HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 08/08/1980 - Special Reconvenedhit:RICES
CITY OF CORM CHRIST!, TEXAS
SPECIAL RECONVENE COUNCIL MEETING OF
AUGUST 8. 195
EMERGENCY OPERATION CENTER
AUGUST to, MO
I2: % P.M.
PRESENT:
Mayor Luther Jones
Council Members:
Dr. Jack Best
David Diaz
Cliff Zarsky
ABSENT:
Mayor Pro Tee Edward L. Sample
Council Members:
Jack Dumphy
Betty M. Turner
City clanger R. Marvin Townsend
Assistant City Attorney Jay Doegey
City Secretary Bill 0. Read
Mayor Luther Jones called the meeting to order at 12:44 p.m. In the Emergency
Operation Center, located in the Police Building. Mayor Jones stated that the purpose
of the meeting is to bring the Council up-to-date on the events associated with
Hurricane Alien. Mayor Jones also noted that the Council will meet again at 5:30 p.m.
City Manager R. Marvin Townsend stated that the most pressing concern is the
fresh water supply for the City. .He explained that problem was created in that the
nine foot tide created by Hurricane Alien brought the salt water up to Recces Bay and
up to the intake of the BA. Stevens 'Dater Plast and the Cunningham Yater Plant. City
Manager Townsend Stated that because of this, employees could not continue to pimp
water into the system and the only water available for the citizens of Corpus Christi
Is that that is in storage. He called upon Mr. Douglas Matthews, Director of Public
Utilities, to explain the nature of the problem and actions taken.
Mr. Matthews explained that the City is dependent upon the raw water coming
out of the river. Hr. Matthews stated Further that the Cunningham and 0.H. Stevens
Plants are closed and salt water its not in the distribution system or the plant. He
-':-explained that, as soon as the tides recede, the Staff will be able to get right back
into production. He explained that to combat the problem, they have lowered two gates
if the dam to bring fresh water to push the salt water out of the system. Mr. Matthews
expressed the opinion that within a very few hours, the tide will recede at Caiallen.
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Special Reconvene Meetife of August S. i9Fr9
August 10, Ig80
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e4r_ Matt"stees explained the method be which they had disccvered that the snit water was
there stating that they had been collcctieg samples every fifteen minutes and assured
the Council that the runoff from the rain will assist In the problem.
Council Member Diaz Inquired if there is a need to ask far assistance from the
oovernor°s'Office and City Manager Townsend explained that they would like to delay
asking for federal or state assistance to see if the problem can be resolved locally.
City Manager Townsend further explained that the Staff plans to purchase or
haul water, into town in case the tides do not drop as $own as anticipated. He
Informed the Council that yesterday the City used fifty million gallons of water and
only thirty million gallons are available at this time, noting that there is a need
to conserve water by all citizens.
Mr. Townsend further pointed out that there could be a problem involving fires
and there are two fires burning in the City at this tine.
Hr. Matthews explained that the Staff had discussed the possibility of purchasing
water floe Robstown and City officials there have agreed to allow the City of Corpus
Christ: to haul water into town but they feel that the tide will go down soon.
Mr. James K. Lantos, Director of Engineering and Physical Development, informed
the Council that the tide leveled at nine feet and remained there for several hours
but it is now down to eight feet.
City Manager Townsend informed the Council that not only is the water supply
in Corpus Christi threatened but also in Port Aransas and several other communities.
He assured the Councll that the Staff is making arrangements to have trucks to haul
water into the City if it beets necessary and hopefully, this will be only for e
few hours.
On another aspect related to the storm, City Manager Townsend informed the
Council! that the wind damage was extensive during the horning and stated that Hr. Hill
Hennings, Director of inspections and Operations, will have a report for the 5:30 p.m.
meeting.
City Manager Townsend also explained that a number of expenses have been
incurred already to protect buildings and so forth. He stated further that the Staff
will have to assess the number of open buildings and plan to police those areas to
prevent looting. He also stated that Highway 181 is closed et this time.
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haver stated that he had issued a warning to people who left the CitY
not to cane back vnr¢11 tenor:ow.
City Manager Tewneend also informed the Council that Or. Christopher buttery's
employees are working on plans to obtain bottled water.
Mayer.fones pointed out that the supply of water is critical for the citizens
of Carpus Christi and urged that plans proceed to obtain water no ratter what the cost.
City Managger Townsend tailed on several other Department Directors to provide
reports.
Chief Bili Banner, Police Department, explained the rescue of a mother
and child from Corpus Christi Beach. Me also stated that Police Officers are still
assessing the damage toegg f there is a need to call out tine iiatianal'Guard:--."
.City 1feneger To -.tend stated that he did not feel that is necessary at this
time but it may be necessary to establish a curfew and informed the Council that this
will be discussed at the 5:30 p.m. meeting.
Council Faber Diaz requested information in regard to the oil tanker that
was disabled near the fish pass.
lir. Hennings related the events associated with the disabled all tanker and
summarized by stating that the tanker ran aground near the fish pass and the cargo
that it is tarrying contains light crude oil but assured the Council that the crew
is not in danger at this time and there is no leakage of the cargo.
Council Member Diaz suggested that ships should not be allowed to leave the
harbor when a storm is coming.
City Manager Townsend indicated his concurrence with this statement but pointed
out that this was the decision of the harbor master.
There being . ' further business to come before the Council at this time, on
motion by Best, seconded by Diaz. the Special Council Meeting was recessed at 1:20 p.m,
until 5:3a p.m., August 10. 1980.
Mayor Luther Jones reconvened the Special Council fleeting at 5:30 p.m..
August 10, 1980. The following were present: Mayor Luther Jones, Mayor Pro Tem Edward
L. Sample, Couneil Members Jack Best, David Diaz, Cliff Zarsky, City Manager R. Marvin
Townsend. Assistant City Attorney Jay Deegey, Assistant City Attorney Jimmy Bray, City
Secretary Bill G. Read. Absent: Council Members Jack Durnphy and Betty Turner.
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August 10„ 1%0
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peeper Jones explained that the purpose of the meeting is to determine the
extent of the damage inflicted by Hurricane Alien and for the Council to cake a
determination of actions to he taken.
City Haeaaer Townsend explained that the freshwater problem had been
alleviated and the O. ft -Stevens Plant is back in operation. He expressed the opinion
that with a little conservation the forty-eight million gallons of water available will
be sufficient.
City Manager Townsend referred to the cast in:urred as the result of Hurricane
Alien end informed the &munch that $100,000 of direct cost had already been incurred.
These costs including overtime salaries, cost of equipment, fuel, and pointed out that
the brush removal costs would be substantial. He explained that the sftuation an -
.Corpus Christi Beach and possibly, Laguna Shores Road of Flour Bluff is that a great
deal of flooding and '!numerable frame structures must be severely damaged in those
areas. He stated that it might be necessary to ask for the assistance of the Governor
and Federal agencies. He also stated that many traffic signals are inoperable and
will regulre a great deal of repairs. Mr. Townsend also noted that the storm sewers
will probably need to be cleaned; there is some damage to Cole Park but it is unknown
as to exactly how much; a great deal of damage occurred at the Marina; the Art Museum
of South Texas had window damage and crater in the basement; water is in the basement
of City Hall; the City Hall Annex Building has been damaged; several streets are
substantially damaged; the tennis courts and the Calisaun suffered damage and the cost
for repairs'wil] be very substantial. City Manager Townsend :noted that the Federal'
Government dues have an assistance program for natural disasters which could provide
as much as 75% federal funds for publie repairs. in order to obtain such federal
assistance. City Manager Townsend suggested that the Council declare an emergency in
order that this request may be grade.
City Hanager.Townsend also noted several Immediate problems that needed to
be taken care: (1) was the problem of Corpus Christi Beach which must be kept secured
to prevent looting; (2) Chief Banner has reported that 60 or 70 properties have
extensive damages and have not been secured and are totally unprotected_ He stated
that the Staff will continue to locate the owners of these properties so that they can
be secured.
City Manager Townsend also stated that the distribution of potable water will
not be necessary since the Stevens plant is functional at this time.
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ee. melees Matthews, Director of Public Utilities, reported that rest parts
of the Cite should have normal eater pressure now. However, the water quality is not
ideal In that it .nag to ea a little salty but is safe to drink. He stated further that
the stater released from the daze should be in the plant tceorrar morning.
City Maneger Townsend referred again to the problem of security and stated that
the Staff was of the opinion, that in order to have some control over the evening's
activities, that it mould seem feasible to declare a curfew for this entire City for
one night and possibly for an entire eek for Corpus Christi Beach with the provision
that this Curfew could be cancelled by the Chief of Policewith the approval of the
City Manager if it appears to be unnecessary.
Motion by lust that a curfew be established for the entire City from 9:00 p.m.,
August 14. 1580 until 6:00 a.m., August 11, 1980 and on Corpus Christi Beach for an
entire week. The motion was seconded by Diaz and passed unanimously by those present
and voting.
Assistant.City Attorney Jay Doegey briefly explained the ordinance establishing
such curfew and a Resolution declaring a state of emergency which the Staff would like
for the Council to pass.
City Secretary Bili I. Read polled the Council for the votes and the following
Ordinance and Resolution were approved:
ORDINANCE NO. 15682:
DECLARING R STATE OF EMERGENCY DURING THE NATURAL DISASTER CREATED BY HURRICANE ALLEN
IN THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRITI, TEXAS AND FOR THE ENSUING 7 DAYS; RATIFYING AND AFFIRMING
THE EMERGENCY REGULATIONS, ORDERS AND ACTIONS HERETOFORE ENFORCED BY THE CITY MANAGER
SINCE HURRICANE ALLEN STRUCK THE CITY; ESTABLISHING CURFEW, SUBJECT TO DAILY EMERGENCY
PASSES; PROVIDING NOTICE; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
The Charter Rule was suspended and the aforementioned ordinance passed by the following
vote: Jones, Sample, Rest, Diaz, Zarsky voting, "Aye"; Dumphy and Turner, "absent".
RESOLUTION N0_ 15683:
DIRECTING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER ON BEHALF OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO REQUEST
THAT HONORABLE WILLIAM CLEMENTS, GOVERNOR OF TEXAS, REQUEST NECESSARY DISASTER RELIEF
FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES UNDER THE FEDERAL DISASTER RELIEF ACT OF 1974
AND ALL OTHER APPLICABLE FEDERAL LAWS, AND THAT THE NECESSITY TO .IJIEDIATELY AUTHORIZE
THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE THE NECESSARY STEPS TO REQUEST THE NECESSARY DISASTER RELIEF
AS A RESULT OF HURRICANE ALLEN CREATES A PUBLIC EMERGENCY.
The Charter Rule was suspended and the aforementioned resolution passed by the following
vote: Janes, Sample, Vest, Diaz, Zarsky voting, "Aye"; Dumphy and Turner, "absent".
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City Manager TTr send assured the Council that the Staff has begun the process
of cleaning up the City and by tomorrow, they should know more about the extent of t e
damage. He stated that this will be discussed with Federal officials. City Manager
Townsend mated that the priority items Has to first clear the streets and this will he
started promptly. He informed the Coencii that there is a possibility that the Corps
o f Engineers nay be able to assist with this cleanup and the removal of brush and debris.
Mayor `ones Enquired if there is a time for closing the Emergency Operation
Center and City Massager Townsend replied that as soon as the basement of City Hall is
no longer' flooded and.the phone service is back, the Staff wail be able to move back
,to City Hell.
City Hanauer Townsend stated that he would like to publicly thank the Borden
company. H.E.Butt Grocery Company, and Hygeia Dairy for their assistance in offering
to haul water to the City of Corpus Christi.
City Manager Townsend stated that he would like to also publicly thank all of
the loyal City employees who have worked so hard ail weekend.
Mayor Jones Doted that he has been at the Emergency Operation Center since 5:00
A.M., Saturday morning, August 9, and he was amazed at the efficiency kith .Which the
City employees, under the direction of City Manager Marvin Townsend had managed to
cope with the emergency situation. He Expressed his admiration for City Manager Townsend
and the entire City Staff. He also noted hoe cooperative the news media had been during
the crisis.
There being no further business to come before the Council during the Special
Council feting, on motion by Diaz, seconded by Best, nd passed unanimously, the
meeting -was adjourned at 6:30 p.m., August 10, 1980.