CITY OF ROCKPORT

AGENDA

CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 24, 2012 Rockport City Hall, 622 East Market Street

NOTICE is hereby given that the Rockport City Council will hold a Workshop Meeting on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. at the Rockport City Hall, 622 E. Market, Rockport, Texas. The following subjects will be discussed to wit:

I. CALL TO ORDER.

II. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION

A. Update, presentation and general discussion by the Keep Rockport Beautiful Quarterly Activity Report to include current/future projects, goals, and accomplishments.

B. Presentation by Mr. Henry G. Shepherd, 709 N. Fifth Street, Fulton, TX of the City’s policies regarding: (1) paying interest on utility deposits; (2) minimum water rates; and (3) and utility turn-on/off fees.

C. Discuss whether to provide free parking at the Rockport Beach Park for persons who are 100% Disabled.

D. Update, presentation and general discussion on charging electricity use fees to local area teams and leagues requesting “exclusive use” of city owned athletic fields and courts.

E. Update, presentation and general discussion of December 2011 Community Relations Report by Consultant Vicki Pitluk.

F. Update, presentation and general discussion on status of contract negotiations with Aransas County Navigation District on Agreement for Management of the Rockport Beach Park.

III. ADJOURNMENT

NOTICE This facility is wheelchair accessible and accessible parking spaces are available. Requests for accommodations or interpretive services must be made 48 hours prior to this meeting. Please contact the City Secretary’s office at 361/729-2213 ext. 225 or FAX 361/790-5966 or E-Mail [email protected] for further information. Braille Is Not Available. The City of Rockport reserves the right to convene into Closed Session under Government Code 551.071-551.074 and 551-086.

CERTIFICATION

City of Rockport, Texas January 24, 2012 City Council Workshop Agenda Page 1 of 2 Pages

I certify that the above notice of meeting was posted on the bulletin board at City Hall, 622 E. Market Street, Rockport, Texas on Friday, January 20, 2012, at 5:00 p.m. and on the City’s webpage at www.cityofrockport.com. I further certify that the following News Media were properly notified of this meeting as stated above: The Rockport Pilot, Coastal Bend Herald, and Corpus Christi Caller Times.

Irma Parker, City Secretary

I certify that the attached notice and agenda of items to be considered by the City Council was removed by me from the bulletin board at City on the day of 2010.

Title:

City of Rockport, Texas January 24, 2012 City Council Workshop Agenda Page 2 of 2 Pages CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Workshop Meeting: Tuesday, January 24, 2012

AGENDA ITEM “A”

Update, presentation and general discussion by the Keep Rockport Beautiful Quarterly Activity Report to include current/future projects, goals, and accomplishments.

SUBMITTED BY: City Secretary Irma Parker APPROVED FOR INCLUSION ON AGENDA: TJB (19)

SUMMARY STATEMENT: The City Council has requested that each of the City’s board/commissions report their activity on a quarterly basis to the Council at a workshop meeting. This provides both the Committee/boards to update Council on their activities and address any concerns, policy change, etc. Attached is Rockport Code of Ordinances, Chapter 42, Article II, Division 1 which established the Keep Rockport Beautiful Advisory Board.

Board_Commission Report.doc Page 1 of 1 Pages ENVIRONMENT

ARTICLE I. IN GENERAL

Secs. 42-142-10. Reserved. Editor's note-Formerly, Art. I contained 5 42-1, noise, derived from the 1972 Code, $ 12-3. Such section was repealed by Ord. No. 1154, 5 1, adopted May 23, 2000. See Art. 111, $42-81, etc. for current provisions concerning such subject matter.

ARTICLE 11. SANITATION AND NUISANCE ABATEMENT

DIVISION 1. KEEP ROCKPORT BEAUTIFUL ADVISORY BOARD

Sec. 42-11. Appointments. (a) Members of the Keep Rockport Beautiful Advisory Board shall be qualified voters residing in the city.

(b) The Keep Rockport Beautiful Advisory Board shall consist of 11 members and include as officers a chairman, vice chairman and secretary. The mayor, or his designate, shall be an ex-officio member. The appointment of members will be by the mayor and approved by the city council for three-year overlapping terms with the exception of the initial members who shall be appointed as follows: (1) Four members to be appointed for three years. (2) Four members to be appointed for two years. (3) Three members to be appointed for one year. (c) All members so appointed shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified. Members shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for personal expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, when authorized in advance by the city manager. The board will elect officers of the board. (d) The city council should strive to balance board membership to represent best each ward. (Ord. No. 1244, 5 2, 4-22-03)

Sec. 42-12. Organization. (a) The Keep Rockport Beautiful Advisory Board shall: (1) Hold one regular monthly meeting and other special meetings as deemed necessary. (2) Elect a chairman, vice-chairman and secretary-treasurer to serve out a term of one calendar year, who shall serve the board as follows: a. Chairman. The chairman of the board shall be responsible for the calling and the conduct of all meetings and shall be responsible for the preparation and posting of meeting agendas as required by law.

Supp. No. 15 0 42-12 ROCKPORT CODE

b. Vice-chairman. The vice-chairman shall act in the absence of the chairman and perform other such duties as directed by the chairman. c. Secretary-treasurer. The secretary-treasurer of said board shall keep a perma- nent record of the proceedings of meetings and submit a copy of said proceedings to the city council each month, and shall also keep a permanent record of donated funds. Such funds received shall be delivered to the city's finance director to be maintained in a separate trust account, with the funds expended only for the purpose for which they were donated. Such account shall be audited annually as part of the regular city audit.

(b) The city manager shall ensure that the Keep Rockport Beautiful Advisory Board receives the staff support necessary to prepare minutes, correspondence and other written material.

(c) All meetings of the advisory board will be open to the public and in conformance with the rules and regulations of the Texas Open Meetings Law. (1) The board shall hold all meetings at the Rockport City Hall. (2) A majority of the members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

(3) Any member who is absent from three consecutive meetings of the board without valid excuse, as determined the board, shall be automatically dismissed form the member- ship and the city council advised that such vacancy exists.

(4) Vacancies occurring on the board, for whatever reason, will be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term within 30 days, by appointment of the mayor with the consent of the city council. (Ord. No. 1244, fj 2, 4-22-03)

Sec. 42-13. Purpose.

The Keep Rockport Beautiful Advisory Board shall have the purpose of working towards continued city improvement and beautification of its environment and shall:

(1) Actively encourage citizen support for improving and beautifying the city.

(2) Regularly report to the city council any resolutions, recommendations and reports adopted by the board. (Ord. No. 1244, 0 2,4-22-03)

Sec. 42-14. Duties.

The Keep Rockport Beautiful Advisory Board shall: (1) Determine the goals of the city beautification and develop long range plans and programs for improvement and beautification within the city.

Supp. No. 15 ENVIRONMENT 6 42-16

(2) Prepare, with recommendations, an annual Keep Rockport Beautiful budget, to be submitted for approval by the city council. The funds included in the budget shall be for normal administrative costs of the committee. In addition, the committee may recommend different projects for beautification, which, if implemented by the city, will be budgeted as part of its regular budgeting procedure.

(3) Recommend the selection and employment of such personnel, agents or consultants as the board deems necessary, within the limits of their approved city budget.

(4) Act as the city's representative in all matters relating to state, federal and county beautification programs.

(5) Arrange and conduct, subject to prior council approval, publicity campaigns relative to its activities, for better public understanding. Any such plan shall have prior city council approval before implementation.

(6) Accept, with approval of city council, gifts, donations and grants on behalf of the city for the development of beautification and improvement of the city.

(7) Recommend to city council schedules of fees and charges for the use of any such facilities under the jurisdiction of said board. (Ord. No. 1244, 8 2, 4-22-03)

Sec. 42-15. Liaisons.

(a) With the approval of the council, the mayor shall designate one council member to serve as the council liaison to the Keep Rockport Beautiful Advisory Board. The appointed individual shall receive notice of all Keep Rockport Beautiful Advisory Board meetings, minutes of all meetings, and all other materials submitted to or from the park and leisure services advisory board.

(b) The park and leisure service director will serve as a staff advisor to the Keep Rockport Beautiful Advisory Board. (Ord. No. 1244, 8 2, 4-22-03)

DIVISION 2. PROPERTY, ENVIRONMENT AND SAFETY

Subdivision I. General

Sec. 42-16. Title.

The following provisions shall be and constitute the Rockport Property, Environmental and Safety Ordinance. (Ord. No. 1083, 5 1(1.1), 6-9-98)

Supp. No. 18 ROCKPORT CITY COUNCIL Workshop Meeting: Tuesday, January 24, 2012

AGENDA ITEM: “B “ Presentation by Mr. Henry G. Shepherd, 709 N. Fifth Street, Fulton, TX of the City’s policies regarding: (1) paying interest on utility deposits; (2) minimum water rates; and (3) and utility turn-on/off fees.

SUBMITTED BY: Finance Director Jacky Cockerham 1/19/2012 City Secretary Irma Parker APPROVED FOR INCLUSION ON THE AGENDA: TJB (19)

SUMMARY STATEMENT: The City of Rockport received a letter dated December 20, 2011 and a second one on January 3, 2012 from a customer expressing a concern that his $75.00 utility deposit was not earning interest. Municipal Law and Procedure Manual Section 23.10 (g) (1) Deposits and Late Charges, and Local Government Code Section 5.904 Municipality Not Governed by Corporate Law both cover the requirement of interest paid on deposits. Municipalities are not specifically named in the statutes so this does not apply. The second letter received also complains about utility rates, ‘turn-on’ fees, and property taxes. Mr. Shepherd is a Canadian Winter Texan with a second home in Fulton, Texas.

BACKGROUND: Municipal Law and Procedure Manual Section 23.10, (g) Deposits and Late Charges: (1) A municipality may require a utility deposit as a condition of service. LGC Section 402.0025(c) Texas Utility Code, Chapter 183, which requires companies and corporations to pay interest on utility deposits, do not apply to municipalities because municipalities are not specifically named in those statutes. LGC Section 5.904.

Local Government Code Section 5.904 Municipality Not Governed by Corporate Law (a) A municipality may not be considered a corporation under a state statute governing corporations unless the statute extends its application to a municipality by express use of the term “municipal corporation,” “municipality,” “city,” “town,” or “village.” A copy of the Local Government Code along with the Code of Ordinances regarding fees is attached for Council information.

FISCAL ANALYSIS: Based on the interest that the City is earning with Wells Fargo through the Savings Account a $75.00 utility deposit would earn $0.17 annually. Our total annual interest revenue is $90,661.26. Out total additional uncollected accounts receivable charges for the last 12 months are $14,241.91.

Shepherd Deposit Interest Request.doc Page 1 of 1 Pages

Sec. 102-1. - Deposit to ensure payment, refund.

(a) Deposits. A city utility service customer shall, upon request by the city deposit with the city, as security for the payment of utility bills owing and to become owing, and as security also for the performance of all other obligations of the customer, a sum of money equal to two average monthly bills for service furnished, or to be furnished, as estimated by the city. In case the customer's bills for any two consecutive monthly billing periods of normal operation actually prove to exceed appreciably the amount of the deposit, the city may, at its option, require the customer to deposit an additional amount of money sufficient to make the total amount on deposit with the city equal to the amount of bills for the two consecutive months. The amounts of the deposits shall be as established from time to time by the utility office.

(b) Refund. Refunds of deposits made for utility service shall be made upon the termination of such utility service only after payment of all indebtedness to the city for such utility service. Application of the deposit may be made in partial or total settlement of accounts when the supply is cut off for nonpayment of the bill, or for any infraction or violation of any ordinance, rule or regulation of the city relative to utility services offered by the city.

(Code 1972, § 24-25; Ord. No. 1218, § 1, 8-13-02; Ord. No. 1430, § 1, 5-13-08)

Sec. 102-9. - Requested turn-on or turn-off; service charge.

(a) A service charge of $25.00 will be made each time a customer requests a turn-on of a municipal utility service. The requested turn-on will be made only during regular business hours.

(b) No service charge shall apply to a turn-of of municipal utility service made during regular business hours.

(c) This section shall not apply when a customer or anyone acting on their behalf performs an unauthorized turn-on or turn-off of a municipal utility service.

(Ord. No. 1218, § 2, 8-13-02; Ord. No. 1340, § 2, 12-13-05; Ord. No. 1473, § 3, 9-22-09)

ORDINANCE NO. 1555 adopted on Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Sec. 102-58. - Water rates outside city limits. (a) There shall be charged and collected by the city from all customers of water supplied by the city outside its city limits, including customers residing within the Town of Fulton city limits, the amount of money based upon the size of the customer's tap and the customer's usage (in gallons of water), as set forth in the following schedule of rates and charges:

(1) For the first 2,000 gallons, or fractional part thereof, used in any one regular billing cycle by any one user, the following sum per cycle:

Tap Size Minimum Minimum (In Inches) Charge Charge PROPOSED ¾ $21.27 $21.37 1 26.14 $26.24 1½ 50.47 $50.57

Shepherd Deposit Interest Request 2.doc Page 1 of 2 Pages 2 79.67 $79.77 3 157.54 $157.64 4 245.14 $245.24

6 245.14 $245.24

(2) If applicable, for all additional gallons used over 2,001 to 10,000 gallons, the sum of $4.46 $4.51 per month for each 1,000 gallons, or fractional part thereof, used in any one regular billing cycle.

(3) Conservation billing. If applicable, for all gallons used over 10,001 to 15,000 the sum of $5.39 $5.44 per 1,000 gallons or fractional part thereof, used in any one regular billing cycle.

(4) Conservation billing. If applicable for all gallons used over 15,001 and up, the sum of $6.17 $6.22 for each 1,000 gallons or fractional part thereof, used in any one regular billing cycle.

Shepherd Deposit Interest Request 2.doc Page 2 of 2 Pages January 4,2012

Mr. Henry G. Shepherd 709 N. Fifth Street Fulton, TX 78358 ADMINISTRATION 622 E. Market Street Rockport, Tx. 78382 REFERENCE: ADDRESSINGTHE CI'm COUNCII, Mayor & City Council City Manager City Secretary Finance Office Dear Mr. Shepherd: Municipal Court Parks & Leisure Services Utility Customer Service This is to advise you that I am in receipt of your letters (12/20/2011 & Phone: 361 -729-22 13 Fox: 361 -790-5966 1/3/2012) requesting to address the City Council regarding the City's utility Fax: 361 -790-1 165 deposit procedure. This item has been placed at the Tuesday, January 24, 2012 City Council Workshop Meeting at 1:30 p.m. at Rockport City Hall, CITY HALL ANNEX 90 1 E. Main Street 622 E. Market Street. If this time is unacceptable please advise me at your Rockport, Tx. 78382 earliest convenience so that we can reschedule your presentation. Build~ng& Inspections Building Permits Code Enforcement Phone: 361 -790-1 125 I noted in your letter of 1/3/2012 that you expressed concern about the Fox: 361 -729-6476 interest charged for past due property taxes. Since your property at 709 N. Inspection Request Line: 361 -790-1 177 Fifth Street is in the Town of Fulton, I am sending your concerns and comments to Town of Fulton Mayor Jimmy Kendrick. PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER Police Department 71 4 E. Concho Street If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at (361) 729-2213 Rockport Tx. 78382 Phone: 361 -729-1 11 1 extension 225, via e-mail at citysec~,cityofrockport.comor via facsimile at Fax: 361 -729-3461 790-5966. Thank you.

PUBLIC WORKS SERVICE CENTER 402 E. Laurel Street Rockport, Tx. 78382 Building Maintenance Fleet Maintenance Streets & Drainage Water & Wastewater Utility Phone: 361 -790-1 160 Fax: 361 -729-7672 Irma G. Parker ROCKPORT BEACH PARK City Secretary 2 12 Seobreeze Drive Rockport, Tx. 78382 Beach Operations Cc: Finance Director Jacky Cockerham Pavilion & Park Rentals Beach Concessions City Manager Thomas J. Blazek Phone: 361 -727-21 58 Fax: 361 -727-9393 The Honorable Jimmy Kendrick, Mayor - Town of Fulton Toll Free: 877-929-7977

COMMUNITY AQUATIC PARK 200 1 Stadium Drive Rockport, Tx. 78382 Pool Operotions/Rentals & Swim Classes Phone: 361 -727-9989 December 18,20 11

City of Roclport Texas. JAN - 3 REC'D Att: Irma Parker (Hand delivered & faxed) CITY SECRETARY I would like to address City council at their next meeting. When I bought my house in Fulton at 709 N. Fifth St. on Feb. 27,2002 ,City of Rockport Utilities Dept. required a $75.00 deposit on the water account. This was understandable for assurance no one could run without paying the water bill. What is not acceptable is that these deposits are put in a inerest bearing account but no interest is ever applied to the deposit. This deposit is not returned or credited to your account until you close the acct. either when you sell the house or die, whatever comes fust, In some cases up to 50 years. As I make my living dealing with interest in my mortgage company let me point out for the purpose of my letter that if interest rate was lo%, my $75.00 deposit would double in 7 years with compounded interest. In 50 years it would involve hundreds of dollars. I am ware interest at this time is very low but it wasn't always this way and could increase at any time. Like myself until last week I am sure many property owners are not aware of this policy of not paying interest on deposits. If council does not reconsider this policy, my next step is taking out a large add in the Rockport Pilot making people aware of it. At your next council meeting I will gladly present a chart showing the amount of interest possible with deposits that are held by the City of Rockport. At the same time I would like to address the water meter charges that when a water meter is turned on after summer vacation ,the water charge alone for 3 or 4 days can be $30.00 to $40.00 not including the $25.00 charge to turn water on. Also property taxes past due incure a interest rate that is outrageous. This rate is in the range of loan sharking. At a time when people are struggling to survive, your local government is praying on the poor unemployed with outrageous fees that these people have no control over. This happens because people are trying to keep a roof over their family.

Thanking you in advance,

Henry G. Shepherd Tax payer 709 N. Fifth St. Fulton,Tx 78358 RECEIVED December 18,201.1

City of Roclport Texas. TY SECRETARY Att: Imr Parker (Hand delivered & faxed) Fe 'x 36 ( 74 5q'' T would likc to address City council at their next meeting. When I bought my house in Fulton at 709 N. Fifth St. on Feb. 27,2002 ,City of Rockport Utilities llept. required ti $75.00 deposit on the water account. This was understandable for assurance no one could run without paying the water bill. What is not acceptable is that these deposits are put in a inercst bearing account but no interest is ever applied to the deposit. This deposit is not returned or credited to your account until you close the acct. either when you sell the house or die, whatever comes first, In some cases up to 50 years. As I rnake my living dealing with interest in my mortgage company let me point oul: for the purpose of my lctter that if interest rate was 1 Ox, my $75.00 deposit would double in 7 years with compounded interest. In 50 years it would involve hundreds of dollars. I amaware intescst at this time is very low but it wasn't always this way and could increase at any time. Like myself until last week I am sure many property owners are not aware ot'this policy of not paying interest on deposits. If council does not reconsider this policy, my next step is taking out a large add in the Rockport Pilot making people aware of it. At your next council meeting I will gladly present a chart showing the mount of interest possible with deposits that are held by the City of Rockpurl.

Thanking you in advance, A

Henry G. Shepherd

Td WtJ8Z:TT TTQZ QZ '3aCI : 'ON XtJj Page 1 of 1 -- Aransas County Appraisal District LVORK IV I'ROGRESS Data on this website may represent working values. and may chanee at any time 4 Property Detail Sheet (R51604) General lnformation rq H~~~~~ -& (P GIS Map fl Datasheet Statement News Bills Tax History Pay Taxes FAQ 9 cd & Searches Owner Information Owner ID: 078636 Property ID Search Owner Name: SHEPHERD, HENRY G a Account Search Owner Address: 436 GRAVEL DRIVE HANMER ONTAIRO CANADA,P3P 1H5 Owner Search Property. - Address: 709 N FIFTH ST FULTON, TX 78358 a Address Search a Advanced Search Property Data a Detail Sheet Parcel lnformation Legal Description: FULTON TOWNSITE, BLOCK 89, LOT 5 8 6 a Datasheet Neighborhood: ( ) Acreage: Bills Cross Reference: 2026-089-005-000 Tax History Undivided Interest: 100% Exemption Codes: Other Entity Codes: CFU (Town Of Fulton) Taxing Units GAR (Aransas County) NVD (Navigation Dist) a Neighborhoods SAR (Aransas Co ISD) XSP (County Road 8 Flood) Abstracts Deed Type: Warranty Deed Deed Book: a Subdivisions Deed Page: 245977 Our Miss~on Map Page: A-5 a Welcome

GIs Mapping a General Property Tax Values Breakdown 2012 Preliminary Value Land HS: $67,500 + a Taxpayer Forms Land NHS: $0 + lmprovement HS: $74,190 + a Exernpt~ons lmprovement NHS: $0 + Ag Market: $0 a Tax Calendar Ag Use: $0 + Timber Market: $0 Appeals Timber Use: $0 + Rockport Websrte Assessed: $141,690 = a Firlton Webs~te pd Improvements rq a County Webs~te ID Type SPTB Segs Value a Employment Property Tax Basics Imp1 (Residential) A1 (A1 - Residential Single Family) 6 $74,190 a Aransas County ISD P Land h, W11dl1:e ID TYpe SPTB Acres Market

Land1 RL (Residential) A1 (A1 - Residential Single Family) $67,500 *Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 (minimum) is required to view pdf documents. Acrobat Reader is a free program available here. CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Workshop Meeting: Tuesday, January 24, 2012

AGENDA ITEM “C” Discuss whether to provide free parking at the Rockport Beach Park for persons who are 100% Disabled

SUBMITTED BY: City Manager Thomas J. Blazek FISCAL ANALYSIS: No data available as to the number who may be eligible APPROVED FOR AGENDA: TJB (2)

SUMMARY: The attached email requested consideration of free parking at the Rockport Beach Park for individuals who are “100% handicapped and disabled” like Texas Parks and Wildlife Department criteria.

Consider whether to issue free or reduced rate annual Beach Park parking permits to those individuals who meet the criteria established by the Texas Legislature for State Parks. Also consider whether this would apply only to Rockport residents or apply state or nationwide.

Of concern is that other individuals or groups (charitable, youth, fraternal, non-profit, etc.) may petition the City Council for similar exemptions.

BACKGROUND: A Texas Parklands Passport is a special pass enacted by the Texas Legislature and may be issued to individuals who meet eligibility requirements as outlined in Title 31 Texas Administrative Code. • Persons 65 years of age and over, who are also Texas residents are entitled to 50% reduced entry rounded to the next whole dollar. A driver's license, birth certificate, military discharge papers, or other suitable identification considered sufficient proof for establishing the age, residence, and identity of an individual must be presented at the time the passport is issued. • Residents and nonresidents born before September 1st, 1930 are entitled to a 100% discount on entry fees at state parks where entrance fees are collected. Identification is required to establish proof of qualifying age at the time of application. • Veterans of the US Armed Services holding a 60% or more service connected disability, as determined by the US Veterans Administration, or loss of a lower extremity. US Veterans meeting these eligibility criteria will receive a 100% discount on entry fees to state parks where entrance fees are collected. Disabled veterans must establish eligibility by presenting one of the following: (1) disabled veteran's of Texas license plate receipt; (2) veteran's award letter (which establishes the degree of service-connected disability); (3) tax exemption letter for Texas veterans. • Individuals who have been medically determined to be permanently disabled as a result of a mental or physical impairment (including blindness) for purposes of receiving benefits under the Social Security Act and who are currently receiving those benefits, and can demonstrate proof of these benefits. These individuals will be entitled to 50%

Disabled Free Parking.doc Page 1 of 2 Pages reduced entry rounded to the next whole dollar. This passport must be renewed annually. In order to qualify you must submit positive identification and either an Award of Benefits Letter, or a Statement of Benefits, from the Social Security Administration attesting to the applicant's permanent disability.

Disabled Free Parking.doc Page 2 of 2 Pages CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Workshop Meeting: January 24, 2012

AGENDA ITEM “D”

Update, presentation and general discussion on charging electricity use fees to local area teams and leagues requesting “exclusive use” of city owned athletic fields and courts.

SUBMITTED BY: Tom Staley, Director, Parks & Leisure Services APPROVED FOR INCLUSION ON AGENDA: TJB (20)

SUMMARY STATEMENT: At its January 18, 2012 Strategic Planning Retreat, the City Council discussed charging fees for the electrical expense incurred from the operation of lights used by those local area sports teams and leagues granted “exclusive use” of city owned athletic fields and courts.

BACKGROUND: Historically, local area sports leagues, such as the little league and youth soccer have been granted the “exclusive use” of city owned baseball and soccer fields without charge, and the Parks budget funding the field lights costs.

FINANCIAL ANALYSIS: Electricity billed to the city for the use of baseball field lights for the months of April through July for the years 2009, 2010, and 2011 are as follows: 2009- $2,880; 2010-$3,549; 2011-$2,953.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Workshop Meeting: Tuesday, January 24, 2012

AGENDA ITEM “E”

Update, presentation and general discussion by Community Relations Consultant Vicki Pitluk of December 2011 Community Relations Report.

SUBMITTED BY: Consultant Vicki Pitluk City Secretary Irma Parker

APPROVED FOR INCLUSION ON AGENDA: TJB (19)

SUMMARY STATEMENT: Council has requested monthly reports from the Community Relations Consultant Vicki Pitluk is as follows:

o Attend weekly staff meetings and briefing meetings with the City Manager

o Attend City Council Meeting and Workshop

o Meetings/Communication with Staff and Elected Officials

o Attend Water Quality, KRB and Parks/Leisure Committee meetings

o Heather Wade – emails and info exchange; meeting schedules

o Newsletter – Gather information on story topics.

o Hike and Bike Trail Groundbreaking – take photos of event for staff and council members

o Water Quality • Revision of 3 stories; submitted to Mayor for approval • Respond to email questions from 2 committee members re: outreach activities

o News Releases • Blue Santa

Community Relations December 2011.doc Page 1 of 1 Pages CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Workshop Meeting: Tuesday, January 24, 2012

AGENDA ITEM “F”

Update, presentation and general discussion on status of contract negotiations with Aransas County Navigation District on Agreement for Management of the Rockport Beach Park.

SUBMITTED BY: City Secretary Irma Parker APPROVED FOR INCLUSION ON AGENDA: TJB (20)

SUMMARY STATEMENT: An agreement was received from the Navigation District on December 9, 2011. ACND’s proposed agreement required the City respond no later than Friday, January 13, 2012. The letter stated that ACND will vote on the proposed agreement on January 17, 2012. The City of Rockport’s Negotiating Team along with Staff were in attendance at the January 17, 2012 ACND meeting. After a lengthy Executive Session, ACND convened into Open Session with no action being taken. ACND has scheduled a meeting for Monday, January 23 to discuss the Agreement. The City discussed the need for planning an exit, if needed, at the Wednesday, January 25, 2012 Strategic Planning Retreat. At the time of preparing the January 24, 2012 Workshop Agenda no new information or status of on-going negotiations has been provided to Staff.

BACKGROUND: The City has operated Rockport Beach Park since 1987. That contract expires in May 2012. A negotiating teams from the City (Mayor Charles J. Wax, Mayor Pro- Tem Bill Fisher and City Manager Thomas J. Blazek) and ACND (Chairman Tommy Moore, Commissioner Merlin Hartdegen, and Harbor Master Keith Barrett) have met to hammer out an agreement to no avail. A contract was received late on Friday, December 9 and submitted for Council consideration at the December 13, 2011 meeting.

During discussion of this contract agreement, members of the ACND Negotiating Team were present. Mayor Wax suggested that the two groups meet in a joint meeting to discuss the terms of the agreement. Chairman Tommy Moore agreed to hold a joint meeting; however, the next day Mayor Wax received the following email:

From: Tommy Moore [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, December 14, 2011 12:17 PM To: CJ Wax Cc: Keith Barrett; Nelda Covarrubias; Merlin Hartdegen Subject: Beach Park Negotiations

CJ- I have decided that getting the Council and Board together is a counterproductive plan.

Agreement Beach Park 10 yr.doc Page 1 of 2 Pages We are firm on the user fees, concession percentage, and term of the agreement that we presented. It also addresses the issues we have had under the current Management Agreement. Perhaps you and your team can suggest any desired changes in the other sections or additional clauses to our agreement.

As stated last night I am available to discuss any ideas over the phone or written versions so that we may come to a conclusion of this matter ASAP.

Regards, Tommy 361 463 6388

On Tuesday, January 10, 2012, Mayor Wax and ACND Chairman Moore participated in a “Beach Issue Information Forum” at the Chamber Luncheon. Each official is scheduled to speak for 10-minutes followed by a 20-minute Q&A period. The event was well attended.

No new information has been provided.

Agreement Beach Park 10 yr.doc Page 2 of 2 Pages