HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 07/20/2021I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes of
the Regular Meeting of the Corpus Christi City Council of July 20, 2021 which
were approved by the City Council on August 10, 2021.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, on this the 10th day of August 2021.
(S E A L)
J."\--1
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
City of Corpus Christi 1201 Leopard Street
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
cctexas.com
Meeting Minutes
City Council
Tuesday, July 20, 2021
11:30 AM Council Chambers
Addendums may be added on Friday.
A. Mayor Paulette M. Guajardo to call the meeting to order.
Mayor Guajardo called the meeting to order at 11:34 a.m.
B. Invocation to be given by Pastor Brian Hill, First Baptist Church.
Pastor Brian Hill, First Baptist Church, gave the invocation
C. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States and to the Texas Flag to be
led by Megan Pendleton, Texas A&M University -Corpus Christi, Sociology Major.
Megan Pendleton, Texas A&M University -Corpus Christi, led the Pledge of Allegiance to
the Flag of the United States and to 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 Member Barrera participated by video conference at 1:14 p.m. and left at
3:09 p.m. Council Member Smith arrived at 12:08 p.m.
Present: 9 - Mayor Paulette M. Guajardo,Council Member Roland Barrera,Council Member Gil
Hernandez,Council Member Michael Hunter,Council Member Billy A. Lerma,Council
Member John Martinez,Council Member Ben Molina,Council Member Mike Pusley, and
Council Member Greg Smith
E. Proclamations / Commendations
1. 21-0849 Proclamation declaring July 26, 2021 as the "31st Anniversary of the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) Day."
Commendation recognizing Dynamo Coastal Bend Soccer Team.
Mayor Guajardo presented the proclamation and commendation.
F. PUBLIC COMMENT
City of Corpus Christi
Page 1 Printed on 7/30/2021
City Council
Meeting Minutes July 20, 2021
Mayor Guajardo opened the public comment period.
Sherry Sells, 5014 Wingfoot Lane, spoke regarding a complaint against code
enforcement.
Angel Castillo, 1729 Morris, spoke regarding a work order.
Jack Gordy, 4118 Bray Dr., spoke regarding no responses to his public information
requests.
Omar Becerra, 3021 Lawnview St. and Carla Gardiner, 4105 Meridian Place, spoke
regarding the local film ordinance issues with interpretation of film ordinance, and
involving stakeholders in the revision to the ordinance.
Brian Watson, 5813 Hugo Dr., spoke regarding the effects of fluoride in the water.
Barbie Baker, 6003 Lost Creek Dr., expressed her gratitude and support for the City
Council and staff.
Tim Dowling, 8017 Ville Franche, spoke regarding the City's process for redistricting.
Errol Alvie Summerlin, 1017 Diomede Dr., Portland, submitted a written public comment
which is attached to the minutes.
City Manager Zanoni stated that the City is working on the film ordinance and revisions
will be brought to Council in August. The CVB is taking the lead and agency and
stakeholders will be involved.
G. South Texas Military Task Force Briefing by Hans Govertsen, United States
Coast Guard.
Captain Hans Govertsen, United States Coast Guard, gave a briefing on the South Texas
Military Task Force.
A Council Member and Captain Govertsen discussed the following topics: the Coast
Guard is in charge with inspecting containers that come through the Ports, but has limited
manpower; and they take snapshots to track them and prioritize risks.
H. CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS / UPDATE ON CITY OPERATIONS:
Mayor Guajardo referred to City Manager's comments.
a. Recap of City Operations since June 29, 2021
City Manager Zanoni reported regarding the following subjects: 4th of July recap; heavy
rainfall week; and the City's budget preparation and workshops in August and community
input.
City of Corpus Christi
Page 2 Printed on 7/30/2021
City Council
Meeting Minutes July 20, 2021
b. Design Standards Manual Update
City Manager Zanoni reported that the Design Standards policy updates for new
infrastructure will be brought to Council.
c. Packery Channel Funding Update -None
d. Overview of the J22 Regatta World Championship presented by Alex Harris
Alex Harris, 2138 Highway 238, presented an overview of the J22 Regatta World
Championship.
Council Members and Mr. Harris discussed the following topics: it takes approximately
2,500 hours to put together the remote controls; and new footage is posted daily on the
Corpus Christi Yacht Club's Facebook page.
e. Seawater Desalination Update by Michael Murphy, Chief Operating Officer
Michael Murphy, Chief Operating Officer, gave an update on the seawater desalination
workshop that will take place on July 21, 2021. The meeting will be open to the public.
I. BOARD & COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS: NONE
J. EXPLANATION OF COUNCIL ACTION:
K. CONSENT AGENDA: (ITEMS 2 - 22)
2. 21-0841 Approval of the June 29, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes.
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 2.
Mayor Guajardo made a motion to amend the minutes as follows:
Motion to clarify the Motion that followed Item 28 of the June 29th City Council Meeting,
increasing the base salary of the City Manager by 5%, to authorize it be effective on the
second anniversary date of the City Manager's contract, which is May 20, 2021,
seconded by Council Member Hunter. The Minutes were passed as amended and
approved with the following vote:
Aye:
8 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter, Council Member
Lerma, Council Member Martinez, Council Member Molina, Council Member Pusley and
Council Member Smith
Absent: 1 - Council Member Barrera
Abstained: 0
Consent - Second Reading Ordinances
City of Corpus Christi
Page 3 Printed on 7/30/2021
City Council
Meeting Minutes July 20, 2021
Approval of the Consent Agenda
Mayor Guajardo referred to the Consent Agenda. Council Members requested that Items
2, 14, 20 and 22 be pulled for individual consideration.
A motion was made by Council Member Molina, seconded by Council Member Martinez
to approve the Consent Agenda with the exception of Items 2, 14, 20 and 22. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye:
8 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter, Council Member
Lerma, Council Member Martinez, Council Member Molina, Council Member Pusley and
Council Member Smith
Absent: 1 - Council Member Barrera
Abstained: 0
3. 21-0683 Zoning Case No. 0521-02, Terry J. Cox (District 4). Ordinance zoning a property
located at or near 15022 Leeward Drive from the "RM-AT/IO" Multifamily AT
District with the Island Overlay to the "RM-AT/IO/PUD" Multifamily AT District with
the Island Overlay and a Planned Unit Development. (Planning Commission and
Staff recommend Approval)
This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: 032492
4. 21-0684 Zoning Case No. 0521-03, Nicholas Ha!lick: (District 4) Ordinance rezoning
property at or near 6097 Ennis Joslin Road from the "RS -10" Single -Family 10
District to the "ON" Neighborhood Office District. (Planning Commission and
Staff recommend Approval)
This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: 032493
5. 21-0743 Ordinance revising Marina Advisory Committee membership to all
at-large/general category members.
This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: 032494
6. 21-0745 Ordinance accepting and appropriating $901,952 grant from the Office of the
Governor from the Texas Military Preparedness Commission's Defense
Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant (DEAAG) in the 1072 Community
Development Grant Fund for Naval Air Station Corpus Christi (NASCC) gas
distribution system improvements; appropriating $242,818 from the Texas
Military Preparedness Commission CIP Fund 3543 as a City match; amending
the FY 2021 Capital Budget to add DEAAG NASCC Gas Line Replacement
project; and amending the FY 2021 Budget to increase revenues and
City of Corpus Christi Page 4 Printed on 7/30/2021
City Council
Meeting Minutes July 20, 2021
expenditures by $1,144,770.
This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: 032495
Consent - Contracts and Procurement
7. 21-0560 Motion authorizing the purchase of six replacement trucks which consist of one
6 -cubic yard dump truck, two 12 -cubic yard dump trucks, two heavy crew trucks
with service bodies, and one heavy crew truck with a flatbed body for the Water
and Wastewater Utilities Department from Houston Freightliner, Inc. of Houston,
Texas, for a total not to exceed amount of $861,584.00 paid through the Vehicle
and Equipment Replacement Fund.
This Motion was passed on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: M2021-137
8. 21-0570 Motion authorizing the purchase of one portable 350 kilowatt trailer -mounted
generator from ROMCO Equipment Company, LLC from Corpus Christi, Texas
for the Water Utilities Department, in the amount of $167,950.00 to be paid
through Water Fund.
This Motion was passed on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: M2021-138
9. 21-0651 Motion authorizing a two-year service agreement with three additional one-year
periods, with Williams Scotsman, Inc., of Robstown, Texas, in an amount of
$125,867.15 for the lease of a modular building to meet short-term office
requirements for Solid Waste Department staff that manage the JC Elliott
Transfer Station, the closed landfill, and other facilities effective upon issuance of
notice to proceed, with FY2021 funding in an estimated amount of $34,410.98
available through the General Fund.
This Motion was passed on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: M2021-139
10. 21-0702 Motion authorizing a two-year supply agreement for 7,000 residential gas
regulators for Gas Operations for an estimated amount of $238,000.00 with
Wilnat, Inc. dba Koons Gas Measurement of Tulsa, Oklahoma, effective upon
issuance of notice to proceed, with FY 2021 funding in an amount not to exceed
$19,833.00 available through the Gas Fund.
This Motion was passed on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: M2021-140
11. 21-0788 Motion authorizing the purchase of one replacement Aerial Lift Bucket Truck that
will be used in the maintenance of City's traffic control signals by the Public
City of Corpus Christi
Page 5 Printed on 7/30/2021
City Council
Meeting Minutes July 20, 2021
Works Department from Grande Truck Center in San Antonio, Texas for a total
amount of $137,898.00, with FY 2021 funding available through the Equipment
Replacement Fund.
This Motion was passed on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: M2021-141
12. 21-0741 Motion authorizing a three-year service agreement with Horacio Carrillo III, dba
Carrillo's Welding Services "CWS" of Corpus Christi, Texas for an amount not to
exceed $480,000.00, for Welding Services for Asset Management, Fleet
Division, with FY 2021 funding in the amount of $27,000.00 available through the
Fleet Maintenance Fund.
This Motion was passed on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: M2021-142
Consent - Capital Projects
13. 21-0758 Motion awarding a construction contract to EMR Elevator, Inc., Corpus Christi,
Texas, to upgrade the freight traction elevator for the Police Department
Headquarters, located in Council District 1, in an amount of $210,000.00 with FY
2021 funding available from the Bond 2018 Fund.
This Motion was passed on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: M2021-143
14. 21-0760 Motion authorizing the execution of Change Order No. 1 with Western Specialty
Contractors, Selma, Texas, for the Seawall Capital Repairs, to pressure wash
the Seawall from McGee Beach to the Barge Dock and amenities such as eight
miradors, the Selena Memorial, sidewalk, and benches in an amount of
$162,500.00, located in Council District 1, for a total contract value not to
exceed $1,261,004.60, with FY 2021 funding available from the Seawall Capital
Fund.
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 14.
Council Members, Director of Engineering Services Jeff Edmonds and City Manager
Peter Zanoni discussed the following topics: the change order was necessary because
the desired level of cleaning was not included in the original scope of work; and a
long-term solution needs to be determined to maintain the Downtown Management
District.
Council Member Pusley made a motion to approve the motion, seconded by Council
Member Molina. This Motion was passed and approved with the following vote:
Aye:
8 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter, Council Member
Lerma, Council Member Martinez, Council Member Molina, Council Member Pusley and
Council Member Smith
City of Corpus Christi
Page 6 Printed on 7/30/2021
City Council
Meeting Minutes July 20, 2021
Absent: 1 - Council Member Barrera
Abstained: 0
Enactment No: M2021-144
15. 21-0787 Motion authorizing Amendment No. 1 to a professional services contract with
Freese & Nichols Inc., Corpus Christi, Texas, to provide design, bid, and
construction phase services for the reconstruction of Everhart Road from South
Padre Island Drive to McArdle Road, located in Council District 2, in an amount
of $361,859.00 for a total amount not to exceed $411,851.00 with funding
available from the Bond 2018, Storm Water, Water, and Gas Funds.
This Motion was passed on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: M2021-145
General Consent Items
16. 21-0619 Resolution approving pavement design recommendations for the 22 Bond 2020
Streets projects following City Council Policy 28 which outlines the guidelines for
awarding arterial and collector street construction contracts using concrete
pavement or asphalt pavement.
This Resolution was passed on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: 032496
17. 21-0636 Motion authorizing a Joint Funding Agreement with the United States Geological
Survey (USGS), U.S. Department of the Interior, for USGS to maintain
automated river gauging stations that record stream flows and water quality
parameters associated with the Frio and Nueces Rivers and associated
tributaries, which is data the City uses daily to manage releases from the City's
reservoir system and for water treatment operations, whereby the USGS
contributes $28,950.00 and the City contributes $166,350.00.
This Motion was passed on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: M2021-146
18. 21-0747 Resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application for the FY 2021
Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program in the amount of
$192,413.00; and authorizing an Interlocal Agreement with Nueces County for
the distribution of Justice Assistance Grant Program funds in the amount of
$96,206.00 to Nueces County and $96,207.00 to the City of Corpus Christi
should the grant be awarded.
This Resolution was passed on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: 032497
City of Corpus Christi
Page 7 Printed on 7/30/2021
City Council
Meeting Minutes July 20, 2021
19. 21-0801 Resolution approving FY 2021-2022 grant application for the Beach Cleaning
and Maintenance Assistance Program from the Texas General Land Office for
an estimated amount of $70,000 to provide beach cleaning and maintenance on
North Padre Island and Mustang Island.
This Resolution was passed on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: 032498
20. 21-0804 Resolution authorizing City of Corpus Christi withdrawal from the Regional
Health Awareness Board and transferring $56,436.72 in funds held as fiduciary
agent to the Board.
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 20.
A Council Member and Director of Public Health Annette Rodriguez discussed the
following topics: the City is not contributing any additional dollars to the Regional Health
Awareness Board.
Council Member Pusley made a motion to approve the resolution, seconded by Council
Member Hunter. This Resolution was passed and approved with the following vote:
Aye:
9 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member
Hunter, Council Member Lerma, Council Member Martinez, Council Member Molina,
Council Member Pusley and Council Member Smith
Abstained: 0
Enactment No: 032499
21. 21-0808 Resolution Opposing Texas Windstorm Insurance Association Rate Increase
This Resolution was passed on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: 032500
22. 21-0844 Resolution amending City Council Policy Number Nine, Community
Development Block Grant and HOME Programs to delete subsection 9.e which
prohibits outside agencies from applying for CDBG funding from the City more
than once every three years and to amend subsections 9.f and 9.g to change the
name of Housing and Community Development Department to the
Neighborhood Services Department; and providing an effective date.
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 22.
Interim Director of Neighborhood Services Tracey Cantu stated that the purpose of this
item is to amend City Council Policy No. 9 removing the prohibition on outside agencies
receiving CDBG funds more than once every three years and reflecting the name change
of the administering Department.
A Council Member, Interim Director of Neighborhood Services Cantu and Homeless
City of Corpus Christi Page 8 Printed on 7/30/2021
City Council
Meeting Minutes July 20, 2021
Services and Workforce Housing Manager Jennifer Buxton discussed the following
topics: the City holds public hearings and advertises through the Caller -Times for these
grants; the intent is for the City to be as quick as possible when responding to community
needs; and a Council Member's concern that the same organizations will get the grant
every year.
Council Member Smith made a motion to approve the resolution, seconded by Council
Member Pusley. This Resolution was passed and approved with the following vote:
Aye:
8 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hunter, Council Member
Lerma, Council Member Martinez, Council Member Molina, Council Member Pusley and
Council Member Smith
Nay: 1 - Council Member Hernandez
Abstained: 0
Enactment No: 032501
L. RECESS FOR LUNCH
Mayor Guajardo recessed the Council meeting for lunch at 3:07 p.m. Executive Session
Item 28 was held during the lunch recess. Mayor Guajardo reconvened the meeting at
4:23 p.m.
M. PUBLIC HEARINGS: (ITEMS 23 - 24)
23. 21-0843 Ordinance adopting the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Consolidated Annual Action
Plan (CAAP) for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) budget in
the amount of $2,784,119, the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) budget in the
amount of $235,265, and the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) budget in
the amount of $1,162,686 for a total of $4,182,070 annual funding from the
United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD);
authorizing the execution of all necessary documents to submit the CAAP;
authorizing a staff complement of 13 positions; accepting and appropriating
funding for the approved CAAP projects and authorizing the execution of funding
agreements, amendments and other documents necessary to implement the FY
2021-2022 CAAP.
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 23.
Interim Director of Neighborhood Services Tracey Cantu presented information on the
following topics: 2021-2022 CAAP; 5 year consolidated plan goals; timeline for
submittal; entitlement allocations; CDBG; ESG; HOME; and recommendation.
Council Members, Interim Director Cantu, Homeless Services and Workforce Housing
Manager Jennifer Buxton, City Manager Peter Zanoni and City Attorney Miles Risley
discussed the following topics: CDBG is currently the only funding source for demolition;
five additional code enforcement officers will be added to the division for a total of 28
City of Corpus Christi Page 9 Printed on 7/30/2021
City Council
Meeting Minutes July 20, 2021
officers; if the $1 million dollars for the Palms at Blucher Park is not approved, then the
City can lose the tax credits; the tax credit numbers are based on expenses that are
depreciable; not every expense counts towards the tax credit; the $1 million dollars for the
Palms at Blucher Park will go back into the HOME project, not the CDBG project; the
single-family rehabilitation is the demolition reconstruction program; regarding Palms at
Blucher Park, a clawback provision can be added to ensure unused funds are returned to
the City; and Council Members' would like more information on requests for additional
funding for the Palms at Blucher Park project.
Mayor Guajardo opened the public hearing.
Representative for Developer, Ray Lucas with Lucas & Associates, stated that Palms at
Blucher Park requested $300,000 back in February, and are now asking for another
$700,000 due to unforeseeable construction costs.
Vice President of Property Development for Prospera Brad McMurray stated that the
banks will get a lot of Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) credit, so the City will get a
higher rate on tax credits.
Founder of Coastal Bend Center for Independent Living, Housing Navigator and
President of Accessible Housing Resources, Inc. (AHRI), Judy Telge, spoke regarding
her concern about the $1 million dollars in the HOME program when in the past it had
been less than that, and in support of affordable housing.
Director of Coastal Bend Food Bank, Bea Hanson, thanked the Council for the CDBG
funding support.
Rising Tide Ministries, Lisa Curtis, 9841 SPID, thanked the Council for the CDBG
funding support.
Business Manager of the Salvation Army of the Coastal Bend, Emily Shafer Northrup,
1804 Buford St., thanked the Council for the ESG funding support.
Case Manager of Corpus Christi Hope House Debra Arsuaga, thanked the Council for
the ESG funding support.
Mayor Guajardo closed the public hearing.
Council Member Hernandez made a motion to remove the $1 million dollars from line
Item #3 under the HOME program, seconded by Council Member Lerma and approved
with the following vote: Mayor Guajardo, Council Members Hernandez, Lerma, Barrera,
Hunter, Martinez and Smith voted - Aye; Pusley voted - No; and Molina - abstained.
Council Member Hernandez made a motion to approve the ordinance as amended,
seconded by Council Member Lerma. This Ordinance was passed on first reading as
amended and approved with the following vote:
City of Corpus Christi Page 10 Printed on 7/30/2021
City Council
Meeting Minutes July 20, 2021
Aye: 7 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member
Hunter, Council Member Lerma, Council Member Martinez and Council Member Smith
Nay: 1 - Council Member Pusley
Abstained: 1 - Council Member Molina
24. 21-0746 Public Hearing and Resolution approving the Corpus Christi Crime Control
District budget for FY 2022 with revenues in a total amount of $7,720,024.00
and expenditures in a total amount of $7,518,479.00 to fund 63 authorized
Police sworn personnel, five replacement vehicles, and equipment to support
both.
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 24.
Director of Management and Budget Eddie Houlihan presented information on the
following topics: budget summary; budget overview; revenues; and expenditures.
Council Members, Director Houlihan and City Attorney Miles Risley discussed the
following topics: a Council Member thanked the Crime Control Board for their work.
Mayor Guajardo opened the public hearing.
There were no comments from the Council or the public.
Mayor Guajardo closed the public hearing.
Council Member Hunter made a motion to approve the resolution, seconded by Council
Member Lerma. This Resolution was passed and approved with the following vote:
Aye:
8 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter, Council Member
Lerma, Council Member Martinez, Council Member Molina, Council Member Pusley and
Council Member Smith
Absent: 1 - Council Member Barrera
Abstained: 0
Enactment No: 032502
N. INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION ITEMS:
O. FIRST READING ORDINANCES: (ITEM 25)
25. 21-0658 Ordinance rejecting the apparent low bid of WLE, LLC. of Austin, Texas due to
refusal to perform on a previous mowing contract providing similar services and
authorizing a three-year service agreement for mowing and grounds
maintenance of Storm Water Group 5A1 for an estimated amount of
City of Corpus Christi Page 11 Printed on 7/30/2021
City Council
Meeting Minutes July 20, 2021
$204,540.00 with Dorame General Repair & Lawn LLC of Corpus Christi, Texas
for the Public Works Department, with FY 2021 funding in an amount not to
exceed $11,363.33 available through the Storm Water Fund.
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 25.
Director of Public Works Richard Martinez presented information on the following topics:
moving contract for Group 5A1; Saratoga -Rodd Field to Airline; Saratoga -Airline to
Everhart; Saratoga -Everhart to Kostoryz; Saratoga-Kostoryz to Las Colina's-23.09
acres; and Ayers -.42 acres.
Council Members and Director Martinez discussed the following topics: a Council
Member's concern that contractors are blowing grass clippings into the storm drains, and
a request to address this problem; and a Council Member's request to look into
xeriscaping the medians.
Mayor Guajardo opened the public hearing.
There were no comments from the Council or the public.
Mayor Guajardo closed the public hearing.
Council Member Hunter made a motion to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council
Member Lerma. This Ordinance was passed on first reading and approved with the
following vote:
Aye:
8 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter, Council Member
Lerma, Council Member Martinez, Council Member Molina, Council Member Pusley and
Council Member Smith
Absent: 1 - Council Member Barrera
Abstained: 0
P. BRIEFINGS:(ITEMS 26 - 27)
26. 21-0810 Tammy Embrey, Intergovernmental Relations Director, along with City of Corpus
Christi legislative consultants from Focused Advocacy in Austin will provide the
Council insights and lessons learned from the 87th legislative session in Austin.
The presentation will also cover a look ahead into the Special Sessions that will
occur this year, what the city needs to consider moving into the interim activities
in 2022 and looking ahead to the 88th session for 2023.
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 26.
Director of Intergovernmental Relations Tammy Embrey presented information on the
following topics: contract lobby team; general legislative policy; engagement by the
City of Corpus Christi
Page 12 Printed on 7/30/2021
City Council
Meeting Minutes July 20, 2021
numbers; and key accomplishments.
A Council Member and Director Embrey discussed the following topics: a Council
Member's request for an update on the TWIA rate discussion.
Partner and General Counsel of Focused Advocacy Snapper Carr presented information
on the following topics: Senate delegation; House delegation; overview; session drivers;
2021 Texas Legislature: by the numbers; budget; municipal bills did not pass; sales tax
refund transparency; SB 10: city/county advocacy ban; HB 4640/SB 2186: Port of Corpus
Christi economic development; ETJ removal; what did pass; SB 1448: TWIA; beach
safety; HB 1869: debt; SB 23: law enforcement defunding; HB 1900: law enforcement
defunding; SB 3: emergency preparedness; HB 1929 ETJ agreements; summer special
sessions; and fall special sessions.
There were no comments from the Council.
27. 21-0540 Regional Transportation Authority Year in Review where Corpus Christi Regional
Transportation Authority CEO Jorge Cruz-Aedo will provide an overview briefing
of the positive transformational changes RTA implemented over the last year as
well as how the improvements have helped better serve RTA riders and team
members.
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 27.
Director of Public Works Richard Martinez introduced CEO of the Corpus Christi
Regional Transportation Authority (CCRTA) Jorge Cruz-Aedo and Board Chair Eddie
Martinez.
Council Members, Mr. Cruz-Aedo and CCRTA Managing Director Robert Saldana
discussed the following topics: the RTA is working on major projects with grant funds
which include the Naval Air Station and Del Mar College South Campus; the
pre -pandemic fare recovery rate was 6.5%, while currently it is at 3.3%; the current cost
for a fixed route is about $5.23 and transit is about $22 for a trip; the construction for the
bus stop on Ayers is out for bid; and a Council Member's request for more bus covers in
the Northwest area, and a desire to bring a ferry back to the RTA.
Q. EXECUTIVE SESSION: (ITEM 28)
Mayor Guajardo referred to Executive Session Item 28. The Council went into Executive
Session at 3:07 p.m. The Council returned from Executive Session at 4:23 p.m.
28. 21-0842 Executive session pursuant to Texas Government Code § 551.076
concerning security personnel and devices, with possible discussion,
resolution(s), and other actions in open session concerning any matters related
thereto.
This E -Session Item was discussed in executive session.
City of Corpus Christi
Page 13 Printed on 7/30/2021
City Council
Meeting Minutes July 20, 2021
R. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Guajardo adjourned the meeting at 6:11 p.m.
City of Corpus Christi
Page 14 Printed on 7/30/2021
Norma Duran
From: JotForm <noreply@jotform.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2021 11:08 AM
To: CitySecretary; Norma Duran
Subject: Public Input: 07-20-2021 - Errol Summerlin
[ [ 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. ] ]
Warning: Replies to this message will go to returns@jotform.com. If you are unsure this is correct please contact the
Helpdesk at 826-3766.
Public Comment & Input Form
Date of Meeting
Name
Address
07-20-2021
Errol Summerlin
Street Address: 1017 Diomede Dr
City: PORTLAND
State / Province: TX
Postal / Zip Code: 78374
Topic Desalination
Agenda Item Number Public Comment
Describe Feedback: Please see the attached comments
Uploads: 1- comments on port and number of desats -
072021.docx
Provide an email to
receive a copy of your
submission.
summerline@verizon.net
1
Mayor, members of the Council. My name is Errol Summerlin and I live in Portland. I am a co-founder
of CAPE.
I commend the Mayor for her persistence in getting answers about the 2 desal facilities proposed by city
staff and consultants and look forward to listening to the workshop tomorrow.
As you know there are 4 desal permits being sought from the TCEQ. All the facilities will discharging
into the bay and at least 3 will be drawing water from the bay.
In the past, I have heard several council members state that just because 4 permits are being sought
doesn't mean all will be built. I think maybe you should re -consider that notion.
The Port is seeking a Water Rights Permit on the La Quinta Channel to provide freshwater directly to new
industries. At least that is what is in the Port's Application, and the Draft Permit.
But, a TCEQ Public Meeting was conducted on July 13 regarding that permit. I asked a question of Port
staff. The question was "Will the use of the withdrawn water include industrial use of water for cooling
water purposes?"
Port staff deflected on the question. Instead, they responded "the Port will provide the water to the San
Patricio County Municipal Water District and as such will be a wholesale provider of water".
Now, I am informed that the Water District has never been contacted by the Port about supplying them
with this water. More important, the Port staff indicated by their answer that the Port was now in the
wholesale business of providing water for the region; a wholesale provider of water?
And yesterday, Mr. Strawbridge told the San Pat County Commissioners that the desalinated water from
their facilities would be used for the production of hydrogen.
Without getting into the pros and cons of hydrogen production itself, one think is very clear. The size of
the hydrogen operation planned by the Port will require massive amounts of freshwater. A quick analysis
indicates they will need all of the freshwater produced from their planned Harbor Island facility.
So, this notion that not all 4 desal will be built is questionable. The Port is moving forward with their 2
and not a drop will be go to drinking water for residents.
If the city proceeds with even one on the bay, that's 3 of the 4. That begs the question "how much can the
bay withstand?" One is risky, 3 will be disastrous.
Another area of inquiry for the council should be how much can the bay withstand? Is there a limit on
how much water and aquatic life can be drawn from the bay? Since the Port made it clear they will
proceed as a wholesale provider of water and the production of hydrogen, 152.9 million gallons of
concentrated brine will be discharged into the bay. That's without the city facility. Do you dare add
another?
Thank you.