HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 09/06/2019 - Special 4pUS Ctj,`
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I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes of
the Special Meeting of the Corpus Christi City Council of September 6, 2019 which
were approved by the City Council on September 24, 2019.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, on this the 24th day of September 2019.
E,,..,6e_6e6..i----/-----,Le,E6,
Rebecca Huerta
City Secretary
Corpus Christi, Texas
(S E A L)
City of Corpus Christi
Rebecca Huerta, City Secretary
P.O. Box 9277
Corpus Christi, Texas 78469-9277
(361) 826-3105 SCANNED
rebeccah(acctexas.com
Ci of Cor us Christi 1201 Leopard Street
`O '� `7 f' Corpus Christi,TX 78401
i' cctexas.com
Meeting Minutes
City Council
Friday,September 6,2019 9:00 AM Council Chambers
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Public Notice --THE USE OF CELLULAR PHONES AND SOUND ACTIVATED
PAGERS ARE PROHIBITED IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS DURING
MEETINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL.
MEMBERS OF THE AUDIENCE WILL BE PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY TO
ADDRESS THE COUNCIL AT APPROXIMATELY 9:00 A.M. CITIZEN COMMENTS
WILL BE LIMITED TO THREE MINUTES. Please speak into the microphone
located at the podium and state your name and address. If you have a petition or
other information pertaining to your subject, please present it to the City
Secretary. Any electronic media (e.g. CD, DVD,flash drive)that the Public would
like to use while they speak to the City Council MUST be submitted a minimum of
24 hours prior to the meeting. Please contact the Communication department at
361-826-3211 to coordinate.
A. Mayor Joe McComb to call the meeting to order.
Mayor McComb called the meeting to order at 9:01 a.m.
B. Invocation to be given by Mayor Joe McComb.
Mayor Joe McComb gave the invocation.
C. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States and to the Texas Flag to be
led by Diana Martinez,Administrative Manager, Engineering Services.
Diana Martinez led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States
and the Texas flag.
D. City Secretary Rebecca L. Huerta to call the roll of the required Charter Officers.
City Secretary Rebecca L.Huerta called the roll and verified that a quorum of
the City Council and the required Charter Officers were present to conduct the
meeting.
Charter Officers:
City Manager Peter Zanoni,City Attorney Miles K. Risley,and City Secretary
Rebecca L.Huerta.
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Present: 9- Mayor Joe McComb,Council Member Roland Barrera,Council Member Rudy
Garza,Council Member Paulette Guajardo,Council Member Gil
Hemandez,Council Member Michael Hunter,Council Member Ben
Molina,Council Member Everett Roy, and Council Member Greg Smith
F. PUBLIC COMMENT FROM THE AUDIENCE ON MATTERS NOT SCHEDULED ON
THE AGENDA WILL BE HEARD AT APPROXIMATELY 9:00 A.M. A recording is
made of the meeting; therefore, please speak into the microphone located at the
podium and state your name and address. If you choose to speak during this
public comment period regarding an item on the agenda, you may do so. You will
not be allowed to speak again, however, when the Council is considering the
item. Citizen comments are limited to three minutes. If you have a petition or
other information pertaining to your subject, please present it to the City
Secretary. Any electronic media (e.g. CD, DVD,flash drive)that the Public would
like to use while they speak MUST be submitted a minimum of 24 hours prior to
the Meeting. Please contact the Communication department at 361-826-3211 to
coordinate.All items on this agenda are considered public hearings.
Mayor McComb deviated from the agenda and referred to comments from the
public.City Secretary Rebecca L.Huerta conducted the public comment period
by stating that pursuant to passage of new legislation,a citizen may choose to
make comments on each item on the agenda or during the public comment
period before any report is given on the agenda;therefore,the public
comment period would be moved before the City Manager's Comments and
Agenda Items.
James Robeau, 14233 Fairway Drive,spoke in opposition to agenda item 10,
rezoning a property from a single family district to a neighborhood commercial
district;asked the Council if they were aware that a new elementary school
was being built in the Calallen Independent School District;that there are no
city services provided in that area since it is a county road;that the sanitation
has a negative grade;that the drainage belongs to the county;whether there
would be a retention pond to drain into;and the effect a commercial property
would have on the hog habitat living at the county park.John Medina,4931
Mokry Drive,spoke about his candidacy for Mayor of Corpus Christi.Adam
Carrington 2949 Riverbend Court,Pastor of Brooks AME Worship Center and
Robert Hernandez,4114 Warefield,spoke in opposition to closing the Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission(EEOC)office in Corpus Christi;and
asked the Council to reconsider.
E. CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS/ UPDATE ON CITY OPERATIONS:
Mayor McComb referred to City Manager's Comments.City Manager Peter
Zanoni reported on the following topics:
a. OTHER
1)City Manager Zanoni recognized the City of Corpus Christi's Gulf Beach
Lifeguards and presented a video on lifeguard training and teamwork,adding
that this fiscal year the lifeguards rescued 136 swimmers in distress and
assisted 550 swimmers and visitors with minor accidents and/or injuries,and
thanked the lifeguards present on behalf of the City.2)Reported on Senate Bill
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21,which raises the legal age to purchase and/or consume tobacco and
e-cigarettes from 18 years to 21 years old,with the exception of active military
members 18 years and over;that Texas is the 15th State to raise the age limit;
that a violation constitutes a Class C misdemeanor;that businesses selling
tobacco must have the correct signage and train employees on the new law;
that the Health District and the Police Department's Vice Division are working
together to produce the Tobacco 21 public service announcement(PSA);the
PSA will beginning airing on local television stations,radio and newspapers
on Saturday,September 7.3)Nine members have been appointed to the
Charter Review Committee;that the City Manager is attending the meetings
and will provide updates to the Council;that the committee will research
charter revisions and look at best practices;that the committee will seek public
input in a manner similar to that used by the City during the budget process;
and that the committee will meet monthly.
G. BOARD &COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS:
1. Corpus Christi B Corporation (3 vacancies)
Corpus Christi Business and Job Development Corporation (3
vacancies)
Mayor McComb referred to board and committee appointments.
Council members,City Secretary Rebecca L.Huerta and City Attorney Miles K.
Risley dicussed the following topics: Robert's Rules of Order; process of
reappointment and nominations;whether elected officials are restricted from
serving on a board;and prior legal opinion that Type A&B Corporations are
not a city board or commission for that purpose;and that a copy of that opinion
will be provided to the Council.
The following appointments were made:
Corpus Christi B Corporation(Type B)and Corpus Christi Business and Job
Development Corporation(Type A)
Council Member Hernandez made a motion to reappoint Scott M.Harris
(Regular Member),seconded by Council Member Garza.Scott M. Harris
(Regular Member)was reappointed with Mayor McComb and Council Members
Hunter,Molina,Smith,Garza,Guajardo,and Hemandez voting"Aye"and
Council Members Roy and Barrera voting"No".Scott M.Harris was
reappointed to both Type A and Type B Corporations.
Council Member Barrera made a motion to reappoint John Valls(Regular
Member),seconded by Council Member Hunter.John Valls(Regular Member)
was reappointed with Mayor McComb and Council Members Hunter,Molina,
Roy,Smith,Barrera,Garza,and Guajardo voting"Aye"and Council Member
Hernandez voting"No".John Valls was reappointed to both Type A and Type B
Corporations.
Council Member Smith nominated Alan R.Wilson(Regular Member).Council
Member Molina nominated Eric Villarreal(Regular Member).Council Member
Hernandez nominated John F.Wilson(Regular Member).Alan R.Wilson
(Regular Member)was appointed with Mayor McComb and Council Members
Hunter,Garza,Smith and Roy voting for Alan R.Wilson,Council Members
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Guajardo,Barrera and Molina voting for Eric Villarreal,and Council Member
Hernandez voting for John F.Wilson(Regular Member).Alan R.Wilson was
appointed to both Type A and Type B Corporations.
Council Member Garza made a motion to appoint Michael T.Hunter
(Non-Voting City Council Liaison),seconded by Mayor McComb and passed
unanimously.
H. EXPLANATION OF COUNCIL ACTION:
CONSENT AGENDA: (ITEMS 2 -5, 8 -9)
Approval of the Consent Agenda
Mayor McComb referred to the Consent Agenda.A council member requested
that Items 6 and 7 be pulled for individual consideration.There were no
comments from the Council or the public.
A motion was made by Council Member Garza,seconded by Council Member
Hunter,to approve the Consent Agenda.The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 9- Mayor McComb, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Garza, Council
Member Guajardo, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter,
Council Member Molina, Council Member Roy and Council Member Smith
Abstained: 0
2. Zoning Case No. 0719-01 Corpus Christi Limousines Unlimited, Inc.
(District 1) Ordinance amending Zoning Ordinance 031465 on a property
at or near 4001 Leopard Street by adding a 12-month time extension to
the special permit time initially approved. Planning Commission and Staff
recommend Approval.
This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: 031855
3. Zoning Case No: 0719-04 Guillermo Munoz. (District 1) Ordinance
rezoning property at or near 121 Pueblo Avenue from the "IL" Light
Industrial District to the "RM-3" Multifamily Residential District. Planning
Commission and Staff recommend Approval.
This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: 031856
4. Zoning Case No: 0719-03, Cloudcroft Land Ventures, Inc. (District 5)
Ordinance rezoning property at or near 6202 Yorktown Boulevard from
the "RM-1" Multifamily District to the "CN-1" Neighborhood Commercial
District. Planning Commission and Staff recommend Approval.
This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda.
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Enactment No: 031857
5. Ordinance authorizing an agreement with Corpus Christi PATCH, Inc. to
allow use of portions of Taylor, Mesquite, Starr and Chaparral Streets for
the Que Bueno Taco Festival and related activities scheduled for
September 14, 2019.
This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: 031858
8. Motion authorizing a two-year service agreement with Nesmith Electrical
Services LLC to provide on-call electrical maintenance, repair, and
installation services for Sunrise Beach, Rincon Pump Station, and
Wesley Seale Dam which are in the same general location, for an amount
not to exceed $100,000.00, with options to extend for up to three
additional one-year periods not to exceed $50,000.00 per option year,
for a total amount not to exceed $250,000.00, effective upon issuance of
a notice to proceed, with first-year funding in the amount of$50,000.00
available in the Water Fund.
This Motion was passed on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: M2019-144
9. Resolution authorizing execution of an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement
with the Corpus Christi Management District for improvements to
Artesian Park in the amount of$150,000.00, funded through the Tax
Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 3.
This Resolution was passed on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: 031860
CONSENT AGENDA: (ITEMS 6 -7)
Mayor McComb referred to Items 6 and 7.
Council Member Hernandez,Fire Chief Robert Rocha and City Manager Peter
Zanoni discussed the following topics:why service agreements are being
processed through the Fire Department and not Asset Management as is the
norm;the ease and expediency of emergency repairs if processed through the
Fire Department;the contractual process and the need to remain consistent in
all departments; and the process is not unusual for the Fire Department to
manage its own facilities since it is different than an administrative building.
There were no comments from the public.
Council Member Hernandez made a motion to approve Items 6 and 7,
seconded by Council Member Molina. These items were passed on second
reading and approved with one vote:
6. Motion authorizing a two-year service agreement with three one-year
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renewal options with DarPro Commercial Construction, LLC for building
maintenance services for the Fire Department in the amount not to
exceed $45,000.00 annually effective upon issuance of a notice to
proceed with first-year funding available in the FY 2019 General Fund.
This Motion was passed and approved with the following vote:
Aye: 9- Mayor McComb, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Garza, Council
Member Guajardo, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter,
Council Member Molina, Council Member Roy and Council Member Smith
Abstained: 0
Enactment No: M2019-143
7. Resolution authorizing a two-year service agreement with three additional
one-year renewal options with Gourley Contractors, for electrical services
for Fire Department facilities in an amount not to exceed $40,000.00
annually effective upon issuance of a notice to proceed with first-year
funding available in the FY 2019 General Fund.
This Resolution was passed and approved with the following vote:
Aye: 9- Mayor McComb, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Garza, Council
Member Guajardo, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter,
Council Member Molina, Council Member Roy and Council Member Smith
Abstained: 0
Enactment No: 031859
J. PUBLIC HEARINGS: (ITEMS 10 - 11)
10. Zoning Case No. 0719-05, Mostaghasi Investment Trust (District 1):
Ordinance rezoning property at or near Northwest Boulevard & County
Road 69 from the "RS-6" Single-Family 6 District to the "CN-2"
Neighborhood Commercial District. Planning Commission and Staff
recommend Approval.
Mayor McComb referred to Item 10.Director of Development Services Nina
Nixon-Mendez stated that the purpose of this item is a zoning request from a
"RS-6"Single Family District to the"CN-2"Neighborhood Commercial District
to allow for the construction of a neighborhood business center.
Director Nixon-Mendez presented information on the following topics:aerial
overview;subject property at Northwest Blvd.&CR 69;zoning pattern;
Planning Commission and staff recommendation; public notification; Unified
Development Code(UDC)requirements;and Calallen West Elementary traffic
circulation.
Mayor McComb opened the public hearing.There were no comments from the
public.
Council Members,Director Nixon-Mendez,Miguel Saldana,Saldana
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Consulting,discussed the following topics:the letter in opposition addressed
sanitary sewer and drainage concerns; utilities are available;drainage will be
done as part of replatting;any distance requirements or restrictions that
prohibit certain types of activities in the area due to the school; bars and
nightclubs are not allowed,but convenience stores and gas stations can sell
cigarettes and beer;that a portion of CR 69 is in the county;that the Texas
Alcoholic Beverage Commission(TABC)limits the sale of alcohol to no closer
than 300 feet from a school;the property has enough coverage to locate a
convenience store further west;that there are no regulations on the sale of
tobacco products;commercial offices and retail establishments are the intent
of the developer and not a convenience store;traffic will have minimal impact
to the new school;the kind of road section at CR 69 and any plans to improve
the street;and that if problems surface regarding the road during the platting
stage,the developer will coordinate with the county.
Mayor McComb closed the public hearing.
Council Member Roy made a motion to approve the Ordinance,seconded by
Council Member Garza. This Ordinance was passed on first reading and
approved with the following vote:
Aye: 9- Mayor McComb, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Garza, Council
Member Guajardo, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter,
Council Member Molina, Council Member Roy and Council Member Smith
Abstained: 0
11. Zoning Case No. 0719-07, McCord Wholesale (District 3) Ordinance
rezoning property at or near 5564/5566 Ayers Street from the "IL" Light
Industrial District to the "RV" Recreational Vehicle Park District. Planning
Commission and Staff recommend Denial. (3/4 favorable vote required
to overrule Planning Commission recommendation of Denial.)
Mayor McComb referred to Item 11.Director of Development Services Nina
Nixon-Mendez stated that the purpose of this item is a zoning request from a
"IL"Light Industrial District to the"RV"Recreational Vehicle Park District to
allow for the development of a"RV"Recreational Vehicle Park.
Director Nixon-Mendez presented information on the following topics:aerial
overview;subject property at 5564/5566 Ayers Street;zoning pattern; Planning
Commission and staff recommendation; public notification;and Unified
Development Code(UDC)requirements.
Mayor McComb opened the public hearing.Xavier Galvan,2725 Swantner,
representing the owner,spoke in favor of the rezoning and stated that the
rezoning and development of an RV park would not negatively affect the
property owners adjacent to the subject property;that there is a successful
existing mobile home park just south of the subject property,which is also
adjacent to an industrial area;that a report of future development across Ayers
Street is being proposed for a commercial shopping center;that if successful
with the rezoning,the owner plans to rezone the remaining property for an
additional RV park;and if the rezoning is denied,that would affect future
expansion.
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Council Members and Director Nixon-Mendez discussed the following topics:
supporting the Planning Commission and staff recommendation to deny the
rezoning;difficulty in developing the area because of potential environmental
concerns;and would allowing the development increase the City's ad valorem
taxes.
Mayor McComb closed the public hearing.
Council Member Barrera made a motion to approve the Ordinance denying the
rezoning of property at or near 5564/5566 Ayers Street from the"IL"Light
Industrial District to the"RV"Recreational Vehicle Park District,seconded by
Council Member Molina.This Ordinance was passed on first reading and
approved with the following vote:
Aye: 9- Mayor McComb, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Garza, Council
Member Guajardo, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter,
Council Member Molina, Council Member Roy and Council Member Smith
Abstained: 0
K. BUDGET RELATED ITEMS: (ITEMS 12 -16)
12. FY 2020 Proposed Budget Wrap-Up
Mayor McComb referred to Item 12.Director of Management and Budget Eddie
Houlihan stated that the purpose of this item is to provide City Council with an
overview of the findings from the five Public Input Sessions and four City
Council Budget Workshops.
Director Houlihan presented information on the following topics:dates and
topics of council workshops; location of budget public input sessions in
respective City Council districts; citizen concerns and comments in each
district;public input session summary;city manager's recommended additions
based on 5 community input sessions;and staff amendments to the Airport,
Type A Fund and Wastewater.
Council members,Director Houlihan and Chief Financial Officer Constance
Sanchez discussed the following topics:is the$2.1 million reduction in
wastewater fees an actual reduction;will there be a$2.1 million increase in
the budget in 2020-2021;revenue will increase when a full year of winter
quarter averaging has been in place;the process of budgeting projects out of
Type A funds;that the operating budget and capital improvement program
(CIP)are not being voted on separately; issues with CIP budget in relation to
the selection of residential streets for rehabilitation and reconstruction;will
rates change due to winter quarter averaging; is there an analysis that the
Council can receive to determine who will be effected the most;that high
summer water users will see a decrease in their water bill;working on
developing a new structure for storm water fees to be billed separately and
that the recommendation will be brought back to Council in the spring for
consideration;water fees will be reduced,but customers will pay an
independent storm water fee based on storm water runoff;this practice is
consistent with other Texas cities;separate storm water tiers for residential
and commercial users;that the storm water rate structure is unfair;concerns
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with transparency;a reduction in revenue due to switching to winter quarter
averaging; not collecting the high wastewater fees in the summer time
because of switching billing methodology;customers will see the relief next
year if they continue with the same water usage;the need to inform the
residents that almost 40%of the bill is for storm water cost;what impact will
the change have on the IT department; no evidence that the system is not
working appropriately; updating software in preparation for the switch to
winter quarter averaging;that the system will be properly tested and vetted
before putting winter quarter averaging into production;that last year's data
cannot be used because the data is questionable;the increase in raw water
and water rates was presented during the budget workshop and have been
previously discussed;simplifying the information on the water bill for the
customer;and communicating the fees more effectively.
13. Second Public Hearing on Fiscal Year 2020 Ad Valorem Tax Rate
Mayor McComb referred to Item 13. Interim Director of Financial Services Alma
Casas stated that the purpose of this item is to hold the second public hearing
on the proposed Fiscal Year 2020 Ad Valorem Tax Rate of$0.646264 per$100
valuation,which includes an increase of two cents from the prior year's
property tax rate,to be used for residential streets as approved by the citizens
on November 8,2016,and that the Property Tax Code requires two public
hearings be held on the proposed Ad Valorem Tax Rate if the proposed tax
rate exceeds either the rollback rate or the effective tax rate,whichever is
lower.Interim Director Casas added that since the City's proposed tax rate
exceeds the effective tax rate,two public hearings are required with today's
public hearing being the second and final hearing.
Mayor McComb opened the public hearing.There were no comments from the
Council or the public.Mayor McComb closed the public hearing.
Mayor McComb read the following statement,"During the September 17,2019
City Council meeting beginning at 11:30 a.m.at City Hall,the City Council will
vote on the proposed property tax rate."
14. Public Hearing and First Reading Ordinance adopting the City of Corpus
Christi Operating Budget and the Capital Improvement Program Budget
for the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 beginning October 1, 2019; authorizing
personnel complements; appropriating monies as provided in the
Budget.
Mayor McComb referred to Item 14.Director of Management and Budget Eddie
Houlihan stated that the purpose of this item is to hold a public hearing and
adopt the budget and capital improvement program for fiscal year 2019-20
beginning October 1,2019.
Director Houlihan presented information on the following topics:that the
budget is balanced;and addresses Council and community priorities;the total
FY 2020 city budget; proposed budget general fund(with transfers); general
fund budget; budgeted positions;civilian employee compensation;capital
budget; next steps to adopt the budget;and the schedule of adjustments.
Mayor McComb opened the public hearing.Ray Madrigal de Pancho Villa,
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4253 Dody St.,spoke regarding his disappointment with the decision to reduce
the number of employees in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
(EEOC)office;questioned the legality of the posting for today's special
meeting;complimented the Mayor for asking questions that the general public
would want to know,and asked the Council to take a second look at the
budget before approving it.Mayor McComb closed the public hearing.
Council members,Director Houlihan,City Manager Peter Zanoni and City
Attorney Miles K.Risley discussed the following topics: posting the adoption of
the operating budget and the capital improvement program(CIP)separately
for second reading;not wanting to hold up approving the operating budget but
had questions on the CIP budget;the proper way to make changes to this
ordinance;and the process to amend the ordinance.
Council Member Barrera made a motion to amend the ordinance to include
the Schedule of Adjustments containing the Amendments to the FY 2019-2020
Proposed Budget.
Council members discussed the following additional topics:the$0.02 rate
increase used for streets exclusively;voting against property tax increase;
reallocating a portion of the$170 million in capital improvement to residential
streets;proposing to amend the budget by removing the$4.2 million out of the
residential streets fund and not increasing the ad valorem tax by$0.02;that
voters approved the funding,but did not mandate the project;and the effect of
reducing the budget by$4.2 million on departments and projects.
The motion to amend the ordinance was seconded by Council Member Molina
and passed unanimously.
Council Member Barrera made a motion to approve the ordinance as
amended,seconded by Council Member Molina.This Ordinance was passed
on first reading as amended and approved with the following vote:
Aye: 8- Mayor McComb, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Garza, Council
Member Guajardo, Council Member Hunter, Council Member Molina,
Council Member Roy and Council Member Smith
Nay: 1 - Council Member Hernandez
Abstained: 0
15. First Reading Ordinance ratifying the property tax increase reflected in
the FY 2019-2020 Operating Budget that will require raising more
revenue from property taxes than in the FY 2018-2019 Operating Budget
in amount of$9,321,332, of which $4,198,157 represents property tax
revenues of$0.02 per$100 valuation to be used towards residential
street reconstruction.
Mayor McComb referred to Item 15.Director of Management and Budget Eddie
Houlihan stated that the purpose of this item is to ratify the property tax
increase reflected in the FY 2019-2020 Operating Budget that will require
raising more revenue from property taxes than in the FY 2018-2019 Operating
Budget in the amount of$9,321,332,of which$4,198,157 represents property tax
revenues of$0.02 per$100 valuation to be used toward residential street
reconstruction.There were no comments from the Council or the public.
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Council Member Barrera made a motion to approve the ordinance,seconded
by Council Member Guajardo. This Ordinance was passed on first reading and
approved with the following vote:
Aye: 8- Mayor McComb, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Garza, Council
Member Guajardo, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Molina,
Council Member Roy and Council Member Smith
Nay: 1 - Council Member Hunter
Abstained: 0
16. First Reading Ordinance amending the City Code of Ordinances,
Chapter 55, Utilities, revising water rates as of January 1, 2020; revising
residential wastewater billings beginning in March 2020 by establishing
residential wastewater winter quarter averaging based upon the average
of three complete monthly water utility billings from December 2019
through February 2020, and recalculating the winter quarter average for
residential wastewater customers every year thereafter; revising
commercial wastewater rates as of January 1, 2020; amending the City
Code of Ordinances, Chapter 55, regarding 9-1-1 emergency service
fees as of January 1, 2020; and approving Parks and Recreation Fee
Schedule effective October 1, 2019.
Mayor McComb referred to Item 16.Director of Management and Budget Eddie
Houlihan stated that the purpose of this item is to adopt the City of Corpus
Christi Code of Ordinances for water rates;revising wastewater rates and
establishing winter quarter averaging for residential wastewater billing;
changes to 9-1-1 emergency service fees and approving the Parks and
Recreation fee schedule.
Director Houlihan presented information on the following topics: proposed 2020
and 2021 summary of all water rate adjustments for residential and commercial
customers;wastewater winter quarter averaging methodology for residential
customers; no increase in commercial wastewater rates; proposed 911 fees;
Parks and Recreation fee highlights;and noted that staff was proposing two(2)
amendments to the Ordinance as follows: removing"revising commercial
wastewater rates as of January 1,2020"from the caption on page 1;and
correcting the fees for inside city limits commercial per 1,000 gallons over
2,000 from$4.79 to$4.70,and outside the city limits commercial per 1,000
gallons over 2,000 from$9.59 to$9.35 on page 11.
Mayor McComb called for public comment There were no comments from the
public.
Council members,Director Houlihan,Interim Director of Finance Alma Casas,
City Manager Peter Zanoni and Assistant City Manager Mark Van Vleck
discussed the following topics:that winter quarter averaging calculation
begins December 1 and continues through February 28;the City's ability to run
reports after each billing cycle to account for potential outliers to maintain
public confidence in the City's billing system;steps in the works to improve
customer care and confidence in the system;that management is
recommending changes to the Water Department to include and develop a
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better customer service department to build customer confidence;and that low
water users will pay more under the winter quarter averaging.
Council Member Hernandez made a motion to approve the ordinance with the
exception of Section 1 regarding water rates and Section 2 regarding
wastewater rates,and to consider them separately,seconded by Council
Member Smith.
Council members,Director Houlihan,City Manager Zanoni and Assistant
Director of Support Services at Utilities Treatment Reba George discussed the
following topics: how will the budget be impacted if the water and wastewater
rates are not approved;a reduction in revenue and the budget not being
balanced;that the Water Department's budget would need to be reduced by
$3.4 million;that the$3.4 million would affect the Water Department's staffing
conversion from temps to permanent employees,the creation of new positions,
the purchase of equipment and consulting services;that the issue is
understanding the complicated rate matrix in calculating water and
wastewater rates and not decreasing the revenue.
This motion to approve the ordinance with the exception of Section 1
regarding water rates and Section 2 regarding wastewater rates,and to
consider them separately,passed with the following vote: Council Members
Molina,Roy,Smith,Barrera,Garza,Guajardo and Hernandez voting"Aye"and
Mayor McComb and Council Member Hunter voting"No".
Council members,Director Houlihan,City Manager Zanoni,Assistant City
Manager Van Vleck and Assistant Director George discussed the following
topics;what the effect will be on both low and high end users;that the 2.8
percent increase should be equalized across the board for residential,
commercial and outside-city-limits users; looking at alternatives so the Water
Department's proposed enhancements are not cut out completely;why
increasing the rate across the board will not work;that increasing rates outside
the city limits will not bring in much revenue;that those outside the city limits
cannot be charged for storm water;what the real impact is on increasing
across the board;that the rate should be based on cost of services delivered;
that the across the board approach could result in less revenue;the potential
legal recourse on wholesale contracts as to how fees are calculated related to
the cost of services;the driving force in the rates is the storm water cost and
the distribution cost borne by commercial and residential customers;direction
to raise the rates 2.8 percent across the board with no impact on revenue
amounts;that the staff come back on the 17th with an alternative water rate
schedule,taking into consideration increasing fees across the board,or
increasing the non-residents's fees,and presenting the alternatives for water
and wastewater rates separately.
Council Member Barrera made a motion to approve Section 1 and Section 2 of
the ordinance as presented,incorporating the amendments proposed by staff,
seconded by Council Member Smith.This Ordinance was passed on first
reading and approved with the following vote:
Aye: 9- Mayor McComb, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Garza, Council
Member Guajardo, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter,
Council Member Molina, Council Member Roy and Council Member Smith
Abstained: 0
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City Council Meeting Minutes September 6,2019
L. FIRST READING ORDINANCES: (NONE)
M. RECESS TO CORPORATION MEETING: (ITEM 17)
17. Annual Board of Directors Meeting of the Corpus Christi Community
Improvement Corporation
This Corporation Meeting was held.
N. RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING:
O. BRIEFINGS: (ITEM 18)
18. Review of Local Preference
Mayor McComb referred to Item 18.Contracts and Procurement Director Kim
Baker stated that the purpose of this item is to provide a review of the local
preference regulations and to discuss how to assist more local businesses to do
business with the City.
Director Baker presented information on the following topics: local preference
council policy; local preference state law; local preference state law 3%rule
and the 5%rule;local preference challenges;and opportunities for local
businesses.
Council members and Director Baker discussed the following topics: is
research performed on out-of-state bidders; how"local"is defined;the purpose
of vendor outreach is to register,educate and discuss challenges;suggestions
for different types of vendor fairs used in surrounding areas,like on-the-spot
bidding for smaller jobs; helping purchasers step out of their comfort zone and
being more open minded regarding the importance of competitive pricing;that
local preference does not apply to professional services,but the Contracts and
Procurement Department will benchmark other cities;and keeping the monies
in Corpus Christi.
P. EXECUTIVE SESSION:
None.
Q. IDENTIFY COUNCIL FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor McComb referred to Future Agenda Items.The following item was
identified:a request to meet with the three(3)City-appointed Commissioners of
the Port of Corpus Christi Authority.
R. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 1:48 p.m.
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