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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 08/30/2022I 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 August 30, 2022 which were approved by the City Council on September 6, 2022. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, on this the 6th day of September 2022. (S E A L) vale. Rebecca Huerta City Secretary Corpus Christi, Texas City of Corpus Christi Rebecca Huerta, City Secretary P.O. Box 9277 Corpus Christi, Texas 78469-9277 (361) 826-3105 rebeccah@cctexas.com SCANNED City of Corpus Christi Meeting Minutes City Council 1201 Leopard Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401 cctexas.com Tuesday, August 30, 2022 11:30 AM Council Chambers Addendums may be added on Friday. A. Mayor Paulette Guajardo to call the meeting to order. Mayor Guajardo called the meeting to order at 11:43 a.m. B. Invocation to be given by Deacon, Richard Longoria, St. Helena of the True Cross of Jesus. Deacon, Richard Longoria, St. Helena of the True Cross of Jesus, gave the invocation. C. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States and to the Texas Flag to be led by Suhawni Narang, Senior at W. B. Ray High School. Suhawni Narang, Senior at W. B. Ray High School, led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Texas Flag. D. City Secretary Rebecca L. Huerta to call the roll of the required Charter Officers. City Secretary Rebecca 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 Huerta Present: 9 - Mayor Paulette Guajardo,Council Member Roland Barrera,Council Member Gil Hernandez,Council Member Michael Hunter,Council Member Billy A. Lerma,Council Member John Martinez,Council Member Ben Molina,Council Member Mike Pusley, and Council Member Greg Smith E. CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS / UPDATE ON CITY OPERATIONS: Mayor Guajardo referred to City Manager's comments. a. Community Development Block Grant - Mitigation Funding Update City Manager Zanoni reported on the Community Development Block Grant -Mitigation funding. Funding was available in our region for a total of $180M to make areas more resilient for future disasters. The City was awarded $15M. City staff reviewed criteria proposed by the Coastal Bend Council of Governments (CBCOG). The City applied for five projects totaling $90M which include downtown pump stations, backup generators at City of Corpus Christi Page 1 Printed on 9/2/2022 City Council Meeting Minutes August 30, 2022 lift stations, Greenwood Wastewater Treatment Plant, Oso Creek to improve the bottom of the creek, and Williams Ditch Oso Basin flood mitigation. Council Members and Director of Intergovernmental Relations Tammy Embrey discussed the following topics: the County receives a $31 M allocation; a Council Member's request to ensure that the rest of the committee members be engaged; and the County has 17 votes on the CBCOG Board and the City has eight votes. b. American Bank Center Rental Fee Structure for Exhibit Hall, Ballroom and Selena Auditorium City Manager Zanoni presented information on the American Bank Center Rental Fee Structure as follows: Water Garden Ballroom; Henry Garrett Ballroom; C100 Rooms and Show Office; C225 Harborview Room; C220 Rooms; Exhibit Hall; Selena Auditorium; and Arena. Council Members, City Manager Zanoni, and American Bank Center General Manager Brian Martin discussed the following topics: the overall usage of the convention center is 60% to 65%; in response to a Council Member's question regarding whether records are kept by the City with regard to independent contractors at American Bank Center, City Manager stated that the prior managing operator kept the records and the City does not have rights to those records; a full time City executive will work with OVG360 to keep records in the future; and the rate fees will be adjusted according to needs and demands. c. City of Corpus Christi and Bay Jammin' "Saturday in the Park" on Saturday, September 3rd City Manager Zanoni reported that the City and Bay Jammin' are hosting a "Saturday in the Park" festival that will include live music, food trucks, kid zone, and arts and crafts weather permitting, it will be held at Water's Edge Park on Saturday, September 3 from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. F. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Guajardo opened the public comment period. The following citizens spoke in opposition to the desalination funding in the budget: Jessica Palitza, 606 Hopper Dr.; James Klein, 3501 Monterrey St.; Ana Trevino, 4917 Branscomb Dr.; Christopher Phelan, 3806 Kingston Dr.; Melissa Zamora, 3917 Brawner Parkway; Brandon Marks, 319 Rosebud Ave.; and Neil McQueen, 4213 Estate Dr. The following citizens spoke in support of Item 27, the North Beach drainage plan: Carrie Meyer, 4401 Gulfbreeze Blvd.; and Ron Graban, 202 Surfside Blvd. The following citizens spoke regarding the City not honoring their contracts and requesting fair treatment for contractors: Michael Lopez, 7930 Etienne Dr.; Alec Jackson, 3717 Woodstone Dr.; Abel Rivera, 2402 Rainy River Court; Patrick Varela, City of Corpus Christi Page 2 Printed on 9/2/2022 City Council Meeting Minutes August 30, 2022 10702 IH 37; Robert Benavidez, 1122 Shiels Dr.; Martin Sandejo, 301 S. Perez, Mathis, TX; David Alaniz, 504 Hugh St., Sinton TX; and Denny Gold, 215 Big Oak Franklin, PA. Sylvia Campos, 4410 Fir St., spoke in opposition to Items 20 and 21 and would like to see alternative sources of water before desalination. Julie Rogers, 710 Furman Ave., spoke in favor of moving the city forward, but upset that desalination is not going to be put on the ballot. The following citizens submitted a written public comment which are attached to the minutes: Jason Page, 3515 Floyd St.; Adriana Estringel, 4129 Harry St.; Larry Messer, 7225 Rugged Ridge; and Dorothy Pena, 2114 Meadowpass Dr. G. BOARD & COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS: (NONE) I. CONSENT AGENDA: (ITEMS 1 - 8) Consent - Second Reading Ordinances Approval of the Consent Agenda Mayor Guajardo referred to the Consent Agenda and asked if a Council Member would like to pull an item for individual consideration. No Items were pulled. A motion was made by Council Member Pusley, seconded by Council Member Molina to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 9 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter, Council Member Lerma, Council Member Martinez, Council Member Molina, Council Member Pusley and Council Member Smith Abstained: 0 1. 22-1467 Approval of the August 23, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes and August 18, 2022 Budget Workshop Minutes The Minutes were approved on the consent agenda. 2. 22-1401 Ordinance approving an amendment to the Downtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #3 Project & Financing Plans approved by the Board of Directors of Reinvestment Zone Number Three, City of Corpus Christi, Texas on June 28, 2022 to broaden the New Commercial Tenant Finish Out Program and to change the program name to Commercial Finish -Out Program. This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda. Enactment No: 032835 3. 22-1406 Ordinance authorizing execution of all documents necessary to accept, amend, City of Corpus Christi Page 3 Printed on 9/2/2022 City Council Meeting Minutes August 30, 2022 and appropriate a grant contract for the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Unit-COVID (IDCU-COVID) Grant from the Texas Department of State Health Services appropriating $951,649.00 into the Health Grants Fund for COVID-19 response activities for the period September 1, 2022, through August 31, 2024; amending the operating budget; and authorizing 19 grant positions. This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda. Enactment No: 032836 4. 22-1358 Ordinance authorizing execution of all documents necessary to accept, amend, and appropriate a grant contract for the Health Disparities Grant from the Texas Department of State Health Services appropriating $281,785.00 into the Health Grants Fund to provide community engagement in communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19; and amending the operating budget. This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda. Enactment No: 032837 5. 22-1403 Ordinance amending City Code Chapter 9, Aviation, Section 9-54, pertaining to landing fees at the Corpus Christi International Airport by revising the landing weight for aircraft subject to a landing fee from 12,500 to 6,000 pounds; and authorizing execution of a five-year contract with Vector Airport Systems, LLC, for the billing and collection of landing fees. Effective upon City Council approval. This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda. Enactment No: 032838 Consent - Contracts and Procurement 6. 22-1080 Resolution authorizing a three-year service agreement, with William Charlton, dba Lawn in Order, of Corpus Christi, Texas, for landscaping and grounds maintenance for outlying Corpus Christi Police Department buildings and main police headquarters in an amount not to exceed $91,500.00, with FY 2022 funding of $7,625.00 from the General Fund. This Resolution was passed on the consent agenda. Enactment No: 032839 7. 22-1343 Resolution authorizing a three-year software subscription agreement with JusticeTrax, Inc., of Mesa, Arizona, for forensics laboratory software for the Corpus Christi Police Department in the amount of $152,900.00, with FY 2022 funding from the Paul Coverdell Forensic Sciences Improvement Grant in the Police Grants Fund. This Resolution was passed on the consent agenda. Enactment No: 032840 City of Corpus Christi Page 4 Printed on 9/2/2022 City Council Meeting Minutes August 30, 2022 General Consent Items 8. 22-1518 Resolution authorizing the submission of a grant totaling up to one million six hundred eleven thousand fifty-nine dollars and thirty-nine cents ($1, 611,159.39) to the Office of the Governor for funding from the Texas Military Preparedness Commission's Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant Program with a match contribution of up to $387,000 from the City to fund project management and grant administration services. This Resolution was passed on the consent agenda. Enactment No: 032841 J. BUDGET RELATED ITEMS: (ITEMS 9 - 21) 9. 22-1470 Ordinance amending Corpus Christi Code Section 18-20 to increase ambulance rate schedule by 3% effective October 1, 2022. Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 9. There were no comments from the Council or the public. Council Member Smith made a motion to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council Member Barrera. This Ordinance was passed on first reading and approved with the following vote: Aye: 8 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Lerma, Council Member Martinez, Council Member Molina, Council Member Pusley and Council Member Smith Nay: 1 - Council Member Hunter Abstained: 0 10. 22-1464 One Reading Ordinance amending various sections of the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 21, Solid Waste, by revising applicable fees, rates, and charges. Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 10. Assistant Director of Solid Waste Services Paul Bass presented information on the following topics: monthly utility rate increases; Cefe Valenzuela Landfill; transfer station; and Municipal Solid Waste System Service Charge (MSWSSC) rate increase. Council Members, City Manager Peter Zanoni, and Assistant Director Bass discussed the following topics: a Council Member's request for revenue calculations on what these rates will generate; the Council will need to cut the budget by $2M in expenditures if the amendment is not approved; Council can cut existing operating budgets or eliminate programs, not just improvements; the $125M bond program is funded with existing tax rates; and only two proposed fees impact the homeowners -the storm water fee and solid City of Corpus Christi Page 5 Printed on 9/2/2022 City Council Meeting Minutes August 30, 2022 waste fee. Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. There were no comments from the public. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. Council Member Barrera made a motion to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council Member Smith. This Ordinance failed with the following vote: Aye: 4 - Council Member Barrera, Council Member Lerma, Council Member Molina and Council Member Smith Nay: 5 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter, Council Member Martinez and Council Member Pusley Abstained: 0 11. 22-1486 Ordinance affirming Development Services fee schedules including fee schedules for Technical Construction Codes, Excavation and Fill, Unified Development Code, Zoning, Beachfront Construction, Dune Protection, and Billboards. Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 11. Director of Development Services Al Raymond presented information on the following topics: development services fee schedule; background; and purpose. Council Members, Director Raymond, City Manager Zanoni, and Development Services Business Manager Grayson Meyer discussed the following topics: for the next three years, staff is proposing a 10% increase on each fee; staff is proposing 16 new positions for development services; a Council Member's concern on the cost of rooftops; the last time fees were adjusted was in 2002; development services will hire new positions as needed; any fee is being passed onto the home buyer; the current vacancy rate is about 15.5% (about 10 positions); and a Council Member supports a 7.5% fee. Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. Executive Officer of Coastal Bend Home Builders Association Wendy Herman stated that she is opposed to the engineering fees and requested that Council vote against these fees. Builder Director of Coastal Bend Home Builders Association Bart Braselton stated that every new fee is passed onto the homeowner and he appreciates Council's concerns regarding fees. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. City of Corpus Christi Page 6 Printed on 9/2/2022 City Council Meeting Minutes August 30, 2022 Assistant Director of Construction Management Brett Van Hazel presented information on the addition of public improvement inspectors. Council Members, Assistant City Manager Neiman Young, Director of Engineering Jeff Edmonds, and Assistant Director of Construction Management Brett Van Hazel discussed the following topics: a Council Member's concern that adding four inspectors will not add improvement, if design standards are not adequate; a new revision of the design standards manual will be available by the new fiscal year; home builders need to ensure that contractors are getting work done correctly and inspected accurately; there are currently only seven inspectors cover the entire City; certain criteria must be met by inspectors; and by adding more inspectors there will be more time to engage with the contractors during construction. Council Member Smith made a motion to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council Member Barrera. This Ordinance was passed on first reading and approved with the following vote: Aye: 7 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Lerma, Council Member Martinez, Council Member Pusley and Council Member Smith Nay: 1 - Council Member Hunter Abstained: 1 - Council Member Molina 12. 22-1484 Ordinance amending the City Code of Ordinances, Chapter 12, Section 12-83, regarding the Marina fee schedule as of October 1, 2022. Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 12. Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. There were no comments from the Council or the public. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. This Ordinance was passed on first reading and approved with the following vote: Aye: 8 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Lerma, Council Member Martinez, Council Member Molina, Council Member Pusley and Council Member Smith Nay: 1 - Council Member Hunter Abstained: 0 13. 22-1482 Ordinance amending the City Code of Ordinances, Chapter 55, regarding 9-1-1 emergency service fees as of January 1, 2023. Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 13. Police Chief Mike Markle stated that this is a $0.20 fee increase for residential Iandlines, City of Corpus Christi Page 7 Printed on 9/2/2022 City Council Meeting Minutes August 30, 2022 $0.40 fee increase for business, and $0.90 fee increase for Trunk. Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. There were no comments from the Council or the public. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment Council Member Barrera made a motion to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council Member Smith. This Ordinance was passed on first reading and approved with the following vote: Aye: 8 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Lerma, Council Member Martinez, Council Member Molina, Council Member Pusley and Council Member Smith Nay: 1 - Council Member Hunter Abstained: 0 14. 22-1415 Ordinance amending Section 55-709, Drainage Utility Charge, of the Corpus Christi Code, to levy an amended schedule of storm water drainage charges, repealing conflicting provisions, and providing a savings clause. Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 14. Interim Public Works Director Gabriel Hinojosa presented information on the following topics: drainage utility fee background; storm water fund FY 2023 proposed budget $23.3M; and FY 2023-2027 service enhancements forecast; FY 2023-2027 five-year forecast; and staff recommends approval. A Council Member, City Manager Zanoni, and Interim Director Hinojosa discussed the following topics: the plan is to include storm water in the revenue bond, not in the 2022 bond package; and a Council Member's concern that the City is picking up 60 tons of debris on a monthly basis. Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. There were no comments from the public. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. Council Member Barrera made a motion to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council Member Pusley. This Ordinance was passed on first reading and approved with the following vote: Aye: 7 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Lerma, Council Member Martinez, Council Member Molina, Council Member Pusley and Council Member Smith Nay: 2 - Council Member Hernandez and Council Member Hunter City of Corpus Christi Page 8 Printed on 9/2/2022 City Council Meeting Minutes August 30, 2022 Abstained: 0 15. 22-1475 Ordinance amending Chapter 49, Article VIII, Management of Right of Way of the Corpus Christi Code to adopt a consolidated fee schedule for Right of Way management and providing an effective date. Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 15. Interim Public Works Director Gabriel Hinojosa presented information on the following topics: background; findings; and staff recommendations. Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. There were no comments from the Council or the public. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. Council Member Barrera made a motion to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council Member Pusley. This Ordinance was passed on first reading and approved with the following vote: Aye: 8 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Lemia, Council Member Martinez, Council Member Molina, Council Member Pusley and Council Member Smith Absent: 1 - Council Member Hunter Abstained: 0 16. 22-1394 Ordinance amending Section 55-50(a)(2)(e) of the Corpus Christi Code of Ordinances regarding Resale Treated Water Rates to wholesale customers outside of City limits; and establishing an effective date of January 1, 2023 Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 16. City Manager Peter Zanoni stated that there is no water rate increase this year. Chief Operations Officer Michael Murphy presented information on the following topic: 2023 wholesale water rate adjustments effective January 2023-December 2023. Council Members, Assistant Director of Utilities Reba George, and Chief Operations Officer Murphy discussed the following topics: the true -up happens at the end of every fiscal year, so there is either an over collection of revenue or an under collection of revenue; and a Council Member's concern about the raw water revenue budgeted amount. Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. City of Corpus Christi Page 9 Printed on 9/2/2022 City Council Meeting Minutes August 30, 2022 There were no comments from the public. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. Council Member Barrera made a motion to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council Member Martinez. This Ordinance was passed on first reading and approved with the following vote: Aye: 8 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Lerma, Council Member Martinez, Council Member Molina, Council Member Pusley and Council Member Smith Absent: 1 - Council Member Hunter Abstained: 0 17. 22-1409 Ordinance amending Section 55-100 of the Corpus Christi Code of Ordinances to revise the definition and calculation method for the Interim Residential Average Usage for residential wastewater charges to calculate a winter quarter average for new residential customers. Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 17. Assistant Director of Utilities Reba George stated that the interim residential usage applies to a calculation that will allow residential customers establishing new wastewater services that don't have a billing history to calculate a current winter quarter average. Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. There were no comments from the Council or the public. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. Council Member Hernandez made a motion to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council Member Barrera. This Ordinance was passed on first reading and approved with the following vote: Aye: 8 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Lerma, Council Member Martinez, Council Member Molina, Council Member Pusley and Council Member Smith Absent: 1 - Council Member Hunter Abstained: 0 18. 22-1473 Ordinance adopting the City of Corpus Christi Operating Budget for the Fiscal Year 2022-2023, beginning October 1, 2022; Authorizing personnel complements; providing for copy to be filed with the County Clerk; appropriating funds as provided in the budget; and adopting the Infrastructure Management Plan. City of Corpus Christi Page 10 Printed on 9/2/2022 City Council Meeting Minutes August 30, 2022 Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 18. Director of Management and Budget Eddie Houlihan presented information on the following topics: addresses city council and community priorities; FY 2023 total city budget $1.4 Billion; FY 2023 proposed budget general fund (with transfers); FY 2023 budgeted positions; city rates; community amendments; staff amendments -general fund; enterprise funds; internal service funds; debt service funds; special revenue funds; capital budget; and next steps. Council Members, Director Houlihan, City Manager Peter Zanoni, Capital Improvement Manager Kamil Taras, Director of Finance Heather Hurlbert, and City Attorney Miles Risley discussed the following topics: Council Members would like to amend certain line items; a Council Members request to have a retreat for budget discussion in the future; a $9M shortfall is in the water fund for the operating side; per state law, the Council must first adopt the budget and then adopt the tax rate; a special meeting will be held on Thursday, September 8 if needed to further discuss the budget; financial advisors recommend that a 4% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) be given across the board to all employees; and a Council Member's request to bring the solid waste fees back to Council for reconsideration. Mayor Guajardo opened the public hearing. There were no comments from the public. Mayor Guajardo closed the public hearing. i.,ouncil Member Smith made a motion to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council Member Barrera. Council Member Smith made a motion to amend the budget by reducing expenditures as shown in two lists (see attached reconciled list), seconded by Council Member Hernandez and passed unanimously. Council Member Pusley made a motion to approve the ordinance as amended, seconded by Council Member Smith. This Ordinance was passed on first reading as amended and approved with the following vote: Aye: 9 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter, Council Member Lerma, Council Member Martinez, Council Member Molina, Council Member Pusley and Council Member Smith Abstained: 0 19. 22-1472 Ordinance adopting the Corpus Christi Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Capital Budget in the amount of $628,234,271, Beginning October 1, 2022. Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 19. City of Corpus Christi Page 11 Printed on 9/2/2022 City Council Meeting Minutes August 30, 2022 Council Members, Director of Management and Budget Eddie Houlihan, Capital Improvement Manager Kamil Taras, City Manager Peter Zanoni, and Chief Financial Officer Constance Sanchez discussed the following topics: a Council Member's concern about the amount of debt the City is taking on; a request for staff to send Council the revenue bonds for water and wastewater; if this Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is adopted, there will be significant rate increases in the future; the City is focused on trying to reverse years of neglect; and the City has bonds that are paid off every year. Mayor Guajardo opened the public hearing. There were no comments from the public. Mayor Guajardo closed the public hearing. Council Member Hunter made a motion to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council Member Molina. This Ordinance was passed on first reading and approved with the following vote: Aye: 5 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Lerma, Council Member Martinez and Council Member Molina Nay: 4 - Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter, Council Member Pusley and Council Member Smith Abstained: 0 20. 22-1414 Ordinance setting a property tax rate of $0.637864 per $100 valuation which is effectively an 10.2% increase over the no -new -revenue tax rate. Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 20. Director of Finance Heather Hurlbert presented information on the following topics: FY 2023 tax rate; property tax dollar; and next steps. Council Members, Director Hurlbert, City Manager Zanoni, and City Attorney Miles Risley discussed the following topics: if the property tax rate is reduced to $0.620261, then the budget would be reduced by $6.5M; and if the property tax rate is reduced to $0.637864, then the budget would be reduced by $2.1M. Mayor Guajardo opened the public hearing. There were no comments from the public. Mayor Guajardo closed the public hearing. Mayor Guajardo read the following: "During today's City Council meeting, the City Council will vote on the first reading of the proposed property tax rate of $0.637864 per $100 valuation for Fiscal Year 2023, and at City of Corpus Christi Page 12 Printed on 9/2/2022 City Council Meeting Minutes August 30, 2022 the September 6, 2022, City Council meeting beginning at 11:30 am at City Hall, the City Council will vote on the proposed property tax rate of $0.637864 per $100 valuation." Council Member Smith made a motion to adopt a tax rate of $0.620261, seconded by Council Member Hunter. Council Member Hernandez made a motion to amend the motion to adopt a tax rate of $0.637864, seconded by Council Member Lerma. Council Member Hernandez made the following motion, seconded by Council Member Lerma: "I move that the property tax rate be increased by the adoption of a tax rate of $0.637864 per $100 valuation which is effectively a 10.2% increase in the tax rate." Council Member Hernandez made a motion to approve the ordinance as amended, seconded by Council Member Lerma. This Ordinance was passed on first reading as amended and approved with the following vote: Aye: 7 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Lerma, Council Member Martinez, Council Member Molina and Council Member Pusley Nay: 2 - Council Member Hunter and Council Member Smith Abstained: 0 21. 22-1474 Ordinance ratifying the property tax increase reflected in the FY 2022-2023 Operating Budget that will require raising more revenue from property taxes than in the FY 2021-2022 Operating Budget in amount of $14,268,477. Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 21. A Council Member and Director of Management and Budget Eddie Houlihan discussed the following topic: that the new percentage rate will raise 10.2% in new revenue. Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. There were no comments from the public. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. Council Member Hernandez made a motion to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council Member Barrera. Council Member Hernandez made a motion to amend the ordinance to read "in the amount of $14,268,477", seconded by Council Member Barrera. Council Member Hernandez made a motion to approve the ordinance as amended, City of Corpus Christi Page 13 Printed on 9/2/2022 City Council Meeting Minutes August 30, 2022 seconded by Council Member Barrera. This Ordinance was passed on first reading as amended and approved with the following vote: Aye: 7 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Lerma, Council Member Martinez, Council Member Molina and Council Member Pusley Nay: 2 - Council Member Hunter and Council Member Smith Abstained: 0 K. RECESS FOR LUNCH Mayor Guajardo recessed the Council meeting for lunch at 1:26 p.m. Executive Session Item 28 was held during the lunch recess. Mayor Guajardo reconvened the meeting at 2:59 p.m. L. PUBLIC HEARINGS: (ITEMS 22 - 23) 22. 22-1271 Case No. 0422-02, Behmann Brothers Foundation (District 3): Ordinance rezoning property at or near 602 Saratoga Boulevard (located along the north side of Saratoga Boulevard, south of West Point Road and east of Old Brownsville Road) from the "FR" Farm Rural District to "RS 4.5" Single -Family 4.5 Residential (Tract 1) and from the "FR" Farm Rural District to "RE/SP" Estate Residential District with a Special Permit (Tract 2). (Planning Commission and Staff recommend approval) Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 22. Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. Bart Braselton with Braselton Development, 5337 Yorktown Blvd., stated that the development will create over 1,000 homes in the West Oso School District. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. Council Member Barrera made a motion to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council Member Lerma. This Ordinance was passed on first reading and approved with the following vote: Aye: 9 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter, Council Member Lerma, Council Member Martinez, Council Member Molina, Council Member Pusley and Council Member Smith Abstained: 0 23. 22-1405 Case No. 0622-01 Palomino Realty & Management Corp (District 2): Ordinance rezoning a property at or near 4958 Weber Road, located along the north side of Delphine Street, and east of Weber Road from the "RS-6" Single -Family 6 District to the "RS-TF" Two -Family District. (Planning Commission and Staff recommended approval of the change of zoning from the" "RS-6" City of Corpus Christi Page 14 Printed on 9/2/2022 City Council Meeting Minutes August 30, 2022 Single -Family 6 District to the "RS-TF" Two -Family District.) Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 23. Council Members and Director of Development Services Al Raymond discussed the following topics: this property has been operating as an illegal duplex, but the new owner wishes to come into compliance. Mayor Guajardo opened the public hearing. Robert Carter, 4957 Nell St., spoke in opposition to this rezoning because the property o vner has violated the city ordinances and the new owner has not made any improvements. Mayor Guajardo closed the public hearing. Council Member Molina made a motion to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council Member Barrera. This Ordinance was passed on first reading and approved with the following vote: Aye: 8 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hunter, Council Member Lerma, Council Member Martinez, Council Member Molina, Council Member Pusley and Council Member Smith Nay: 1 - Council Member Hernandez Abstained: 0 M. INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION ITEMS: (NONE) N. FIRST READING ORDINANCES: (ITEMS 24 - 26) 24. 22-1236 Ordinance amending sections 57-231, "Denial, suspension and revocation of permit -procedure, appeal"; 57-233, "Promulgation of wrecker regulations"; 57-243, "Responding to calls"; and 57-249, "Maximum auto wrecker service and storage fees" of the City Code and providing for severance, publication, and an effective date of October 1, 2022. This Item was postponed. 25. 22-1261 Ordinance amending sections 57-85, "Age of vehicle"; 57-131, "Fares -Amounts"; and deleting Chapter 57, Article VI Transportation Network Companies in its entirety of the City Code and providing for severance, publication, and an effective date. Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 25. Deputy Police Chief William Breedlove presented information on the following topics: section 57-85 "age of vehicle"; 57-131 "fares -amounts"; deleting Chapter 57 Article VI City of Corpus Christi Page 15 Printed on 9/2/2022 City Council Meeting Minutes August 30, 2022 Transportation Network Companies; and staffs recommendation. Council Members, Police Chief Mike Markle, and Deputy Police Chief Breedlove discussed the following topics: there are about 40 active taxicabs; and this amendment is to set the maximum rates to protect consumers and to prevent predatory practices. Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. There were no comments from the public. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. Council Member Smith made a motion to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council Member Lerma. This Ordinance was passed on first reading and approved with the following vote: Aye: 8 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Lerma, Council Member Martinez, Council Member Molina, Council Member Pusley and Council Member Smith Nay: 1 - Council Member Hunter Abstained: 0 26. 22-1462 Ordinance appropriating $553,560 from an increase in the public health workforce grant from the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) for the period September 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023 for activities to establish, expand, train and sustain public health workforce in support of Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), providing indirect cost reimbursement for general government support and procuring office supplies; amending the operating budget; and authorizing 16 grant positions. Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 26. Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. There were no comments from the Council or the public. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. Council Member Hunter made a motion to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council Member Molina. This Ordinance was passed on first reading and approved with the following vote: Aye: 9 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter, Council Member Lerma, Council Member Martinez, Council Member Molina, Council Member Pusley and Council Member Smith Abstained: 0 City of Corpus Christi Page 16 Printed on 9/2/2022 City Council Meeting Minutes August 30, 2022 O. BRIEFINGS: (ITEM 27) 27. 22-1476 City Council briefing on the North Beach Drainage Solution project findings and recommendations. Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 27. Senior Civil Project Manager with MIG Nathaniel Riedy presented information on the following topics: challenges -sea level; challenges -rainfall; vulnerabilities; a layered solution; intervention effectiveness; decision criteria; coastal barriers (dunes); elevate key access routes; upgrade stormwater conveyance; backflow prevention (lower elevation potential); backflow prevention (higher elevation potential); linear open space and open channel; prioritization; initial funding plan; and recommendation. Council Members, City Manager Zanoni and Mr. Riedy discussed the following topics: the cost estimates are from the 2021 LAN study; LAN looked at three solutions, the navigable canal, a linear canal and an underground storm system; North Beach's biggest attractions are the Aquarium and The Lexington; this linear park would have flowing water; a Council Member feels that this is the best project at this time; the dunes are included in the later phasing; a Council Member's concern that if a linear park is located further away from the attractions they will not be enhanced; and MIG recommended the placement of the linear park based on population density and Harbor Bridge construction. P. EXECUTIVE SESSION: (ITEM 28) Mayor Guajardo referred to Executive Session Item 28. The Council went into Executive Session at 1:26 p.m. The Council returned from Executive Session at 2:59 p.m. 28. 22-1541 Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code § 551.071 and Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 1.05 to consult with attorneys concerning legal issues related to the City Secretary and Texas Government Code § 551.074 (personnel matters) to deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, or duties of a public officer or employee (City Secretary) This E-Session Item was passed after executive session. The following motion was considered: Motion to provide for an increase in base salary for City Secretary Rebecca Huerta by 17.369%, effective the beginning of the next pay period. Council Member Smith made a motion to approve the motion, seconded by Council Member Molina. This Motion was passed and approved with the following vote: City of Corpus Christi Page 17 Printed on 9/2/2022 City Council Meeting Minutes August 30, 2022 Aye: 9 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter, Council Member Lerma, Council Member Martinez, Council Member Molina, Council Member Pusley and Council Member Smith Abstained: 0 Enactment No: M2022-136 Q. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Guajardo adjourned this meeting at 8:52 p.m. City of Corpus Christi Page 18 Printed on 9/2/2022 Amended Budget per Council Packet Updated adjustments Reconciled List Revenues 1,040, 233,151 802,500 1,041,035,651 Council Actions on 8-30-22: General Fund Decrease Tax Rate by $.0084 (Decrease Ind Dist Revenue) (384,000) Take out Solid Waste Increase (1,839,000) GO Debt Service Fund Property Tax (2,097,312) Transfer from HOT Fund 2,097,312 Total Amended Revenues 1,038,812,651 Amended Budget per Council Packet Updated adjustments Council Actions on 8-30-22: General Fund Take out all non -duplicative items on two lists Expenditures 1,092,829,108 172,500 1,093,001,608 (25,381,.031) HOT Fund Transfer to CIP for ABC repairs (Was on reduction list) (2,097,312) Transfer to GO Debt Fund for Conv Ctr Debt 2,097,312 Total Amended Expenditures 1,067,620,577 approximately $2,100,000 Detailed Reconciled List One -Time Expenditures Council Reductions 08/30/2022 Transfer to Parks CIP Fund - Park Improvements 2,000,000 Transfer to Parks CIP Fund - Cole Park Plaza Shade Structure 1,950,000 Transfer to Parks CIP Fund - Parking Lot Lighting Treatment for Swantner Park 250,000 Transfer to Parks CIP Fund - Flour Bluff - dog park 550,000 Transfer to Parks CIP Fund - FY22 Park Initiatives transfer to CIP 3,240,063 Transfer to Public H&S CIP Fund - Police Training Academy (La Voila land) 1,000,000 Transfer to Street CIP Fund - Traffic Signals/Infrastructure installations: 1) Airline @ Ocean 2) Staples @ Barry St 750,000 Transfer to Street CIP Fund - Pre -engineering for Leopard from Lantana to Tuloso 500,000 Transfer to CIP Fd - La Retama Library Generator 500,000 Transfer to CIP Fd - Library Projects 250,000 City Secretary - November and December Runoff Election 380,000 Public Information - FY22 Communications Initiative for City-wide website & portal upgrade 500,000 Public Information Office - Vehicle 45,000 Finance - Digitization of Files 25,000 Fire - :;,creased authorized compliment testing/equipment 495,819 Fire - 1 Additional Medic Unit 384,200 Fire - Zetron Replacement, Records Mgmt System, 2-Aerial apparatus, HazMat SCBA's 3,435,034 Fire - EOC Building Planning & Assessment 100,000 Health - 3 Vehicles for Department 90,000 Human Resources - Executive Coaching 50,000 Human Resources - additional funding for Employee Tuition Reimbursement Program 50,000 Municipal Court - Operations Review 50,000 Police - BearCat Armored Vehicle and additional funding for capital outlay unmarked vehicles 650,000 Police - Building Maintenance projects 150,000 Police - 3D scanner, comparison microscope, crime scene lighting 164,576 Comprehensive Planning - Master Plan for Ayers Service Center 100,000 Neighborhood Services -Code Enforcement - Business Development Plan for Code Compliance 100,000 Streets - Median tree planting initiative from Violet to McKenzie 100,000 Animal Care - Pilot Program for additional Spay/Neuter 500,000 Parks and Recreation - CCISD/City Agreement for Natatorium capital replacements ($405,300), Vehicle for Department ($46,714), North Beach Merchant & Vendor Pilot ($100,0001 552,014 Legal - Outside Help on Industrial Agreement ($200,000) and Industrial Park Roadway - Land title ($100,000) 300,000 Neighborhood Services - Leopard store front facade challenge match improvement program near uptown (Lantana to Tuloso) 250,000 Transfer to Parks CIP Fund - North Beach Plaza Shade Treatment 835,000 Transfer to Parks CIP Fund - Gateway Signage - I 37 ($770,000), 181 ($770,000) & Labonte Park ($770,000) 2,310,000 Library - study for District 5 new location 100,000 sub -total 22,706,706 Reduction List North Beach Drainage 2,000,000 Council Constituent Relation 135,000 Salinas Park lighting 100,000 St. Andrews Park Tennis Court 25,000 Car Allowance at -large 1,800 Homelessness Services 100,000 Bike Path Master plan 100,000 Public Wi-Fi 212,525 sub -total 2,674,325 GO Debt Fund Interest and Sinking Fund payment for Convention Center expansion debt to be paid by HOT Fund 2,100,000 sub -total 2,100,000 Total General Fund and Interest & Sinking 27,481,031 Written Public Comment 8-30-2022 1 Date of Meeting Name Address Topic Agenda Item Number Describe Feedback: Provide an email to receive a copy of your submission. Public Comment & Input Form 8/30/2022 Jason Page Street Address: 3515 Floyd Street City: Corpus Christi State / Province: TX Postal / Zip Code: 78411 Drainage Utility Fees 22-1415 I am against the Drainage Utility Fee increases proposed. This is a proposed 25% increase of the fee. jasondavidpage@gmail.com 2 Date of Meeting Name Address Topic Agenda Item Number Describe Feedback: Provide an email to receive a copy of your submission. Public Comment & Input Form 8/31/2022 Adriana Estringel Street Address: 4129 Harry City: Corpus Christi State / Province: Texas Postal / Zip Code: 78411 Storm water fee increase 22-1415 I object to the proposed increase on storm water fees. I am on fixed income and between my high utilities and electrical bill take the majority of my money. Our utility bill and charges are so high with poor services. Our streets are a disaster and there is never street sweeping on my street. Vote NO for increase nan49@mygrande.net 3 Date of Meeting Name Address Public Comment & Input Form 8/30/2022 Larry messer Street Address: 7225 Rugged Ridge City: Corpus Christi State / Province: tx Topic Agenda Item Number Describe Feedback: Provide an email to receive a copy of your submission. Postal / Zip Code: 78413 proposed storm water rate hike comment Stop it with the freaking rate hikes. I am tired of bending over and taking it in. It freaking hurts! Give us a brake! I knew this was coming when you branched off with water. You keep raising rates on everything. I am fed up! larrvm@cctexas.com Mariah Mannino From: Jotform <noreply@jotform.com> Sent: Tuesday, August 30, 2022 10:56 AM To: CitySecretary; Norma Duran Subject: [EXTERNAL]Public Input: 08-30-2022 - Dorothy Pena [ [ WARNING: External e-mail. Avoid clicking on links or attachments. We will NEVER ask for a password, username, payment or to take action from an email. When in doubt, please forward to SecurityAlert@cctexas.com. ] ] Warning: Replies to this message will go to returns@jotform.com. If you are unsure this is correct please contact the Helpdesk at 826-3766. X Public Comment & Input Form Date of Meeting Name Address 08-30-2022 Dorothy Pena Street Address: 2114 Meadowpass Drive City: Corpus Christi State / Province: TX Postal / Zip Code: 78414 Topic Desalination Agenda Item Number J Describe Feedback: The desal presentation in July left many of us in a quandary. The community has a lot of fears and concerns. My major concern is climate change and how our city continues to focus on the fossil fuel industry and supplying them with all their water needs when we as a United global front need to start coming up with realistic plans to transition away from this destructive industry that puts all our lives in danger. The amount of money being proposed for these projects is enormous and could be the stepping stone in an actual achievable plan to moving away from fossil fuels in our area. Desalination is just another way of letting that industry hold us captive in a time when the rest of the world is actually trying to figure out solutions to a global crisis. Why does Corpus Christi always have to be 20 years behind everyone else. 2042 is too late for us to get it together and to realize all the 1 Provide an email to receive a copy of your submission. harm our small town contributes to the rest of the world. dorothy.pena33@gmail.com 2