HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 04/21/2020I 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 April 21, 2020, which
were approved by the City Council on May 12, 2020.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, on this the 12th day of May 2020.
(S E A L)
ei
Rebecca Huerta
City Secretary
Corpus Christi, Texas
City of Corpus Christi
Rebecca Huerta, City Secretary
P.O. Box 9277
Corpus Christi, Texas 78469-9277
(361) 826-3105
rebeccah@cctexas.com
SCANNED
54
City of Corpus Christi
Meeting Minutes
City Council
1201 Leopard Street
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
cctexas. com
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
11:30 AM Council Chambers
Addendums may be added on Friday.
A. Mayor Joe McComb to call the meeting to order.
Mayor McComb called the meeting to order at 11:32 a.m.
B. Invocation to be given by Mayor Joe McComb.
Mayor McComb gave the invocation.
C. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States and to the Texas Flag.
Mayor McComb led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States
and the Texas Flag.
D. City Secretary Rebecca L. Huerta to call the roll of the required Charter Officers.
City Secretary Rebecca L. 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 K. Risley and
City Secretary Rebecca L. Huerta.
Note: Council Members Gil Hernandez, Rudy Garza and Paulette Guajardo
participated by video conference. Council Member Michael Hunter participated
telephonically.
Present: 9 - Mayor Joe McComb,Council Member Roland Barrera,Council Member Rudy
Garza,Council Member Paulette Guajardo,Council Member Gil
Hernandez,Council Member Michael Hunter,Council Member Ben
Molina,Council Member Everett Roy, and Council Member Greg Smith
E. CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS / UPDATE ON CITY OPERATIONS:
Mayor McComb referred to City Manager's Comments. City Manager Peter
Zanoni reported on the following topics:
1) COVID-19 potential impacts determined with assistance. 2) FY 2020 Total City
Budget $1.075 Billion. 3) FY 2020 General Fund Budget: $271.2 Million. 4)
General Fund Revenues. 5) General Fund Projected Revenue Impact. 6)
Property Tax. 7) Sales Tax. 8) Solid Waste Revenues 9) Other Revenues. 10)
General Fund Reserves. 11) Initial COVID-19 Impact Solution. 12) Crime Control
& Prevention District. 13) Type A funds.
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14) Type B funds. 15) Hotel Occupancy Tax Revenues. 16) Initial COVID-19
Impact Solution. 17) General Obligation Bonds. 18) Utility Revenue Bonds. 19)
Next Budget & Financial Presentation. 20) Next Steps.
Council Members and City Manager Zanoni discussed the following topics:
commended the City Manager and staff for the update and budget; and the
impact that the negative price of oil will have on our community, maybe even
more than COVID-19.
a. GOVERNMENT ACTIONS RELATED TO CORONA VIRUS
Director of Public Health District Annette Rodriguez presented an update on
COVID 19 Testing Process: COVID-19 Testing Overview; Phone Bank;
Department Operations Center; Drive Thru Collection Site; Laboratory Testing;
and Contact Tracing.
Council Members, City Manager Peter Zanoni, and Director Annette Rodriguez
discussed the following topics: anyone who is asymptomatic can be tested;
currently Spohn Hospital is testing for health care workers only; if we are
getting informed by the private sectors who are doing the testing; the reported
death in Nueces County was "related" to the COVID-19, but not the cause of
death; everyone who has recovered from COVID-19 has wanted to donate their
blood; there has been discussion with the state about re -opening businesses
slowly by taking proper precautions; a council member's concern of the
importance of opening up personal care businesses, i.e., barbershops, beauty
and nail salons; the importance of disinfecting businesses properly when they
start to re -open; if there is any chance of going backwards on people getting
tested based on shortage of testings; health care workers need to choose a
primary nursing home to work at and not more than one; and the Governor's
press conference will be held on April 27, 2020 regarding the reopening of
businesses.
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F. PUBLIC COMMENT - AUDIENCE AND PRESENTER SOCIAL DISTANCING AND
PUBLIC TESTIMONY AND PUBLIC HEARING INPUT AT PUBLIC MEETINGS OF
THE CITY COUNCIL. To reduce the chance of COVID-19 transmission, public
meetings will be held in a manner intended to separate, to the maximum practical
extent, audience and presenters from personal contact with members of
Community, City Staff, and City Council. This meeting will be broadcast at
cctexas.com/services/council meeting -agendas -minutes -video. Public testimony
and public hearing input for Public Comment and all items on the agenda at
public meetings of the City Council should be provided in written format and
presented to the City Secretary and/or designee no later than five minutes after
the start of each meeting of the City Council. Testimony and/or public input shall
be in accordance with the City Secretary's instructions, which shall be posted on
the City Secretary's door and on the City website, and allow for electronic
submission. The written public testimony shall be provided to members of City
Council prior to voting on measures for that meeting. Written testimony shall be
limited in accordance with the City Secretary requirements and shall be placed
into the record of each meeting. This testimony shall serve as the required public
testimony pursuant to Texas Government Code 551.007 and shall constitute a
public hearing for purposes of any public hearing requirement under law. The
meeting may be held telephonically or via videoconference. The public may
participate remotely by following the instructions of the City Secretary at
cctexas.com/departments/city-secretary.
Mayor McComb referred to comments from the public.
Eduardo Canales, 7021 Debinngton Dr., called in regarding opposition to Item
16.
The following people submitted public comments which are attached to the
minutes:
Margareta Fratila, 3606 Tripoli Dr.; Pauline Forbes; Patricia Young, 4626 Hakel
Dr.; Philippe Tissot, 3560 Aransas St.; Sally Clark Farris, 13043 Hunters Breeze
St.; Florence Tissot, 3560 Aransas St.; Sonja Strong; Teresa A. Carrillo, 730
Harrison St.; Julie Travis Rogers, 710 Furman Ave.; Brian Williams; Roxane
Iglesias; Dewey Magee III, 4252 Kestrel Ln.; Carrie Robertson Meyer, 4401
Gulfbreeze Blvd.; Errol A. Summerlin; Clare Lee, 7046 Hathor Dr.; Bob
Paulison, 15821 Almeria Ave.; Melissa Zamora, 3917 Brawner Pkwy.; Bob
Gonzalez, 8033 South Padre Island Dr.; Peggy and Jose Miguel Duran, 4022
Congressional Dr.; Isabel Araiza, 326 Poenisch Dr.; Brittany Garcia; Neil
McQueen, 4213 Estate Dr.; Wendy Hughes, 2129 Bay Breeze Dr.; and Elisa and
David Verratti, 129 Porto Villageo.
G. MINUTES:
1. Regular Meeting of April 14, 2020.
A motion was made by Council Member Garza, seconded by Council Member
Molina that the Minutes be approved. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
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Aye: 9 - Mayor McComb, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Garza, Council
Member Guajardo, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter,
Council Member Molina, Council Member Roy and Council Member Smith
Abstained: 0
H. BOARD & COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS: (NONE)
I. EXPLANATION OF COUNCIL ACTION:
J. CONSENT AGENDA: (ITEMS 2 - 18)
Approval of the Consent Agenda
2.
Mayor McComb referred to the Consent Agenda. Council members requested
that Items 2, 4 and 16 and 17 be pulled for individual consideration.
There were no comments from the Council; or written testimony from the
public.
A motion was made by Council Member Guajardo, seconded by Council
Member Smith, to approve the Consent Agenda with the exception of Items 2,
4, 16 and 17. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 9 - Mayor McComb, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Garza, Council
Member Guajardo, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter,
Council Member Molina, Council Member Roy and Council Member Smith
Abstained: 0
Ordinance approving an agreement between the City of Corpus Christi
and the Corpus Christi Business and Job Development Corporation in an
amount not to exceed $2,500,000.00 for Type A funding of arterial and
collector streets within the City; approving a Chapter 380 agreement in
an amount not to exceed $2,500,000.00 with LiftFund, Inc. for a small
business recovery program; appropriating $2,500,000.00 from the
unreserved fund balance of the Business and Job Development Fund for
use on the arterial and collector street improvements; amending the
operating and capital budget; and declaring an emergency.
Mayor McComb referred to Item 2.
Mayor McComb referred to public comment. Margareta Fratila, 3606 Tripoli Dr.
submitted a public comment which is attached to the minutes.
Chief Financial Officer Constance Sanchez presented an update on the Small
Business Recovery Program.
Council Members, City Manager Peter Zanoni, LiftFund Executive Senior
Vice -President Richard Gianni and Market Manager Laura Estrada discussed
the following topics: $1.7 million in funds was approved for the LiftFund
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3.
4.
program; 52 applications are currently being processed, but documents are
missing on some applications; how to get the funds to businesses more quickly;
a council member's concern regarding how quickly LiftFund can provide funds
to businesses between now and May 12, 2020; some applicants do not want to
share their bank statements with LiftFund, therefore some applications are
taking longer to process; if the $2.5 million is approved today, only $250,000 at
a time would be sent to LiftFund; what LiftFund is doing to ensure that the
non-essential businesses are prioritized; the Dream Makers Fund is available
only to Corpus Christi businesses; a council member's suggestion to put
measures in place and authorize $1 million today and the additional $1.5
million on May 12; staffs recommendation is to approve the $2.5 million, but
disburse funds of only $250,000 at a time; a council member's wish to table the
item today until the initial $1.7 million in funding is expended; and a council
member's experience with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and the
documents required for the loan.
Mayor McComb made a motion to amend the ordinance to reduce amounts to
$1 million (less the LiftFund administration fee of 17.65% and no additional
deposits to Dream Maker Fund), seconded by Council Member Barrera. The
motion passed unanimously.
Mayor McComb made a motion to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council
Member Barrera. This Ordinance was passed on emergency as amended and
approved with the following vote:
Aye: 9 - Mayor McComb, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Garza, Council
Member Guajardo, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter,
Council Member Molina, Council Member Roy and Council Member Smith
Abstained: 0
Enactment No: 032087
Ordinance amending the City's Consolidated Annual Action Plan (CAAP)
of entitlement funding from HUD for FY 2019-2020; accepting and
appropriating $803,100.00 from the United States Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for Emergency Solutions Grant
(ESG-CV) and $1,622,820.00 for Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG-CV) funding in FY 2019-2020; authorizing the execution of all
documents necessary to accept, appropriate, and disburse the funds; to
execute all agreements, amendments and all other documents necessary
to implement the additional ESG-CV and CDBG-CV funding from HUD
with organizations for approved projects; and declaring an emergency.
This Ordinance was passed on emergency.
Enactment No: 032088
Consent - Second Reading Ordinances
Zoning Case No 0220-03, MPM Development, LP. (District 5).
Ordinance rezoning property at or near 7797 Yorktown Boulevard from
the "FR" Farm Rural District to the "RS -4.5" Single -Family 4.5 District.
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5.
6.
7.
Planning Commission and Staff recommend Approval.
Mayor McComb referred to Item 4.
There were no comments from the Council.
Council Member Garza made a motion to approve the ordinance, seconded by
Council Member Hunter. This Ordinance was passed on second reading and
approved with the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Mayor McComb, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Garza, Council
Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter and Council Member Molina
Nay: 1 - Council Member Smith
Absent: 1 - Council Member Guajardo
Abstained: 1 - Council Member Roy
Enactment No: 032089
Ordinance accepting a grant award of $4,063.31 from Plains All
American Pipeline to purchase personal protective equipment for the
Corpus Christi Fire Department for use during industrial responses; and
appropriating $4,063.31 into the Fire Grant Fund.
This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: 032090
Ordinance authorizing an amendment to the Lease Agreement with
Padre Island Yacht Club revising rent payments from greater of 10% of
gross income or $2300 annually to greater of 5% gross income or $2500
quarterly.
This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda.
Enactment No 032091
Ordinance authorizing three non-contiguous 30 -foot wide pipeline
easements and one construction yard license of 1.12 acres to Dean
Pipeline Company, LLC to construct one new 8 -inch pipeline for the
transportation of oil, gas, or other hydrocarbon product located on City
property operated by the City Water Department, two of the pipeline
easements are located southeast of the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment
Plant and third pipeline easement on property north of IH37 by the O.N.
Stevens Spillway Tract; located in Council District 1, and appropriating
$108,810 into the City's Water Department Operating Fund No. 4010.
This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda.
Enactment No 032092
8. Ordinance amending Section 55-100 of the Corpus Christi Code of
City of Corpus Christi
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9.
Ordinances regarding wastewater winter quarter average usage
calculation to be effective by May 1, 2020.
This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: 032093
Consent - Contracts and Procurement
Motion authorizing a three-year service agreement with C&S Plating and
Bumper Recycling, Inc., dba C&S Truck and Van Equipment for a total
amount not to exceed $663,000.00, for upfitting and repair parts and
services for Asset Management, effective upon issuance of notice to
proceed, with FY 2020 funding in the amount of $110,500.00 available
through the Fleet Maintenance Service Fund.
This Motion was passed on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: M2020-080
10. Motion authorizing a five-year license agreement with e -Builder, Inc. in an
amount of $3,795,755.48 for the purchase of licenses and support
maintenance for Engineering Services, effective upon issuance of a
notice to proceed, with FY 2020 funding in the amount of $1,121,549.46
available through the Engineering Services Fund.
11.
This Motion was passed on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: M2020-081
Motion approving a service agreement with VWR International, LLC in an
amount not to exceed $99,760.40 for Phase III of the Utilities Water Lab
renovations and upgrades, effective upon issuance of notice to proceed
and FY 2020 funded through the Water Fund.
This Motion was passed on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: M2020-082
12. Motion authorizing a two-year supply agreement with Brenntag
Southwest, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $5,440,294.52, for the
purchase of Sodium Hypochlorite used by the Utilities Department for the
disinfection of treated effluent at four Wastewater Treatment Plants, and
by the Water Treatment Plant to boost the disinfection properties of the
City's drinking water throughout the distribution system, effective upon
issuance of notice to proceed, with FY 2020 funding in an estimated
amount of $1,133,400.00 available in the Wastewater and Water Funds.
This Motion was passed on the consent agenda.
Enactment No M2020-083
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13. Motion authorizing a two-year Supply Agreement with Univar Solutions
USA Inc., for an amount not to exceed $3,985,600.00 for liquid caustic
soda solution for pH adjustment for the water treatment process at the
O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant, effective upon issuance of notice to
proceed, with FY 2020 funding in an estimated amount of $996,400.00
available through the Water Fund.
This Motion was passed on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: M2020-084
14. Motion authorizing a two-year supply agreement with Polydyne, Inc., in an
amount not to exceed $790,585.00, for the purchase of Sludge
Dewatering Polymer for the Utilities Department, effective upon issuance
of notice to proceed, with first-year funding in the amount of $164,700.00
available in the FY 2020 Wastewater Fund.
This Motion was passed on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: M2020-085
Consent - Capital Projects
15. Motion awarding Amendment No. 1 to contract with Hazen and Sawyer
for design and preparation of construction documents and related
construction phase services to dredge the pre -sedimentation basin,
replace the solids collector system and clarifier drive mechanisms for the
O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant (ONSWTP) in the amount of
$862,388, for a revised contract value not to exceed $912,188, located in
City Council District 1, effective upon issuance of notice to proceed, with
funding approved and available from Water 2020 Capital Improvement
Program Budget.
This Motion was passed on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: M2020-086
General Consent Items
16. Resolution requesting financial assistance from the Texas Water
Development Board for design and construction of improvements to the
City's Utility system; authorizing City staff and consultants to coordinate
the submission of the application to the Texas Water Development Board
for funding from its State Water Implementation Fund for Texas; and other
matters in connection therewith.
Mayor McComb referred to Item 16.
Director of Finance and Business Analysis Heather Hurlbert presented
information on the following topics: recap of requesting financial assistance
from theTexas Water Development Board.
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Mayor McComb opened the public comment. City Secretary Rebecca Huerta
stated there were 22 public comments; 17 opposed, 3 requested postponement
and 2 were in favor. (NOTE: the public comments are attached to the
minutes).
Council Members, City Manager Peter Zanoni, Director of Finance and
Business Analysis Heather Hurlbert, Director of Water Utilities Kevin Norton,
and Assistant Director of Water Quality and Treatment Gabriel Ramirez
discussed the following topics: if the City had discussed alternative funding
options with other companies; the City is not borrowing any money, it is a loan
application; the financial commitment will occur in August; a council member's
concern of not seeing any other options available and a wastewater concern;
the cost of the application is free of charge; the application is being submitted
by city staff, not the consultants; what the time frame is for other companies to
put together a proposal; the rates for the loan are not available to the private
sector, the funding is available to cities; and other alternative methods for
desalination.
Mayor McComb made a motion to approve the resolution, seconded by Council
Member Hunter. This Resolution was passed and approved with the following
vote:
Aye: 7 - Mayor McComb, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Garza, Council
Member Hunter, Council Member Molina, Council Member Roy and Council
Member Smith
Nay: 1 - Council Member Hernandez
Absent: 1 - Council Member Guajardo
Abstained: 0
Enactment No: 032094
17. Resolution authorizing the Interlocal Agreement with Nueces County for
exchange of Gulf beach maintenance with the City to maintain and clean
a portion of the Gulf beach managed by the County and the County to
maintain and clean a portion of the Gulf beach managed by the City. The
City will provide beach maintenance from the State Park Boundary to
Beach Marker 203. The County will provide beach maintenance from
Access Road 6 to Beach Marker 252.
Mayor McComb referred to Item 17.
Peter Zanoni stated that Keith has been working with the county to bring this
Item to council.
Council Members, Assistant City Manager Keith Selman, and Director of Parks
and Recreation Jermel Stevenson discussed information on the following
topics: the date scheduled to begin the maintenance of the beach is May 1,
2020.
Council Member Smith made a motion to approve the resolution, seconded by
Council Member Barrera. This Resolution was passed and approved with the
City of Corpus Christi
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following vote:
Aye: 9 - Mayor McComb, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Garza, Council
Member Guajardo, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter,
Council Member Molina, Council Member Roy and Council Member Smith
Abstained: 0
Enactment No: 032095
18. Resolution authorizing submission of grant application for $18,032.44 to
the State of Texas, Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division for
funding eligible under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding
Program FY 2020.
This Resolution was passed on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: 032096
K. RECESS FOR LUNCH
The recess for lunch was held from 2:00 p.m. to 2:33 p.m.
L. PUBLIC HEARINGS: (ITEMS 19 - 21)
19. Zoning Case No. 0220-02, J3PV Investment, LP. (District 4). Ordinance
rezoning property at or near 113 Porto Villageo Drive from the "RM -AT"
Multifamily AT District to the "RS-4.5/PUD" Single -Family 4.5 District with
a Planned Unit Development. Planning Commission and Staff
recommend Approval with the condition that the side yard setback shall
be 3 feet where the PUD adjoins lots that are not part of the development.
Mayor McComb referred to Item 19.
Director of Development Services Al Raymond presented information on the
following topics: the purpose of this Item is to allow for the construction of a
single family residential development; aerial overview; zoning pattern; PUD
deviations; PUD concepts; and Planning Commission's and staff's
recommendation with a PUD.
Council Members, Director Raymond and Andrew Dimas with Development
Services discussed the following topics: if the developer has met with the
property owners; the width of the sidewalks are in the existing development;
the developer is increasing the size of some of the beach front lots and
decreasing others; there will be three common areas accessible to all
residents of the subdivision; the last time a house was built has been at least a
decade; a council member's recommendation to change the condition of the
side yard setback to 2 feet; most of the homes are elevated; the deed
restrictions are privately enforced whether or not the PUD is approved; the
concept behind the development was to appeal to multiple markets; and the
developer is the primary developer for Cinnamon Shores and other complexes
in Port Aransas.
Mayor McComb opened the public hearing. City Secretary Rebecca Huerta
City of Corpus Christi
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read into the record the public comment from the following person: (NOTE:
this is attached to the minutes): Elisa and David Verratti, 129 Porto Villageo.
Mayor McComb closed the public hearing.
Council Member Smith made a motion to amend the ordinance subject to a 2
foot above base flood elevation, seconded by Council Member Guajardo. The
motion passed unanimously.
Council Member Smith made a motion to approve the ordinance as amended,
seconded by Council Member Roy. This Ordinance was passed on first reading
as amended and approved with the following vote:
Aye: 8 - Mayor McComb, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Garza, Council
Member Guajardo, Council Member Hunter, Council Member Molina,
Council Member Roy and Council Member Smith
Nay: 1 - Council Member Hernandez
Abstained: 0
20. Zoning Case No. 0220-04, Nazari Mohammad Rezaei (District 3).
Ordinance rezoning property at or near 5506 Cain Drive from the "RS -6"
Single -Family 6 District to the "CN -1" Neighborhood Commercial District.
Planning Commission and Staff recommend Denial of the change to the
"CN -1" Neighborhood Commercial District in lieu thereof, approval of the
"RS-6/SP" Single -Family 6 District with a Special Permit with conditions.
A 3/4 favorable vote is required to overrule Planning Commission
recommendation.
Mayor McComb referred to Item 20.
Director of Development Services Al Raymond presented information on the
following topics: aerial overview; zoning pattern; and Planning Commission
and staff recommend denial of "CN -1" Neighborhood Commercial District in
lieu thereof, approval of the "RS-6/SP" zoning Single Family 6 District with a
Special Permit.
Mayor McComb opened the public hearing. There were no comments from the
Council; or written testimony from the public. Mayor McComb closed the
public hearing.
Council Member Barrera made a motion to approve the ordinance approving
the "RS-6/SP" recommended by the Planning Commission and staff, seconded
by Council Member Molina. This Ordinance was passed on first reading and
approved with the following vote:
Aye: 9 - Mayor McComb, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Garza, Council
Member Guajardo, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter,
Council Member Molina, Council Member Roy and Council Member Smith
Abstained: 0
21. Zoning Case No. 0320-01, Margo Lyn Moore (District 4). Ordinance
rezoning property at or near 7517 South Padre Island Drive (State
City of Corpus Christi
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Highway 358) from the "RS -6" Single -Family 6 District to the "CG -2"
General Commercial District. Planning Commission and Staff
recommend Approval.
Mayor McComb referred to Item 21.
Director of Development Services Al Raymond presented information on the
following topics: aerial overview; zoning pattern; and Planning Commission's
and staffs recommendation.
Mayor McComb opened the public hearing. There were no comments from the
Council; or written testimony from the public. Mayor McComb closed the
public hearing.
Council Member Hunter made a motion to approve the ordinance, seconded by
Council Member Molina. This Ordinance was passed on first reading and
approved with the following vote:
Aye: 9 - Mayor McComb, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Garza, Council
Member Guajardo, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter,
Council Member Molina, Council Member Roy and Council Member Smith
Abstained: 0
M. REGULAR AGENDA: (NONE)
N. FIRST READING ORDINANCES: (ITEMS 22 - 23)
22. Ordinance authorizing the conversion of 12 Firefighter I positions to
Firefighter II - EMS for a total cost of $30,888 to provide adequate
staffing of an additional medic unit that is being placed into service in
District 2 at Fire Station 7 in accordance with the FY2020 budget.
Mayor McComb referred to Item 22.
Council Members and Fire Chief Robert Rocha discussed the following topics:
the location of the medic unit will be on Doddridge and Staples; a council
member's concern of medic units on the southside; and the southside medic
units consist of 4, 6, 14 and 17.
Council Member Molina made a motion to approve ordinance, seconded by
Council Member Barrera. This Ordinance was passed on first reading and
approved with the following vote:
Aye: 9 - Mayor McComb, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Garza, Council
Member Guajardo, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter,
Council Member Molina, Council Member Roy and Council Member Smith
Abstained: 0
23. Ordinance accepting $281,250.00 Air Quality Planning Grant from Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality and appropriating in the
Community Enrichment Grant Fund.
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Mayor McComb referred to Item 23.
Director of Planning and Environmental Services Daniel McGinn presented
information on the following topics: the budget and plans to subcontract with
Texas A&M Corpus Christi to do air monitoring; and staff recommends
approval.
A Council Member and Director McGinn discussed the following topics: the
contract is for two years.
Council Member Molina made a motion to approve the ordinance, seconded
by Council Member Barrera. This Ordinance was passed on first reading and
approved with the following vote:
Aye: 9 - Mayor McComb, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Garza, Council
Member Guajardo, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter,
Council Member Molina, Council Member Roy and Council Member Smith
Abstained: 0
O. BRIEFINGS: (NONE)
P. EXECUTIVE SESSION: (ITEM 24)
City Manager Peter Zanoni stated that Item 24 will be postponed.
24. 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 Application of
AEP Texas Inc to amend its Distribution Cost Recovery Factor at the
Public Utility Commission.
This E -Session Item was postponed.
Q. IDENTIFY COUNCIL FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
R. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor McComb referred to Identify Council Future Agenda Items. No Items
were discussed or identified.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:50 p.m.
City of Corpus Christi
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Norma Duran
From: CitySecretary
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2020 11:27 AM
To: Rebecca Huerta
Cc: Sarah Brunkenhoefer; Norma Duran
Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL]Public Comments
FYI.
From: Deborah Lee West <dltwest@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2020 11:16 AM
To: CitySecretary <CitySecretary@cctexas.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL]Public Comments
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Othodox Easter. He had a break between two surgeries and we met on Ocean Drive in a park for
him to see the White Lighted Bridge. The appreciation you all showed to our doctors and medical
staff and shared with his colleagues at the hospital. Thank you on their behalf! I shared with you way
back, a few weeks ago, the blue lighted tower in downtown Dallas for the medical community
sponsored by our friend, Robert Rawlings, owner of the Omni Hotel and I suggested a FB post to our
city leaders. I am glad someone followed my suggestion.
I also want to talk about small businesses. I tried unsuccessfully to go on with my application for LIFT
funds. This was because the application had a lot of lines that didn't work properly. I would like to
know what is the criteria you considered when you accepted to give funds to the LIFT fund. I think
that the solid businesses with over 10 years in business should have priority over the new, recently
opened business under 3 years. This is not a BUSINESS LOAN but rather a BRIDGE LOAN. So, I
would like to be contacted by someone who approved the money from the city who can clarify my
questions in this matter. I have tried to contact a representative from the LIFT fund program but my
calls have gone unanswered.
Thank you,
Margareta Fratila, MBM, TMF
European Floral Design
margaretatheflorist(a�gmail.com
(361) 739-3029
1
Sarah Brunkenhoefer
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Rebecca Huerta
Monday, April 20, 2020 2:04 PM
Norma Duran; Sarah Brunkenhoefer
FW: [EXTERNAL]Church gatherings
Please see below — general public comment for tomorrow.
Rebecca L. Huerta TRMC, CMC
City Secretary
City of Corpus Christi
1201 Leopard Street l Corpus Christi, TX 78401
P.O. Box 9277 I Corpus Christi, TX 78469-9277
Phone: (361) 826-3105 Fax: (361) 826-3113
RebeccaH'ci,cctexas.com
If your e-mail is a Public Information Request, please
send to CityOpenRecords@cctexas.com.
From: CitySecretary <CitySecretary@cctexas.com>
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2020 7:56 AM
To: Rebecca Huerta <RebeccaH@cctexas.com>
Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL]Church gatherings
FYI.
From: ssspyy518@yahoo.com <ssspyy518@yahoo.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 18, 2020 8:35 AM
To: CitySecretary <CitySecretary@cctexas.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL]Church gatherings
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the helpdesk.
Was wondering if churches are able to get permits to gather in church parking lot. I live in residential area and have a
church next door . They are gathering and staying in cars. Pastor says he got a permit. My concern is that he is blasting
the speakers with music and worship. I have no problem with trying to have continued service but the speakers are too
loud. I asked pastor to turn it down just want to make sure he has permission to do this.
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
1
Sarah Brunkenhoefer
From: CitySecretary
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2020 2:10 PM
To: Rebecca Huerta
Cc: Sarah Brunkenhoefer; Norma Duran
Subject: FW: For Mayor McCombs
FYI.
From: pv Forbes <pvforbes@hotmail.com>
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2020 1:52 PM
To: CitySecretary <CitySecretary@cctexas.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL]For Mayor McCombs
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Thank you Mayor McCombs for your early decision to institute stay-at-home orders and for the efforts of your
teams.
Please look into issuing an order for people to wear face covering when shopping in stores. Many people
seem to not understand that the masks the people serving them wear, are for the protection of their
customers.. We need to protect those who serve us. It is disappointing to see people heading into stores as if
this is normal times, with no face covering, and no concern for everyone else.
have spoken to managers in various stores to ask how they feel about this. Every one of them said that
would be a relief if everyone did this. They are trying hard to keep us safe.
Since you have been ahead of the game on stay-at-home, and kept us all safer, please take the next step to
help protect those who serve us all, as well as everyone else who is wearing face covering to try and not
become a burden on family and healthcare workers.
With best regards and thanks,
Pauline Forbes
1
Sarah Brunkenhoefer
From: CitySecretary
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2020 7:57 AM
To: Rebecca Huerta
Cc: Sarah Brunkenhoefer; Norma Duran
Subject: FW: Proposed rezoning of tract near 7797 Yorktown Boulevard to the highest density
residential zoning, Zoning Case No 0220-03
Attachments: Yorktown 7797 Rezoning Proposal.pdf
FYI.
Original Message
From: Philippe Tissot <ptissot@fastmail.fm>
Sent: Sunday, April 19, 2020 10:44 PM
To: CitySecretary <CitySecretary@cctexas.com>
Subject: Proposed rezoning of tract near 7797 Yorktown Boulevard to the highest density residential zoning, Zoning Case
No 0220-03
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Hi Mrs Huerta: You will find attached comments regarding the proposed rezoning of tract near 7797 Yorktown
Boulevard to the highest density residential zoning, Zoning Case No 0220-03, MPM Development, LP.
I am often urging caution when it comes to the elevation of structures and their vulnerability to flooding and in
particular storm surge. You will find attached documentation sharing why I think that substantial elevation above ground
and sturdy construction for structures to be built along this track to protect its occupants, their property and lower the
associated insurance liabilities.
Respectfully,
Philippe Tissot
Philippe Tissot
ptissot@fastmail.fm
1
RE: Rezoning of tract near 7797 Yorktown Boulevard to the highest density residential zoning,
Zoning Case No 0220-03, MPM Development, LP.
To whom it may concern:
To assess the storm surge risks associated with the proposed rezoning, I looked at the location
of 7797 Yorktown Boulevard and the associated NOAA Storm surge predictions. You will find
below both maps. I will further discuss the substantial surge risks for that location further. Note
that there are areas more upstream of Oso Creek that would not be as risky for flooding,
particularly upstream of Cabaniss Field.
My first reaction, after looking at the location and the associated storm surge potential, is that
this is not a good area to rezone to the highest density residential zoning unless very significant
precautions are taken for the potential structures to be sturdily built and substantially raised
above ground.
In particular strong regulations should require that any structure built in that tract be
substantially elevated to take into account the eventual storm surge from a large hurricane and
relative sea level rise. Elevated structures are essential to avoid structures being destroyed by
storm surge, the associated insurance claim and the safety of their inhabitants and their
property.
For the surge risk, I used the maximum of ensemble predictions from the NOAA SLOSH model. I
used the ensemble of category 4 storms as the worst realistic case scenarios. You will find
below the National Storm Surge Hazard Map for the worst surge (MOMs) generated by
Category 4 hurricanes. The map is from the NOAA/NWS/NHC Storm Surge Unit
(https://noaa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=d9ed7904dbec441a9c4dd7
b277935fad&entry=1).
The website warns that "These maps make it clear that storm surge is not just a beachfront
problem, with the risk of storm surge extending many miles inland from the immediate
coastline in some areas." This is particularly relevant for the areas around the Oso.
The map shows that the area around 7797 Yorktown Boulevard is vulnerable to storm surge
and could be under 3 to 6 ft of water in the case of a category 4 hurricane leading to concerns
about the future inhabitants depending on how high above ground and mean sea level the
structures are built. I would also advise to include future sea level rise to the end of the century
to set rules on how high above ground structures should be built. There may be other factors to
consider but a rough estimate of a safe elevation combines the 3-6ft of potential surge, at least
3-4 ft of sea level rise and at least 1 ft for subsidence.
In addition to the storm surge, the development of our South Side is leading to more
impervious surfaces, less absorption and faster runoff likely leading to increased risks of
flooding from precipitation around Oso Creek or, on rare but potentially significant cases,
inundation from the combined effects of precipitation and surge.
Philippe E. Tissot, PhD
Resident of 3560 Aransas St. since 1999
National Storm Surge Hazard Map for the worst surge (MOMs) generated by Category 4
hurricanes as modeled by NOAA SLOSH
Less than 3 feet above ground
Greater than 3 feet above ground
Greater than 6 feet above ground
Greater than 9 feet above ground
Leveed area
Consult local officials for flood risk
Area near property 7797 Yorktown Boulevard:
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Sarah Brunkenhoefer
From: CitySecretary
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2020 8:02 AM
To: Rebecca Huerta
Cc: Sarah Brunkenhoefer; Norma Duran
Subject: FW: Public comment for City Council meeting April 21, 2020
FYI.
Original Message
From: Florence Tissot <ftissot@fastmail.us>
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2020 9:16 PM
To: CitySecretary <CitySecretary@cctexas.com>
Subject: Public comment for City Council meeting April 21, 2020
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payment or to take action from an email. When in doubt, please forward to SecurityAlert@cctexas.com. ] ]
Dear City Secretary,
I am writing to you to submit a public comment to the City Council meeting on April 21, 2020.
Date of the meeting: 04/21./2030
Name: Florence Tissot
Address: 3560 Aransas St
City: Corpus Christi
State: Texas
Zip code: 78411
Topic:
Resolution requesting financial assistance from the Texas Water Development Board for design and construction of
improvements to the City's Utility system; authorizing City staff and consultants to coordinate the submission of the
application to the Texas Water Development Board for funding from its State Water Implementation Fund for Texas; and
other matters in connection therewith.
Comment: i strongly oppose this resolution and urge all members of the city council to vote no on the loan application
to the Texas Water Development Board.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Florence Tissot
1
Sarah Brunkenhoefer
From: CitySecretary
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2020 8:03 AM
To: Rebecca Huerta
Cc: Sarah Brunkenhoefer; Norma Duran
Subject: FW: Loan to TWDB
FYI.
From: Sonja Strong <sonjajstrong@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2020 9:28 PM
To: CitySecretary <CitySecretary@cctexas.com>
Subject: Loan to TWDB
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password, username, payment or to take action from an email. When in doubt, please forward to
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Public Comment for city council
I am sure you all read the decision by the federal judges regarding the pipeline permits
a few days ago. The wording was important.
BE OUR HEROES. Real Heroes for the people. Like the judges said," WE, THE PEOPLE,OUR WATER,OUR
AIR, OUR WILDLIFE, OUR COMMUNITIES come before the profits for polluting corporations.
Please vote NO.
BE OUR HERO!!
YOUR PEOPLE Need this
Vote No to TWDB
1
Sarah Brunkenhoefer
From: CitySecretary
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2020 8:01 AM
To: Rebecca Huerta
Cc: Sarah Brunkenhoefer; Norma Duran
Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL]City Council meeting of 4/21/20
FYI.
From: Teresa Carrillo <teresaacarrillo@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2020 6:57 PM
To: CitySecretary <CitySecretary@cctexas.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL]City Council meeting of 4/21/20
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password, username, payment or to take action from an email. When in doubt, please forward to
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Dear Mayor McCombs and Council, Please consider POSTPONEMENT of the SWIFT Fund Loan Application to the TWDB.
In these extraordinary times, when citizen involvement is limited due to coronavirus concerns I ask you to postpone
submitting this quarter billion dollar application. Consider the federal, state and local Nueces County "Stay at Home"
order that interferes with citizen participation. Consider the staggering crash of the crude oil industry. Consider that the
City will be encumbered with a huge debt that in a slow economy, with no need for desal water, may be another burden
on citizens already under crushing debt. Postpone this loan application. Thank you for your consideration. Very truly
yours, Teresa Carrillo
730 Harrison St
corpus Christi Texas 78404
361-960-8808
Teresa A Carrillo
Be your own kind of beautiful!
1
Sarah Brunkenhoefer
From: CitySecretary
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2020 8:04 AM
To: Rebecca Huerta
Cc: Sarah Brunkenhoefer; Norma Duran
Subject: FW: NO DESAL
FYI.
Original Message
From: KD <raelyn916@msn.com>
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2020 10:07 PM
To: CitySecretary <CitySecretary@cctexas.com>
Subject: NO DESAL
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payment or to take action from an email. When in doubt, please forward to SecurityAlert@cctexas.com. ] ]
I am VERY upset upon reading about a $222 million dollar loan. We are in the middle of a pandemic. Unemployment is at
an all time high. Our STREETS and infrastructure are failing apart on a daily basis and you want more debt??
UNBELIEVABLE.
This is a disgusting move. On the sly and in the dark. That is how SNAKES MOVE. Get it together.
Tax the refineries their FAIR SHARE.
Stop killing our environment.
You SHOULD ALL BE EMBARRASSED for even thinking about this "loan". YOU are the problem with our city.
City Resident who is TIRED of cleaning up and paying for the mess you create.
Sent from my iPhone
1
Norma Duran
From: CitySecretary
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2020 10:31 AM
To: Rebecca Huerta
Cc: Sarah Brunkenhoefer; Norma Duran
Subject: FW: Vote NO on Item 16 (loan for desalination plant)
FYI.
Original Message
From: julie rogers <rogersjuliet@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2020 10:12 AM
To: CitySecretary <CitySecretary@cctexas.com>
Cc: Joe McComb <Joe.McComb@cctexas.com>; Rudy Garza Jr <Rudy.Garza@cctexas.com>; Paulette Guajardo
<Paulette.Guajardo@cctexas.com>; Michael Hunter <Michael.Hunter@cctexas.com>; Everett Roy
<Everett.Roy@cctexas.com>; Ben Molina <Ben.Molina@cctexas.com>; Roland Barrera [council]
<Roland.Barrera@cctexas.com>; Greg Smith <Greg.Smith@cctexas.com>; Gil Hernandez [Council]
<Gil.Hernandez@cctexas.com>; peter.zanoni@cctexas.com
Subject: Vote NO on Item 16 (loan for desalination plant)
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To Our Representatives, you have demonstrated leadership during the global pandemic we are experiencing and my
family and I appreciate it. I have heard the Mayor and Judge Canales declare that the main responsibility of our local
government is to protect the people. I agree with them but you must also protect our environment in order to protect
the people. Allowing and financing a desalination plant on our bay is irresponsible and unsafe, especially during these
uncertain times. Please vote NO on the resolution for a loan to build desalination plant (item 16) during todays's Council
Meeting. Put it on a ballot instead and let the people vote.
Thank you,
Julie Travis Rogers
710 Furman Ave
Corpus Christi, TX 78404
Sent from my iPhone
1
Billie lo TenniII, President
Troy Mircovich, Vice President
Brian Williams, Manager/District Engineer
Rebecca Klaevemann,Secretary/Treasurer
April 20, 2020
Mayor and City Council Members,
/STR%CT A. Larry Kalich, Director
4.:%Y Danny C. Cox, Director
P.O. B i ' Ed Rainwater, Director
Ingleside, >iias 18362 Alan Miller, Director
Boil Kellar, Director
Tom Bridges, Director
As the General Manager of the San Patricio Municipal Water District (SPMWD), I would
personally like to encourage the passage of the Resolution requesting financial assistance from
the Texas Water Development Board to perform the functions necessary to design and
construct a desalination facility on the Inner Harbor. The SPMWD Board of Directors has
discussed on numerous occasions the need and the desire for the addition of a drought -proof
public water source into the regional portfolio and in particular the two projects currently being
permitted by the City. The Inner Harbor project, that both public and private entities have
united to work on, meets that critical need of a drought -proof water source.
The City should be congratulated for the efforts it has taken over the past six -plus years to
methodically and purposefully move toward achieving that goal of a drought -proof water
source. The dedication by the Council and City staff to not only "hold the line" but to advance
the desalination proposal has been remarkable. It has been a pleasure to work with the City and
we will continue to support the City in its effort to develop a drought -proof public water source
for the region.
Sincerely,
Brian G. Williams, P.E.
San Patricio MWD, General Manager
Xc: San Patricio MWD Board of Directors
Phone 361-643-6521
Fax 361-643-9093
Page 1 of 1 `,\1SFtlqiii)13= ;TRh Atir r�tis ','il°,%fdJf•i-�i(=.;1i��flif .;diri1;:4iiis`�Js� 111�ii±ifri��si �l ill Ilt =i lflJfrf�'.efdc
Sarah Brunkenhoefer
From: CitySecretary
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2020 2:55 PM
To: Rebecca Huerta
Cc: Sarah Brunkenhoefer; Norma Duran
Subject: FW: Vote no on the loan application to the TWDB
FYI.
From: Roxane Iglesias <roxane.iglesias1297@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2020 2:16 PM
To: CitySecretary <CitySecretary@cctexas.com>
Subject: Vote no on the loan application to the TWDB
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password, username, payment or to take action from an email. When in doubt, please forward to
SecurityAlert@cctexas.com.1]
I was very disturbed to learn over the weekend about a vote coming up tomorrow - a Resolution authorizing city staff
to submit a loan application to the Texas Water Development Board in the amount of $222,475,000 to construct the
Inner Harbor Seawater Desalination facility.
This has been a general issue I have been learning and becoming more and more concerned about during the last
several months and am horrified about the impact the industrial build -out planned for our coastal bend will have on
our air, water, wildlife and last but not least, human health. The more our community finds out, the more public
opposition there is to seawater desalination. I had been walking the neighborhoods of my district for weeks prior to
the virus outbreak, speaking to neighbors about the issue and I did not meet one who did not oppose this danger to
our environment.
I believe that naming the Resolution as a "Resolution requesting financial assistance from the Texas Water Development
Board for design and construction of improvements to the City's Utility system", and the fact that there was absolutely no
mention that the entire loan is for the sole purpose of constructing the desal facility on the Inner Harbor was DECEPTIVE!
Please Ben, I know you want your family and its future generations to be able to enjoy our piece of God-given Earth, for which
we should be responsible stewards.
There HAVE to be cleaner, safer options! Make the industry foot the bill to do so!!!
"Vote no on the loan application to the TWDB".
Sincerely,
Roxane Iglesias
1
PUBLIC COMMENT/INPUT FORM
City of Corpus Christi
Enter either "City Council" or the name of the City Board: City Council
DATE OF MEETING (mm/dd/yy): 04/21/20
NAME: Dewey Magee III
ADDRESS: 4252 Kestrel Ln
CITY: Portland
TOPIC: Item #16 4/21/20 agenda
STATE: TX ZIP: 78374
AGENDA ITEM NUMBER (if applicable): 16
If no agenda item is specified, then this will be considered a general public comment and not a public hearing.
Your announcement of this item is beyond confusing. There is no mention of the desalination plant
which is the purpose of this item. As a regional water user, I expected better from the council. Your
attempt at transparency is clear as mud. Since the covid-19 situation prevents face to face
discourse, I feel this is being used as an endrun to push an item through for industry not the general
drinking water supply of your voters. Do the honorable thing, vote NO for item 16.
Sarah Brunkenhoefer
From: CitySecretary
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2020 2:56 PM
To: Rebecca Huerta
Cc: Sarah Brunkenhoefer; Norma Duran
Subject: FW: Public Comment for Council Meeting April 21, 2020 from Carrie Meyer
Attachments: Carrie Meyer Public Comment Form April 21 2020.pdf
FYI.
From: Carrie Robertson Meyer <thirdcoastphoto@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2020 2:13 PM
To: CitySecretary <CitySecretary@cctexas.com>
Subject: Public Comment for Council Meeting April 21, 2020 from Carrie Meyer
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password, username, payment or to take action from an email. When in doubt, please forward to
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Dear Rebecca Huerta,
Please find my Public Comment attached, filled out with the city's form, for tomorrow's City Council meeting.
Sincerely,
Carrie
»<{{O> <O}}»<
Carrie Robertson Meyer
4401 Gulfbreeze Blvd
CC TX 78402
email: thirdcoastphoto@gmail.com
cell: 361-442-0628
1
PUBLIC COMMENT/INPUT FORM
City of Corpus Christi
Enter either "City Council" or the name of the City Board: City Council
DATE OF MEETING (mm/dd/yy): 04/21/20
NAME: Carrie Robertson Meyer
ADDRESS: 4401 Gulfbreeze Blvd.
CITY: Corpus Christi
TOPIC: Vote NO on Desal loan
STATE: TX ZIP: 78402
AGENDA ITEM NUMBER (if applicable):
If no agenda item is specified, then this will be considered a general public comment and not a public hearing.
I implore you to vote NO on the Resolution to seek a loan from the TWDB to build the Inner Harbor
desalination facility.
The way it is worded makes it look like you're trying to slide this by the public without saying the word
"Desalination" -- not transparent at all.
Especially when this COVID-19 crisis is going on and the much lower tax income that the city should
expect to receive after all the economic damage from the fallout of the pandemic, it's absolutely
irresponsible to borrow $222 million to build a desal plant to service new industry.
We have plenty of drinking water for the population of our area, thanks to previous taxpayer
investments in the Mary Rhodes Pipeline.
Make new industry (ExxonSABIC) build their own water plant if they want water. This loan is plain
and simple corporate welfare paid for on the backs of the taxpayers. Please remember that you were
elected by the PEOPLE to represent the PEOPLE, not huge business interests.
Respectfully,
Sarah Brunkenhoefer
From: CitySecretary
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2020 1:47 PM
To: Rebecca Huerta
Cc: Sarah Brunkenhoefer; Norma Duran
Subject: FW: Item # 16 on tomorrow's April 21 Council Agenda
Attachments: letter to Mayor and Council re TWDB app.pdf
FYI.
From: summerline@verizon.net <summerline@verizon.net>
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2020 1:26 PM
To: Joe McComb <Joe.McComb@cctexas.com>; Rudy Garza Jr <Rudy.Garza@cctexas.com>; Paulette Guajardo
<Paulette.Guajardo@cctexas.com>; Michael Hunter <Michael.Hunter@cctexas.com>; Everett Roy
<Everett.Roy@cctexas.com>; Ben Molina <Ben.Molina@cctexas.com>; Roland Barrera [council]
<Roland.Barrera@cctexas.com>; Greg Smith <Greg.Smith@cctexas.com>; Gil Hernandez [Council]
<Gil.Hernandez@cctexas.com>
Cc: CitySecretary <CitySecretary@cctexas.com>; Peter Zanoni <peterz@cctexas.com>
Subject: Item # 16 on tomorrow's April 21 Council Agenda
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Warning: Replies to this message will go to summerline@verizon.net. If you are unsure this is correct please contact
the helpdesk.
Mayor, Members of the Council:
Please see the attached letter regarding Item #16 on tomorrow's agenda..
Errol A. Summerlin
(361)960-5313
Mayor and Members of the Council:
Tomorrow, Tuesday, April 21, you are expected to act on Item #16, a Resolution
authorizing city staff to submit a loan application to the Texas Water Development Board in the
amount of $222,475,000 to construct the Inner Harbor Seawater Desalination facility.
However, a member of the public would not know what the Council is truly considering
unless they actually review the background materials provided by City staff. The true nature of
the action being taken is not clear from the language used in the Agenda notice. Item 16 is
described as follows:
"Resolution requesting financial assistance from the Texas Water Development Board for design
and construction of improvements to the City's Utility system; authorizing City staff and
consultants to coordinate the submission of the application to the Texas Water Development
Board for funding from its State Water Implementation Fund for Texas; and other matters in
connection therewith." There is absolutely no mention that the loan is being sought for the sole
purpose of constructing the seawater desalination facility on the Inner Harbor.
The language used is misleading at best. A member of the public would think that
improvements to the City's Utility system would include updating old and deteriorating water
lines or sewer line infrastructure that requires ongoing repair and maintenance. Further, the item
is listed in the Consent Agenda, a section normally reserved for matters that are items of a
routine or administrative nature. Submitting an application to the TWDB for a loan in the
amount of $222.475 million is not routine. Looking closer, it is designated as a General Consent
item. It's not even listed under the Consent — Capital Projects, which is exactly what this loan is
sought for.
Most important, SWIFT funds are not even available for improvements to an entity's
utility system. SWIFT funds are only available for projects identified in the state water plan,
projects that address water management strategies, i.e. capital projects, not improvements. In the
end, the Notice is not adequate to inform the public of what is really being considered; and
would appear to have been written with knowledge that it is misleading.
In my opinion, the Notice does not meet the City's obligation of transparency or its professed
encouragement for citizen participation "to help keep our City Government dynamic, responsive,
and accountable."
Moreover, it is worth your consideration to determine whether the action violates
the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code, 551.041. This is a matter of great
public interest. Now, I am no expert on this subject, but it appears that the Courts take a
particularly hard line on the adequacy of process and specific treatment of a matter because it is
of special interest to the community.
The adequacy of the notices given pursuant to the Texas Open Meetings Act has been the
subject of much case law. It is well settled that if the facts as to the content of the notice are
undisputed, the adequacy of the notice is a question of law. No one disputes the content of the
Notice. It is what it is. Accordingly, the courts examine the facts to determine whether a
particular subject is sufficiently described or requires more specific treatment because it is of
special interest to the community. The more important the particular subject is to the
community, the more specific the posted notice must be. If it is determined that the subject
matter required more specificity in the notice, the specific action taken by the governing body
would be a violation of the Act and subject to judicial invalidation.
Another important element that the courts look at is whether the notice was published in
good faith. If the notice is so deficient as to render it a violation of the Act on its own, then the
courts will declare the action taken as void. If it is a close call, the courts will look to good faith
efforts made to comply with the Act. In this case, it is undisputed that the amount of the loan is
not included in the Notice; the Notice does not specify the loan is for a new capital project, but
rather improvements to existing infrastructure which are not even eligible for SWIFT funding;
the Notice was placed in the Consent Agenda, normally reserved for routine matters. The
vagueness of the Notice exacerbates the lack of transparency. There can be no other conclusion
to this hastily prepared, un -informing Notice than to question the good faith of its content.
There is growing opposition to seawater desalination and any actions taken that would further
those projects. It appears Public input was not wanted or sought.
Accordingly, whether the Notice placing the matter on the April 21 Agenda passes
muster under the Open Meetings Act deserves your scrutiny. This is particularly true because, if
the action is taken in violation of the Act, the action taken is voidable. If it is later determined to
be void, then the validity of any action taken subsequent thereto is affected. The TWDB
requires public notice and opportunity to fully participate in the submission of a full application
for SWIFT funding. There is a reason they want certification from the City Secretary that the
Open Meetings Act was fully complied with. These are major capital projects and full
transparency is mandated. I can only assume that any appearance of the lack of transparency
would affect the TWDB's acceptance of the application for SWIFT funds; if nothing else, the
submission itself would be void for lack of proper authority to do so.
I realize you are allowed to conduct the meeting with relaxed rules on public participation
due to Covid-19. But, that does not extend to the Notice itself. I also realize there is a deadline
of May 11 to submit the completed application to the TWDB. But, you are not compelled to act
now, when public participation is limited to written comment. The TWDB has several funding
cycles. The full application can be submitted in the next cycle after a full vetting of where such
an action leads us. You don't have the water rights yet; you don't have the discharge permit yet;
there are ongoing tests being conducted in the inner harbor, specifically on the intake process,
and test results that will not be available for months.
If you submit the application now and the TWDB approves the loan, you will then be
required to pull the trigger on the loan execution, committing the City and all regional ratepayers
to a total capital commitment of $350,000,000 to $390,000,000.
As you know, I am not a resident of Corpus Christi. But the actions by the Council on
matters of water management and future water demand and supply affect me as a ratepayer.
These decisions, the reasons behind moving in this direction, and the real impacts to public
health, our ecosystem, and quality of life affect me in many more ways than a utility bill.
So, if you do proceed with a vote tomorrow, I am asking each of you to Vote No on
adopting the Resolution being offered as Item #16 on tomorrow's Agenda.
Respectfully, Errol A. Summerlin
Submitted via email transmission this 20th day of April, 2020.
Sarah Brunkenhoefer
From: CitySecretary
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2020 8:08 AM
To: Rebecca Huerta
Cc: Sarah Brunkenhoefer; Norma Duran
Subject: FW: April 21 Council Meeting Item #16
FYI.
From: Clare Lee <mclare.lee@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2020 7:57 AM
To: Joe McComb <Joe.McComb@cctexas.com>; Rudy Garza Jr <Rudy.Garza@cctexas.com>; Paulette Guajardo
<Paulette.Guajardo@cctexas.com>; Michael Hunter <Michael.Hunter@cctexas.com>; Everett Roy
<Everett.Roy@cctexas.com>; Ben Molina <Ben.Molina@cctexas.com>; Roland Barrera [council]
<Roland.Barrera@cctexas.com>; Greg Smith <Greg.Smith@cctexas.com>; Gil Hernandez [Council]
<Gil.Hernandez@cctexas.com>
Cc: CitySecretary <CitySecretary@cctexas.com>
Subject: April 21 Council Meeting Item #16
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Mayor McComb and Members of the Council,
I urge you to vote NO on the April 21 Resolution to authorize the city staff to apply for a loan to the Texas Water
Development Board for over $222,000,000. The language in the resolution is far to vague for the public get a clear
understanding of how these funds will be used. In these uncertain times, it is incomprehensible that we would take on
such a burdensome debt for such unclear purposes. At a minimum, the vote should at least be postponed until the
citizens of Corpus Christi can have further input. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Clare Lee
7046 Hathor 78412
361-537-0312
Virus -free. www.avg.com
1
Sarah Brunkenhoefer
From: Rebecca Huerta
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2020 8:36 AM
To: Sarah Brunkenhoefer; Norma Duran
Subject: FW: Public Comment on Agenda Item 16 (SWIFT Loan Application)
Attachments: City Council_Public Comment_Agenda Item 16 (SWIFT Loan Application)_21 Apr
2020.docx
One more public comment.
Rebecca L. Huerta TRMC, CMC
City Secretary
City of Corpus Christi
1201 Leopard Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401
P.O. Box 9277 1 Corpus Christi, TX 78469-9277
Phone: (361) 826-3105 Fax: (361) 826-3113
RebeccaH2cctexas. com
If your e-mail is a Public Information Request, please
send to CityOpenRecords@cctexas.com.
From: Bob Paulison <bobpaulison@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2020 7:51 AM
To: Ben Molina <Ben.Molina@cctexas.com>; Everett Roy <Everett.Roy@cctexas.com>; Gil Hernandez [Council]
<Gil.Hernandez@cctexas.com>; Michael Hunter <Michael.Hunter@cctexas.com>; Paulette Guajardo
<Paulette.Guajardo@cctexas.com>; Roland Barrera [council] <Roland.Barrera@cctexas.com>; Rudy Garza Jr
<Rudy.Garza@cctexas.com>; Greg Smith <Greg.Smith@cctexas.com>; Joe McComb <Joe.McComb@cctexas.com>;
Rebecca Huerta <RebeccaH@cctexas.com>
Subject: Public Comment on Agenda Item 16 (SWIFT Loan Application)
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Good morning, Mayor and Council -
have submitted the attached document to the public comment docket for today's meeting. Port Industries
strongly supports submission of the full SWIFT Loan Application for the seawater desalination facility on the
Inner Harbor.
Please let me know if you have any questions, or if I can be of assistance. Thank you.
Cheers,
Bob
i
Bob Paulison
Executive Director
Port Industries of Corpus Christi
bobpaulison@gmail.com
361.563.2888 (mobile)
2
Comment on City Council Agenda Item 16 — 21 April 2020
Bob Paulison (15821 Almeria Ave.) representing Port Industries of Corpus
Christi...an organization comprised of 19 companies that includes refiners,
chemical and materials manufacturers, and distribution and terminal facilities in
Nueces, San Patricio and Kleberg Counties.
On behalf of the member companies, I want to express great appreciation for the
City's continuing efforts to ensure that our region has a strong, drought resistant,
and reliable supply of water for many years to come. We strongly support
submission of a SWIFT loan application to the Texas Water Development Board
for development of a seawater desalination plant on the Corpus Christi Inner
Harbor. A drought resistant supply supports the overall economic health and
vitality of the entire region, and the City's efforts to expand its portfolio of water
sources to improve the reliability and sustainability of the water supply is to be
applauded.
Over the past several years, the City of Corpus Christi, the San Patricio Municipal
Water District, Port Industries, the Port of Corpus Christi, and the Corpus Christi
Regional Economic Development Corporation have worked collaboratively with
the goal of achieving a drought proof water source for the area. Additionally, the
group has supported the City's examination of a number of alternative water
sources.
We agree with a multiple source approach; and we agree with the decision to
move forward with the development of a seawater desalination facility at this
time. Other sources may be able to bring additional diversity to our water supply,
but the work that has been completed to date leads us to conclude that seawater
desalination, because of its flexibility and reliability, needs to be component of
the City's overall water supply system.
As an aside, I want to note that the working group's efforts with the City also led
to a program where large volume water users are voluntarily paying a surcharge
($0.25/1000 gallons consumed) to provide funds for future water supplies, which
the City has committed to use toward ensuring that we have a reliable water
supply for the entire area. Water supply security is critically important to us all.
In closing, Port Industries strongly supports submission of the SWIFT loan
application under consideration, and appreciates the City Council's willingness to
continue to make a reliable and sustainable water supply a priority. Thank you.
Sarah Brunkenhoefer
From: CitySecretary
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2020 8:06 AM
To: Rebecca Huerta
Cc: Sarah Brunkenhoefer; Norma Duran
Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL]Save CC Bay! Oppose desalination in Corpus Christi
FYI.
From: Melissa Zamora <mzamora1818@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2020 12:52 AM
To: CitySecretary <CitySecretary@cctexas.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL]Save CC Bay! Oppose desalination in Corpus Christi
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PUBLIC COMMENT/INPUT FORM City of Corpus Christi Enter either "City Council" or the name of the City Board: DATE
OF MEETING (mm/dd/yy): 04/21/20
NAME: _Melissa Zamora_
ADDRESS: 3917 Brawner Pkwy CITY: Corpus Christi STATE: _TX
ZIP: _78411 TOPIC: Desalination in Corpus Christi SWIFT loan AGENDA ITEM NUMBER: _#16
20-0480
I strongly oppose the resolution for the city of Corpus Christi to apply for a SWIFT loan or take any part in creating a
desalination plant in this area and you should also oppose. It is surrounding oil and gas, plastic and liquid natural gas
industries that need a drought proof water supply, NOT the city of Corpus Christi residents. I believe that a decision this
big, to ask for a multi-million dollar loan and introduce contaminated seawater into the public drinking supply is a very bad
idea and I urge you to reconsider the options and call for a city wide vote! Conservation of the water we have, our
sporadic heavy rains should be collected and utilized as needed for residents. According to the multiple TCEQ violations
related to CC's public drinking water, our city water department does not have a good history of keeping up with regular
maintenence, so instead of investing in desalination whidh we dont need, invest in maintaining and rebuilding our critical
infrastructure
Thank you
1
Sarah Brunkenhoefer
From: CitySecretary
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2020 8:05 AM
To: Rebecca Huerta
Cc: Sarah Brunkenhoefer; Norma Duran
Subject: FW: City Council April 21, 2020 meeting - Public Comment on Agenda #16 (File#
20-0480) - SWIFT loan for desalination plant
FYI.
From: Bob Gonzalez <bobgo1318@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2020 11:33 PM
To: CitySecretary <CitySecretary@cctexas.com>
Subject: City Council April 21, 2020 meeting - Public Comment on Agenda #16 (File# 20-0480) - SWIFT loan for
desalination plant
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Corpus Christi City Council Members,
I would like to offer comment on Agenda #16 (File# 20-0480) of the upcoming April 21, 2020 city council meeting. I am
urging city council members to vote no on the proposal to apply for the TWDB SWIFT loan for an amount of over $222
million. Unquestionably, the vast majority of Corpus Christi citizens have no idea that this kind of debt is being proposed
for their city solely for the benefit of industry, no matter the interest rate. As stated very clearly in the document
entitled "CORPUS CHRISTI INDUSTRIAL SEAWATER DESALINATION" located at
https://www.cctexas.com/sites/default/files/seawater-desalination-project-summary.pdf, the Inner Harbor
desalination plant is part of the "one or two 10 -20 -MGD plants producing sufficient water to protect major industries
from shortages during drought conditions." This is clearly for the benefit of industry.
As for cost, the aforementioned document states that "water produced would be more costly than existing surface
water supplies given current desalination technologies." In addition, Table 5D.10.3. in the 2021 Region N Water Planning
Group draft document at https://www.nueces-ra.org/CP/RWPG/pdfs/RegionN 2021DraftRWP.pdf estimates an ongoing
annual cost of over $36 million per year in September 2018 dollars for a 10 mgd plant (almost triple for a 30 mgd plant).
This will certainly increase over time and I have seen absolutely no written guarantees that Corpus Christi citizens will
not have costs passed on to them.
I want to finish by mentioning the environmental effect of discharging 17 million gallons of concentrated brine per day
into Corpus Christi Bay as mentioned in the city's document https://www.cctexas.com/sites/default/files/desalination-
update-january-2020.pdf. This is a massive amount of salinity being added to an environmentally sensitive area and will
certainly have a deleterious effect on various species of animals and plants.
Again, I hope that you will consider all of these factors and vote no on this proposal.
Thank you very much,
Bob Gonzalez
8033 S Padre Island Dr Apt 602
1
Corpus Christi, TX 78412
2
Sarah Brunkenhoefer
From: CitySecretary
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2020 8:05 AM
To: Rebecca Huerta
Cc: Sarah Brunkenhoefer; Norma Duran
Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL]Public Comment for City Council meeting
FYI.
From: Teresa Carrillo <teresaacarrillo@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2020 10:13 PM
To: CitySecretary <CitySecretary@cctexas.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL]Public Comment for City Council meeting
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My apologies if this is a multiple submission. I find the "form" for input of comments, difficult and possible missing a
step. My problem could be me though! And I use an iMac and Safari.
Here are my comments to be read into the record.
PUBLIC COMMENT/INPUT FORM
City of Corpus Christi
Enter either "City Council" or the name of the City Board:
COUNCIL DATE OF MEETING (mm/dd/yy):
NAME: TERESA A CARRILLO
ADDRESS: 730 HARRISON ST.
CITY
04/21/20
CITY: CORPUS CHRISTI STATE: TX ZIP: 78404
TOPIC: POSTPONE SWIFT FUND LOAN
APPLICATION
AGENDA ITEM NUMBER (if applicable): #16
If no agenda item is specified, then this will be considered a general public comment and not a public hearing.
Dear MAYOR MCCOMB, Please consider POSTPONEMENT of the SWIFT Fund Loan Application to the TWDB. In these
extraordinary times, when citizen involvement is limited due to coronavirus concerns I ask you to postpone submitting
this quarter billion dollar application. Consider the federal, state and local Nueces County "Stay at Home" order that
interferes with citizen participation. Consider the staggering crash of the crude oil industry. Consider that the City will
be encumbered with a huge debt that in a slow economy, with no need for desal water, may be another burden on
citizens already under crushing debt.
Besides the onerous debt citizens would shoulder, the mis-leading naming of the agenda item, and the lack of citizens to
be engaged in the process, this desal plant would have a damaging effect on the bays and estuaries of the Coastal
Bend. The City of Corpus Christi has fought for many years, now decades, to keep the salinity of Nueces and Corpus
Christi Bays from creeping up
Teresa A Carrillo
Be your own kind of beautiful!
2
Sarah Brunkenhoefer
From: CitySecretary
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2020 8:03 AM
To: Rebecca Huerta
Cc: Sarah Brunkenhoefer; Norma Duran
Subject: FW: Vote No on TWDB loan for Inner Harbor Water Desalination Facility
FYI.
From: pegduranl@gmail.com <pegduranl@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2020 9:55 PM
To: CitySecretary <CitySecretary@cctexas.com>
Subject: Vote No on TWDB loan for Inner Harbor Water Desalination Facility
-F-evik b
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Warning: Replies to this message will go to pegduranl@ gmail.com. If you are unsure this is correct please contact
the helpdesk.
The vote for a loan totaling over $222,000,000 to the Texas Water Development Board is not being conducted
openly. We expect our City and Council to be transparent and honest. To state that the money is to be used for
"improvements to the City's Utility system" when it is actually being sought for the creation of a desalination facility on
the Inner Harbor is very misleading. I would have thought that meant to fix old water lines and upgrade our aging sewer
infrastructure.
Mr. Mayor and City Council Members, my husband and I have lived here since 1980, we have raised our family here and
worked in healthcare here. We have been studying desalination projects and are quite frankly concerned about its
effects on our bay and fisheries. Please insist on more openness so that the citizens here know what you are really
voting for. I believe that amount of money would be much more helpful on actually fixing what is broken than used to
create something that may be problematic and environmentally unsound. That water will be used mostly by industry
yet paid for by taxpayers. Please do not vote for this while we are under stay-at-home orders from Covid-19 and unable
to personally voice our concerns to you.
Thank you very much for your attention.
Sincerely,
Peggy and Jose Miguel Duran, MD
4022 Congressional Drive
Corpus Christi, TX 78413
361 696-9366
pegduran1@gmail.com
Sarah Brunkenhoefer
From: CitySecretary
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2020 8:03 AM
To: Rebecca Huerta
Cc: Sarah Brunkenhoefer; Norma Duran
Subject: FW: City COuncil Meeting 4.21. Agenda Item 16.
Attachments: 4.20. Public Comment Form. araiza. 2.pdf
FYI.
From: Isabel Araiza <isabel.araiza.ortiz@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2020 9:30 PM
To: CitySecretary <CitySecretary@cctexas.com>
Subject: City COuncil Meeting 4.21. Agenda Item 16.
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Please find attached to this email, my comment re: the $222.475 million dollar SWIFT loan. In case the document his
blanks here is my information:
Isabel Araiza
326 Poenisch, Corpus Christi, TX 78412
Subject: $22.475 million dollar SWIFT loan.
Action Item 16. SWIFT LOAN.
I'm apalled that the City Council would choose to do this at this time --in the midst of a global pandemic, after more
than 22.5 million ppl filed for unemployment in 4 weeks time, after community businesses & schools have been closed
for 4 weeks. This loan is for a desalination plant for future, heavy industrial buildout. This loan app is a form of corporate
welfare for billion -dollar corporations like Exxon-SABIC's Gulf Coast Growth Ventures. People & local businesses DON'T
need desalination; future heavy industry does. I'm tired of city council selling out the public; asking us to subsidize
private petrochemical industries. When we take out loans, we compromise future city residents' ability to invest in
projects that will enhace the quality of life of all residents, not just rich industrial companies. Item 16: a $222.5million
loan only serves to make already rich petro -chemical industries richer while our future city budgets face certain budget
cuts. This is unacceptable.
Thank you,
Isabel Araiza
For the Greater Good
1
PUBLIC COMMENT/INPUT FORM
City of Corpus Christi
Enter either "City Council" or the name of the City Board: City COuncil
DATE OF MEETING (mm/dd/yy):
NAME: Isabel Araiza
04/21/20
ADDRESS: 326 Poenisch
CITY: Corpus Christi
TOPIC: $222.475 million SWIFT LOAN
STATE: TX ZIP: 78412
AGENDA ITEM NUMBER (if applicable): Item 16. Swift Loan
If no agenda item is specified, then this will be considered a general public comment and not a public hearing.
I'm apalled that the City Council would choose to do this at this time --in the midst of a global
pandemic, after more than 22.5 million ppl filed for unemployment in 4 weeks time, after community
businesses & schools have been closed for 4 weeks. This loan is for a desalination plant for future,
heavy industrial buildout. This loan app is a form of corporate welfare for billion -dollar corporations
like Exxon-SABIC's Gulf Coast Growth Ventures. People & local businesses DON'T need
desalination; future heavy industry does. I'm tired of city council selling out the public; asking us to
subsidize private petrochemical industries. When we take out loans, we compromise future city
residents' ability to invest in projects that will enhace the quality of life of all residents, not just rich
industrial companies. Item 16: a $222.5million loan only serves to make already rich petro -chemical
industries richer while our future city budgets face certain budget cuts. This is unacceptable.
Sarah Brunkenhoefer
From: CitySecretary
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2020 8:02 AM
To: Rebecca Huerta
Cc: Sarah Brunkenhoefer; Norma Duran
Subject: FW: Vote NO on Item #16 on 4/21/20
FYI.
From: Diana DE <dianadaveli@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2020 8:36 PM
To: CitySecretary <CitySecretary@cctexas.com>
Subject: Vote NO on Item #16 on 4/21/20
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Mayor and Councilmembers:
Vote NO on Item #16 on 4/21/20.
In the agenda Notice, there is NO mention of the fact that this $222.475 million dollar loan is solely for a desalination
plant. This is NOT accurately represented in the phrase "improvements to the City's Utility System." You know there is
growing public scrutiny and opposition to these facilities, and you are taking advantage of a global pandemic to push
through your agenda while keeping the public shut out.
This item is listed under the "Consent Agenda" section, which is inappropriate as this item is NOT routine. It is also listed
as a "General Consent" item rather than "Consent- Capital Projects" which is what this loan would be for. SWIFT loans
cannot be used for improvements to our utility system, which further proves the point that the claim in the Notice that
the resolution concerns "improvements to the City's Utility System" is unacceptably inaccurate and smells intentionally
deceptive.
This does NOT meet the City's obligation of transparency. This is likely a violation of the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas
Government Code, 551.041. As I'm sure you are aware, if an action is taken that is later found to be in violation of the
Texas Open Meetings Act, that action will be voided. If you proceed with a vote on Item #16, many members of this
community will be prepared to call out your actions for both community and legal scrutiny.
If you fully believe in what you are doing—that it is in the best interest of every Corpus Christi resident, that you believe
the public would support your actions, that you have been honest about what/ who these facilities are for and what
impacts they would have—if you believed those things, you would not be sneakily trying to pass this item behind the veil
of a misleading Notice during an unprecedented time when residents literally cannot look you in the eye and tell you
how they feel.
This community does not need desalination facilities. Heavy industry does. We have water, and they want/need more
than we have. That's why you are pursuing these permits for these plants: heavy industry. Not the people of Corpus
Christi. We do not want these facilities polluting our bays and killing our wildlife. We do not want them to ruin our
economy (e.g. fishing and tourism). We do not want the plethora of industries they are being built to supply water for.
We do not want the cancer and asthma and birth defects and chronic conditions they will bring. We do not want the
1
contamination of our existing water supply. We do not want the increased utility bills other communities with desal
have inevitably suffered. We do not want any of it.
We want you to do the right thing. We want you to vote NO.
null
2
Sarah Brunkenhoefer
From: CitySecretary
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2020 8:02 AM
To: Rebecca Huerta
Cc: Sarah Brunkenhoefer; Norma Duran
Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL]Public Comment for 4/21/20-- Item #16
FYI.
From: Brittany Garcia <blsg1990@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2020 7:05 PM
To: CitySecretary <CitySecretary@cctexas.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL]Public Comment for 4/21/20-- Item #16
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password, username, payment or to take action from an email. When in doubt, please forward to
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Mayor and Councilmembers:
Vote NO on Item #16 on 4/21/20.
In the agenda Notice, there is NO mention of the fact that this $222.475 million dollar loan is solely for a desalination
plant. This is NOT accurately represented in the phrase "improvements to the City's Utility System." You know there is
growing public scrutiny and opposition to these facilities, and you are taking advantage of a global pandemic to push
through your agenda while keeping the public shut out.
This item is listed under the "Consent Agenda" section, which is inappropriate as this item is NOT routine. It is also listed
as a "General Consent" item rather than "Consent- Capital Projects" which is what this loan would be for. SWIFT loans
cannot be used for improvements to our utility system, which further proves the point that the claim in the Notice that
the resolution concerns "improvements to the City's Utility System" is unacceptably inaccurate and smells intentionally
deceptive.
This does NOT meet the City's obligation of transparency. This is likely a violation of the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas
Government Code, 551.041. As I'm sure you are aware, if an action is taken that is later found to be in violation of the
Texas Open Meetings Act, that action will be voided. If you proceed with a vote on Item #16, many members of this
community will be prepared to call out your actions for both community and legal scrutiny.
If you fully believe in what you are doing—that it is in the best interest of every Corpus Christi resident, that you believe
the public would support your actions, that you have been honest about what/ who these facilities are for and what
impacts they would have—if you believed those things, you would not be sneakily trying to pass this item behind the veil
of a misleading Notice during an unprecedented time when residents literally cannot look you in the eye and tell you
how they feel.
This community does not need desalination facilities. Heavy industry does. We have water, and they want/need more
than we have. That's why you are pursuing these permits for these plants: heavy industry. Not the people of Corpus
Christi. We do not want these facilities polluting our bays and killing our wildlife. We do not want them to ruin our
economy (e.g. fishing and tourism). We do not want the plethora of industries they are being built to supply water for.
We do not want the cancer and asthma and birth defects and chronic conditions they will bring. We do not want the
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contamination of our existing water supply. We do not want the increased utility bills other communities with desal
have inevitably suffered. We do not want any of it.
We want you to do the right thing. We want you to vote NO.
Brittany Garcia
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PUBLIC COMMENT/INPUT FORM
City of Corpus Christi
Enter either "City Council" or the name of the City Board: City Council
DATE OF MEETING (mm/dd/yy): 04/21/20
NAME: Neil McQueen
ADDRESS: 4213 Estate Drive
CITY: Corpus Christi STATE: TX ZIP: 78412
TOPIC: $222 Million in the Dark
AGENDA ITEM NUMBER (if applicable): 16
If no agenda item is specified, then this will be considered a general public comment and not a public hearing.
Mayor and Councilmembers,
I'm writing to express my concern about the lack of transparency you are showing in hiding the vote
to request a $222 million loan from the TWDB for the construction of a desalination plant in Agenda
Item 16. Since when does the vague description "design and construction of improvements to the
City's Utility system" equate to building a desalination plant?
This wording, along with placing the item in the Consent Agenda where the public will not be able to
hear deliberations or see how you vote, are clear indications that you don't want the public to know
about this vote until it is done. Even in a pandemic, we still live in a democracy where the public has
a right to know how our elected leaders vote and to participate in the legislative process.
I urge you to table this vote until the COVID-19 crisis has abated and citizens can once again attend
Council meetings. At a minimum, any discussion or vote on this important issue should be held in
public.
PUBLIC COMMENT/INPUT FORM
City of Corpus Christi
Enter either "City Council" or the name of the City Board:
DATE OF MEETING (mm/dd/yy): 4/21/20
NAME: Wendy Hughes
City Council
ADDRESS: 2129 Bay Breeze
CITY: Portland
STATE: TX ZIP: 78374
TOPIC: Loan app to the TX Water Development Board
AGENDA ITEM NUMBER (if applicable): 16
If no agenda item is specified, then this will be considered a general public comment and not a public hearing.
Your agenda does not mention that the loan requested is for the sole purpose of constructing the seawater desalination facility on the
Inner Harbor. Why are you seeking to mislead your citizens? Along with the fact that we can't have a public meeting on this during
Covid 19 so everyone knows what you are voting on. This is not being transparent. Their is great public opposition to seawater
-I -i -t M 419
Sarah Brunkenhoefer
From: CitySecretary
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2020 7:57 AM
To: Rebecca Huerta
Cc: Sarah Brunkenhoefer; Norma Duran
Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL]Opposition to J3PV rezoning case # 0220-02
FYI.
From: Elisa Verratti <everratti@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 18, 2020 2:57 PM
To: CitySecretary <CitySecretary@cctexas.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL]Opposition to J3PV rezoning case # 0220-02
[ [ WARNING: External e-mail. Avoid clicking on links or attachments. We will NEVER ask for a
password, username, payment or to take action from an email. When in doubt, please forward to
SecurityAlert@cctexas.com. 11
To whom it may concern,
As owners of the property of 129 Porto Villageo, we vehemently oppose the proposed changes for a number of reasons.
Their public notification slide is misleading for 2 reasons.
The single vote in favor of the proposal is the HOA. The management company running the HOA was hired by the developers to create this HOA after they
purchased the land in our subdivision. For them to say that the members of the HOA approve the proposal is misleading at best and likely a conflict of
interest. No-one at the HOA was authorized to speak for us as our representative or to state that they had our approval for sending the letter. There is not a single
homeowner I've spoken to who actually approves of this proposal. This same HOA has just now started repairs to the boardwalk and pool area that have been
needed since Hurricane Harvey in 2017, even after they had us pay new HOA dues in 2018. The timing of these repairs is suspiciously convenient for them, and it
is unclear to me if they are really concerned about the best interests of the homeowners they claim to represent.
Saying that there were only 2 opposed for 0.0874% is also misleading. The notification area only includes 7 of the 9 homeowners in the development. The rest of
the notifications are currently vacant lots, protected wetland, or highway! This means they are counting 26 "properties" unrepresented by people who actually live
in or own houses in the subdivision. Making this calculation based on square footage alone (which is what it appears to be) diminishes the opinions and concern of
actual residents and owners in comparison to empty lots and unusable space. This is a manipulation of data purely for the developer's self interest. People who
have invested money and time in actual homes here should be given more respect, and their opinions should be given more weight than the padded numbers they
have created with vacant lot "approval".
We are very concerned about this new development that completely disregards the deed restrictions that were in place when we bought the property. Large,
single family stucco houses, with garages and tile roofs, distinct requirements for building setback and separation were a huge deciding factor for our choice to buy
this property. This is one of the few neighborhood with these qualities. If we wanted to buy a tiny house in a cluster village of look-alikes, we could have had
dozens of neighborhoods to choose from and purchased at a much lower price point. We believed the deed restrictions and HOA requirements would protect our
investment and the unique appeal of the subdivision, but these proposed changes would destroy all of those desirable aspects of this subdivision and devalue our
existing houses significantly.
Our house is currently the smallest in the neighborhood, with just over 2500 square feet of living space on a lot of 5000 square feet. The minimum restrictions say
that the interior dimensions should be no less than 1500 square feet of livable space. To say that these new structures with 1400 square foot LOTS would "fit in
just fine" next to a 2500 square foot house is simply ridiculous. One of those lots would be right next to our property, and would be completely dwarfed by our
house. With the proposed zero lot lines and largely paved property, the runoff could easily cause flooding of our house. The lack of height restrictions is also
concerning, as that can easily be abused.
We are not opposed to new development, but we would like our investment and our deed restrictions to be respected. This proposal is not respectful of any of
that. The developers have not been straightforward with their proposal process, as you can see from comments sent by other residents who were actually able to
attend all the meetings. We hope that J3PV Investments will take their ideas back to the drawing board and come up with an idea that is not completely dismissive
of the concerns that we all have.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concems.
Thank you,
Elisa and David Verratti
129 Porto Villageo
everrattiAgmail.com, 512-608-5551
dverrattii gmail.com, 512-517-0341
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