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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 12/09/2025I 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 December 9, 2025 which were approved by the City Council on December 16, 2025. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, on this the 16th day of December 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, December 9, 2025 11:30 AM Council Chambers A. Mayor Paulette Guajardo to call the meeting to order. Mayor Guajardo called the meeting to order at 11:35 a.m. B. Invocation to be given by Reverend William T. Campbell, with Church of Good Shepherd. Reverend William T. Campbell with Church of Good Shepherd gave the invocation. C. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States and to the Texas Flag to be led by Michaela Pena, 12th grader at Richard Milburn High School. Michaela Pena, 12th grader at Richard Milburn 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 Note: Council Member Hernandez attended by video conference until he arrived at 3:29 p.m. Present: 9 - Council Member Roland Barrera,Council Member Carolyn Vaughn,Council Member Gilbert 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: (ITEM 1) 1. 25-1833 Update on Water Supply Projects, with a focus on the Evangeline Groundwater Project Interim Chief Operating Officer with Corpus Christi Water Nick Winkelmann and Vice President of Project Delivery with Pape -Dawson Engineers Chris Noe presented information on the following topics: Water Supply Projects Update; Evangeline Groundwater Project -project overview; agreement update; the design team; proposed; electrical design and load analysis; upcoming actions; Nueces Groundwater Program; City of Corpus Christi Page 1 Printed on 12/11/2025 City Council Meeting Minutes December 9, 2025 Well Field Monitoring Program; Reclaimed Water Infrastructure; Inner Harbor Seawater Desalination Project; and Water Supply Project Website. City Manager Peter Zanoni, City Attorney Miles Risley, and COO Winkelmann responded to Council questions. F. PUBLIC COMMENT G. BOARD & COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS: (ITEM 2) 2. 25-1838 Airport Board Marina Advisory Committee Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Planning Commission Airport Zoning Commission Water, Shore, and Beach Advisory Committee Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. Shirin Delsooz, Corpus Christi, TX, spoke. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. Airport Board: Appointed: Christine M. Belin Marina Advisory Committee: Reappointed: Curt L. Broomfield, Daniel S. Herrington, Steve T. Indrelunas, and John Murray Appointed: Stanley A. Rains Jr. Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee: Appointed: Eric P. Jaramillo Planning Commission: Appointed: Michael J. Esparza and Jason W. Jackson Airport Zoning Commission: Appointed: Michael J. Esparza and Jason W. Jackson Water, Shore, and Beach Advisory Committee: Reappointed: Robert K. Allen, Glenn A. Duhon Jr., and Melanie Holland Appointed: Ellis L. Chapman Jr. and Michael S. Pittman H. EXPLANATION OF COUNCIL ACTION: City of Corpus Christi Page 2 Printed on 12/11/2025 City Council Meeting Minutes December 9, 2025 I. CONSENT AGENDA: (ITEMS 3 - 20) Approval of the Consent Agenda Mayor Guajardo referred to the Consent Agenda. Items 6, 7, 11, and 12 were pulled for individual consideration. Council Member Campos moved to approve the consent agenda with the exception of Items 6, 7, 11, and 12, seconded by Council Member Cantu. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 8 - Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Campos, Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Cantu, Council Member Scott, Council Member Paxson and Council Member Roy Absent: 1 - Council Member Barrera Abstained: 0 3. 25-1834 Approval of the November 18, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes. The Minutes were approved on the consent agenda. Consent - Second Reading Ordinances 4. 25-1673 Ordinance authorizing the acceptance of grant funds from the Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation in the amount of $15,000 to fund overtime and fringe benefits for sworn officers for the Corpus Christi Police Department to work with the Red Cord Initiative Diversion Program; and appropriating $15,000 in the Police Grants Fund. This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda. Enactment No: 033803 5. 25-1639 Ordinance authorizing acceptance of grant funds from the State of Texas, Criminal Justice Division, under the FY 2026 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program in the amount of $31,030.00 for the purchase of five additional Panasonic in -car video systems for the Corpus Christi Police Department; and appropriating $31,030.00 into the Police Grants Fund. This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda. Enactment No: 033804 6. 25-1643 Ordinance authorizing the submission of a grant application in the amount of $30,000,000.00 to the Texas Water Development Board's (TWDB) to provide for the costs of Nueces River Ground Water Wells project as identified in Sec. 17.18 (30) of S.B. 1 General Appropriations Act (89th Legislature); authorizing staff and consultants to coordinate the submission of the application and to City of Corpus Christi Page 3 Printed on 12/11/2025 City Council Meeting Minutes December 9, 2025 execute all documents necessary to accept and administer the funds on behalf of the City as the applicant agency; amending the FY2026 Operating Budget. Director of Intergovernmental Relations Ryan Skrobarczyk and Texas State Representative Denise Villalobos responded to Council questions. Mayor Guajardo moved to approve Items 6 and 7, seconded by Council Member Vaughn. These Ordinances were passed on second 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 Enactment No: 033805 7. 25-1668 Ordinance authorizing the submission of a grant application in the amount of $16,000,000.00 to the Texas Water Development Board's (TWDB) to provide for the costs of Mary Rhodes Pipeline Upgrades project as identified in Sec. 17.18 (31) of S.B. 1 General Appropriations Act (89th Legislature); authorizing staff and consultants to coordinate the submission of the application and to execute all documents necessary to accept and administer the funds on behalf of the City as the applicant agency; amending the FY2026 Operating Budget. See Item 6. 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: 033806 8. 25-1662 Ordinance amending the Corpus Christi Code to reduce the speed limit on Staples Street between Saratoga Boulevard and 250 feet north of King Trail and reduce the speed limit on Whitecap Boulevard between Park Road 22 and Windward Drive; providing for penalty and publication. This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda. Enactment No: 033807 9. 25-1745 Ordinance authorizing the acceptance of a donation from H-E-B in the amount of $75,000.00 for the Meals on Wheels program; and appropriating $75,000.00 to the Parks & Recreation Grants Fund. This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda. Enactment No: 033808 City of Corpus Christi Page 4 Printed on 12/11/2025 City Council Meeting Minutes December 9, 2025 Consent - Capital Projects 10. 25-1516 Motion awarding a construction contract to H & S Constructors, Inc. of Corpus Christi for the Choke Canyon Dam - Sluice Gate #3 Replacement & Improvement Project in an amount up to $1,730,000.00 for the Total Base Bid plus Additive Alternate No. 1, with FY 2026 funding available from the Raw Water Capital Fund. This Motion was passed on the consent agenda. Enactment No: M2025-164 11. 25-1830 Motion authorizing Amendment No. 1 to a professional services contract with LJA Engineering, Inc. of Corpus Christi to provide design, bid, and construction phase services for the Blucher Park Wastewater Improvements project in the amount of $1,471,190.25, for a total contract value up to $1,711,210.25, located in Council District 1, with FY 2026 funding available from Wastewater Capital Fund. City Manager Peter Zanoni and Interim Chief Operating Officer Nick Winkelmann responded to Council questions. Council Member Roy moved to approve the motion, seconded by Council Member Vaughn. 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: M2025-165 12. 25-1737 Motion authorizing the approval of Change Order No. 3 with Central Air and Heating Service LLC, of Harlingen, TX, for the replacement of two existing 335-ton desiccant dehumidifiers at the Hilliard Center Arena, in an amount of $693,371 for a total contract amount not to exceed $4,718,343.80, with funding available from Type A Sales Tax. Director of Engineering Services Jeff Edmonds responded to Council questions. Council Member Hernandez moved to approve the motion, seconded by Council Member Vaughn. 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: M2025-166 City of Corpus Christi Page 5 Printed on 12/11/2025 City Council Meeting Minutes December 9, 2025 13. 25-1839 Resolution awarding a construction contract to A. Ortiz Construction & Paving, Inc., of Corpus Christi for reconstruction of East Surfside Boulevard, from Breakwater Avenue to Elm Street, with new hot mix asphalt concrete (HMAC) pavement, concrete sidewalks, curbs and gutters, ADA-compliant curb ramps, signage, pavement markings, upgraded street illumination, utility, and drainage improvements in an amount up to $2,170,052.56, located in Council District 1, with FY 2026 funding available from the Street Bond 2022, Storm Water, Water, Wastewater, and Gas Funds. This Resolution was passed on the consent agenda. Enactment No: 033809 General Consent Items 14. 25-1773 Resolution authorizing execution of an Advance Funding Agreement (AFA) with the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) for the County Road 69 roadway improvements associated with the FM 624 widening project with the City's payment of $50,000.00 to TXDOT for construction costs, located in Council District 1, with FY 2026 funding from the Street Fund. This Resolution was passed on the consent agenda. Enactment No: 033810 15. 25-1835 Consideration and approval of a resolution relating to establishing the City's intention to reimburse itself for the prior lawful expenditure of funds relating to any capital expenditures from the proceeds of one or more series of tax-exempt or taxable obligations to be issued by the city in an aggregate amount not to exceed $318,465,000 for authorized purposes, consisting of expenses related to projects approved by the City Council through the adoption of the fiscal year 2025-2026 operating and capital budget; authorizing other matters incident and related thereto; and providing an effective date. This Resolution was passed on the consent agenda. Enactment No: 033811 16. 25-1628 Resolution amending the City of Corpus Christi's Investment Policy and Investment Strategies document for FY 2026 to add the position of Deputy City Manager as an alternate member of the Investment Committee. This Resolution was passed on the consent agenda. Enactment No: 033812 17. 25-1792 Motion to approve the 2026 Annual Audit Plan This Motion was passed on the consent agenda. Enactment No: M2025-167 City of Corpus Christi Page 6 Printed on 12/11/2025 City Council Meeting Minutes December 9, 2025 18. 25-1793 Motion to recommend City Council approve the creation of an Incentive Pay Program for Professional Certifications and Licenses in the City Auditor's Office This Motion was passed on the consent agenda. Enactment No: M2025-168 Consent - First Reading Ordinances 19. 25-1776 Ordinance authorizing the acceptance of a grant from Flint Hills Resources First Responders Helping Heroes Grant Program in the amount of $10,351.65 for funding for the purchase of seven replacement HAZMAT sensors for the Corpus Christi Fire Department; and appropriating $10,351.65 to the FY 2026 Fire Grants Fund. This Ordinance was passed on first reading on the consent agenda. 20. 25-1686 Ordinance authorizing the acceptance of a donation from OxyChem First Responder Donation Program in the amount of $10,000.00 for funding toward the future purchase of a new multipurpose response vehicle for the Corpus Christi Fire Department; and appropriating $10,000.00 to the FY 2026 Fire Grants 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 1:34 p.m. Executive Session Items 28-30 were held during the lunch recess. Mayor Guajardo reconvened the meeting at 3:43 p.m. K. PUBLIC HEARINGS: (ITEMS 21 - 23) 21. 25-1789 Zoning Case No. ZN8908, Big Fish Enterprises, LLC. (District 2). Ordinance rezoning a property at or near 645 Everhart Road from the "RS-6" Single -Family 6 District to the "CN-1" Neighborhood Commercial District; providing for a penalty not to exceed $2,000 and publication. (Planning Commission and Staff recommend approval). Assistant Director of Development Services Andrew Dimas presented information on the following topics: zoning and land use; public notification; and analysis and recommendation. Mayor Guajardo opened the public hearing. There were no comments from the Council or the public. City of Corpus Christi Page 7 Printed on 12/11/2025 City Council Meeting Minutes December 9, 2025 Mayor Guajardo closed the public hearing. Council Member Campos moved to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council Member Barrera. 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 22. 25-1790 Zoning Case No. ZN8874, Pasadena Land Holdings, Inc. (District 4). Ordinance rezoning a property at or near 7801 Wooldridge Road from the "FR" Farm Rural District to the "RS-4.5" Single -Family 4.5 District; providing for a penalty not to exceed $2,000 and publication. (Planning Commission and Staff recommend approval). Assistant Director of Development Services Andrew Dimas presented information on the following topics: zoning and land use; public notification; and analysis and recommendation. Assistant Director Dimas responded to Council questions. Mayor Guajardo opened the public hearing. There were no comments from the public. Mayor Guajardo closed the public hearing. Council Member Paxson moved to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council Member Campos. 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 23. 25-1791 Zoning Case No. ZN8741, Creamean Troy Louis LVG Trust (District 4). Ordinance rezoning a property at or near 14861 and 14865 Granada Drive from the "RM-AT/IO" Multifamily Apartment Tourist District with the Island Overlay to the "RM-AT/IO/PUD" Multifamily Apartment Tourist District with the Island Overlay and a Planned Unit Development Overlay; providing for a penalty not to exceed $2,000 and publication. (Planning Commission and Staff recommend approval). Assistant Director of Development Services Andrew Dimas stated the purpose of this plan is to develop 11 townhomes consistent with the Area Development Plan. City of Corpus Christi Page 8 Printed on 12/11/2025 City Council Meeting Minutes December 9, 2025 Mayor Guajardo opened the public hearing. There were no comments from the public. Mayor Guajardo closed the public hearing. Council Member Paxson moved to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council Member Campos. 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 L. RECESS TO THE CORPUS CHRISTI HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION MEETING: (ITEM 24) Mayor Guajardo recessed the Council meeting to the Corpus Christi Housing Finance Corporation meeting at 1:20 p.m. 24. 25-1780 Special Board Meeting of the Corpus Christi Housing Finance Corporation (CCHFC) to amend the list of authorized representatives for Texas Local Government Investment Pool transactions and authorizing execution of related documents by the President; consider a Resolution authorizing participation as a Managing Member in Costa Tarragona Apts LLC, an entity formed by HKSK Corp. in connection with its acquisition of the Costa Tarragona I and Costa Tarragona II Apartments, and approving an Amended and Restated Ground Lease covering both apartment projects combined; and consider a Resolution Authorizing the early payment and redemption of the 2005 Corpus Christi Housing Finance Corporation Multifamily Revenue Bonds (Costa Tarragona I Project) and matters pertaining thereto. This Corporation Meeting was held. M. RETURN TO THE CORPUS CHRISTI CITY COUNCIL MEETING: Mayor Guajardo reconvened the Council meeting at 1:34 p.m. N. INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION ITEMS: (ITEM 25 - 26) 25. 25-1864 Resolution authorizing Tax Agreements with the City of San Antonio, Texas, via the City Public Service Board (CPS), for total payments to the City of Corpus Christi of $1,770,000.00 for tax years 2024 through 2027 for the Barney Davis and Nueces Bay Power Plant properties operated by CPS Energy. City Manager Peter Zanoni responded to Council questions. City of Corpus Christi Page 9 Printed on 12/11/2025 City Council Meeting Minutes December 9, 2025 Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. There were no comments from the public. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. Council Member Roy moved to approve the resolution, seconded by Council Member Hernandez. This Resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Aye: 8 - Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Campos, Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Cantu, Council Member Scott, Council Member Paxson and Council Member Roy Absent: 1 - Council Member Vaughn Abstained: 0 Enactment No: 033813 26. 25-1895 Resolution authorizing execution of an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with Nueces County for Property Assessment and Collection for Whitecap Public Improvement District No. 1. Director of Finance Sergio Villasana responded to Council questions. Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. There were no comments from the public. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. 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 Hernandez, Council Member Campos, Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Cantu, Council Member Scott, Council Member Paxson and Council Member Roy Absent: 1 - Council Member Vaughn Abstained: 0 Enactment No: 033814 O. BRIEFINGS: (ITEM 27) 27. 25-1890 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) Presentation by the Corpus Christi Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Transportation Planning Director Robert MacDonald presented information on the following topics: our member agencies; Corpus Christi Metropolitan Planning City of Corpus Christi Page 10 Printed on 12/11/2025 City Council Meeting Minutes December 9, 2025 Organization (MPO) Leadership; Regional Technical Advisors; Corpus Christi MPO boundaries; our MPO documents; funding: federal, state and local; FY 2025-2028 Transportation Improvement Program; City of Corpus Christi projects; Port projects; new inland rail facility project; Corpus Christi MPO 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP); Corpus Christi MPO 2045 MTP update; population and employment forecast 2050; population and employment forecasts; Regional Safety Action Plan (RSAP); fatal crash locations; specific improvement projects; and Ready for Action. City Manager Peter Zanoni and Mr. MacDonald responded to Council questions. P. EXECUTIVE SESSION: (ITEMS 28 - 30) 28. 25-1800 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 Homewood Suites Investigation. This E-Session Item was discussed in executive session. Council Member Roy recused himself. 29. 25-1846 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 rules and regulations of state of Texas, EPA, TCEQ, TWDB, Texas Railroad Commission, San Patricio County Groundwater Conservation District, and legal rights, property rights, and/or contracts related to purchase and/or sale of groundwater, including water rights in property accessing the Evangeline Aquifer in San Patricio County adjacent and/or near US Highway 181, US Highway 77, US Highway 77 Business, Highway 89, and/or the Aransas River, and other sources, and Texas Government Code § 551.072 to discuss and deliberate the purchase or value of the aforementioned rights to real property because deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the governmental body in negotiations with a third person, including, but not limited to, potential consideration of authorization to enter agreement(s) for professionals for services related to these property rights, interlocal agreements and other agreements with government entities near the aforementioned property(ies) and/or the purchase of the property or property(ies) at and/or adjacent to locations (if any) described herein. This E-Session Item was discussed in executive session. 30. 25-1926 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 Tax Increment Financing Act, Texas Tax Code § 311.001, et. Seq., existing and future Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ) and interlocal agreement(s) with Nueces County and other taxing entities and Texas Government Code § 551.087 to discuss and deliberate regarding potential financial or other incentive(s) to business City of Corpus Christi Page 11 Printed on 12/11/2025 City Council Meeting Minutes December 9, 2025 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. This E-Session Item was discussed in executive session. Q. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. The following individuals spoke: Adam Rios, Corpus Christi, TX, Charles Giffin, Corpus Christi, TX, Nicole Soliz, Corpus Christi, TX, Jennifer Nanez, Corpus Christi, TX, Claudia Delfin, Corpus Christi, TX, Jesse Lewis, Corpus Christi, TX, Eli McKay, Corpus Christi, TX, Christine English, Corpus Christi, TX, Marilena Garza, Corpus Christi, TX, Robin Cox, Corpus Christi, TX, and Melanie Sanchez, Corpus Christi, TX. R. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Pro Tem Barrera adjourned the meeting at 6:10 p.m. City of Corpus Christi Page 12 Printed on 12/11/2025