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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 07/28/2026I 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 July 28, 2026 which were approved by the City Council on August 11, 2026. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, on this the 1 lth day of August 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.com ANNED City of Corpus Christi Meeting Minutes City Council 1201 Leopard Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401 corpuschristitx.gov Tuesday, July 28, 2026 11:30 AM Council Chambers A. Mayor Paulette Guajardo to call the meeting to order. Mayor Guajardo called the meeting to order at 11:39 a.m. B. Invocation to be given by Reverend Sharon Stewart with First United Methodist Church. Reverend Sharon Stewart with First United Methodist Church gave the invocation. C. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States and to the Texas Flag to be led by Bruno Narvaez, senior at Veterans High School. Bruno Narvaez, senior at Veterans High School, led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Texas Flag. D. City Secretary Rebecca L. Huerta to call the roll of the required Charter Officers. City Secretary Rebecca Huerta called the roll and verified that a quorum of the City Council and the required Charter Officers were present to conduct the meeting. Charter Officers: City Manager Peter Zanoni, City Attorney Miles Risley and City Secretary Rebecca Huerta Present: 9 - Council Member Roland Barrera,Council Member Carolyn Vaughn,Council Member 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 - 2) 1. 26-1182 Water Supply Dashboard, 30 Day Update Chief Operating Officer of Corpus Christi Water Nick Winkelmann presented information on the following topics: Western Reservoir Storage; Water Supply dashboard inputs and assumptions; A Level 1 water emergency is defined when the City projects to be within 180 days of not meeting total water demand; and Level 1 water emergency. COO Winkelmann responded to Council questions. 2. 26-1163 Retirement Announcement: Miles Risley, City Attorney City of Corpus Christi Page 1 Printed on 7/30/2026 City Council Meeting Minutes July 28, 2026 City Manager Peter Zanoni announced the retirement of City Attorney Miles Risley. F. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. The following individuals spoke: Vidal Conde, Corpus Christi, TX, Marilena Garza, Corpus Christi, TX, Stephen, Klepper, Corpus Christi, TX, Bradley Bartilson, Corpus Christi, TX, Jason Followell, Aransas Pass, TX, Susie Luna Saldana, Corpus Christi, TX, Christina McKay, Corpus Christi, TX, Eli McKay, Corpus Christi, TX, Joseph Gore, Corpus Christi, TX, Rachel Caballero, Corpus Christi, TX, Jared Suarez, Corpus Christi, TX, Maria -Rosa Suarez, Corpus Christi, TX, Scott Barraza, Nueces County, TX, Melissa Zamora, Corpus Christi, TX, Jazmeyne Evans, Corpus Christi, TX, Jessica Villarreal, Corpus Christi, TX, Amanda Gomez, Corpus Christi, TX, Zuri Reyes, Corpus Christi, TX, Henry Williams, Corpus Christi, TX, Melody Cooper, Corpus Christi, TX, Michael Miller, Corpus Christi, TX, and Jason Hale, Corpus Christi, TX. The following individuals submitted a written public comment which is attached to the minutes: John Weber, Fair Oaks, CA, Jason Hale, Corpus Christi, TX, and Julie Rogers, Corpus Christi, TX. G. BOARD & COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS: (NONE) H. EXPLANATION OF COUNCIL ACTION: I. CONSENT AGENDA: (ITEMS 3 - 15) Approval of the Consent Agenda Mayor Guajardo referred to the Consent Agenda. Items 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, and 15 were pulled for individual consideration. Council Member Barrera moved to approve the consent agenda with the exception of Items 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, and 15, 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 3. 26-1183 Approval of the July 16, 2026 Workshop Minutes and July 21, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes. The Minutes were approved on the consent agenda. Consent - Second Reading Ordinances 4. 26-1010 Ordinance approving the Corpus Christi Crime Control and Prevention District City of Corpus Christi Page 2 Printed on 7/30/2026 City Council Meeting Minutes July 28, 2026 Budget for FY 2027 with expenditures in a total amount of $11,189,046.00 to fund 78 existing and authorized Police sworn personnel and support equipment; and appropriating $11,189,046.00 in the Crime Control and Prevention District Fund. Council Member Campos pulled this Item to vote no. Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. Susie Luna Saldana, Corpus Christi, TX, spoke. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. Council Member Barrera moved to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council Member Vaughn. This Ordinance was passed on second reading and approved with the following vote: Aye: 8 - Council Member Barrera, Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Hernandez, Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Scott, Council Member Paxson, Council Member Roy and Council Member Cantu Nay: 1 Council Member Campos Abstained: 0 Enactment No: 033973 5. 26-0908 Zoning Case No. ZN9255, House Finder TX, LLC. (District 1). Ordinance rezoning a property at or near 556 Virginia Avenue from the "CG-2" General Commercial District to the "RS-6" Single -Family 6 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: 033974 6. 26-0932 Zoning Case No. ZN9250, Morehead Dotts Ryback (District 2). Ordinance rezoning a property at or near 301 Indiana Avenue, 305 Indiana Avenue, 2767 Santa Fe Street, and 2771 Santa Fe Street from the "ON" Neighborhood Office District to the "CN-1" Neighborhood Commercial 1 District; providing for a penalty not to exceed $2,000 and publication. (Staff and Planning Commission recommend approval). This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda. Enactment No: 033975 7. 26-0957 Zoning Case No. ZN9194, Miller Street Holdings, LLC (District 1). Ordinance rezoning a property at or near 3641 Mueller Street from the "CN-1" Neighborhood Commercial District to the "CN-1/SP" Neighborhood Commercial District with a Special Permit; providing for a penalty not to exceed $2,000 and publication. (Planning Commission and Staff recommend City of Corpus Christi Page 3 Printed on 7/30/2026 City Council Meeting Minutes July 28, 2026 approval). Council Member Paxson pulled this Item to vote no. 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: 8 - Council Member Barrera, Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Campos, Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Scott, Council Member Roy and Council Member Cantu Nay: 1 - Council Member Paxson Abstained: 0 Enactment No: 033976 8. 26-1131 Ordinance reappointing Jacqueline Del Llano Chapa as Presiding Judge for a two-year term of office beginning August 1, 2026, and ending August 1, 2028; appointing Carlos Omar Reyna as part-time judge #3 for an unexpired term of June 24, 2025, through June 24, 2027; determining salary; and declaring an effective date. Council Member Hernandez pulled this Item to vote no. Council Member Barrera moved to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council Member Roy. This Ordinance was passed on second reading 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 Enactment No: 033977 9. 26-1128 Ordinance amending Corpus Christi Code Section 55-50 regarding water rates for all customer classes effective January 1, 2027. Chief Operating Officer of Corpus Christi Water (CCW) Nick Winkelmann, Assistant Director of CCW — Finance & Administration Kamil Taras, and Principal Consultant at NewGen Strategies & Solutions Andy McCartney responded to Council questions. Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. There were no comments from the public. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. Council Member Vaughn moved to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council City of Corpus Christi Page 4 Printed on 7/30/2026 City Council Meeting Minutes July 28, 2026 Member Scott. This Ordinance was passed on second reading and approved with the following vote: Aye: 7 - Council Member Barrera, Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Campos, Council Member Scott, Council Member Paxson and Council Member Roy Nay: 2 - Mayor Guajardo and Council Member Cantu Abstained: 0 Enactment No: 033978 10. 26-1129 Ordinance amending Corpus Christi Code Section 55-100 regarding wastewater rates for all customer classes effective January 1, 2027. Council Member Cantu pulled this Item to vote no. Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. There were no comments from the Council or the public. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. 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: 7 - Council Member Barrera, Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Campos, Council Member Scott, Council Member Paxson and Council Member Roy Nay: 2 - Mayor Guajardo and Council Member Cantu Abstained: 0 Enactment No: 033979 Consent - Contracts and Procurement 11. 26-1041 Motion authorizing execution of a one-year supply agreement, with a one-year option, with Brenntag Southwest, LLC, of Lancaster, TX, in an amount up to $3,355,560.00, with a potential up to $6,711,120.00 if the option is exercised, for 50% liquid caustic soda solution used by Corpus Christi Water, with FY 2026 funding of $559,260.00 from the Water Fund. This Motion was passed on the consent agenda. Enactment No: M2026-071 General Consent Items 12. 26-1025 Resolution authorizing a License Agreement with the Nueces County Tax Assessor -Collector to allow designated City Fleet personnel to be deputized City of Corpus Christi Page 5 Printed on 7/30/2026 City Council Meeting Minutes July 28, 2026 by the Nueces County Tax Assessor -Collector for the purpose of processing and issuing motor vehicle registration renewals and registration stickers for City -owned fleet vehicles in an amount of $350.00 from the Fleet Maintenance Services Fund. Director of Asset Management Juan Rivera responded to Council questions. Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. There were no comments from the public. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. Council Member Campos moved to approve the resolution, seconded by Council Member Barrera. 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 Scott, Council Member Paxson, Council Member Roy and Council Member Cantu Nay: 1 - Council Member Vaughn Abstained: 0 Enactment No: 033980 Consent - First Reading Ordinances 13. 26-1165 Ordinance appropriating Airport Grant No. 73 (a multi -project grant) in the amount of $7,711,443.00 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under the Airport Improvement Program for the Baggage Handling System Improvements Project, Taxiway Echo Rehabilitation Project, and design for the West Apron Expansion and Realignment Project in the Airport Capital Improvements Program (CIP) Grants Fund; transferring $384,044.40 from the Airport Operating Fund to the Airport CIP Reserve Fund for the 5% cash match; and amending the FY 2026 Capital Budget by increasing revenues and expenditures each by $8,095,487.40. This Ordinance was passed on first reading on the consent agenda. 14. 26-0989 Ordinance authorizing acceptance of a grant from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department under its Boating Access Grant Program, in the amount of $249,990.00, with a required cash match of $83,330.00, for Phase 1 of the Packery Channel Boat Ramp Renovation Project; appropriating $249,990.00 in the Parks & Recreation Grants Fund; and amending the FY 2026 Capital Budget. This Ordinance was passed on first reading on the consent agenda. 15. 26-1118 Ordinance amending Sec. 10-86(a)(1) of the Code of Ordinances, by increasing the beach parking permit fee from $12.00 to $20.00; and providing City of Corpus Christi Page 6 Printed on 7/30/2026 City Council Meeting Minutes July 28, 2026 an effective date. City Manager Peter Zanoni, Interim Assistant City Manager Michael Dice, and Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Jonathan Atwood responded to Council questions. Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. Jared Suarez, Corpus Christi, TX, and Lisa, Corpus Christi, TX, spoke. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. Council Member Barrera moved to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council Member Campos. This Ordinance was passed on first reading and approved with the following vote: Aye: 5 - Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Campos, Council Member Scott and Council Member Roy Nay: 4 - Council Member Vaughn, Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Paxson and Council Member Cantu Abstained: 0 J. RECESS FOR LUNCH Mayor Guajardo recessed the Council meeting for lunch at 2:40 p.m. Executive Session Items 28-30 were held during the lunch recess. Mayor Guajardo reconvened the meeting at 4:08 p.m. K. PUBLIC HEARINGS: (ITEMS 16 -17) 16. 26-1173 Ordinance adopting the City Fiscal Year 2027 and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Program Year 2026 Annual Action Plan (AAP) for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) budget in the amount of $3,703,414, the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) budget in the amount of $232,640, and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) budget in the amount of $3,507,376.36 for a total of $7,443,430.36 annual HUD funding; authorizing the execution of all necessary documents to submit the AAP; authorizing a staff complement of 17 positions; accepting and appropriating funding for the approved AAP projects and authorizing the execution of funding agreements, amendments, environmental review records, and other documents necessary to implement the Fiscal Year 2027 Program Year 2026 AAP. Interim Director of Planning and Community Development Jennifer Buxton presented information on the following topics: required plans; FY 2027 Annual Action Plan; timeline; FY 2027 CDBG recommendations; FY 2027 ESG recommendations; and FY 2027 HOME recommendations. City Manager Peter Zanoni, Interim Assistant City Manager Ernesto De La Garza, and City of Corpus Christi Page 7 Printed on 7/30/2026 City Council Meeting Minutes July 28, 2026 Interim Director Buxton responded to Council questions. Mayor Guajardo opened the public hearing. Debra Arsuaga, Corpus Christi, TX, spoke. 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 Scott, Council Member Paxson, Council Member Roy and Council Member Cantu Abstained: 0 17. 26-0977 Zoning Case No. ZN9187, MVR Construction, Co. (District 3). Ordinance rezoning a property at or near 5040 Rockford Drive from the "RS-6" Single -Family District to the "RS-6/PUD" Single -Family District with a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Overlay; providing for a penalty not to exceed $2,000 and publication. (Planning Commission and Staff recommend approval). Interim Director of Development Services Yvette Wallace 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 Cantu 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 Scott, Council Member Paxson, Council Member Roy and Council Member Cantu Abstained: 0 L. INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION ITEMS: (ITEMS 18 - 25) 18. 26-1174 Ordinance ordering a general election to be held on November 3, 2026, in the City of Corpus Christi for the election of Mayor and eight Council Members; providing for procedures for holding such election; providing for notice of election and publication thereof; providing for establishment of branch early voting polling places; designating polling place locations; authorizing a joint City of Corpus Christi Page 8 Printed on 7/30/2026 City Council Meeting Minutes July 28, 2026 election with Nueces County, and a runoff election, if one is necessary, on December 12, 2026; authorizing execution of a Joint Election Agreement and Election Services Contract with Nueces County; and enacting provisions incident and relating to the subject and purpose of this ordinance. Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. There were no comments from the Council or the public. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. Council Member Barrera moved to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council Member Cantu. This Ordinance was passed on first reading and approved with the following vote: Aye: 9 - Council Member Barrera, Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Campos, Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Scott, Council Member Paxson, Council Member Roy and Council Member Cantu Abstained: 0 19. 26-1185 Ordinance ordering a special election to be held on November 3, 2026, in the City of Corpus Christi on the question of continuing the Corpus Christi Crime Control and Prevention District and associated sales tax for 10 years; providing for procedures for holding such election; providing for notice of election and publication thereof; providing for establishment of branch early polling places; designating polling place locations; authorizing a joint election with Nueces County; and enacting provisions incident and relating to the subject and purpose of this ordinance. Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. There were no comments from the Council or the public. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. Council Member Barrera moved to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council Member Cantu. This Ordinance was passed on first reading and approved with the following vote: Aye: 8 - Council Member Barrera, Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Hernandez, Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Scott, Council Member Paxson, Council Member Roy and Council Member Cantu Nay: 1 - Council Member Campos Abstained: 0 20. 26-1154 Discussion and possible action on an ordinance placing City Charter amendments on the ballot for the November 3, 2026, as requested by Council Members Carolyn Vaughn, Kaylynn Paxson, and Gil Hernandez: City of Corpus Christi Page 9 Printed on 7/30/2026 City Council Meeting Minutes July 28, 2026 Election to: 1. increase city council terms to four years, 2. staggering council terms, 3. increase term limits, 4. creating council member at -large places 1, 2, and 3, 5. requiring at -large council member elections to be decided by majority vote, 6. requiring elections for unexpired terms more than 12 months, 7. increase city council members' salary to the equivalent of federal minimum wage for full-time employees and the mayor's salary to 25% above city council members' salary, 8. increase the number of registered voters required for a petition to initiate the removal process, 9. increase the required vote for removal of city council members to two-thirds of the council members holding office, and 10. authorizing a two -cent property tax for streets and roadway infrastructure Deputy City Attorney Buck Brice presented information on the following topics: 2020 Charter Review Ad Hoc Committee; potential next steps; motion to include proposition 1 in a special election ordinance; motion to include proposition 2 in a special election ordinance; motion to include proposition 3 in a special election ordinance; motion to include proposition 4 in a special election ordinance; motion to include proposition 5 in a special election ordinance; motion to include proposition 6 in a special election ordinance; and motion to include proposition 7 in a special election ordinance. City Manager Peter Zanoni, Deputy City Attorney Brice, and City Secretary Rebecca Huerta responded to Council questions. Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. Susie Luna Saldana, Corpus Christi, TX and Isaiah Dallas, Agua Dulce, TX, spoke. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. Council Member Paxson moved for the next council to create a committee to review proposed charter amendments, seconded by Council Member Roy. This Motion was passed 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 Enactment No: M2026-072 21. 26-1155 Discussion and possible action to accept an unrestricted donation from Voices for Coastal Bend Energy, a Texas 501(c)(6) organization, to fund the preparation and submission of the City of Corpus Christi's U.S. Bureau of City of Corpus Christi Page 10 Printed on 7/30/2026 City Council Meeting Minutes July 28, 2026 Reclamation WaterSMART Desalination grant application for the Inner Harbor desalination project, authorize the City Manager to execute any necessary agreements, and take all actions necessary to submit the application, as requested by Mayor Paulette Guajardo. Chief Operating Officer of Corpus Christi Water Nick Winkelmann presented information on the following topics: commitment to support City's federal water grant application; and next steps for grant application submission. City Manager Peter Zanoni, COO Winkelmann, Deputy City Attorney Buck Brice, City Secretary Rebecca Huerta, and Executive Director of Voices for Coastal Bend Energy Dolly Trolley responded to Council questions. Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. Lisa, Corpus Christi, TX, Aaron Price, Corpus Christi, TX, Deanna King, Corpus Christi, TX, Mark Muenster, Corpus Christi, TX, and Chloe Torres, Corpus Christi, TX, spoke. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. Council Member Barrera moved to approve the motion, seconded by Council Member Scott. The Motion failed with the following vote: Aye: 4 - Council Member Barrera, Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Scott and Council Member Roy Nay: 5 - Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Campos, Council Member Paxson and Council Member Cantu Abstained: 0 22. 26-1189 Discussion and possible action, including consideration of a resolution supporting the pursuit by the City Manager and CCW of temporary relief from regulatory release requirements and pursuing the possible future modifications while maintaining compliance with applicable state and federal law, as requested by Mayor Paulette Guajardo. City Manager Peter Zanoni and Chief Operating Officer Nick Winkelmann responded to Council questions. Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. Jason Hale, Corpus Christi, TX, spoke. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. Council Member Barrera moved to approve the resolution, seconded by Council Member Cantu. This Resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: City of Corpus Christi Page 11 Printed on 7/30/2026 City Council Meeting Minutes July 28, 2026 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 Absent: 1 Council Member Hernandez Abstained: 0 Enactment No: 033981 23. 26-1188 Update from Corpus Christi Water regarding the 2001 Nueces Agreed Order and the City's ongoing efforts before the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) related to environmental flow release requirements, as requested by Mayor Paulette Guajardo. Chief Operating Officer of Corpus Christi Water Nick Winkelmann presented information on the following topics: Agreed Order -history; Agreed Order; temporary request path forward; and permanent request path forward. COO Winkelmann and Assistant Director of Water Supply Management Esteban Ramos responded to Council questions. 24. 26-1186 Discussion and possible action on the 2025 Drought Contingency Plan (amended June 2026) drought stage change based on anticipated water inflow, as requested by Council Members Carolyn Vaughn, Eric Cantu, and Gil Hernandez: 8.3. Stage 2 - Moderate Water Shortage Trigger for initiation - Stage 2 begins when the combined storage level declines below 30%. Customers shall be required to comply with the requirements and restrictions on certain non -essential water uses described in section 10. Trigger for termination - Stage 2 may be terminated when the combined storage levels increase above 40%. Upon termination of Stage 2, Stage 1 becomes operative. 8.4. Stage 3 - Critical Water Shortage Trigger for initiation - Stage 3 begins when the combined storage level declines below 20%. Customers shall be required to comply with the requirements and restrictions on certain non -essential water uses described in section 10. Trigger for termination - Stage 3 may be terminated when the combined storage levels increase above 30%. Upon termination of Stage 3, Stage 2 becomes operative. Chief Operating Officer of Corpus Christi Water Nick Winkelmann presented information on the following topics: Drought Contingency Plan -overview; history; stages -water shortage watch; mild water shortage; moderate water shortage; and critical water shortage. City of Corpus Christi Page 12 Printed on 7/30/2026 City Council Meeting Minutes July 28, 2026 City Manager Peter Zanoni and COO Winkelmann responded to Council questions. 25. 26-1187 Discussion and possible action regarding Bass Pro Shops Update, as requested by Council Members Eric Cantu, Carolyn Vaughn, and Gil Hernandez. Interim Director of Planning and Community Development Jennifer Buxton presented information on the following topics: status; Bass Pro Shops -Texas; and recent Texas incentives. Interim Director Buxton responded to Council questions. M. BRIEFINGS: (ITEM 26 - 27) 26. 26-1117 Briefing and possible action on the Far Field Study of the Corpus Christi Bay System. Chief Operating Officer of Corpus Christi Water Nick Winkelmann presented information on the following topic: Far Field Model of Bay System. City Manager Peter Zanoni and COO Winkelmann responded to Council questions. 27. 26-1111 Water Supply Update Chief Operating Officer of Corpus Christi Water Nick Winkelmann presented information on the following topics: surface water supply; Western Reservoir Potential Inflows as of 7/28/2026; ongoing new water supply projects; additional water supply projects; and grant summary. COO Winkelmann responded to Council questions. N. EXECUTIVE SESSION: (ITEM 28 - 30) 28. 26-1112 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 City of Corpus Christi Page 13 Printed on 7/30/2026 City Council Meeting Minutes July 28, 2026 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. 29. 26-1184 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 statutes concerning the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZs), Chapter 311 of the Texas Tax Code, participation of Nueces County in TIRZ#2 and TIRZ#3, and projects funded by TIRZs. This E-Session Item was discussed in executive session. 30. 26-1199 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 proposed amendments to the City Charter, Texas Local Government Code § 9.001, et. Seq., including sections 9.004 and 9.0045, Texas Water Code Chapter 13, jurisdiction of the Texas Public Utilities Commission regarding water rates, and Texas laws and regulations regarding drought management, water conservation, and elections. This E-Session Item was discussed in executive session. O. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Guajardo adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m. City of Corpus Christi Page 14 Printed on 7/30/2026 Monday, July 27, 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, July 28, 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 City Council Grant funding 21 Comment Please vote "NO" until the most likely modeling run is completed, shared, and reviewed by an independent qualified far -field modeling expert. That would be the CC Poly desal plant and the Inner Harbor desal plant operating at the same time. Also, for transparency, all the people or companies that will be providing the funding should be listed by name and amount pledged. We need to know this to determine if they have a different agenda than the general public. How will the City track the staff time? When will the City bill? What is the cap the non-profit will pay? Provide an email to receive a copy of js_weber@hotmail.com your submission. Monday, July 27, 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, July 28, 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 Please see attached. Thank you. City Council Far -field modeling 26 Upload supporting images or documents. [Th) written 7.28.26.pdf Provide an email to receive a copy of js_weber@hotmail.com your submission. Spheros has failed to release the modeling data for the "most likely" scenario. The most likely scenario is the CC Poly desal plant will be in operation before the Inner Harbor desal plant. It is imperative we know how these two plants in the same dead-end body of water interact with each other for operational and environmental concerns. There also needs to be more grid cells in the area of the outfall from the CC Poly plant. The modeler did a "worst case" run with CC Poly in it but it also had many other variables that countered the affects of CC Poly's discharge. Thus the "worst case" model is not helpful for the "most likely" scenario. This was the whole point of the far -field modeling effort. This quick and easy run was requested by Far -field Committee members and by City Council members. So far, we are missing the most important run from the modeling. Please request again, Spheros does a model run of just the CC Poly desal plant and the Inner Harbor desal plant with more grid cells at the CC Poly outfall. This is a quick and easy run and should take no more than three days to get the results. Then share the inputs and results with an independent qualified modeling expert, so the public can trust the results Please do this before taking further action on this project. Thank you. Note, the Port's modeling had the CC Poly desal plant in all of their runs. The below taken from the Tampa Bay Seawater Desalination Website. https://www.tampabaywater.org/tampa-bay-seawater-desalination/ Several studies were conducted prior to building the desalination plant. These studies included: Cumulative Impact Analysis for Master Water Plan projects (including desalination at 50 mgd) U.S. Geological Survey of the Big Bend Power Station area Independent studies were conducted using a pilot plant by: Mote Marine Laboratory Danish Hydraulic Institute University of South Florida (USF) Savannah Laboratory/STL Precision Marinco Laboratory Hillsborough County Each study was approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and conducted in accordance with FDEP methods by a FDEP-approved laboratory. Each study concluded that the desalination plant would produce high -quality drinking water without harm to Tampa Bay's water quality or marine life. Tuesday, July 28, 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, July 28, 2026 Name Jason Hale Address 4421 Hamlin Dr CORPUS CHRISTI, TX, 78411-3059 Please select the Board, Committee, or governing body that your comments are directed to: Are you a resident of Corpus Christi? What district do you reside in? Topic Agenda Item Number Comment See attached Upload supporting images or documents. City Council District 2 Inner Harbor Far Field Model 26 Why the City's Inner Harbor Far Field ... .pdf Provide an email to receive a copy of jasonhaletx@gmail.com your submission. Why the City's Inner Harbor Far Field Model Needs an Independent Review 07/27/2026 Hi Councilmembers, Today I wanted to talk about the need for an independent review of the City's far field model for the Inner Harbor. But first, I want to thank CCW and City Staff for making the modeling files available to the public. I got a copy of it a couple of weeks ago and it's been really cool to be able to look at the results, the inputs, and the way everything was set up. It's like literally all I did for the past two weeks. Anyways, yesterday, the City Manager announced that the estuaries program and local scientists won't be able to facilitate independent reviews of the far field model. Which was a bummer because I think it would be a big benefit to the City to get the model double checked. I recently reread the June 2nd letter from Dr. Herzka, Dr. Wetz, and the 11 other scientists who signed on to the letter and I still think all of their recommendations are spot on and worth looking into. Personally, I'm concerned that the model may be overestimating vertical mixing because of the way the desalination plant outfalls were set up. Basically it was done crudely, and in a way that masks the effluent's concentrations in the ship channel, which could lead to dissolved oxygen issues. I think the main reason for this is because Spheros and Hazen and Sawyer don't have experience with modeling desalination plants that have actually been built and validated by real world field measurements. That's not to say they didn't do really good work. I think the nuts and bolts are there, and we just need an expert to look it over and say whether or not it looks good. I think if there was a problem, it would be a pretty easy fix. All you'd need to do is change a couple of things and rerun the model. And I think the cost of the independent review would be relatively affordable, maybe like five or ten thousand dollars. As a side benefit, an expert would be able to give feedback on the diffuser design. Right now, the diffuser is designed to be located 3 feet above ground which is really close and could impair dilutions by starving the diffuser of ambient water for dilution, which could result in higher effluent concentrations and more potential for dissolved oxygen issues. All of which could probably be fixed by using better spacing or by adding more diffuser ports if needed. The important part is that you figure out that stuff first, before building the plant, rather than finding out afterwards, then making modifications to the plant after it's been built, which would be expensive. I included a list of references in my hand out. Please look into it if you have a chance. Respectfully, Jason Hale Why the City's Inner Harbor Far Field Model Needs an Independent Review (handout) 07/27/2026 Recommendations 1. Hire a desal modeling expert, who has experience with built facilities whose dilutions have been field validated, to review the City's work and comment on the following: a. Whether the outfall schematization was reasonable i. Double check diffuser design to make sure dilutions will not be impaired by the 'Coanda' effect. b. Recommendations for improving the model, Comment if a model improvement is needed, and c. Comment if additional modeling is necessary, like a higher resolution midfield model or a dissolved oxygen model. 2. Preliminary Field Study of the Bay a. Hire someone to compare the model's outputs with reported field measurements to make sure they match local conditions (velocities, bathymetry, etc.). b. And to make recommendations on field measurement studies to cover any missing gaps in information (i.e. velocity measurements at Nueces Bay interface). 3. Form an advisory panel to make recommendations for continued development a. Monitoring, field validation of the model, FFM independent review, ecological impacts, bioassays, etc. Why an independent review is needed: • To better understand ecological impacts from desalination in the Inner Harbor • DO is the main concern for the Inner Harbor. Low DO can result in large fish kills and has done so before in the Inner Harbor • To make sure all facilities are being accurately incorporated into the model in order to get an accurate assessment. • The Inner Harbor ship channel is permitted by the TCEQ to receive over 90 MGD of desalination effluent but the model's main run only has 50 MGD of SWRO effluent. Reasons an independent review is relevant for the City's 2026 model: • Procurement was rushed. The only firms that applied had no experience w/ plants that were constructed and whose work was validated with field measurements • Near field coupling is standard practice. IH's near field model shows the plume occupying the entire bottom of the channel w/ a 4 meter plume height at an effluent concentration of 4%. I'm not sure what CCP's near field model shows. • The City's far field model shows velocities much higher than the City's 2020 ADCP measurements and much higher ambient stratification than reported by TCEQ surface water quality monitoring measurements. Modeling shows a 50% increase in stratification intensity in the IH just from the City's project. • The City's model needs updates. It needs to include CCP since it's permitted, but can't be accurately simulated with the current modeling approach. • DO Modeling. Need to make sure the model is good before going down this road since DO modeling is expensive. Names of experts who would be good to contact for an independent review 1. Dr. Tobias Bleninger a. Dpto. de Engenharia Ambiental (DEA), Universidade Federal do Parana (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil b. e-mail: tobias.bleninger(a�gmail.com c. Tiered modeling approach for desalination effluent discharges 2. Robin Morelissen a. Hydraulic Engineering, Deltares, Delft, The Netherlands b. e-mail: Robin.Morelissen(a�deltares.nl c. Tiered modeling approach for desalination effluent discharges 3. Daniel A. Botelho a. Environment Australia, BMT, Australia b. e-mail: daniel.botelho(a�bmtglobal.com c. Numerical simulations of brine dispersion associated with the discharge of the proposed stage 2 of the Perth Seawater Desalination Plant 4. Philip J.W. Roberts a. Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, USA b. e-mail: proberts@ce.gatech.edu c. Near Field Flow Dynamics of Concentrate Discharges and Diffuser Design Resources 1. Tiered Modeling Approach for Desalination Effluent Discharges, Bleninger, Morelissen, 2015 https://scholar.google.com/scholar?cluster=10609194193708814799&hl=en&as_sdt=0,44 2. Multiport Diffusers for Dense Discharges, Abessi, 2014 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ozeair-Abessi/publication/262212267 Multiport Diffusers for Dens e Discharges/links/02e7e537d2c9c1f098000000/Multiport-Diffusers-for-Dense-Discharges.pdf 3. USACE Inner Harbor Project Plans, 2024 https://www.swq.usace.army.ril/Media/Public-Notices/Article/3645971 /swq-2014-00850-trec-freese-and-n icholsdcorpus-christinueces-co/ Chapter 18 Tiered Modeling Approach for Desalination Effluent Discharges Tobias Bleninger and Robin Morelissen Abstract The mixing behavior of desalination plant effluents in the receiving waters is significantly influenced by the effluent density, which is dominated by the varying effluent salinity and temperature. The dense RO (reverse osmosis) effluent flow has the tendency to fall as a negatively buoyant plume. The MSF (multi -stage - flash) effluent is distinguished by a neutral to positive buoyancy flux that causes the plume to rise. This chapter describes the principle steps to model effluent dispersion in the receiving environment and to improve discharge design and siting. The different modeling tools are described and applied for typical case studies. A modelling framework for the environmental -hydraulic design of the outfall system for desalination plants has been developed and combined with a tiered approach to facilitate discharge assessments. Furthermore, environmental regulations and opportunities for site -specific, ecologically relevant criteria are discussed. The tiers include initial screening methods, using rapid assessment tools to determine the significance of the discharge. Length -scale based flow classification, nomograms, and empirical dilution equations are applied for that. Subsequent application of mixing zone models improves the discharge design and allows for assessment of potential environmental impacts. The discharge siting is then improved by con- sidering also water quality parameters using a combined modeling approach cou- pling a near -field model to a far -field model. The final tier presents a dynamically coupled modeling system, which is necessary for large discharge flows and com- plex environmental conditions, where a feedback mechanism is necessary to couple both models. Results indicate that the tiered approach applied to modeling methods is capable to assess potential impacts of desalination plant effluents on the receiving waters and to improve the discharge system. T. Bleninger (®) Dpto. de Engenharia Ambiental (DEA), Universidade Federal do Parana (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil e-mail: tobias.bleninger@gmail.com R. Morelissen Hydraulic Engineering, Deltares, Delft, The Netherlands e-mail: Robin.Morelissen@deltares.nl © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015 T.M. Missimer et al. (eds.), Intakes and Outfalls for Seawater Reverse -Osmosis Desalination Facilities, Environmental Science and Engineering, DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-13203-7 18 397 18 Tiered Modeling Approach for Desalination Effluent Discharges 401 (a) DeSal plant (b) DeSal plant (C) DeSal plant brine surface discharge brine surface discharge Ii� brine outfall pipe direct shoreline impact limited dilution at seabed = 1 - 3 direct shoreline impact no shoreline Impact v density current slow mixing ?� ti limited dilution at seabed = 4 - 6 Limited dilution at surface = 4 - 6 slow mixing positively buoyant Jet (P. < P. (MSF)) negativety buoyant Jet (P. > P. (RO)) dilution at seabed = 10 - 20 or more Fig. 18.1 Mixing characteristics and substance distributions for different brine discharge configurations and effluents (Bleninger and Jirka 2008). a RO plant (dense effluent) shoreline discharge via channel or weir, b thermal plant (dense effluent mixed with buoyant cooling water) shoreline discharge via channel or weir, c submerged discharge (dense effluent) via pipeline and nozzle or diffuser 430 T. Bleninger and R. Morelissen generate this variation. Examples are dispersion of waste or cooling water in lakes and coastal areas, upwelling and downwelling of nutrients, salt intrusion in estu- aries, fresh water river discharges in bays and thermal stratification in lakes and seas (see Lesser et al. 2004 and Deltares 2013). Transport processes (i.e. for conservative substances) can be simulated either directly within the hydrodynamic module (Delft3D-Flow) or within the water quality module (Delft3D-WAQ), which allows including further transformation and decay processes of included substances. A simpler, but efficient type of transport model, namely a particle tracking model (De1ft3D-Part) can be used to track sub- stance distributions using the results from the hydrodynamic model, thus without a feedback between the transport and the hydrodynamic model. The latter is usually used for intermediate scale studies, thus outfall design and optimization, as large- scale analysis requires large computational efforts. 18.6.4.2 Coupling Near Field and Far Field Models The aim of coupling near field and far field models is to allow for the modeling of the full plume trajectory, from the outfall to the sensitive receivers (e.g. ecological sensitive regions) up to kilometres away. For this, different model types (near field and far field) are used that are most appropriate and accurate for the different regions of the plume. These models are used in their applicable domains, where they are capable of describing the physical processes adequately. To obtain an accurate and efficient modeling assessment for the full plume trajectory, these models are coupled at a location where both types of models are able to compute the plume sufficiently accurately.. The criteria for a suitable coupling location between near field and far field plume models include both physical and numerical considerations. Physical considerations include: • The coupling location should be beyond the region where non -hydrostatic processes take place, since typically far field models are used with a hydrostatic pressure assumption. • The coupling location should be beyond the region where initial turbulent mixing takes place based on physical processes that are not included in typical far field models. • The coupling location should be beyond the region where small-scale processes take place that are smaller than the typical length -scales (and grid sizes) of the far field model. • The coupling location should preferably be beyond the point of boundary interaction by the plume (in the intermediate zone), since these processes are typically not adequately represented by far field models. Typically selected coupling locations at the point of boundary interaction are less suitable (see Fig. 18.16). 18 Tiered Modeling Approach for Desalination Effluent Discharges 431 Intermediate zone Current Plume boundary Near -field plume centreline Typical coupling location Preferred coupling location Fig. 18.16 Typical plume behaviour including boundary interaction and lateral spreading along the water surface. The typical and preferred locations for coupling the near and far field are indicated (Morelissen et al. 2013) • The coupling locations, for example, can be estimated by the length -scale based flow classification scheme presented in Tier 1. Numerical considerations include: • The horizontal far field computational grid spacing should be able to describe the outfall plume properly at the coupling location (i.e. the plume should at least be resolved in the horizontal dimensions using several far field grid size at the coupling location) • The far field vertical layer distribution should be able to describe the outfall plume's vertical dimensions at the coupling location by at least one or more layers If the numerical criteria are not met, the plume will be subject to substantial numerical diffusion (i.e. it will mix directly over the volume of the far field grid cells) and will therefore change its physical (e.g. buoyancy) behavior. For the translation of the near field plume to the far field model, an important consideration is on the (physical or model) parameters that should be translated from the near field plume assessment to the far field model. In this consideration, it is important to select the parameters necessary to describe the plume in the far field model adequately. On the other hand, to not overcomplicate the coupling, only parameters should be translated that can actually be resolved by the far field model grid size and implemented physical processes. Typically, for an outfall plume, the following parameters are translated: • Plume trajectory (in X, Y and Z coordinates along the plume centre line) • Dilution rate (in dilution factor S along the plume centre line) • Plume dimensions at the coupling location (both width and height) Concentrations of the effluent typically do not need to be translated, since these are the inverse of the dilution rate (for a conservative substance). As described below, the concentration is computed by the far field model based on the dilution information and initial outfall source. For fast decaying substances (even within the near field, i.e. within tens of metres and for travel times typically up to minutes), translating the concentrations could be considered. 432 T. Bleninger and R. Morelissen Distributed Entrainment Sinks Approach (DESA) To accurately schematise the outfall plume in the far field model, it is important to include the plume at the adequate coupling location as a diluted source. The dilution is computed by the near field model, based on the computed entrainment along the plume trajectory towards the coupling location. In particular for plumes with a different density (e.g. for heated effluent), the schematisation as a diluted source (as opposed to an undiluted source) is important to obtain a correct excess density at the coupling location and associated hydrodynamic (buoyancy) behavior. To include this dilution in the far field model in a mass -conserving way, the Distributed Entrainment Sinks Approach (DESA, see Choi and Lee (2007)) is implemented in the coupled modeling approach. This approach consists of defining entrainment sinks along the plume trajectory in the far field model grid where ambient water and substances are extracted according to the computed entrainment by the near field model for each plume section. The total amount of extracted (entrained) water is subsequently released together with the original outfall source at the coupling location, thereby obtaining a diluted source in the far field model. In Fig. 18.17 from Choi and Lee (2007) it is shown how the different entrainment sinks are defined along the plume trajectory. The implementation of the DESA method in the coupling method also accounts for the possible re -entrainment of discharged effluent when the effluent is not effectively transported away from the outfall, which is typically not accounted for in steady state near field models. Since the DESA method in general improves the 6 entrainment sink ® diluted source i 6 f� ig 1 p, z) Fig. 18.17 Representation of diluted source flow and entrainment sinks along the jet trajectory (Choi and Lee 2007) 18 Tiered Modeling Approach for Desalination Effluent Discharges 433 physical representation of the plume behavior in the far field model, the use of this method is recommended for any of coupling method. Different Methods for Coupling Near Field Models to Far Field Models The coupling between near field models and far field models can be done in different ways, with varying levels of comprehensiveness and include: 1. No coupling; undiluted, fixed source in the far field model 2. One-way coupling; fixed diluted source in far field model, based on near field modeling and possibly using the DESA 3. One-way coupling; time -varying diluted source in far field model, based on near field modeling for different ambient conditions (and possibly using the DESA) 4. Two-way, dynamic coupling; time -varying diluted source in far field model (and possibly using the DESA) and feedback to near field model, where the near field and far field models run in parallel. Coupling method 1 (no coupling) is not recommended, particularly for sub- merged outfalls, due to the physical inaccuracy and large dependency on numerical aspects of the far field model but could be used as screening approach in Tier 1. Coupling method 2 (one-way coupling with fixed near field solution) should be used when the near field plume behavior (in terms of position of the coupling location, dilution and dimensions of the plume at the coupling location) remains fairly constant under the ambient conditions. Coupling method 3 (one-way coupling with time -varying near field solution) is most suitable for situations where the near field plume behavior varies over time under different ambient conditions (e.g. tidal flows or differences in summer and winter stratifications). Coupling method 4 is the most comprehensive method and is used in specific cases particularly when certain physical phenomena need to be reproduced and when the momentum of the outfall is generally larger than the ambient flow conditions (e.g. large outfalls in a low - current ambience, such as a lake). This latter method is described in Tier 4 and the other coupling methods are described in more detail below. Coupling Method 1: No Coupling; Undiluted, Fixed Source in the Far Field Model In this method, the outfall is included in the far field model directly, without any incorporation of near field processes. This means that the outfall source is included in the far field model as an undiluted source, in a selected model grid cell. Typi- cally, single pipe or diffuser type outfalls have much smaller diameters than the far field model grid size. By including a smaller -scale outfall in a larger model grid cell, the effluent is immediately mixed over the grid cell volume, therefore changing the physical behavior of the effluent, such as buoyancy. The eventual behavior of the effluent therefore depends on the model grid cell size and not on actual mixing processes. Also including the outfall source not at the terminal vertical level 434 T. Bleninger and R. Morelissen (e.g. inserting a buoyant plume source near the bottom), results in erroneous model behavior in a hydrostatic model and additional numerical diffusion. Only for applications of open channel outfalls, where the outfall channel can be well represented by one or more far field model grid cells, this method could be used in certain conditions. It should however be carefully checked if the far field model is capable of representing the physical processes important for the modeled problem sufficiently well. Advantages • Simple approach, without need for a near field model • Could be used under certain conditions for open channel outfalls Disadvantages • Does not include physical processes correctly • Very sensitive to numerical diffusion and model (grid) assumptions • Generally not recommended for use in outfall modeling Coupling Method 2: One -Way Coupling; Fixed Diluted Source in Far Field Model In this method, a near field assessment is carried out for typical ambient conditions at the outfall site. Based on this assessment, a typical near field behavior that is representative for most ambient conditions, is used as a constant source in the far field model. The schematisation of this source does however take into account the plume trajectory, dimension and dilution based on the near field assessment, preferably using the DESA method. This results in a diluted source, coupled at an adequate location to the far field model and with the correct dimensions. This approach takes into account certain important physical processes (e.g. with the DESA the entrainment processes and mass conservation) and is much less sensitive to numerical diffusion (if coupled at an adequate location). This method consists roughly of the following steps: 1. Simulation of the ambient conditions with the far field model without the outfall 2. Definition of a representative selection of ambient conditions (i.e. climate), relevant to the near field behavior of the outfall plume 3. Near field assessment for the selected ambient conditions and discharge configuration 4. Definition of a representative near field source for inclusion in the far field model and a suitable coupling location 5. Inclusion of outfall source term with DESA in the far field model (i.e. defining a number of sinks along the plume trajectory that discharge at the coupling location together with the outfall source to obtain a correctly diluted source) 6. Simulation with the far field model with the diluted outfall source included 18 Tiered Modeling Approach for Desalination Effluent Discharges 435 Advantages • Inclusion of relevant physical processes in the far field model (e.g. diluted source, entrainment) • Limited sensitivity for numerical diffusion (i.e. accounting for plume dimensions and adequate coupling location) • Better representation of the plume behavior compared to Coupling method 1 • In general recommended to be the minimum level of coupling to use for outfall modeling Disadvantages • Fixed near field solution, so no variation of the plume behavior due to ambient dynamics included • Expert judgement necessary for interpretation of near field assessment, selection of coupling location and adequate inclusion of plume sources (and sinks) in the far field model Example case In a case study carried out for a desalination brine discharge in Oman (Verbruggen et al. 2014), a near field assessment was conducted for the outfall diffuser. The ambient conditions at the project site and particularly near the bed, where the diffuser was located, were relatively mild in relation to the outfall dynamics. The near field assessment showed that for the different ambient conditions that occurred at the project site, the near field behavior (i.e. plume trajectory and dilution) did not vary substantially. In this case study, therefore a fixed near field solution could be used for the far field modeling. This consideration should be made in relation to the modeling objectives of the study (e.g. spatial scales under consideration and required comprehensiveness). In the case study, a DESA implementation of the near field behavior was included in the far field that was a representative schematisation of the near field plume behavior. The case study has shown that by including the outfall source as a diluted source and by using the DESA method, certain (also less obvious) physical processes are included in the outfall modeling (see Verbruggen et al. 2014). Coupling Method 3: One -Way Coupling; Time -Varying Diluted Source in Far Field Model A further improvement to Coupling Method 2 is to use a time -varying outfall source in the far field model for the one-way coupling. In this method, the variation of the near field behavior in relation to the ambient conditions is taken into account adequately. In this case, the far field model should first be run without the discharge (or with a simplified version of the discharge) to obtain time -varying ambient conditions at the discharge location. These ambient conditions are subsequently used to simulate these conditions with the near field model. Next, the far field model is run again 436 T. Bleninger and R. Morelissen with the time -varying representation of the near field behavior as a diluted source. Depending on the type of near field model, this could be done as a time series of near field plume characteristics (Feitosa et al. 2013) or as a kind of look -up table with pre -computed plume characteristics, when a computationally intensive near field model is used, such as a CFD model (see also Batelho et al. 2013). This method consists roughly of the following steps: 1. Simulation of the ambient conditions with the far field model without the outfall 2. Extract ambient condition time series at the outfall location (including water levels, three-dimensional currents and density profiles) 3. Near field modeling assessment to compute the outfall plume behavior for the discharge configuration, (a) for each time step in the ambient condition time series, use a detailed (CFD) near field model to model the outfall plume behavior for a climate of ambient conditions (based on the ambient condition time series) and store the results in a database. The near field results consist of the parameters to be translated to the far field model for the different ambient conditions. 4. Inclusion of the time -varying outfall source terms with DESA in the far field model (i.e. defining a number of sinks along the plume trajectory that discharge at the coupling location together with the outfall source to obtain a correctly diluted source). In the far field model, this means that the sinks and sources will vary over time, for each new near field solution. For example in De1ft3D, this could be accomplished by defining each grid cell and layer that the plume trajectory reaches during the simulation as a potential source/sink. In the source/ sink discharge time series input file, these potential sources have a zero dis- charge, unless it is part of the plume trajectory for a certain time step in which it obtains a positive (source at the coupling location) or negative (sink along the plume trajectory) value. It is important when discharging the extracted water from the entrainment sinks at the coupling location, to also extract/discharge the substances in the far field model to account for e.g. re -entrainment or adequate inclusion of ambient stratification in the plume dilution process. However, in these more complicated cases, a two-way coupling could be necessary to model these processes accu- rately (see Tier 4). 5. Simulation with the far field model with the time -varying, diluted outfall sources included In some cases it could be appropriate to already include a simplified outfall source in Step 1 to account for some effects on ambient conditions by the outfall, if this is expected to be relevant (e.g. locally changed stratification due to the outfall). However, to adequately account for this type of more complex interactions, the two-way coupling method (Tier 4) would be more appropriate. 18 Tiered Modeling Approach for Desalination Effluent Discharges 437 Advantages • Inclusion of relevant physical processes in the far field model (e.g. diluted source, entrainment) • Limited sensitivity for numerical diffusion (i.e. accounting for plume dimensions and adequate coupling location • Good representation of the plume behavior, including varying plume behavior due to changing ambient conditions • Recommended to use for outfall modeling in varying ambient conditions, where the ambient conditions result in differences in near field plume behavior Disadvantages • More complex method to use and possibly somewhat more time consuming Example case A comprehensive modeling study has been undertaken for the Olympic Dam dis- charge in Australia (Botelho et al. 2013 and BMT WBM (2013) reports for EIS). That study somehow reproduced the tiered approach for the different design steps. In a first step initial screening was done using simple dilution equations as shown in Tier 1 for still ambient conditions. That analysis allowed defining the number of required ports and the resulting diffuser length to obtain a minimal required dilu- tion. A subsequent run of a near -field mixing zone model (CORMIX) for several different schematized ambient conditions (uniform and steady ambient velocity and density profiles, bathymetry) allowed pre -assessing the dilution values for different conditions and discharge characteristics. Due to uncertainties in representing the near -field jet characteristics after impingement with the bed a complex computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simula- tion using Open -Foam has been undertaken. This showed a specific process not represented in the near -field models, a reentrainment within a 3-4 m stable salinity layer close to the bed, which have been observed in field monitoring studies too. Those comprehensive CFD studies are alternatives to conventional near -field models, once the discharge cannot be schematized as to the assumptions made in the near -field models. Examples for similar studies can be found in Law et al. (2002). However, limitations are: (i) long computation times (even using parallelized codes on multi -processors), (ii) stability issues and necessary validation, (iii) usually fea- sible only for steady conditions and small scales (near -field region only), (iv) sim- plifying the free surface as rigid lid, which is reasonable for dense discharges. The far -field analysis for the Olympic Dam study were undertaken with the ELCOM model and using the CFD and CORMIX data as a near -field input using a one-way coupling Type 3 as described above, however, only translating pollutant mass fluxes as sources, as dynamic near -field parameters were small and not resolved in the far -field model. Tuesday, July 28, 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, July 28, 2026 Name Julie Rogers Address Please select the Board, Committee, or governing body that your comments are directed to: Are you a resident of Corpus Christi? What district do you reside in? Topic Agenda Item Number 710 Furman Ave, Corpus Christi, TX 78404 Corpus Christi, TX, 78404 City Council District 1 City Charter Amendments 20 Comment I oppose putting City Charter Amendments on the upcoming ballot although I might support such a proposal in the future if it was proposed by an independent Charter Revision Committee. Items 1-7 have been suggested by a previous Charter Revision Committee but were not acted on. Their suggestions also included creating all single member political districts and getting rid of at large positions, which have outgrown their purpose to achieve representation for minority groups. The at large positions certainly do not do that currently, if anything they do the exact opposite, especially when voters stack the deck by not voting for three candidates. Items 8-10 were not included in the Charter Revision Committee's suggestions at all. I do not think your intent is to appear like you are preserving your political careers and aspirations, but it appears that way. Our City is suffering from distrust of our elected officials right now, please do not add to the wound. #10 is ludicrous! Provide an email to receive a copy of rogersjuliet@gmail.com your submission.