HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 01/27/2026I 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 January 13, 2025 which
were approved by the City Council on January 27, 2026.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, on this the 27th day of January 2026.
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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
corpuschristitx.gov
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
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 Joshua Fraedrick.
Joshua Fraedrick gave the invocation.
C. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States and to the Texas Flag to be
led by William Pyle, senior at Richard King High School.
William Pyle, senior at Richard King 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 tocall 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
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. 26-0011 Policy Items for 2nd Quarter of Fiscal Year 2026.
City Manager Peter Zanoni presented information on the Policy Items for 2nd Quarter of
Fiscal Year 2026 as follows: Bond 2026; FY 2027 budget; process crime control and
prevention district renewal; food service permit fee (SB 1008); residential streets funding;
beach permit ILA agreement; amendments on impact fees/trust funds; TIRZ No. 7
creation; TIRZ creation policy; sales tax implementation plan; project finance zone for
Hilliard Center; housing needs assessment; water supply projects (Inner Harbor); Far
Field; level 1 water emergency; and policy items for 2nd quarter FY 2026.
City Manager Zanoni responded to Council questions.
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F. PUBLIC COMMENT
G. BOARD & COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS: (ITEM 2)
2. 25-2020 Island Strategic Action Committee
Landmark Commission
Mayor Guajardo opened public comment.
There were no comments from the public.
Mayor Guajardo closed public comment.
Island Strategic Action Committee:
Appointed: Terry J. Brown and Natalia Muse
Landmark Commission:
This board appointment was tabled to seek further applications.
H. EXPLANATION OF COUNCIL ACTION:
I. CONSENT AGENDA: (ITEMS 3 - 14)
Approval of the Consent Agenda
Mayor Guajardo referred to the Consent Agenda. Items 5, 6, and 11 were pulled for
individual consideration.
Council Member Campos moved to approve the consent agenda with the exception of
Items 5, 6, and 11, seconded by Council Member Vaughn. 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
3. 25-1969 Approval of the December 16, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes.
The Minutes were approved on the consent agenda.
Consent - Second Reading Ordinances
4. 25-1779 Ordinance authorizing the acceptance of two grant awards for a total amount of
$12,906.00 from the Department of State Health Services through the
Emergency Medical Services County Regional Advisory Council Grant Program
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for funding for emergency medical service supplies and equipment, education,
and training for the Corpus Christi Fire Department; and appropriating
$12,906.00 into the Fire Grants Fund.
This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: 033828
5. 25-1815
Ordinance authorizing the B Corporation's Texas State Aquarium ("TSA")
Parking Lot Project, totaling up to $2,000,000.00, from the B Corporation for
TSA visitor parking lot infrastructure improvements; accepting and appropriating
funding for the project totaling $2,000,000.00, from the B Corporation
unreserved fund and amending the FY 2025-26 budget.
City Manager Peter Zanoni, Interim Assistant City Manager Dan McGinn, City Attorney
Miles Risley, and President and Chief Executive Officer of the Texas State Aquarium
Jesse Gilbert responded to Council questions.
Council Member Barrera moved to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council
Member Scott. This Ordinance was passed on second reading and approved with the
following vote:
Aye:
Nay:
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
1 Council Member Vaughn
Abstained: 0
Enactment No: 033829
6. 25-1820 Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Corpus Christi, Texas, designating a
contiguous geographic area within the extraterritorial jurisdictional limits of the
city as a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone pursuant to Chapter 311 of the Texas
Tax Code, to be known as Reinvestment Zone Number Seven, City of Corpus
Christi; Describing the boundaries of the zone; Creating a board of directors for
the zone; Creating subzones within the zone; Establishing a tax increment fund
for the zone; Containing findings related to the creation of the zone; Providing a
date for the termination of the zone; Providing that the zone take effect
immediately upon passage of the ordinance; Providing a severability clause;
and Providing an effective date.
Interim Assistant City Manager Dan McGinn responded to Council questions.
Council Member Barrera moved to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council
Member Hernandez. This Ordinance was passed on second reading and approved with
the following vote:
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Aye:
8 - Council Member Barrera, Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Hernandez, Mayor
Guajardo, Council Member Cantu, Council Member Scott, Council Member Paxson and
Council Member Roy
Nay: 1 Council Member Campos
Abstained: 0
Enactment No: 033830
7. 25-1799 Ordinance accepting a grant of $7,000.00 from the Can'D Aid Foundation to
support recycling and community engagement at large local events; and
appropriating the amount in the FY 2026 Solid Waste Grants Fund.
This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: 033831
8. 25-1836 Zoning Case No. ZN8885, Andrea and Daovone Xayasene (District 3).
Ordinance rezoning a property at or near 5113 Larcade Drive from the "RS-6"
Single -Family 6 District to the "RS-6/SP" Single -Family 6 District with a Special
Permit; 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: 033832
9. 25-1837 Zoning Case No. ZN8910, Paul and Melba Savoy (District 1). Ordinance
rezoning a property at or near 3202 East Causeway Boulevard from the "CR-1"
Resort Commercial District to the "RM-AT" Multifamily Apartment Tourist 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: 033833
Consent - Contracts and Procurement
10. 25-1829 Resolution authorizing execution of a three-year supply agreement with two
one-year option periods, with Hach Company, of Loveland, Colorado, in the
amount of $2,700,000.00 to purchase necessary instruments, components, and
reagent consumables to meet operational needs of Corpus Christi Water, with
FY 2026 funding of $445,000.00 from the Water Fund and $210,000.00 from the
Wastewater Fund, for a combined total of $655,000.00.
This Resolution was passed on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: 033834
Consent - First Reading Ordinances
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General Consent Items
11. 25-1934 One -reading emergency ordinance approving the twelfth amendment to the Tax
Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) #3 Project & Financing Plan to allow
reimbursement, not to exceed $2,000,000.00, to government agencies that
participate in the TIRZ #3 for demolition of publicly -owned buildings as approved
by the Board of Directors of Reinvestment Zone Number Three, City of Corpus
Christi, Texas, on January 13, 2026.
Mayor Guajardo opened public comment.
Rachel Caballero, Corpus Christi, TX, spoke.
Mayor Guajardo closed public comment.
City Manager Peter Zanoni and Executive Director of Corpus Christi Downtown
Management District Arlene Medrano responded to Council questions.
Council Member Barrera moved to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council
Member Roy. This Ordinance was passed on emergency and approved with the following
vote:
Aye:
8 - Council Member Barrera, Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Hernandez, Mayor
Guajardo, Council Member Cantu, Council Member Scott, Council Member Paxson and
Council Member Roy
Nay: 1 - Council Member Campos
Abstained: 0
Enactment No: 033835
12. 25-2009 Ordinance authorizing an amended Affordable Housing Project Loan Agreement
between the Corpus Christi B Corporation and Corpus Christi Huntwick Avenue
LP, commonly known as Palo Verde Senior Apartments, in the amount of
$1,000,000 for the development of 75 affordable senior rental housing units
located at 5501 Huntwick Avenue; appropriating $1,000,000 from the Type B
Affordable Housing Fund; and amending the FY 2026 Operating Budget.
This Ordinance was passed on first reading on the consent agenda.
13. 25-1983 Ordinance approving an amendment to the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone
No. 2 ("TIRZ #2") Operating Budget by authorizing the transfer of $2,100,166.00,
from CIP reserve to the TIRZ #2 Operating Fund for the Briscoe King Pavilion
Project; increasing funds in the amount of $2,100,166.00, for needed
improvements and renovation to the Briscoe King Pavilion Project; appropriating
$2,100,166.00, from the unreserved fund balance of the Reinvestment Zone No.
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2 Fund; and amending the FY 2026 operating budget adopted by Ordinance No.
033730 by increasing expenditures by $2,100,166.00, for payment to Nueces
County for the Briscoe King Pavilion Project.
This Ordinance was passed on first reading on the consent agenda.
14. 26-0075
Resolution of commitment to the Coastal Bend Water Alliance declaring
unified commitment to the development of regional water supplies.
This Resolution was passed on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: 033836
J. RECESS FOR LUNCH
Mayor Guajardo recessed the Council meeting for lunch at 1:30 p.m. Executive Session
Items 29-33 were held during the lunch recess. Mayor Guajardo reconvened the meeting
at 3:29 p.m.
K. PUBLIC HEARINGS: (ITEMS 15 - 18)
15. 25-1807 Ordinance authorizing a Water Arterial Transmission & Grid Main Construction
and Reimbursement Agreement up to $252,720.00 with MPM Development, LP
to construct a water arterial transmission & grid main related to King's Landing
Unit 12 subdivision located north of the Lady Alexa Dr. and Lady Claudia St.
intersection; and authorizing future transfer and appropriation of Water and
Wastewater Trust Fund revenue up to $252,720.00 to reimburse the developer
in accordance with the agreement. (District 3).
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 Items 15-18, seconded by Council Member
Cantu. These Ordinances were 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
16. 25-1809 Ordinance authorizing a Water Arterial Transmission & Grid Main Construction
and Reimbursement Agreement up to $62,040.00 with MPM Development, LP
to construct a water arterial transmission & grid main related to King's Landing
Unit 13 subdivision located north of the Lady Alexa Dr. and Lady Claudia St.
intersection; and authorizing future transfer and appropriation of Water and
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Wastewater Trust Fund revenue up to $62,040.00 to reimburse the developer in
accordance with the agreement. (District 3).
See Item 15.
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
17. 25-2008 Ordinance authorizing a Water Arterial Transmission & Grid Main Construction
and Reimbursement Agreement up to $380,460.00 with MPM Development, LP
to construct a 12-inch water arterial transmission grid main line for a proposed
Phase -II residential development located off Yorktown Boulevard, southeast of
Starry Rd. also known as Oso Creek Corner Unit 3; and authorizing future
transfer and appropriation of Water and Wastewater Trust Fund revenue up to
$380,460.00 to reimburse the developer in accordance with the agreement.
(District 5).
See Item 15.
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. 25-1812 Ordinance authorizing a Wastewater Collection Line Extension Construction and
Reimbursement agreement up to $227,100.00 with MPM Development to
construct an off -site sanitary sewer improvement for a proposed Phase -II
residential development located off Yorktown Boulevard, southeast of Starry Rd.
also known as Oso Creek Corner Unit 3 and authorizing future transfer and
appropriation of Water and Wastewater Trust Fund revenue up to the
$227,100.00 to reimburse the developer in accordance with the agreement.
(District 5).
See Item 15.
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. INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION ITEMS: (ITEMS 19 - 26)
19. 25-2021 Ordinance authorizing an agreement for the Provision and Sale of Recycled
Water from the Greenwood Wastewater Treatment Plant to Valero Refining -
Texas, L.P.
Interim Chief Operating Officer of Corpus Christi Water Nick Winkelmann provided an
overview of the agreement.
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City Manager Peter Zanoni and COO Winkelmann responded to Council questions.
Mayor Guajardo opened public comment.
Jason Hale, Corpus Christi, TX, Rachel Caballero, Corpus Christi, TX, Susie Luna
Saldana, Corpus Christi, TX, Michael Miller, Corpus Christi, TX, and Jim Klein, Corpus
Christi, TX, spoke.
Mayor Guajardo closed public comment.
Council Member Barrera moved to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council
Member Scott. 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
20. 26-0056 Discuss and consider possible action to require General Public Comment to
begin at 12:00 pm exactly and allow all registered speakers three (3) minutes to
speak during Public Comment, regardless of residency effective January 27,
2026, as requested by Council Members Eric Cantu, Carolyn Vaughn,
and Sylvia Campos.
Council Members shared their desires and suggestions regarding the public comment
period.
Mayor Guajardo opened public comment.
Susie Luna Saldana, Corpus Christi, TX, Scott Roslin, Nueces County, TX, Chris Cuellar,
Nueces County, TX, Jason Hale, Corpus Christi, TX, Matthew Rankin, Corpus Christi,
TX, Marilena Garza, Corpus Christi, TX, Rachel Caballero, Corpus Christi, TX, Robin
Cox, Corpus Christi, TX, Joshua Fraedrick, Corpus Christi, TX, and Melanie Sanchez,
Corpus Christi, TX, spoke.
Mayor Guajardo closed public comment.
Council Member Cantu moved to amend the motion to require General Public Comment
to begin at 12:00 p.m. and allow all in person registered speakers three minutes to speak
during public comment regardless of residency effective January 27, 2026, seconded by
Council Member Barrera. This Motion was passed as amended 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
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Abstained: 0
Enactment No: M2026-001
21. 26-0057 Discuss and consider possible action to eliminate Drought Exemption Fee, as
requested by Council Members Sylvia Campos, Carolyn Vaughn, and
Eric Cantu.
This Item was postponed until January 27, 2026.
22. 26-0059 Discussion and possible action regarding the Type B Corporation Business
Incentive Agreement with Next Sports Company, LLC, including related
operational issues, actions involving utilities access, and the filing of criminal
charges, and to provide direction to City Staff, as requested by Council
Members Eric Cantu, Sylvia Campos, and Carolyn Vaughn.
City Manager Peter Zanoni, Interim Assistant City Manager Dan McGinn, and City
Attorney Miles Risley responded to Council questions.
Mayor Guajardo opened public comment.
Robin Cox, Corpus Christi, TX, Rachel Caballero, Corpus Christi, TX, and Eran Hami,
Corpus Christi, TX, spoke.
Mayor Guajardo closed public comment.
No action was taken.
23. 26-0054 Discuss and consider possible action to receive a comprehensive report from
Corpus Christi Animal Care Services on daily operations, staffing levels, intake
and outcome data, and current challenges. Also an update on the timeline and
process for filing the Animal Care Services Director position, with clarification on
leadership continuity during the transition, as requested by Council Members
Eric Cantu, Carolyn Vaughn, and Kaylynn Paxson.
City Manager Peter Zanoni, Assistant City Manager Sony Peronel, Director of Animal
Care Services Kathleen Chapa, and Assistant Director of Animal Care Services Cynthia
Martinez responded to Council questions.
No action was taken.
24. 26-0058 Discuss and consider possible action to adopt a zero -tolerance policy stating
that the euthanization of healthy or treatable animals at Corpus Christi Animal
Care Services for space, capacity, or operation reasons is strictly forbidden, will
not be authorized, and will not be justified under any circumstances, with
mandatory reporting and oversight to ensure compliance, as requested by
Council Members Eric Cantu, Carolyn Vaughn, and Kaylynn Paxson.
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City Manager Peter Zanoni, Assistant City Manager Sony Peronel, Director of Animal
Care Services Kathleen Chapa, and Assistant Director of Animal Care Services Cynthia
Martinez responded to Council questions.
Mayor Guajardo opened public comment.
Rene Hammock, Corpus Christi, TX, Elizabeth Lily, Corpus Christi, TX, Melissa Nucete,
Corpus Christi, TX, Carrie Morales, Corpus Christi, TX, Roland Rodriguez, Corpus
Christi, TX, Veronica Lankford, Corpus Christi, TX, and Kelly Segura, Corpus Christi, TX,
spoke.
Mayor Guajardo closed public comment.
Council Member Cantu moved to approve the motion, seconded by Council Member
Vaughn. The Motion failed with the following vote:
Aye: 3 - Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Hernandez and Council Member Cantu
Nay: 4 - Council Member Barrera, Council Member Campos, Mayor Guajardo and Council
Member Scott
Absent: 1 - Council Member Paxson
Abstained: 1 - Council Member Roy
Enactment No:
25. 26-0061 Consideration and discussion of whether Ordinance No. 033350 (File No.
24-0256), relating to the Type B economic development agreement with Elevate
QOF, LLC, was adopted in compliance with the City Charter, City Code, and
Council procedural requirements, including but not limited to:
1. Whether the ordinance received two valid readings on separate dates as
required, given passage on first reading on February 20, 2024, withdrawal from
the February 27, 2024, agenda, and adoption on April 23, 2024;
2. Whether substantive changes to the ordinance caption, stated purpose, and
funding justification between the first and second readings constituted
amendments requiring a formal Council vote prior to final adoption; and
3. Whether the absence of a voted amendment affects the validity of the April 23,
2024, adoption.
Receive a written legal and procedural analysis from Scott, Ray, Pemberton, &
Goll, PLLC Attorneys at Law, followed by Council discussion and direction,
including whether reconsideration, ratification, amendment, or other corrective
action is required to ensure procedural compliance, as requested by Council
Members Carolyn Vaughn, Sylvia Campos, and Gil Hernandez.
City of Corpus Christi
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This Item was postponed until January 27, 2026.
26. 26-0060 Discuss and consider possible action pertaining to the disclosing of information
from an Executive Session and consequences if any, as requested by Council
Members Carolyn Vaughn, Gil Hernandez, and Sylvia Campos.
City Attorney Miles Risley and City Manager Peter Zanoni responded to Council
questions.
No action was taken.
M. BRIEFINGS: (ITEMS 27 - 28)
27. 26-0009 Corpus Christi Water Update on Water Supply with a focus on the Evangeline
Project.
Interim Chief Operating Officer Nick Winkelmann and Director of Water Supply
Management Brett Van Hazel presented information on the following topics: discussion
topics; National Weather Service Update -seasonal temp/precip outlook; 7-day
streamflow anomaly; climatological precipitation; water supply dashboard; Lake Texana;
Evangeline Groundwater Project -project overview; upcoming actions; Nueces
Groundwater Program; Well Field Monitoring Program; Inner Harbor Seawater
Desalination Project; Far Field Advisory Process; Far Field Advisory Committee; Far
Field Model Limits; Far Field Modeling Timeline; Reclaimed Water Infrastructure; Water
Conservation Plan; Water Conservation Plan Advisory Committee; and Water Supply
Project website.
Interim COO Winkelmann and Director Van Hazel responded to Council questions.
28. 26-0010 Update on the City's Consent Decree with the United States Environmental
Protection Agency, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and the United
States Department of Justice.
This Item was postponed until January 27, 2026.
N. EXECUTIVE SESSION: (ITEMS 29 - 33)
29. 25-2027 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, Corpus Christi Aquifer Storage and Recovery
Conservation District, water wells, Special District Local Laws Code §
8811.001, et. Seq., Texas Water Code § 36.001, et. Seq., 31 TAC Chapter 356
and other regulations related to groundwater management, and Texas Gov't
Code § 551.074 (personnel matters) to deliberate the potential appointment of a
member to the Board of Directors of the Corpus Christi Aquifer Storage and
Recovery Conservation District
City of Corpus Christi
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This E-Session Item was discussed in executive session.
30. 25-1976 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.
31. 26-0008 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 the State of
Texas and federal government, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality, Texas Water Development Board, the
Corpus Christi Aquifer Storage and Recovery Conservation District, other
regulatory entities, and legal rights, property rights, and contracts related to
potential purchase and value of property rights to land at/near the Nueces River
and/or Cayamon Creek, and Texas Government Code § 551.072 to discuss
and deliberate the purchase and/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 the purchase of property rights at or adjacent to locations
(if any) described herein.
This E-Session Item was discussed in executive session.
32. 26-0012 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 Chapter 351 of the Texas Tax Code,
Chapter 372 of the Texas Local Government Code, statutes and regulations
related to hotel occupancy taxes and audits and other collection activities related
to hotel occupancy taxes.
City of Corpus Christi
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This E-Session Item was discussed in executive session.
33. 26-0020 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 a claim against the City by Raul
Alonso, Jr. for personal injuries related to a motor vehicle accident, potential
litigation concerning said claim, updates on litigation in other cases, and
potential consideration of settlement(s) related to the aforesaid claim and/or
lawsuit.
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 all claims for which the City may be liable to Raul Alonso or related beneficiaries, in
an amount not to exceed $250,000.
Council Member Barrera moved to approve the motion, seconded by Council Member
Scott and passed with the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Council Member Barrera, Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Campos, Mayor
Guajardo, Council Member Cantu, Council Member Scott and Council Member Roy
Nay: 1 - Council Member Hernandez
Absent: 1 - Council Member Paxson
Abstained: 0
Enactment No: M2026-002
O. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. The following individuals spoke: Marilena
Garza, Corpus Christi, TX, Jeff Lehrman, Corpus Christi, TX, Whitney Chapman, Corpus
Christi, TX, Susie Luna Saldana, Corpus Christi, TX, Robin Cox, Corpus Christi, TX,
Melanie Sanchez, Corpus Christi, TX, Trian Serbu, Corpus Christi, TX, Elizabeth Pena,
Corpus Christi, TX, Melissa Nucete, Corpus Christi, TX, Saskia Murray, Corpus Christi,
TX, Matthew Rankin, Corpus Christi, TX, Rachel Caballero, Corpus Christi, TX, Jason
Hale, Corpus Christi, TX, Monna Lytle, Corpus Christi, TX, and Carina Libretto, Corpus
Christi, TX.
The following individual submitted a written public comment which is attached to the
minutes: Janet Newcomb, Corpus Christi, TX.
P. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Guajardo adjourned the meeting at 9:15 p.m.
City of Corpus Christi
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Monday, January 12, 2026
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Topic
Agenda Item Number
City Council
District 4
Fix the Drought exemption fee
21
Comment
My name is Janet Newcomb, and I'm fed up. I use under 3,000 gallons a month —short showers, recycle
water, ripped out my pool to save every drop in this drought. Yet my rates have increased. That's real
sacrifice.
We're in Stage 3, reservoirs at 10%, emergency cuts looming —because residents like me have cut back
hard. Big industry guzzles —60% of our water —more than all households —and gets a voluntary exemption
giveaway on surcharges the city never enforces.
This fee is cheap insurance for them: millions for drought -proof projects we need, but scrapping it guts
revenue and slaps higher rates on low -usage families who've sacrificed plenty. Stop protecting big industry
at our expense.
Don't eliminate it —fix it: Make heavy users pay mandatorily, tie exemptions to real conservation, force
them to cut like us. No more shifting pain to families.
Residents bleed conservation; industry rides free. End it. Demand shared sacrifice —now —for our water
survival.
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