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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 07/30/2024I 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 July 30, 2024 which were approved by the City Council on August 13, 2024. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, on this the 13th day of August 2024. (SEAL) 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 City of Corpus Christi Meeting Minutes City Council 1201 Leopard Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401 cctexas.com Tuesday, July 30, 2024 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 11:33 a.m. B. Invocation to be given by Pastor Rob Bailey with Southside Community Church. Pastor Rob Bailey with Southside Community Church gave the invocation. C. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States and to the Texas Flag to be led by Michael Fan, 4th grader at Windsor Park Elementary. Michael Fan, fourth grader at Windsor Park Elementary, 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 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 Mike Pusley,Council Member Dan Suckley,Council Member Everett Roy,Council Member Jim Klein, and Council Member Sylvia Campos E. CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS / UPDATE ON CITY OPERATIONS: (ITEM 1) 1. 24-1248 Recap of Operation Safe Return: Back -to -School Health and Safety Fair and Back to School Awareness City Manager Peter Zanoni gave a recap of Operation Safe Return. Lieutenant with the Crime Reduction Unit Kody Harrison and Crime Prevention Advisor Melissa Castro presented information on Operation Safe Return: Back to School Health and Safety Fair and Back to School Awareness. Council Members commended the police department for being proactive. City of Corpus Christi Page 1 Printed on 8/8/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes July 30, 2024 F. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. John Weber, 609 Naples St., presented a drought information statement for South Texas. David Loeb, 4771 Ocean Dr., spoke in support of the sales tax reauthorization plan. Ron Graban, 202 Surfside Blvd., commended Council Members and Parks and Recreation staff for their efforts at Surfside Park. Rachel Caballero, 522 Hancock Ave., expressed concern about the City Manager's pay increase. Susie Saldana, 4710 Hakel Dr., commended Council for the City Manager's pay raise and expressed concern about negative comments regarding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. John Hendricks, 622 Texas Ave., spoke about the percentage of suicide and overdose deaths in the City. Adam Rios, 7301 Tangled Ridge Court, commended Council for attending the Surfside Park ribbon cutting ceremony and spoke in opposition to Texas Windstorm rate hikes. Lamont Taylor, 522 Hancock Ave., expressed concern about no fencing around the Bayview Cemetery and that Industrial District Agreements should be discussed in open forum. Maggie Peacock, 4407 SE 28th Ave., expressed concern about Industrial District Agreements in that they should be discussed in open forum. The following citizens spoke against banning Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) books from public libraries: Tom Tagliabue, 6025 Ocean Dr., Augustin De La Garza, 4006 Saloumeh Way, Bill Jeron Hoelscher, 525 Texas Ave., Meredith Grantham, 3605 Swiss Dr., Cassandra Champion, 634 Sorrell St., and Kelly Bezio, 418 Troy Dr. The following citizen submitted a written public comment which is attached to the minutes: Joshua Whitaker, 6342 SPID. G. BOARD & COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS: (NONE) H. EXPLANATION OF COUNCIL ACTION: I. CONSENT AGENDA: (ITEMS 2 - 9) City of Corpus Christi Page 2 Printed on 8/8/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes July 30, 2024 Approval of the Consent Agenda Mayor Guajardo referred to the Consent Agenda. Item 4 was pulled for individual consideration Council Member Barrera moved to approve the consent agenda with the exception of Item 4, seconded by Council Member Suckley. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 9 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter, Council Member Pusley, Council Member Suckley, Council Member Roy, Council Member Klein and Council Member Campos Abstained: 0 2. 24-1245 Approval of the July 23, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes The Minutes were approved on the consent agenda. Consent - Second Reading Ordinances 3. 24-1168 Ordinance approving the districting of annexed areas to City Council District 3 and District 5. This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda. Enactment No: 033419 4. 24-1072 Zoning Case No. ZN8120, Mustang Island LLC (District 4). Ordinance rezoning a property at or near 7213 State Highway 361 (SH-361) from the "RM-AT" Multi -Family Apartment Tourist District to the "RV" Recreational Vehicle Park District; providing for a penalty not to exceed $2,000 and publication. (Planning Commission and Staff recommend approval). 3/4 favorable vote required due to protest by surrounding owners. Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 4. Council Members and Assistant Director of Development Services Michael Dice discussed the following topics: a concern about the impact that this development could have on the dunes at the beach; and a dune protection permit is required before construction begins. Council Member Suckley moved to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council Member Campos. This Ordinance was passed on second reading and approved with the following vote: Aye: 8 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter, Council Member Pusley, Council Member Suckley, Council Member Roy and Council Member Campos Nay: 1 - Council Member Klein City of Corpus Christi Page 3 Printed on 8/8/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes July 30, 2024 Abstained: 0 Enactment No: 033420 5. 24-1073 Zoning Case No. ZN8281, Oliver & Saeideh Ommani, and Valiollah Ommani, (District 5). Ordinance rezoning a property at or near 6004 Yorktown from the "RS-6 Single -Family District to the "CN-2" Neighborhood Commercial District; providing for a penalty not to exceed $2,000 and publication. (Planning Commission and Staff recommend approval). This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda. Enactment No: 033421 6. 24-1074 Ordinance approving the Corpus Christi Crime Control and Prevention District Budget for FY 2025 with revenues of $9,441,101.00 and fund balance of $2,429,984.00 totaling $11,871,085.00 and expenditures of $11,871,085.00 to fund 78 authorized Police sworn personnel and eight replacement vehicles, and equipment to support both; and appropriating $11,871,085.00 in the Crime Control and Prevention District Fund. This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda. Enactment No: 033422 Consent - Contracts and Procurement 7. 24-1034 Motion authorizing execution of a one-year service agreement, with two one-year options, with CSI Consolidated, LLC, dba AIMS Companies, of Houston, in an amount not to exceed $723,785.00, with a potential amount up to $2,171,355.00 if options are exercised, for closed circuit televised inspection and cleaning of large diameter wastewater lines for Corpus Christi Water, with FY 2024 funding of $120,631.00 from the Wastewater Fund. This Motion was passed on the consent agenda. Enactment No: M2024-117 Consent - First Reading Ordinances 8. 24-1211 Ordinance ordering a general election to be held on November 5, 2024, in the City of Corpus Christi for the election of Mayor and eight Council Members; providing for procedures for holding such election; providing for notice of election and publication thereof; providing for establishment of branch early voting polling places; designating polling place locations; authorizing a joint election with Nueces County, and a runoff election, if one is necessary, on December 14, 2024; authorizing execution of a Joint Election Agreement and Election Services Contract with Nueces County; and enacting provisions incident and relating to the subject and purpose of this ordinance. City of Corpus Christi Page 4 Printed on 8/8/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes July 30, 2024 This Ordinance was passed on first reading on the consent agenda. 9. 24-1102 Ordinance authorizing the acceptance of an increase in the grant from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) for the Women, Infants, and Children's Nutrition Program (WIC) to provide funding for the WIC program for the period of October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025, and authorizing 14 existing FTEs that are funded by this grant and appropriating the $1,233,166.00 in the Health Grant Fund. This Ordinance was passed on first reading on the consent agenda. J. RECESS FOR LUNCH Mayor Guajardo recessed the Council meeting for lunch at 1:33 p.m. Executive Session Items 21 and 22 were held during the lunch recess. Mayor Guajardo reconvened the meeting at 2:44 p.m. K. PUBLIC HEARINGS: (ITEMS 10 - 12) 10. 24-1208 Public Hearing of the Proposed Bond 2024 Program Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 10. Assistant City Manager Neiman Young presented information on the following topics: Bond 2024 program summary; and Bond 2024-project adjustments. Council Members, City Manager Peter Zanoni, and Assistant City Manager Young discussed the following topics: the additional funding for Labonte Park would include walking trails, landscaping, furnishing, and ball fields; a desire to postpone repairs to Alameda Street and reallocate that bond money for sidewalks; and a concern about the increasing debt service in the general fund. Mayor Guajardo opened the public hearing. There were no comments from the public. Mayor Guajardo closed the public hearing. 11. 24-1209 Public Hearing of the Proposed Sales Tax Reauthorization Plan Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 11. Assistant City Manager Heather Hurlbert presented information on the following topics: proposed uses for each 1/8 cent; other considerations; and calendar and next steps. Council Members, City Manager Peter Zanoni, and Assistant City Manager Hurlbert discussed the following topics: a recommendation that all proposed projects be City of Corpus Christi Page 5 Printed on 8/8/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes July 30, 2024 reauthorized under Type B because it is purpose specific; the 25-year term allows the City to disperse projects over time; Chapter 327 would be managed by City Council and can be used on any existing city owned streets; and Chapter 327 would not affect the City's general fund credit rating and needs reauthorization every four years. Mayor Guajardo opened the public hearing. There were no comments from the public. Mayor Guajardo closed the public hearing. 12. 24-1105 Zoning Case No. ZN8254, Azali Investments LLC (District 5). Ordinance rezoning a property at or near 7702 Starry Road from the "FR" Farm Rural District to the "RM-2" Multi -Family District; providing for a penalty not to exceed $2,000 and publication. (Planning Commission and Staff recommend approval). Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 12. Council Members and Assistant Director of Development Services Michael Dice discussed the following topics: a concern about the setback from the residential neighborhood; and this development would have to meet the Unified Development Code requirements. Mayor Guajardo opened the public hearing. There were no comments from the public. Mayor Guajardo closed the public hearing. Council Member Barrera moved to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council Member Hunter. 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 Pusley, Council Member Suckley, Council Member Roy, Council Member Klein and Council Member Campos Abstained: 0 L. INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION ITEMS: (ITEMS 13 - 19) 13. 24-1172 Motion authorizing a professional services contract with NITEC, LLC, of Denver, Colorado in the amount of $4,571,582 for the identification of a reservoir location and design of the Underground Natural Gas Storage project with FY 2024 funding available from the Gas Capital Fund. Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 13. Director of Gas Operations Bill Mahaffey presented information on the following topics: City of Corpus Christi Page 6 Printed on 8/8/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes July 30, 2024 underground natural gas storage scope of work; underground storage basics; Gulf Coast gas demand; first facility in South Texas; LNG facilities and local industries need storage; commercialization goals; and illustrative financial scenarios for three storage facility sizes. Council Members and Director Mahaffey discussed the following topics: the Railroad Commission regulates storage facilities and provides permits; the goal of this project is to save customers money on the annual base rate; and there are no local firms with experience in underground storage facility. Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. There were no comments from the public. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. Council Member Hernandez moved to approve the motion, seconded by Council Member Barrera. This Motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Aye: 9 Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter, Council Member Pusley, Council Member Suckley, Council Member Roy, Council Member Klein and Council Member Campos Abstained: 0 Enactment No: M2024-118 14. 24-1171 Motion awarding a construction contract to SR Trident, Inc., of Gregory, Texas, to construct the new Peoples Street Boardwalk, located in Council District 1, in an amount not to exceed $5,999,753.60, with FY 2024 funding available from Seawall Capital Improvement Fund. Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 14. Director of Engineering Services Jeff Edmonds stated this is for a construction contract for Peoples Street Boardwalk and is an approved Capital Improvement Program project. Council Members and Director Edmonds discussed the following topic: the construction of this project will be similar to Cole Park Pier with a timeline of 180 days. Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. There were no comments from the public. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. Council Member Barrera moved to approve the motion, seconded by Council Member Suckley. This Motion was passed and approved with the following vote: City of Corpus Christi Page 7 Printed on 8/8/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes July 30, 2024 Aye: 9 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter, Council Member Pusley, Council Member Suckley, Council Member Roy, Council Member Klein and Council Member Campos Abstained: 0 Enactment No: M2024-119 15. 24-1151 Resolution to authorize amendments to the Professional Services Agreements with Lloyd Gosselink for attorney services, and NewGen Strategies & Solutions LLC for expert witness services in a cumulative maximum of $523,000 related to the case of Petition by Outside City Ratepayers appealing the Water Rates of the City of Corpus Christi to the Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC Docket No. 56427). Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 15. City Attorney Miles Risley presented information on the following topics: appeal of Outside City Limits (OCL) water rates to Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC); timeline of events; 2024 water rate PUC appeal; residential water rate adjustments effective January 1, 2024; water rate adjustments; and timeline forward. Council Members, City Attorney Risley, and City Manager Zanoni discussed the following topics: the consultant provided the cost of services that was attributed to determine the OCL rates; and the City cannot charge the petitioners for legal services. Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. There were no comments from the public. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. Council Member Campos moved to approve the resolution, seconded by Council Member Klein. This Resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Aye: 9 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter, Council Member Pusley, Council Member Suckley, Council Member Roy, Council Member Klein and Council Member Campos Abstained: 0 Enactment No: 033423 16. 24-1212 Written presentment of citizen initiative for future Council Action if requested by City Council. Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 16. City Secretary Rebecca Huerta said that the City Charter states in the case of an initiative, the City Attorney shall draft an ordinance in legal form, consistent with the laws City of Corpus Christi Page 8 Printed on 8/8/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes July 30, 2024 of the State and the United States. Council Members, City Secretary Huerta, City Manager Peter Zanoni, City Attorney Miles Risley, Assistant City Manager Sony Peronel, and Director of Public Health Fauzia Khan discussed the following topics: the citizen initiative petition is requesting that all potential risks of the mRNA injection be added to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) list; all COVID vaccines are federally and state funded; and the City does not have authority to alter the CDC list, which is a federal document. Council Member Hunter moved to table this item to August 13, seconded by Council Member Hernandez. The Motion failed with the following vote: Aye: Nay: 4 - Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter, Council Member Pusley and Council Member Suckley 5 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Roy, Council Member Klein and Council Member Campos Abstained: 0 17. 24-1150 City Manager Presentation of FY 2025 Proposed Operating and Capital Budget Presentation City Manager Peter Zanoni presented information on the FY 2025 proposed annual operating and capital budget as follows: FY 2025 proposed budget summary; budget communication; FY 2025 proposed budget community input sessions; FY 2025 proposed city council workshops; budget development process; FY 2025 proposed city budget; general fund FY 2025 proposed budget; FY 2025 general fund budget: $343.8 million; general fund revenue; taxable property value and rate; city property tax rate; city property tax relief; sample tax bill for City of Corpus Christi -general homestead exemption increased from 10% to 20%; sample tax bill for City of Corpus Christi -increase of over-65/disabled and homestead exemption; general fund reserves and financial rating; FY 25 general fund overview; police officer positions; firefighter positions; re-org of fire department -current; re-org of fire department -proposed; streets; street maintenance and reconstruction; Parks and Recreation; Library; Animal Care Services; Health Department; Solid Waste; Code Enforcement/Planning and Community Development; Municipal Court; Economic Development; Mayor, City Council, City Secretary, and City Auditor; City Manager's Office; FY 2025 proposed tax notes; tourism; water; wastewater; storm water fee; storm water program; sample utility bill for large volume, wholesale, and commercial customers; sample utility bill for residential customer; city rates for residential customers; projected fund balance comparison; FY 2025 capital budget $1,008.7 million; employee compensation in FY 2025; employee health benefits FY 2025; one-time HSA payments to employees in FY 2025; five year position analysis; FY 2025 budgeted positions; and next steps. Council Members, City Manager Zanoni, City Attorney Miles Risley, Fire Chief Brandon Wade, and Director of Intergovernmental Relations Ryan Skrobarczyk discussed the following topics: the purpose of the fire department applying for the grant was to help increase four person staffing; staff recommends paving residential streets through City of Corpus Christi Page 9 Printed on 8/8/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes July 30, 2024 Certificates of Obligation; a request for an updated list of potholes and the number of linear miles that have been completed by Public Works; concerns about reducing positions and outsourcing the Zavala and Greenwood Senior Centers; concerns with closing the Garcia Library; the City's goal is to make small reductions while maintaining high quality services; the importance of salvaging the health department with the County and to assess all services provided by the health department; concerns about reducing code enforcement officers and homeless program positions; a recommendation to combine parking enforcement personnel with code enforcement; a request to transfer Sister City funding to the Chamber of Commerce; a recommendation to postpone filling the vacant Assistant City Manager position; a request to reduce the amount of travel budgeted for Council Members; and the City has a ten percent employee vacancy rate. 18. 24-1246 Resolution amending the Debt Management Policy adopted by Resolution 029321 on December 13, 2011. This Item was postponed. 19. 24-1098 Resolution amending Financial Budgetary Policies adopted by Resolution 033143 and providing financial policy direction on preparation of the FY 2025 operating and capital budgets. This Item was postponed. M. BRIEFINGS: (ITEM 20) 20. 24-1204 Bond 2024 Program Financial Capacity Briefing, Presented by the City's Financial Advisor Victor Quiroga, Specialized Public Finance, Inc. Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 20. Financial Advisor with Specialized Public Finance, Inc. Victor Quiroga presented information on the following topics: future bond issuance assumptions; historical and projected taxable value growth; and summary of l&S Bond capacity analysis. Council Members, City Manager Peter Zanoni, and Mr. Quiroga discussed the following topics: the $175 million bond capacity cannot be decreased this year due to debt service; and a request for a presentation for the revenue bond debt. N. EXECUTIVE SESSION: (ITEMS 21 - 23) Mayor Guajardo referred to Executive Session Items 21 and 22. The Council went into Executive Session at 1:33 p.m. The Council returned from Executive Session at 2:44 p.m. Mayor Guajardo referred to Executive Session Item 23. The Council went into Executive Session at 7:08 p.m. The Council returned from Executive Session at 7:51 p.m. 21. 24-1152 Executive session pursuant to Texas Government Code § 551.071 and City of Corpus Christi Page 10 Printed on 8/8/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes July 30, 2024 Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 1.05 to consult with attorneys concerning legal issues related to industries, infrastructure, utilities, and property in the City's extraterritorial jurisdiction, services thereto, annexation, Texas Local Gov't Code service plans, industrial district agreements (IDA's), and Chapters 42, 43 and 212 of the Texas Local Government Code § 43.0116, et. seq., rates for utilities, actions for limitation of rates, Texas Water Code § 13.043 and associated statutes and regulations, and Texas Government Code § 551.087 to discuss and deliberate regarding potential financial or other incentive(s) to business prospects(s) that the governmental body seeks to have locate, stay, or expand in or near the territory of the City and with which the City will be conducting economic development negotiations, authorizing preparation of service plans for areas to be considered for annexation, and authorizing professional services agreements and amendments thereto with attorneys, engineers, and other consultants involved in the aforementioned actions. This E-Session Item was discussed in executive session. 22. 24-1100 Executive Session pursuant to Texas Gov't Code § 551.071 and Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 1.05 to consult with attorneys concerning legal issues related to the cases of Sylvia Wilson v. City of Corpus Christi and Martin Ramos v. City of Corpus Christi including potential consideration of settlement offers and/or fees for attorneys, engineers, other expert witnesses assisting in this case, deposition fees, and court costs, and updates on litigation in other cases. This E-Session Item was passed after executive session. The following motion was considered: Motion to authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents necessary to settle the case of Sylvia Wilson v. City of Corpus Christi in an amount not to exceed $125,000. Council Member Hunter moved to approve the motion, seconded by Council Member Barrera. This Motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Aye: 9 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter, Council Member Pusley, Council Member Suckley, Council Member Roy, Council Member Klein and Council Member Campos Abstained: 0 Enactment No: M2024-120 This E-Session Item was passed after executive session. The following motion was considered: Motion to authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents necessary to City of Corpus Christi Page 11 Printed on 8/8/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes July 30, 2024 settle the case of Martin Ramos v. City of Corpus Christi in an amount not to exceed $222,500. Council Member Barrera moved to approve the motion, seconded by Council Member Hunter. This Motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Aye: 8 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter, Council Member Suckley, Council Member Roy, Council Member Klein and Council Member Campos Nay: 1 - Council Member Pusley Abstained: 0 Enactment No: M2024-121 23. 24-1217 Executive Session pursuant to Texas Gov't Code § 551.071 and Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 1.05 to consult with attorneys concerning legal issues related to personnel matters and the City Auditor and Texas Gov't Code § 551.074 (personnel matters) to deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline or dismissal of a public officer or employee (including, but not limited to, the City Auditor). This E-Session was passed after executive session. The following motion was considered: Motion to place the City Auditor on paid administrative leave from July 30, 2024, through August 13, 2024. Council Member Barrera moved to approve the motion, seconded by Council Member Campos. This Motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Aye: 8 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hunter, Council Member Pusley, Council Member Suckley, Council Member Roy, Council Member Klein and Council Member Campos Abstained: 1 - Council Member Hernandez Enactment No: M2024-122 O. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Guajardo adjourned this meeting at 7:52 p.m. City of Corpus Christi Page 12 Printed on 8/8/2024 From: Nomia Duran To: Sarah Brunkenhoefer Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL]Public Input: 07-30-2024 - Joshua Whitaker Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 8:46:30 AM Attachments: 5981166182428583036.odf One written public comment From: City of Corpus Christi <noreply@formresponse.com> Sent: Monday, July 29, 2024 9:44 PM To: City Secretary <CitySecretary@cctexas.com>; Norma Duran <NormaD2@cctexas.com> Subject: [EXTERNAL]Public Input: 07-30-2024 - Joshua Whitaker [ [ 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@formresponse.com. If you are unsure this is correct please contact the Helpdesk at 826-3766. Public Comment & Input Form Date of Meeting 07-30-2024 Name Joshua Whitaker Address Street Address: 6342 S. Padre Island Dr. Apt. F City: Corpus Christi State / Province: TX Postal / Zip Code: 78412 Are you a resident of Corpus Christi? What district do you reside in? Yes District 4 Topic Library Censorship Agenda Item Number N/A Describe Feedback: In a civilized society that values free Provide an email to receive a copy of your submission. enterprise of ideas through our first amendment rights, it is unconscionable that the voices of historically marginalized people be silenced. The anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric driving the call for our library's censorship is founded in privilege of an increasingly shrinking number of fundamentalists who clutch their proverbial pearls at the notion of losing their privilege. To quote constitutional lawyer Andrew L. Seidel, "parity is not oppression. Equality, even when it means the erosion of privilege, is not discrimination." (American Crusade, p. 13). Silencing the voices of the LGBTQ+ community is the first step in the crusade to eradicate their rights entirely; strip away their humanity and what is left is easily disposable. True education does not shy away from truths, nor does it seek to censor voices. This, as history has shown us time and again, is the method of authoritarians, of totalitarians, of fascists. I formally oppose literary censorship. jwhitakertkd@gmail.com