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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 05/06/2025I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Corpus Christi City Council of May 6, 2025 which were approved by the City Council on May 13, 2025. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, on this the 13th day of May 2025. (S E A L) 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, May 6, 2025 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 11:32 a.m. B. Invocation to be given by Rabbi Naftoli Schmulker with Chabad Coastal Bend. Rabbi Naftoli Schmulker with Chabad Coastal Bend gave the invocation. C. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States and to the Texas Flag to be led by Hannah Nichole Hominick, 12th grader from Calallen High School. Hannah Nichole Hominick, 12th grader from Calallen 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 Risley and City Secretary Rebecca Huerta Present: 9 - Council Member Roland Barrera,Council Member Carolyn Vaughn,Council Member Gil Hernandez,Council Member Sylvia Campos,Mayor Paulette Guajardo,Council Member Eric Cantu,Council Member Mark Scott,Council Member Kaylynn Paxson, and Council Member Everett Roy E. CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS / UPDATE ON CITY OPERATIONS: (ITEMS 1 - 2) 1. 25-0609 Recognition of Graduates from the 61st Class Graduation of MetroCom 911 Call Operators City Manager Peter Zanoni recognized the 61 st Graduation Class of MetroCom 911 Call Operators. Assistant Police Chief Christopher White presented information on the following topics: 61 st MetroCom Academy; 911 dispatchers; 911 dispatcher training; and what's after the academy. City of Corpus Christi Page 1 Printed on 5/9/2025 City Council Meeting Minutes May 6, 2025 Council Members commended the graduation class for their dedication and service. 2. 25-0633 Recognition of TOP Cop Award and Overview of Annual Candlelight Vigil for Fallen Officers City Manager Peter Zanoni recognized National Peace Officers Memorial Week May 11-17, 2025; 37th annual candlelight vigil May 13, 2025; and Top Cop Award Recipient Officer Marco Ramirez. F. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. Stephen Klepper, Corpus Christi, TX, spoke about minimal public transparency during the budget process. Cheryl Martinez, Corpus Christi, TX, expressed concern about Animal Care Services leadership. Susie Saldana, Corpus Christi, TX, spoke about statements of fact. Robin Sanders, Corpus Christi, TX, expressed concern about the amount of crime in the City. Gary Allsup, Corpus Christi, TX, spoke about the impact to Corpus Christi Housing Authority and low income families as a result of the Presidents proposed budget cuts. Ronald Kolb, Corpus Christi, TX, spoke about funding for local film projects. Tom Tagliabue, Corpus Christi, TX, asked to dedicate the naming of the Oso Pedestrian Bridge after the late Assistant City Manager, Tom Utter. Adam Rios, Corpus Christi, TX, spoke about Travel and Tourism week. Jason Hale, Corpus Christi, TX, asked for Corpus Christi Water to provide updates on desalination modeling from GHD to City Council. G. BOARD & COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS: (ITEM 3) 3. 25-0623 Animal Care Advisory Committee Building Standards Board Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation Sister City Committee Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 3. Animal Care Advisory Committee: City of Corpus Christi Page 2 Printed on 5/9/2025 City Council Meeting Minutes May 6, 2025 Reappointed: Diana L. Cardenas and Ronald Smith Appointed: Kylie Long (At -Large) Building Standards Board: Appointed: Chic G. Henderson (Regular Member) and Lindsy Clark (Alternate Member) Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation: (Mayor Guajardo abstained) Appointed: George E. Pollakis Sister City Committee: Appointed: Wally Gonzalez Jr. and Angelita M. Romero H. BRIEFINGS: (ITEMS 4 - 5) 4. 25-0573 Update on Inner Harbor Water Treatment Campus Project, to include project history on progressive design -build contract procurement, current project update, and milestones leading to guaranteed maximum price. Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 4. Program Management Office Director Brett Van Hazel presented information on the following topics: presentation overview; project procurement recap; current project status update; project timeline; upcoming presentations; and future project topics. Council Members, City Manager Peter Zanoni, Director Van Hazel, and Chief Operating Officer of Corpus Christi Water (CCW) Drew Molly discussed the following topics: the City is modeling the impact on the Inner Harbor to ensure the design meets the TCEQ requirements; the GHD Far Field Model should be complete within two months; to make certain the cost of this campus project is affordable; multiple projects are being considered for an alternative water supply; a request for frequent cost updates; federal grant funding is available for this project and can be submitted by Fall of 2025; a water summit will be held from May 22-23 to fundraise for a utility assistance bill program, as well as provide hours for CCW operators to recertify their license; the current cost of maintenance and operation of the desalination plant is unknown; and the City has a ten year contract with the electric provider to negotiate rates. 5. 25-0680 Alternative Water Supply Projects Update Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 5. Chief Operating Officer of Corpus Christi Water Drew Molly presented information on the following topics: drought monitor; Evangeline Laguna LLP (Evangeline) groundwater project; Echelman-Voigt (EV) Ranch project; Nueces River Groundwater Wells project; Reclaimed Water Infrastructure project; and groundwater supply assessment. Council Members, City Manager Peter Zanoni, Chief Operating Officer Molly, and County City of Corpus Christi Page 3 Printed on 5/9/2025 City Council Meeting Minutes May 6, 2025 Commissioner John Marez discussed the following topics: the cost, timeline and water quality will determine the next action from Evangeline; the estimated timeline for permitting from TCEQ and volume of Nueces River Wells; the amount of water from the River Wells and the plan to address the quality of water; a rate increase will take affect on any additional water source; risks are associated with a small groundwater conservation district; what the groundwater quality is per well the City is drilling; whether Flint Hills Resources can receive reclaimed water; and South Texas Water Authority is willing to partnership with the City to provide water. I. EXPLANATION OF COUNCIL ACTION: J. MOTION TO RECONSIDER: (ITEM 6) 6. 25-0682 Reconsideration of "Motion awarding a construction contract to Barcom Construction, Inc., of Corpus Christi for construction of a new Wastewater Maintenance Building in an amount up to $8,476,293.00, located at the City's Greenwood Wastewater Treatment Plant in District 3, for the project approved by City Council in FY 2022, FY 2023, FY 2024 and FY 2025 with FY 2025 funding available from the Wastewater Capital Fund," as submitted by Council Members Carolyn Vaughn and Eric Cantu. This Item was withdrawn. K. CONSENT AGENDA: (ITEMS 7 -18) Approval of the Consent Agenda Mayor Guajardo referred to the Consent Agenda. Items 11, 13, 14, 16, and 17 were pulled for individual consideration. Council Member Paxson moved to approve the consent agenda with the exception of Items 11, 13, 14, 16, and 17, seconded by Council Member Roy. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 9 - Council Member Barrera, Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Campos, Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Cantu, Council Member Scott, Council Member Paxson and Council Member Roy Abstained: 0 7. 25-0661 Approval of the April 29, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes The Minutes were approved on the consent agenda. Consent - Second Reading Ordinances 8. 25-0484 Ordinance accepting a grant totaling $247,669.00 from the State of Texas Governor's Homeland Security Grants Division for Operation Stonegarden (drug City of Corpus Christi Page 4 Printed on 5/9/2025 City Council Meeting Minutes May 6, 2025 and human trafficking) for overtime, fringe benefits, one replacement Chevy Tahoe police vehicle, and fuel/maintenance; and appropriating $247,669.00 in the Police Grants Fund. This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda. Enactment No: 033643 9. 25-0488 Ordinance authorizing the acceptance of a grant totaling $30,734.00 from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation for funding to purchase two replacement Paratech lifting bags, two replacement Paratech lifting cushions, and one additional Multiforce bag used for rescue operations for the Corpus Christi Fire Department; and appropriating $30,734.00 in the FY 2025 Fire Grants Fund. This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda. Enactment No: 033644 10. 25-0460 Ordinance authorizing the acceptance and appropriation of $15,092,700.00 from the Texas General Land Office, Community Development Block Grant - Mitigation Program, under the FY2024 Regional Mitigation Grant to improve operational resiliency at the Greenwood and Oso Wastewater Treatment Plants; and amending the Water Grant Fund and FY2025 Capital Budget. This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda. Enactment No: 033645 Consent - Contracts and Procurement 11. 25-0175 Resolution authorizing execution of a one-year service agreement, with two one-year options, based on a best -value bid, with Lone Star Blower, Inc., of Houston in an amount not to exceed $310,000.00 with a potential amount up to $930,000.00 if options are exercised, for blower repairs and alignment at wastewater treatment plants for Corpus Christi Water, with FY 2025 funding of $310,000.00 from the Wastewater Fund. Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 11. A Council Member and Director of Water Systems Infrastructure Wesley Nebgen discussed the following topic: this company was selected because they offered the best value and most experience. Council Member Campos moved to approve the resolution, seconded by Council Member Paxson. This Resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Aye: 8 - Council Member Barrera, Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Campos, Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Cantu, Council Member Scott, Council Member Paxson and Council Member Roy City of Corpus Christi Page 5 Printed on 5/9/2025 City Council Meeting Minutes May 6, 2025 Nay: 1 - Council Member Hernandez Abstained: 0 Enactment No: 033646 Consent - Capital Projects 12. 25-0507 Motion awarding a construction contract to Crawford Henrichson & Crawford LLC Addison, TX, for the Fire Department Resource Center Phase II project in an amount not to exceed $3,041,742.00 for the addition of two apparatus bays, and a multipurpose space for Fire Department personnel training and storage, located in Council District 3 with FY 2025 funding available from the Certificates of Obligations and G.O. Bond 2022. This Motion was passed on the consent agenda. Enactment No: M2025-052 13. 25-0347 Resolution rejecting the bid of D&J Utility Services LLC as non -responsive and authorizing a construction contract to Southern Trenchless Solutions, LLC, La Feria, Texas, as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder in an amount up to $3,891,631.24 with two renewal options for a total amount not to exceed $11,674,893.72 for Citywide Wastewater Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) - Manhole Improvements FY2024 project, located Citywide, with FY 2025 funding available from the Wastewater Capital Fund. Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 13. A Council Member and Director of Engineering Services Jeff Edmonds discussed the following topic: the lowest bidder was not selected for this project because they did not meet the minimum requirements. Council Member Paxson moved to approve the resolution, seconded by Council Member Roy. This Resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Aye: 8 - Council Member Barrera, Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Campos, Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Cantu, Council Member Scott, Council Member Paxson and Council Member Roy Nay: 1 - Council Member Hernandez Abstained: 0 Enactment No: 033647 14. 25-0425 Motion awarding a construction contract to Reytec Construction Resources, Inc., of Houston, Texas, in an amount up to $20,991,575.94 and authorizing Amendment No. 3 to the professional services contract with Plummer Associates, Inc., of Corpus Christi, to provide construction phase services in an City of Corpus Christi Page 6 Printed on 5/9/2025 City Council Meeting Minutes May 6, 2025 amount of $55,767.00 for a total contract value up to $1,274,626.00 for the Filtration System Hydraulic Improvements at O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant (ONSWTP), located in Council District 1, with FY 2025 funding available from the Water CIP Fund. Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 14. Council Members, Director of Engineering Services Jeff Edmonds, and Director of Water Systems and Support Services Nick Winkelmann discussed the following topics: in what way do the filtration improvements positively impact the water treatment plant; the process of treating and refurbishing water filter systems; the difficulty of obtaining parts and maintaining the facility; and whether warranty is established to protect the assets. Council Member Paxson moved to approve the motion, seconded by Council Member Roy. This Motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Aye: 9 - Council Member Barrera, Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Campos, Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Cantu, Council Member Scott, Council Member Paxson and Council Member Roy Abstained: 0 Enactment No: M2025-053 15. 25-0539 Resolution authorizing a construction contract with Bay, Ltd., of Corpus Christi, in an amount up to $2,858,521.20 for the reconstruction of Calallen Drive, from Red Bird Lane to Burning Tree Lane, with new asphalt pavement, ADA compliant sidewalks and curb ramps, signage, utility upgrades, and pavement markings, located in Council District 1 with FY 2025 funding available from the Street Bond 2018, Water, Wastewater, Storm Water, and Gas Funds. This Resolution was passed on the consent agenda. Enactment No: 033648 16. 25-0584 Motion authorizing a professional services contract with Freese & Nichols, Inc., for design, bid, and construction phase services for Holly Road Train Trestle project in an amount not to exceed $1,263,059.00, located in Council District 4, with FY 2025 funding available from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fund. Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 16. Council Members and Director of Engineering Services Jeff Edmonds discussed the following topics: this company was selected due to their experience and knowledge with this project; and concerns that other local companies should be given more opportunities for larger projects. Council Member Paxson moved to approve the motion, seconded by Council Member Roy. This Motion was passed and approved with the following vote: City of Corpus Christi Page 7 Printed on 5/9/2025 City Council Meeting Minutes May 6, 2025 Aye: 8 - Council Member Barrera, Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Campos, Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Cantu, Council Member Scott, Council Member Paxson and Council Member Roy Nay: 1 - Council Member Hernandez Abstained: 0 Enactment No: M2025-054 Consent - First Reading Ordinances 17. 25-0559 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute documents to apply for and accept twelve grant renewal applications in an amount up to $2,772,910.00, authorizing 32 grant positions, and acceptance of an amount of up to $55,000 in program income from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and upon receipt, to appropriate funds in the No. 1066 Health Grants Fund for said programs. Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 17. There were no questions or comments from the Council. Council Member Paxson moved to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council Member Cantu. This Ordinance was passed on first reading and approved with the following vote: Aye: 9 - Council Member Barrera, Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Campos, Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Cantu, Council Member Scott, Council Member Paxson and Council Member Roy Abstained: 0 18. 25-0545 Ordinance authorizing three real estate sales contracts totaling up to $1,534,880 to purchase properties necessary for the Nueces River Water Pump Station Project, located in Council District 1, as follows: (1) 13702 N. Hillwood Trail from Jeffrey & Cindy Kirby for $619,000.00 plus $4,000.00 closing costs; (2) 13710 N. Hillwood Trail from Jose & Selinda Zepeda for $140,000.00 plus $4,000.00 closing costs; and (3) 13720 N. Hillwood Trail from Steven Hook for $769,880.00 plus $4,000.00 closing costs; and authorizing two short-term lease agreements to lease property to (1) Jeffrey and Cindy Kirby for 13702 North Hillwood Trail for $500.00 per month for six months and (2) Michael Cervantes for 13720 North Hillwood Trail for $1,000.00 per month for three months; with FY 2025 Funding available from the Water Capital Fund. This Ordinance was passed on first reading on the consent agenda. L. RECESS FOR LUNCH Mayor Guajardo recessed the Council meeting for lunch at 1:05 p.m. Executive Session City of Corpus Christi Page 8 Printed on 5/9/2025 City Council Meeting Minutes May 6, 2025 Items 19 and 20 were held during the lunch recess. Mayor Guajardo reconvened the meeting at 2:43 p.m. M. PUBLIC HEARINGS: (NONE) N. INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION ITEMS: (NONE) O. EXECUTIVE SESSION: (ITEMS 19 - 20) 19. 25-0663 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 Corpus Christi Housing Authority and land to be purchased by said entity and Texas Government Code § 551.072 to discuss and deliberate the potential purchase and/or value of the aforementioned property rights because deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the governmental body in negotiations with a third person. This E-Session Item was discussed in executive session. 20. 25-0675 Executive session briefing 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 Petitions to the Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC), including, but not limited to SOAH Docket No. 473-24-19854, PUC Docket No. 56427, Petition by Outside City Ratepayers Appealing the Water Rates of the City of Corpus Christi, and other potential appeals, including potential consideration of settlement offer(s) and actions related thereto This E-Session Item was discussed in executive session. P. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Guajardo adjourned this meeting at 4:39 p.m. City of Corpus Christi Page 9 Printed on 5/9/2025