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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 05/05/2026I 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 May 5, 2026 which were approved by the City Council on May 12, 2026. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, on this the l2th day of May 2026. (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. coin SCANNED City of Corpus Christi Meeting Minutes City Council 1201 Leopard Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401 corpuschristitx.gov Tuesday, May 5, 2026 11:30 AM Council Chambers A. Mayor Paulette Guajardo to call the meeting to order. Mayor Guajardo called the meeting to order at 11:34 a.m. B. Invocation to be given by Rob Bailey with Southside Community Church. 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 Luke Lara, senior at Collegiate High School. Luke Lara, senior at Collegiate 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, Deputy City Attorney Buck Brice 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 Mark Scott,Council Member Kaylynn Paxson,Council Member Everett Roy, and Council Member Eric Cantu E. CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS / UPDATE ON CITY OPERATIONS: (ITEMS 1 - 3) 1. 26-0643 Texas Municipal Courts Education Center's Municipal Traffic Safety Initiative Award City Manager Peter Zanoni announced the Texas Municipal Courts Education Center's Texas Municipal Traffic Safety Initiative Award. Municipal Court Judge Jackie Chapa presented information on the following topics: Texas Municipal Traffic Safety Initiative Award; bicycle safety; and encouraging safe driving behaviors. 2. 26-0644 Professional Municipal Clerk's Week City of Corpus Christi Page 1 Printed on 5/8/2026 City Council Meeting Minutes - Draft May 5, 2026 City Manager Peter Zanoni announced Professional Municipal Clerk's Week. Assistant City Secretary Stephanie Box presented information on the following topics: Professional Municipal Clerk's Week May 3-9; responsibilities of City Secretary's Office; and awards and accomplishments. 3. 26-0564 2026 Women of Inspiration Awards City Manager Peter Zanoni announced the 2026 Women of Inspiration Awards. Director of Communications Elisa Olsen presented information on the following topics: 2026 Women of Inspiration Awards; Jacqueline Chapa; Yvette Wallace; Amy Cowley; Kimberly Hernandez; and Cynthia Barraza. F. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. The following individuals spoke: Shawn Flanagan, Corpus Christi, TX, Bradley Bartilson, Corpus Christi, TX, Jason Followell, Aransas Pass, TX, Alejandro Chavera, Corpus Christi, TX, Susie Saldana, Corpus Christi, TX, Eddie Flores, Corpus Christi, TX, Julian Hernandez, Corpus Christi, TX, Bruce Switalla, Corpus Christi, TX, Dale Switalla, Corpus Christi, TX, Ron Woods, Corpus Christi, TX, Henry Williams, Corpus Christi, TX, Jason Hale, Corpus Christi, TX, Rachel Caballero, Corpus Christi, TX, Robin Cox, Corpus Christi, TX, Sean Merritt, Corpus Christi, TX, and Robert Harvey, Corpus Christi, TX. The following individuals submitted a written public comment which is attached to the minutes: Christine Droste, Port Aransas, TX and John Weber, Fair Oaks, CA. G. BOARD & COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS: (ITEM 4) 4. 26-0646 Animal Care Advisory Committee Ethics Commission Marina Advisory Committee Animal Care Advisory Committee: Reappointed: Jackie McCollough and Robert W. Perkins Ethics Commission: Appointed: Janet Fonseca and Pamela Y. Willingham Marina Advisory Committee: Reinstated (contingent upon completing training within 30 days): Stephen Gotberg H. EXPLANATION OF COUNCIL ACTION: I. CONSENT AGENDA: (ITEMS 5 - 20) City of Corpus Christi Page 2 Printed on 5/8/2026 City Council Meeting Minutes - Draft May 5, 2026 Approval of the Consent Agenda Mayor Guajardo referred to the Consent Agenda. Item 12 was pulled for individual consideration. Items 14 and 15 were moved to individual consideration Items. Item 17 was withdrawn. Council Member Paxson moved to approve the consent agenda with the exception of Items 12, 14, 15, and 17, seconded by Council Member Campos. 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 Scott, Council Member Paxson, Council Member Roy and Council Member Cantu Abstained: 0 5. 26-0650 Approval of the April 21, 2026 Workshop Minutes and April 28, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes. The Minutes were approved on the consent agenda. Consent - Second Reading Ordinances 6. 26-0484 Ordinance authorizing the acceptance of one grant award for a total amount of $29,448.00 from the Texas Office of the Governor FY 2023 State Homeland Security Program for the purchase of three additional emergency response stabilization kits for ladder trucks for the Corpus Christi Fire Department; and appropriating $29,448.00 into the Fire Grants Fund. This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda. 7. 26-0450 Ordinance authorizing the acceptance of a grant from the 2024 Helping Heroes Program from Flint Hills Resources in the amount of $4,000.00 for the purchase of Shelter -In -Place kits for the Corpus Christi - Nueces County Local Emergency Planning Committee; and appropriating $4,000.00 into the Fire Grants Fund. This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda. Consent - Contracts and Procurement 8. 26-0422 Resolution authorizing the purchase of two additional radio dispatch console systems with associated equipment and 36 software licenses from Dailey and Wells Communications, Inc., of San Antonio, Texas, for $129,697.16 to be utilized for MetroCom dispatching services by the Corpus Christi Police Department, with FY 2026 funding of $129,697.16 from the MetroCom Fund. This Resolution was passed on the consent agenda. 9. 26-0545 Resolution authorizing an Interlocal Agreement with Nueces County to provide City of Corpus Christi Page 3 Printed on 5/8/2026 City Council Meeting Minutes - Draft May 5, 2026 lifeguard services to Nueces County at Nueces County Padre Balli Park from May 25 - September 7, 2026, for an estimated total cost of $70,628.00, with Nueces County reimbursing the City for those services. This Resolution was passed on the consent agenda. 10. 26-0614 Resolution authorizing a Development Agreement for Subzone B, Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Number 7, for the use of 50% of annual tax increment revenue to reimburse eligible public infrastructure costs associated with the development of London Proper. This Resolution was passed on the consent agenda. 11. 26-0511 Resolution authorizing an interlocal agreement for participation in the Minnesota Multistate Contracting Alliance for Pharmacy (MMCAP), a National Cooperative Group Purchasing Organization, pursuant to the Texas Interlocal Cooperation Act, Chapter 791, Texas Government Code, for purchases of pharmaceuticals and healthcare products for the Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District. This Resolution was passed on the consent agenda. 12. 26-0280 Motion authorizing execution of a 15-month cooperative service agreement with Nueces Farm Center, Inc., dba Nueces Power Equipment, of Corpus Christi, through the BuyBoard Cooperative, in an amount up to $210,000.00 for heavy equipment rentals to be utilized by the Public Works Department, with FY 2026 funding of $70,000.00 from the Street Maintenance Fund and Storm Water Fund, with funds only to be spent if equipment is rented. Interim Assistant City Manager Ernie De La Garza responded to Council questions. Council Member Paxson moved to approve the motion, seconded by Council Member Barrera. 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 Scott, Council Member Paxson, Council Member Roy and Council Member Cantu Abstained: 0 Consent - Capital Projects 13. 26-0576 Motion awarding a construction contract to APD Construction, LLC of Corpus Christi for the construction of a concrete walking trail and the installation of exercise equipment at St. Andrews Park in an amount not to exceed $894,980.00, located in Council District 3, with FY 2026 funding available from G.O. Bond 2024. This Motion was passed on the consent agenda. City of Corpus Christi Page 4 Printed on 5/8/2026 City Council Meeting Minutes - Draft May 5, 2026 General Consent Items 14. 26-0660 Motion to determine if city staff is to evaluate a business proposal for future desalination water supply as developed by AXE H2O. Chief Operating Officer of Corpus Christi Water Nick Winkelmann presented information on the following topics: background and purpose; and staff recommendation. City Manager Peter Zanoni, COO Winkelmann, Assistant Director of CCW — Finance & Administration Kamil Taras, Chairman of AXE H2O John Olson, and Chief Technology Officer of AXE H2O Thiago Campos responded to Council questions. Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. Julian Hernandez, Corpus Christi, TX, Susie Saldana, Corpus Christi, TX, Jason Hale, Corpus Christi, TX, Robin Cox, Corpus Christi, TX, Rachel Caballero, Corpus Christi, TX, Bradley Bartilson, Corpus Christi, TX, and Chris Cuellar, Nueces County, TX, spoke. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. Council Member Vaughn moved to approve the motion, seconded by Council Member Paxson. This Motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Aye: 6 - Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Scott, Council Member Paxson, Council Member Roy and Council Member Cantu Nay: 2 - Council Member Barrera and Council Member Campos Abstained: 1 - Mayor Guajardo 15. 26-0661 Motion to determine if city staff is to evaluate a business proposal for future brackish water supply as developed by Seven Seas Water Group. Chief Operating Officer of Corpus Christi Water Nick Winkelmann presented information on the following topics: background and purpose; location; and staff recommendation. City Manager Peter Zanoni, COO Winkelmann, Deputy City Attorney Buck Brice, and Owner/Manager of Chapman Ranch David Owen responded to Council questions. The following substitute motion was considered: Motion to authorize city staff to negotiate with Seven Seas Water Group to develop a Water Sales Agreement to purchase desalinated brackish water produced and treated by Seven Seas from the Chapman Ranch area. Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. Chris Cuellar, Nueces County, TX, Julian Hernandez, Corpus Christi, TX, and CEO with Seven Seas Water Group Henry Charrabe, Corpus Christi, TX spoke. City of Corpus Christi Page 5 Printed on 5/8/2026 City Council Meeting Minutes - Draft May 5, 2026 Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. Council Member Hernandez moved to approve the substitute motion, seconded by Council Member Paxson. This Motion was passed as substituted and approved with the following vote: Aye: 6 - Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Campos, Council Member Paxson, Council Member Roy and Council Member Cantu Nay: 2 - Council Member Barrera and Council Member Scott Abstained: 1 - Mayor Guajardo 16. 26-0489 Resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program in the amount of $212,068.00; and authorizing an Interlocal Agreement with Nueces County for the distribution of Justice Assistance Grant Program funds in the amount of $106,034.00 to Nueces County should the grant be awarded and the remaining $106,034.00 to be used by the City. This Resolution was passed on the consent agenda. 17. 26-0659 Resolution supporting a proposed amendment to the Coastal Bend Council of Governments (CBCOG) bylaws reducing board director positions, as recommended by CBCOG Executive Director Emily Martinez. This Item was withdrawn. Consent - First Reading Ordinances 18. 26-0323 Ordinance approving a lease estoppel to the ground lease with Dlugosch III, LLC (DBA The Texan Stores) at the Corpus Christi International Airport, acknowledging the ground lease and consenting to the Ground Lease Estoppel Certificate and Agreement; authorize execution of all documents necessary and related to the agreement; and provide for an effective date. This Ordinance was passed on first reading on the consent agenda. 19. 26-0653 An Ordinance by the City Council of the City of Corpus Christi, Texas authorizing the issuance of "City of Corpus Christi, Texas General Improvement Bonds, Series 2026", for the third issuance of bonds from the Bond 2022 authorization and the first issuance of bonds from the Bond 2024 authorization, in a cumulative amount not to exceed $115,000,000, within set parameters; levying a continuing direct annual ad valorem tax for the payment of the Bonds; delegating the authority to the City Manager, Deputy City Manager, Director of Finance and Procurement, and certain other authorized officials to approve and execute documents relating to the issuance, sale and delivery of the Bonds; authorizing the execution of related engagement agreements with the City's Financial Advisors and Bond Counsel; and providing for an effective date. City of Corpus Christi Page 6 Printed on 5/8/2026 City Council Meeting Minutes - Draft May 5, 2026 This Ordinance was passed on first reading on the consent agenda. 20. 26-0654 An Ordinance by the City Council of the City of Corpus Christi, Texas authorizing the issuance of its Utility System Senior Lien Revenue Improvement and/or Refunding Bonds in one or more series (as designated by purpose and series) for water, wastewater, stormwater, and gas utility improvements in an amount not to exceed $500,000,000 and refinancings in an amount not to exceed $113,175,000, within set parameters; making provisions for the payment and security thereof by a first and prior lien on and pledge of the net revenues of the City's utility system on a parity with certain currently outstanding utility system revenue obligations; stipulating the terms and conditions for the issuance of additional revenue bonds on parity therewith, and resolving other matters incident and related to the issuance, sale, and delivery of one or more series of bonds, including the approval and distribution of one or more official statements pertaining thereto; authorizing the execution of one or more paying agent/registrar agreements, one or more escrow agreements, and one or more purchase contracts; complying with the requirements imposed by the letter of representations previously executed with the Depository Trust Company; delegating authority to the City Manager, Deputy City Manager, Director of Finance and Procurement, and certain other authorized officials to approve and execute documents relating to the issuance, sale and delivery of each series of Bonds; authorizing the execution of any necessary engagement agreements with the City's Financial Advisors and Bond Counsel; and providing for an effective date. This Ordinance was passed on first reading on the consent agenda. J. RECESS FOR LUNCH Mayor Guajardo recessed the Council meeting for lunch at 3:59 p.m. Executive Session Item 26 was held during the lunch recess. Mayor Guajardo reconvened the meeting at 4:48 p.m. K. PUBLIC HEARINGS: (ITEMS 21 - 22) 21. 26-0656 One reading emergency ordinance approving the thirteenth amendment to the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) #3 Project & Financing Plan to create a program specific to the demolition of the 1914 Nueces County Courthouse for total payments of $2,000,000 to Nueces County, as approved by the Board of Directors of Reinvestment Zone Number Three, City of Corpus Christi, Texas, on May 5, 2026. Mayor Guajardo opened the public hearing. There were no comments from the Council or the public. Mayor Guajardo closed the public hearing. City of Corpus Christi Page 7 Printed on 5/8/2026 City Council Meeting Minutes - Draft May 5, 2026 Council Member Barrera moved to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council Member Vaughn. This Ordinance was passed on emergency and approved with the following vote: Aye: 7 - Council Member Barrera, Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Hernandez, Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Scott, Council Member Paxson and Council Member Roy Nay: 1 - Council Member Campos Absent: 1 - Council Member Cantu Abstained: 0 22. 26-0657 Public Hearing and Ordinance ratifying the FY 2026 Annual Action Plan (AAP) submitted to HUD on August 15, 2025, and approving the FY 2026 AAP's Substantial Amendment No. 1; accepting $160,098.00 of funding from the Ed Rachel Foundation for qualified programs; awarding $20,000.00 to Rising Tide Ministries' Safe at Home Program, $20,000.00 to Rising Tide Ministries' Wave Academy, and $50,000.00 to Habitat for Humanity's Critical Repair Program from the General Fund; appropriating $160,098.00 in the General Fund; and amending the FY 2026 Operating Budget. Mayor Guajardo opened the public hearing. There were no comments from the Council or the public. Mayor Guajardo closed the public hearing. Council Member Roy moved to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council Member Vaughn. This Ordinance was passed on first reading and approved with the following vote: Aye: 8 - Council Member Barrera, Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Campos, Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Scott, Council Member Paxson and Council Member Roy Absent: 1 - Council Member Cantu Abstained: 0 L. INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION ITEMS: (ITEMS 23 - 24) 23. 26-0327 Resolution amending Financial Budgetary Policies adopted by Resolution 033727 and providing financial policy direction on preparation of the FY 2027 operating and capital budgets. Director of Finance Sergio Villasana presented information on the following topics: financial budgetary policy; Section 2-current revenues/current expenditures; and Section 8-funding level from general fund for residential street reconstruction fund. City of Corpus Christi Page 8 Printed on 5/8/2026 City Council Meeting Minutes - Draft May 5, 2026 City Manager Peter Zanoni, Director Villasana, Deputy City Attorney Buck Brice, Bond Counsel Stephanie Leibe, and Managing Director of Specialized Public Finance Victor Quiroga responded to Council questions. Council Member Paxson moved to amend Section 3 of the resolution to add "with an aspirational goal of 25 percent," seconded by Council Member Campos and approved with the following vote: Mayor Guajardo, Council Members Barrera, Campos, Cantu, Paxson, Roy, Scott, and Vaughn, voting "yes," and Council Member Hernandez, voting "no." Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. There were no comments from the public. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. Council Member Scott moved to approve the resolution as amended, seconded by Council Member Paxson. This Resolution was passed as amended and approved with the following vote: Aye: 8 - Council Member Barrera, Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Campos, Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Scott, Council Member Paxson, Council Member Roy and Council Member Cantu Nay: 1 Council Member Hernandez Abstained: 0 24. 26-0414 Resolution amending the Debt Management Policy adopted by Resolution 029321 on December 13, 2011. Director of Finance Sergio Villasana presented information on the following topics: debt management policy; and amendments to policy. Director Villasana responded to Council questions. Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. There were no comments from the public. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. Council Member Barrera moved to approve the resolution, seconded by Council Member Roy. This Resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Aye: 6 - Council Member Barrera, Council Member Vaughn, Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Paxson, Council Member Roy and Council Member Cantu Nay: 1 - Council Member Hernandez City of Corpus Christi Page 9 Printed on 5/8/2026 City Council Meeting Minutes - Draft May 5, 2026 Absent: 2 - Council Member Campos and Council Member Scott Abstained: 0 M. BRIEFINGS: (ITEM 25) 25. 26-0581 Water Supply Update Chief Operating Officer of Corpus Christi Water Nick Winkelmann presented information on the following topics: discussion topics; Western Surface Water Supply - Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon Reservoir; Eastern Surface Water Supply; Evangeline Groundwater Project - permit and contractual update; Nueces Groundwater Program; Brackish Ground Water Treatment - project overview; wastewater reuse - project overview; Inner Harbor Seawater Desalination - project overview; Harbor Island Seawater Desalination - project overview; Barney Davis Seawater Desalination - project overview; CC Polymer/Aquatech Seawater Desalination - project overview; projected delivery of new water sources; and water conservation plan. COO Winkelmann responded to Council questions. N. EXECUTIVE SESSION: (ITEM 26) 26. 26-0502 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 and/or modified groundwater rights purchase and sale agreement(s) with Evangeline Laguna, L.P. and related entities for groundwater rights in San Patricio County. This E-Session Item was discussed in executive session. O. ADJOURNMENT City of Corpus Christi Page 10 Printed on 5/8/2026 City Council Meeting Minutes - Draft May 5, 2026 There being no further business, Mayor Guajardo adjourned the meeting at 6:01 p.m. City of Corpus Christi Page 11 Printed on 5/8/2026 Sunday, May 3, 2026 Public Comment & Input Form For City Council Meetings, Board Meetings, & Commission Meetings To submit a service request, ask a question, report a violation, browse city -required permit forms or access services online, click here: Access Online Services To continue submitting a written public comment click Next below. Public Comment & Input Form For City Council Meetings, Board Meetings, & Commission Meetings Date of Meeting Tuesday, May 5, 2026 Name Christine Droste Address 6745 Seacomber Dr, 807 Port Aransas, TX, 78373 Please select the Board, Committee, or governing body that your comments are directed to: Are you a resident of Corpus Christi? Topic Agenda Item Number City Council Rezoning Case No ZN8725 ZN8725 Comment We strongly oppose the proposed rezoning IF the plan includes beach -access through the dune adjacent to Sandpiper Condo, The Lost Colony, and Coastal Dunes and/or high density homes. Per the March City's planning commission, engineers presented that destroying the dune and disturbing the pond area would create public -safety (beach narrow), flooding, ecological, violate wet land regulations, and additional risks. They strongly emphasized that nearby access roads will provide the required public and emergency needs. Also, admitted that it shouldn't have been in the city's plan at all. The beach access item was removed from the city's access plan and the developer's plan. We urge refusal of rezoning based on the density of homes for this 34 acres. The homes will be packed in and does not represent the spirit of the current area and cause flooding to existing homes. This will destroy the existing wetlands and migratory, nesting, and residential bird and animal population. See attachment. Upload supporting images or documents. I§ Rezoning case ZN8725 Opposition to ....pdf Provide an email to receive a copy of droste_c@icloud.com your submission. Public Comment / Objection December 7, 2025 Project: Rezoning case ZN8725 Proposed Beach -Access Road through Mustang Island Dune - Adjacent Properties (Sandpiper Condominiums, The Lost Colony and Coastal Dunes) Submitted by: James and Christine Droste Sandpiper Condominiums #807 Executive Summary We strongly oppose the destruction of the dune on Mustang Island for construction of a beach -access road located adjacent to the properties of Sandpiper Condominiums, The Lost Colony and Coastal Dunes. Removing the dune would create permanent risks to public safety and ecological systems that cannot be mitigated by vegetation replacement or artificial engineering. Coastal dunes are not simply piles of sand —they are living, dynamic landforms that provide essential environmental, economic, and public -safety benefits to our community. Dunes are the island's first and strongest line of storm protection for Mustang Island's vulnerability to tropical storms and hurricanes. The dunes absorb wave energy, reduce storm -surge impact, and protect inland homes, businesses, infrastructure, and critical evacuation routes. Removing a dune for a road increases long-term risk and future recovery costs for the community. Dunes —regardless of size —are critical for: • Public Safety • Storm surge protection, flood mitigation, and infrastructure risk • Barrier -island resilience under sea -level rise • Stabilization of beach and back -island environments and preservation of habitats • Economic and recreational sustainability We provide the following support for our opposition: 1. Public Safety a. Human and vehicle traffic danger: The beach width in the area of the Sandpiper Condo, The Lost Colony, and new Coastal Dunes property is extremely narrow. Currently, vehicle travel is close to beach goers and oftentimes to the water. During high tide and other times, this narrow width increases the safety risk for beach goers and vehicles. Having an access point at this narrow location would further endanger human lives because of the further narrowing of the beach due to the amount of land needed for the road, the road's on and off points; and increased vehicle traffic. b. Emergency Vehicle access and public access: Just north of this proposal area, one new beach access road has been created and another one has received funding. These roads are located on wider areas of the beach front and less riskier terrain flooding. Taking into account these two new access roads and the already existing beach access roads, emergency vehicle access and public access needs will be met. 1 c. Dunes act as natural seawalls. Removing them reduces protection from storm surge and wave energy during hurricanes. This exposes inland neighborhoods, businesses, and public infrastructure to significantly greater damage and raises future disaster recovery costs. 2. Storm Surge, Flooding, and Infrastructure Risk a. Constructing a beach access road at this dune site would create a permanent vulnerability, increasing flooding risk to adjacent properties and public infrastructure. During storms, surges, and hurricanes, the water line at this dune site is at its edge and in some situations overlapping. Having an access point along the dune will allow the water to breach the protective dune barrier by travelling up this road and/or over and behind the dune. This will affect the integrity of the dune and the surrounding properties; public safety; over time a new water way channel may form because of the natural tendencies of waterways to join (the Gulf, the Coastal Dune property's ponds and bay). b. Evacuation routes could be blocked from storm waters travelling on the road instead of being held by the dune. c. High burden on the already over extended government entities for on -going engineering and maintenance of this area to ensure that the above does not happen. d. Observational and remote -sensing studies reveal that natural dune -vegetation systems outperform hardened or engineered defenses during hurricanes (Nairn, Smith, & Johnson, 2024). e. Even small dunes reduce overtopping and wave energy transmission. Roads built through dunes exacerbate erosion and require repeated maintenance due to storm damage (Ruggiero, List, & Hapke, 2025). f. The proposed road would disrupt dune continuity, compromising the island's natural ability to withstand storms and recover after overwash events (Vieira da Silva et al., 2024; Ciarletta et al., 2024). g. Barrier islands rely on continuous foredunes to maintain elevation, dissipate wave energy, and prevent overwash (Ciarletta, Frey, Hein, & Lorenzo-Trueba, 2024; Vieira da Silva, Ferreira, Costas, Martinez, & Plomaritis, 2024). h. Numerical modeling and field studies show that even small dunes significantly reduce storm surge and inland flooding. Breaching dunes introduces preferential pathways for storm -driven water, which accelerates beach and back -island erosion (De Alegria-Arzaburu, Masselink, & Rocha, 2023). 3. Sea -Level Rise and Long -Term Barrier -Island Stability a. Dunes and beaches operate as one natural connected system. When a dune is removed, the beach behind and around it begins to erode more rapidly by disrupting sand transport patterns. This accelerates shoreline retreat, removes recreational beach area (narrowing), and makes the island more vulnerable to flooding. b. Replacing a dune with a road creates a hardened corridor that forces sand movement outward instead of upward, undermining natural recovery processes and increased need for expensive renourishment projects. 2 c. A road in place of a dune will require continuous maintenance and will likely fail during major storm events. d. A road cut through the dune would inhibit this natural process, accelerate overwash formation, and destabilize the island, undermining Tong -term resilience. e. Barrier islands are dynamic systems that migrate landward naturally in response to rising seas. Continuous foredunes are critical for maintaining structural integrity and enabling adaptive migration (Ciarletta et al., 2024; Thorne et al., 2023). 4. Stabilization of beach and back -island environments and preservation of habitats a. Dune vegetation —such as sea oats, beach morning glory, and other salt -tolerant plants —anchors the sand and allows dunes to recover after storms. Bulldozing or cutting through the dune severs root systems and eliminates plant communities that take years to reestablish. Without this vegetation, dunes lose their ability to rebuild naturally, causing long-term destabilization. b. This dune's mature infrastructure should stay intact to continue to provide stabilization and after storm recovery independent of storm size; and support the well established ecosystem (migratory birds, water, vegetation and animals). c. Disturbing the dune compromises mature root systems, which are essential for dune stabilization and recovery after storms. Immature vegetation cannot replace the protective function of established dunes and may accelerate erosion during extreme events (De Vet & Splinter, 2023). d. Removing the dune would fragment ecosystems, threaten wildlife, and affect the ecological integrity of this area. Dunes provide critical habitat for vegetation, shorebirds, and invertebrates (Thorne, Phelps, & Williams, 2023; Delgado-Fornue, MiraIles, & Silva, 2024). 5. Economic and Social Considerations a. Preserving the dune protects both public safety and economic interests. Tourism, recreation, and coastal property values depend on healthy beaches and intact dunes. b. Removing the dune would accelerate erosion, increase maintenance costs, and degrade scenic and recreational value (Vieira da Silva et al., 2024; Ruggiero et al., 2025). c. Recognizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of dune ecosystems for ecological, storm -protection, and community safety purposes (City of Corpus Christi Dune Protection and Beach Access Regulations, Corpus Christi, 2023). Conclusion We urge the City Council and associated departments to deny permits or approvals that would compromise this dune's preservation. For these reasons, we urge reconsideration of any plan that would remove or weaken Mustang Island's protective dune system and particularly in this area. Preserving these dunes is not an obstacle to progress —it is a necessary investment in public safety, environmental stewardship, preserving the island's greatest asset, and long-term economic stability. 3 For the public safety, ecological integrity, and long-term sustainability of the immediate area and Mustang Island as a whole: 1. We urge the City Council and relevant departments to deny any permit or approval that would allow construction of a vehicular road through the dunes. 2. Preservation of dunes is not only an ecological imperative but also consistent with the City's own stated goals for coastal management and community protection. 3. Public safety is key and the beach width is too narrow to ensure human, property, and vehicle safety. 4. Near beach access roads provide emergency vehicle access and visitor access. 5. The dune in its intact state is critical for storm protection and barrier -island stability. 6. Compromising a dune removal increases flooding, erosion, and habitat loss. 7. Natural dune systems outperform engineered solutions in resilience. 8. Ecosystems and wildlife depend on intact dunes. 9. Economic and recreational costs increase with dune destruction. References (APA 7th Edition) Ciarletta, D. J., Frey, A. E., Hein, C. J., & Lorenzo-Trueba, J. (2024). Implications for the resilience of modern coastal systems derived from mesoscale barrier dynamics at Fire Island, New York. Earth Surface Dynamics, 12, 449-467. De Alegria-Arzaburu, A. R., Masselink, G., & Rocha, M. M. (2023). Dune erosion during storm surges: A review of the observations, physics and modelling of the collision regime. Coastal Engineering, 185, 104272. De Vet, P. L. M., & Splinter, K. (2023). Does vegetation accelerate coastal dune erosion during extreme events? Science Advances, 9(24), eadi8451. Delgado-Fornue, M., Miralles, J., & Silva, R. (2024). Topographic —vegetation interactions on an incipient foredune field post -tropical storm. GeoHazards, 5(4), 57. Nairn, R., Smith, J., & Johnson, L. (2024). Data -driven assessment of the impact of Hurricanes Ian and Nicole: Natural and armored dunes in the aftermath of hurricanes on Florida's Central East Coast. Remote Sensing, 16(9), 1557. Ruggiero, P., List, J., & Hapke, C. (2025). Modeling the impacts of sand placement strategies on barrier island evolution in a semi -enclosed bay system. Coastal Engineering, 194, 104458. Thorne, K. M., Phelps, L., & Williams, T. (2023). Predicting sea -level rise impacts to barrier island habitats. U.S. Geological Survey, Scientific Investigations Report 2023-5015. Vieira da Silva, G., Ferreira, O., Costas, S., Martinez, G., & Plomaritis, T. A. (2024). Evaluating barrier beach protection with numerical modelling: A practical case. Coastal Engineering, 190, 104389. 4 Saturday, May 2, 2026 Public Comment & Input Form For City Council Meetings, Board Meetings, & Commission Meetings To submit a service request, ask a question, report a violation, browse city -required permit forms or access services online, click here: Access Online Services To continue submitting a written public comment click Next below. Public Comment & Input Form For City Council Meetings, Board Meetings, & Commission Meetings Date of Meeting Tuesday, May 5, 2026 Name John Weber Address 10523 Fair Oaks Blvd Fair Oaks, CA, 95628 Please select the Board, Committee, or governing body that your comments are directed to: Are you a resident of Corpus Christi? Topic Agenda Item Number Comment Mayor and Council, City Council Ethics Commission General public comment The last couple of meetings the Ethics Commission has been brought up. More specifically, the Pulsey Ordinance has been questioned. I urge any of you that have an interest, to listen to the Ethic Commission meeting where Miles Risley addressed the commission regarding the proposed Pusley Ordinance. Then you can hear for yourselves what the Ethics Commission thought of it. Speaking of the Ethics Commission, after I stopped monitoring their meetings the end of 2024, they stopped posting the audio recordings of the meetings. The last posted audio recording of their meeting was posted for the November 21, 2024 meeting. This shows a lack of transparency and all recordings of meetings after that should be posted, if you want anyone to trust them. As always, have a nice day. Provide an email to receive a copy of js_weber@hotmail.com your submission.