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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 08/08/1980 - Special (2)MINUTES Cil' GF CORPS CHRISTI, TEXAS SPECIAL CGDACIL MEETING X57 ,, a9 5:30 P. M. EMERGENCY OPERATION CENTER POLICE eu1LOfIQC T656 Martin _other King Blvd. PRESENT; Mayor Luther Jones Mayor Pro Ten Edward L. Sample (arrived at the meeting et 5:55 p.m.) Council Members: Dr. Jack Best David Diaz Betty N. Turner Cliff Zarsky ABSENT: Council Member Jack K, Ulm phy City Manager R. Marvin Townsend City Secretary Bill G. Read Asst. City Attorney Jay Doegey Asst. City Attorney Jimmy Bray Mayor Luther Jones celled the greeting to order in the Emergency Operation Center, located in the Police Building, and stated that the purpose of the meeting was to review the plans and procedures to be followed in connection with the antici- pated arrival of Hurricane Alien. City Manager R. Marvin Townsend stated that the City Staff had conducted a meeting in regard to the emergency plans and asked Police Chief Bili Banner to report on the location of the hurricane. Chief Banner informed the Council that according to the latest weather advisory, Hurricane Allen was headed towards Corpus Christi, or 50 miles to the north or south of the City and was expected to arrive some time Saturday afternoon, August 9, 1980. City Manager Townsend then requested that the various department heads present brief reports on the activities of their departments. Mr. Douglas Matthews, Director of Public Iitilitics, assured the Council that the Ester treatment plant personnel are making ail possible arrangements in en attempt to keep water cuing into the City at ail times during the hurricane • and afterwards. He explained that ail of the storage facilities within the City are filled. He also stated that construction crews are on duty at all of the equipment plants to do whatever is necessary to keep the plants in operation. Mr. Matthews also informed the Council that Lake Corpus Christi is 827 furl, and if necessary the fined gates can be opened. rhir 06 Otes Augcnt a. 1103 Page E • Ter. Matthews also reported on the conditions et International Airport and stated teat Easters Airlines is the only airline that has canceled their Fate night right; all at_eer airlines w"sTT continue to nave scheduled flights into Corpus Christi that night_ beet all flights for Saturday, August 9, have been canceled. in regard to the Gas Division. Mr. Metthewe stated that they do not expect to lose gas service, but teat Division's crews are available for service if necessary. €ir. .:ares K. lentos, Director of Engineering and Physical Development, stated that Street Division crews have beer. on duty aTI day seeing that debris is removed from the streets and that in the areas of construction, that ell materials are either removed nr tied darn. He also reported that ail gates in the flood system are functional and -some nave been closed. Hr_ lentos informed the Council that some of his personnel are in the process of checking tide Information and reports will be made to the Emergency Operation Center every hour. Mr. Bili Hennings, Director of Inspections and Operations, reported that he has had his employees conducting a survey throughout the day in an attempt to see that all loose items all over the City are properly tied down, noting that every street in the City will have been checked before 6:00 p.m. Hr. Hennings stated that most citizens have been very cooperative and are making every effort to secure loose objects. tor. Hemmings also reported that an event scheduled for that evening at the Coliseum will occur as planned, but ail other events at the various City auditoriums for the remainder of the weekend have been canceled. Dr. Christopher Buttery, Director of the City -County Health and Welfare Department, reported that he has made arrangements for twelve teams to be pre- pared to check for potable water in ail areas of the City after the storm; the elderly citizens will be cared for at various centers; Health Department per- sonnel will be prepared to inspect food after the storm to determine if it is edible; and immunization clinics will be set up as necessary to dispense tetanus shots_ Dr. Buttery arse stated that personnel Fn the Animal Control section will also he on duty. Hr. Tin Stewart, Director of Traffic and Transit, reported that his per- sonnel will be an duty until 8:i0 p.m., and after that time, they will be on duty big/Totes SpeCl;l CounciiCLF meeting August B. 100 Page 3 to evacuate cititene from tow areas_ Hr_ Stewart also informed the Council tnat as soon as the Stara is over, his staff will begin installing traffic signs if the traffic lights lose parer and are inoperative. He also stated that vans and buses will be available far anyone who is stranded. Fire Chief Ralph Rogers stated that all fire stations are open; the regular crews are an duty; all available ambulances are in operation; ono unit will remain in the Flour Sluff area; and the fire stations will be open to provide &baiter for victims of flooded conditions_ Director of Finance Harold F. lick noted that the Purchasing Department and the warehouse will be in operation 2k hours a day to obtain needed materials. Chief Banner also reported that the Police Department is an full alert and informed the Council that at this time, a noes traffic jam exists on 1.H_ 37 from Padre island Drive to the Recces River Bridge, and any other citizens depart- ing the City simuld use Highway 131 which is open_ Chief Banner also assured the Council that the police officers will attempt to maintain surveillance on vacant houses. 'Chief Banner stated that the police officers are now in the process of attempting to evacuate everyone from Corpus Christi Beach. City Manager Townsend informed the Council that the City went into Condition 2 at 6:07 p.m.. but the Emergency Operation Center will not be fully manned until 6:00 a.m. August 9. He also informed the Council that if they are needed and telephones are inoperable, police officers will be sent to their homes to bring them to the Center_ Mayor Jones noted that he will be an duty at the Emergency Operation Center beginning at 6:00 a.m. August 9. City Manager Townsend pointed out that of Corpus Christi receives substan- tial damage, there will be a need for the Council to meet to declare a state of emergency immediately after the storm. He also reported that a National Guard unit is on standby if needed. Mayor Jones complimented the City Staff on the outstanding job they have performed to prepare the City for the hurricane and commented that this City is extremely fortunate to have such a well-qualified staff. Be then urged that the citizens remain calm and stay indoors during the storm. Weikel by Best that the Special Council Meeting be recessed at 6:15 p.m., August 8, 1980; seconded by Sample; and passed unanimously.