sessions on the program with various groups in the northside area. Mr. Ortega advised that funding
is available for citizens within the City limits and applicants can apply in the Neighborhood Services
Department. Mr. Ortega added that staff is preparing a marketing campaign for this program. City
Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
12. MOTION NO. 2010-126
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute construction agreements for
a cost not to exceed $6,500 per unit, excluding health and safety expenses, with B & J
Services and Accurate Assessment, LLC for the implementation of the Weatherization
Assistance Program.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
May 25, 2010 — Page 5
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 referred to Item 13 regarding the naming of the State School Park property.
City Manager Escobar announced that this item was withdrawn.
13. WITHDRAWN
Mayor Adame opened discussion on Item 14 regarding the demolition of the Memorial
Coliseum. Interim Director of Financial Services Constance Sanchez stated that staff previously
recommended the issuance of certificates of obligation to fund the demolition of the Memorial
Coliseum. Ms. Sanchez reported that staff has determined that it would be more appropriate to
utilize the General Fund unreserved fund balance to fund the demolition rather than issue the
certificates of obligation. Ms. Sanchez explained that since action was previously taken to approve
the certificates of obligation, this item requires action to rescind the prior Council action and approval
of an appropriation of funds from the unreserved fund balance.
Mayor Adame called for comments from audience. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, thanked the
City Manager and staff for recommending changing the funding mechanism for demolition costs.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
14.a. RESOLUTION NO. 028616
Resolution rescinding Resolution No. 028497 which established City's intention to reimburse
itself from proceeds of obligation for authorized purposes related to demolition of Memorial
Coliseum.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Adame, Adler,
Chesney, Elizondo, Kieschnick, Leal, Marez, Martinez, and Scott, voting "Aye".
14.b. ORDINANCE NO. 02861 7
Ordinance rescinding Ordinance No. 028498 which advanced up to $2,000,000 from the No.
1020 General Fund and appropriated into the No. 3128 Memorial Coliseum Demo 2010 CO
Fund for expenditures related to Memorial Coliseum demolition.
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".
14.c. ORDINANCE NO. 028618
Ordinance appropriating $903,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance in the General Fund
No. 1020 for the demolition of the Memorial Coliseum; changing the FY 2009-2010
Operating Budget adopted by Ordinance No. 028252 by increasing expenditures in the
General Fund No. 1020 by $903,000.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
May 25, 2010 — Page 6
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".
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Mayor Adame referred to Item 15 regarding the proposed FY2010-2011 Operating Budget
General Overview. City Manager Escobar introduced the presentation team including Assistant City
Manager Oscar Martinez, Assistant Director of Management and Budget Eddie Houlihan, Interim
Assistant City Manager Cindy O'Brien, and Interim Director of Financial Services Constance
Sanchez who were available to respond to questions.
Mr. Martinez referred to a powerpoint presentation including the City Charter requirements;
the composition of the budget; the fund structure; the zero -based budget approach; the budget
preparation process; the budget deliberation process; and the proposed budget calendar. Mr.
Martinez requested that the June 8th meeting start early to discuss the strategies of the budget.
The following topics pertaining to this item were discussed: an explanation of the employee
suggestion process; consideration of alternatives; the number of employee suggestions and whether
any suggestions were implemented in the budget; GASB 45 liability related to employees under 65
years of ages; the projected sales tax estimates; the reduction of the appraised valuation; the
reduction of employees in the Solid Waste Department; funding for the Bayfront Park and the
additional attorney position; privatization; the current tax rate; and the increase of health insurance
costs.
Council Member Scott requested a memo on the GASB 45 liability related to employees who
are under 65 years of age. Council Member Leal requested a list of the number of newly created
positions in the past five (5) years and a report on how much the City has spent on outside legal
fees.
Mayor Adame referred to Item 15.1. regarding a report on the City's Red Light Camera
Program. City Manager Escobar introduced Police Captain Jerry Vesely and Interim Assistant
Director of Financial Services Constance Sanchez. Captain Vesely referred to a powerpoint
presentation on the red Tight camera program overview including the goals of the photo enforcement
program; the use of the automated enforcement system by the Police Department; the selection of
intersection criteria; process overview; the police approval process; what the violator receives; the
red light camera operational plan; pictures of the red light camera; the types of detection systems
used; how the system works; and the number of red light camera accidents.
Ms. Sanchez referred to a powerpoint presentation on the financial information including the
financial history; allowable costs; allowable use of city's share; unpaid red light tickets; the current
process for collection; previous steps taken to collect bad debt; enhanced collection efforts; flagging
vehicle records; other cities in the process of "flagging"; next steps for "flagging"; communication
plan for"flagging' ; the hiring a collection company; and including collection of bad debt from utilities
and miscellaneous receivables as part of the collection contract.
The following topics pertaining to this item were discussed: use of the red light program on
State right-of-ways; the costs per camera; the timing of the lights; the process for rental, leased, or
stolen vehicles; options for receiving uncollected funds; whether the program is still revenue
generating; the term of the contract with RedFlex; entering into an agreement with Nueces County to
agree to deny vehicle registration on the City's behalf; notifying the public of the collection efforts;
pursuing the surrounding counties; the collection of debt and miscellaneous receivables; whether
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
May 25, 2010 — Page 7
other cities are using collection agencies; the statistics on the number of accidents; and whether the
City is prohibited from publishing the names of person with unpaid red light camera tickets.
Mayor Adame called for petitions from the audience. Dr. Gloria Scott, 4422 S. Alameda,
spoke regarding the events scheduled for the Juneteenth Celebration and the red light camera
program. Wilson Wakefield, 6026 Killarmet, spoke regarding the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and in
opposition to the Las Brisas plant. Foster Edwards, CEO/President of the Corpus Christi Chamber
of Commerce, spoke regarding the Corpus Christi Business Economic Index provided by Dr. Jim
Lee showing the creation of 2,700 jobs in the month of April. Cindy Muchler, 2434 Widgeon, stated
that her agenda is to pray for each council member and the City. Ms. Muchler expressed
disappointment in the disrespect of the comments made to the Council and thanked the Council for
the work they have done. Herman Bachmann spoke regarding a violation of the red light camera
program and the problems with the program process. Jesse Noyola, 4421 Bluefield, expressed
concern regarding the State School property naming being withdrawn from the agenda on May 18th
and today's meeting. Mr. Noyola requested that the Council place this item on the June 8th agenda
for consideration. Roland Garza spoke regarding the process for naming of parks and asked that the
naming of the State School property be sent back to the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee.
Mr. Garza suggested that the park recognize children with disabilities and name the park the
Children's Field of Dreams Park. Benito B. Barrera, 4221 Beard Drive, nominated naming the State
School Property Park after named Ruben Bonilla, Jr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, stated that he was
upset that the naming of the State School Park has become political and that the people that raised
the funds for the field should have input in naming the park.
Mayor Adame advised the public that the Council will hold a Council Retreat on Tuesday,
June 1st at the Del Mar West Campus - Emerging Technology Center at 9:00 a.m.
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There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Adame adjourned the
Council meeting at 2:45 p.m. on May 25, 2010.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
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 May 25, 2010, which were approved by the City
Council on June 8, 2010.
SEAL
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, on this the 8th day of June, 2010.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary