HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 03/07/2023I 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 March 7, 2023 which
were approved by the City Council on March 21, 2023.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, on this the 21st day of March 2023.
(SEAL)
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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
Meeting Minutes
City Council
1201 Leopard Street
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
cctexas.com
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
11:30 AM Council Chambers
Addendums may be added on Friday.
A. Mayor Paulette Guajardo to call the meeting to order.
Mayor Guajardo called the meeting to order at 11:37 a.m.
B. Invocation to be given by Deacon Michael Mantz, Diocese of Corpus Christi.
Deacon Michael Mantz, Diocese of Corpus Christi, gave the invocation.
C. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States and to the Texas Flag to be
led by Sharol Zambrano, Senior at Harold T. Branch Academy.
Sharol Zambrano, Senior at Harold T. Branch Academy, led the Pledge of Allegiance to
the Flag of the United States of America and to the Texas Flag.
D. City Secretary Rebecca L. Huerta to call the roll of the required Charter Officers.
City Secretary Rebecca Huerta called the roll and verified that a quorum of the City
Council and the required Charter Officers were present to conduct the meeting.
Charter Officers: City Manager Peter Zanoni, City Attorney Miles Risley and City
Secretary Rebecca Huerta
Present 8 - Mayor Paulette Guajardo,Council Member Roland Barrera,Council Member Gil
Hernandez,Council Member Michael Hunter,Council Member Mike Pusley,Council
Member Dan Suckley,Council Member Everett Roy, and Council Member Jim Klein
Absent: 1 - Council Member Sylvia Campos
E. CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS / UPDATE ON CITY OPERATIONS:
1. 23-0447 Introduction of new Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History President
and CEO, Karen Stevenson
City Manager Peter Zanoni introduced the new President and CEO of the Corpus Christi
Museum of Science and History Karen Stevenson. Ms. Stevenson began on January 3.
2. 23-0448 Fire Chief Recruitment Update
Deputy City Manager Michael Rodriguez gave an update on the Fire Chief recruitment.
The City hired Emergency Services Consulting International (ESCI) to assist with the Fire
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Meeting Minutes March 7, 2023
Chief recruitment. ESCI narrowed the candidates to the top nine, including internal
candidates, who were interviewed on March 3. Three or four candidates will be
interviewed in person at the American Bank Center on March 16 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30
p.m.
3. 23-0449 Overview of 2023 Spring Break Operations
City Manager Peter Zanoni gave an overview on the 2023 Spring Break Operations.
Crews have begun preparing areas, including beach cleaning, traffic control, public safety
and extra street sweeping. Beach safety is a top priority with lifeguards on duty with
mobile units. It's important for the community to observe the flag warnings. TxDOT has
opened all lanes on the JFK Causeway Bridge. The Port Aransas ferry will also be
available for commuting. The city parks, Collier Pool, The Natatorium, and splash pads
will be open for Spring Break.
Council Members and City Manager Zanoni discussed the following topics: update on
Packery Channel barge removal; the Mud Bridge completion deadline is at the end of
April; a Council Member's concem about a sufficient number of lifeguards on duty for
Spring Break; and the amount of tourists expected this Spring Break is 5 to 10% less
than last year.
F. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Guajardo opened public comment.
Gwen Ruppert, 417 S. Upper Broadway, spoke about the Texas Independence Day Gala
fundraising event at the Ortiz Center on April 6.
Eli McKay, 1008 Marguerite St., spoke about prioritizing homelessness in the city
budget.
Shirin Delsooz, 6030 Tapestry Dr., spoke about bike paths and safety.
Lisa Bockholt, 1411 Kingsville, TX, spoke in favor of the animal care ordinance
amendments.
The following citizen submitted a written public comment which is attached to the minutes:
Julie Rogers, 710 Furman Ave.
G. BRIEFINGS: (ITEMS 4 - 5)
4. 23-0397 Briefing from the Texas Department of Transportation and Flatiron Dragados on
the Harbor Bridge Project
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 4.
Flatiron/Dragados Public Information Coordinator Lynn Allison presented information on
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the Harbor Bridge Replacement Project as follows: agenda; project sections; North
approach construction progress; North Beach roadworks and utilities; South approach
construction progress; South roadworks construction progress; South interchange
milestones; new roadway on Doss and Mestina Streets; construction signage; pre -cast
yard construction progress; workforce and local economic impact; Disadvantaged
Business Enterprise (DBE) and Women in Construction (WIC) initiatives; community
outreach; safety recognition and training; CSB -north pylon; CSB -south pylon; CSB
sequencing; and CSB lighting features.
Council Members, City Manager Peter Zanoni, District Engineer for TxDOT Valente
Olivarez, Jr., and TxDOT Public Information Coordinator Allison discussed the following
topics: a Council Member's concern about the structural integrity of the new bridge;
TxDOT identified five deficiencies that are being addressed, four are completely
satisfied and one is being worked on; the solutions will be posted on the txdot.gov
website; how TxDOT will increase the community's confidence about driving on the new
bridge; the lighting system is being built with the bridge and the city will have control of
that lighting; a Council Member's concern about the lack of signage on Crosstown
Expressway; if there are plans to do similar reconstruction on North Beach streets similar
to Mestina Street; the state currently has not put up any additional money for the
extension of this bridge; TxDOT plans to have a wrong way detection system
implemented by May for safety on the Harbor Bridge; and a Council Member's concern
about the lack of lighting at the stop signs on North Beach.
5. 23-0004 Briefing to City Council on the Museum of Science and History.
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 5.
President and CEO of Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History Karen Stevenson
presented information on the following topics: visitors; education programs; exhibits;
events; and financial position.
Council Members and Ms. Stevenson discussed the following topics: the plan is to rotate
the Doc McGregor collection; in response to a Council Member's question regarding
flooding protocols, the museum is in the process of investigating resources; and the
importance of smaller school districts like CalaIlen ISD attending events at the museum.
H. BOARD & COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS:
6. 23-0399 Corpus Christi Convention & Visitors Bureau (3 vacancies)
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 6.
Corpus Christi Convention & Visitors Bureau:
Appointed: Michelle Braselton (Community At -Large) and Jennifer Lira (Community
At -Large)
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I. EXPLANATION OF COUNCIL ACTION:
J. CONSENT AGENDA: (ITEMS 7 - 12)
Approval of the Consent Agenda
Mayor Guajardo referred to the Consent Agenda. Council Members pulled Item 11 for
individual consideration.
A motion was made by Council Member Roy, seconded by Council Member Klein to
approve the Consent Agenda with the exception of Item 11. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye:
8 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member
Hunter, Council Member Pusley, Council Member Suckley, Council Member Roy and
Council Member Klein
Absent 1 - Council Member Campos
Abstained: 0
7. 23-0401 Approval of the February 28, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes.
The Minutes were approved on the consent agenda.
Consent - Second Reading Ordinances
8. 23-0326 Ordinance authorizing the acceptance of a grant from the Office of the Attorney
General - Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention for the Internet
Crimes Against Children Task Force program, in the amount of $10,000.00 to
purchase forensic computer equipment and software licenses for the Corpus
Christi Police Department; and appropriating the $10,000.00 in the Police
Grants Fund.
This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: 032995
9. 23-0192 Ordinance appropriating $1,967,995.46 from the following Parks and
Recreation Grants: Elderly Nutrition Program, $1,222,223.54; Senior
Companion Program, $442,122.00; Retired & Senior Volunteer Program,
$176,160.00; Texans Feeding Texans, $75,517.59; Summer Food Service
Program -Deferred Revenue, $28,880.33; Beat the Heat Cooling Centers,
$12,000.00 and After School Snacks, $11,092.00; authorizing the purchase of
up to $450,000 in food supplies for the senior nutrition program through the
participation in the TEXAS 20 Purchasing Cooperative beginning October 1,
2022, which includes up to $410,000.00 from Labatt Food Service LLC and
$40,000.00 from Hill Country Dairies Inc.
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This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: 032996
10. 23-0308 Ordinance authorizing a one-year lease agreement with an option of five (5)
additional twelve (12) month terms for renewal with ABM Aviation for two spaces
inside the Airport Terminal building at the Corpus Christi International Airport
(CCIA).
This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: 032997
11. 23-0304 Ordinance amending Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinances regarding Animal
Care and Control by adding and clarifying definitions, creating and revising
sections including an Intact animal permit, pet shop prohibitions, length of stay,
updates to the Dangerous and Aggressive dog owner requirements and fee
schedule; providing for severance, publication, penalty not to exceed $500 and
establishing an effective date of the new laws.
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 11.
Director of Neighborhood Services Linda Stewart presented information on the following
topics: spay/neuter and intact permits; analysis of comparable cities with intact permit
fees and/or fines; and offsetting program administrative costs.
Council Members, City Manager Peter Zanoni, Director of Neighborhood Services
Stewart, Animal Care Service Program Manager Joel Skidmore, and Veterinarian with
Animal Care Services Dr. Draper discussed the following topics: 17 Animal Care
Officers cover the entire city; a request for a percentage of how many animals are intact;
a Council Member's concern about adding additional expenses to citizens that cannot
afford an intact permit fee; the time frame to spay/neuter dogs and cats varies from 30
minutes to eight minutes; this ordinance does prohibit the sale of animals from pet stores;
a Council Member's request for data on the amount of stray dogs and how spay/neutering
reduces the problem of stray dogs; the biggest issue is with large stray dogs; front desk
staff is being trained on how to provide resources and information to the public about
taking in stray animals; a request for an analysis of how many kennels are available at
Animal Care Services; the average length of stay is about 25 days including quarantine;
the question of staff discretion applies in both code compliance and animal care
services; most calls are about aggressive animals or animals destroying property; if stray
animals are not claimed by the owner within three days they become city property; the
consultants will address operational issues; a Council Member's concern about
discretion and a request for staff to follow up with Council in six months with stray animal
data; a request for staff to consider including the intact fee permit with pet registration;
and best practice is to spay/neuter all animals to control the stray population.
Council Member Hernandez made a motion to amend Section 2 and 9 to limit the intact
permit fee to large dogs weighing over 40 pounds and reduce the permit fee from $100
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to $50 annually, seconded by Council Member Pusley. The motion failed.
Council Member Pusley made a motion to amend the ordinance to reduce the intact
permit fee across the board to $50 annually for registration of intact animals, seconded
by Mayor Guajardo and passed by the following vote: Mayor Guajardo, Council Members
Barrera, Hunter, Pusley, Suckley, Roy, and Klein -voting "Aye", Council Member
Hernandez -voting "No", and Council Member Campos -absent.
Council Member Pusley made a motion to approve the ordinance as amended,
seconded by Mayor Guajardo. This Ordinance was passed on second reading as
amended and approved with the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hunter, Council Member
Pusley, Council Member Suckley, Council Member Roy and Council Member Klein
Nay: 1 - Council Member Hernandez
Absent: 1 - Council Member Campos
Abstained: 0
Enactment No: 032998
Consent - First Reading Ordinances
12. 23-0330 Ordinance authorizing execution of all documents necessary to accept $199,432
in additional grant funding for the Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program
(WIC) from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for FY
2022-2023; and appropriating $199,432 in the Health Grant Fund.
This Ordinance was passed on first reading on the consent agenda.
K. RECESS FOR LUNCH
Mayor Guajardo recessed the Council meeting for lunch at 2:36 p.m. Executive Session
Item 20 was held during the lunch recess. Mayor Guajardo reconvened the meeting at
3:48 p.m.
L. PUBLIC HEARINGS: (ITEMS 13 - 15)
13. 23-0334 Ordinance annexing approximately 141.66 acres of land, at or near the
northwest end of London Pirate Road (formerly CR 33) and south of Oso Creek,
into the territorial limits of the City of Corpus Christi per owner petition.
Mayor Guajardo referred to Items 13-15.
There were no comments on Items 13 or 14.
Mayor Guajardo opened the public hearing.
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There were no comments from the public.
Mayor Guajardo closed the public hearing.
Council Member Pusley made a motion to approve ordinances 13 and 14, seconded by
Council Member Hunter. These Ordinances were passed on first reading and approved
with the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member
Hunter, Council Member Pusley, Council Member Suckley and Council Member Klein
Absent: 1 - Council Member Campos
Abstained: 1 - Council Member Roy
14. 23-0320 Case No. 1121-02, V2 Ventures, LLC: (District 3): Ordinance rezoning property
at or near 2601 London Pirate Road (County Road 33), located at the northern
end of London Pirate Road (County Road 33) and north of Farm to Market 43,
from the "FR" Farm Rural District to the "RS -6" Single -Family 6 District.
(Planning Commission and Staff recommend approval).
See Item 13.
Aye: 7 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member
Hunter, Council Member Pusley, Council Member Suckley and Council Member Klein
Absent: 1 - Council Member Campos
Abstained: 1 - Council Member Roy
15. 23-0319 Case No. 0123-03 Margo Moore Nonexempt Protection Trust: Ordinance
rezoning property at or near 7901 South Padre Island Drive from the "RS -4.5"
Single -Family 4.5 and the "RS -6" Single -Family 6 District to the "RM -1"
Multifamily District. Planning Commission and Staff recommend approval.)
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 15.
Council Members, City Manager Peter Zanoni, and Director of Development Services Al
Raymond discussed the following topics: a Council Member's concern about supporting
or approving residences in a floodplain; and the floodplain issues will be established at
the platting phase.
Council Member Pusley 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: 7 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member
Pusley, Council Member Suckley, Council Member Roy and Council Member Klein
Absent: 1 - Council Member Campos
Abstained: 1 - Council Member Hunter
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M. INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION ITEMS: (ITEMS 16 - 19)
16. 23-0443 Resolution adopting the City of Corpus Christi's Legislative Agenda for Federal
Legislative Priorities for the 118th U.S. Congress.
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 16.
Senior Intergovernmental Relations Coordinator Wendy Herman stated that the purpose
of this item is to give direction to the elected representatives and lobbyists regarding the
Council's priorities.
Council Members and Senior Intergovernmental Relations Coordinator Herman
discussed the following topics: a Council Member's suggestion to add language
opposing any legislation that would restrict access to the beaches; a Council Member's
concern with Section 4 endorsements in terms of legislative priorities; and staff is
supporting the current definition of "Waters of the United States".
Council Member Suckley made a motion to amend the resolution to oppose any
legislation that would restrict access to federal beaches in South Texas, seconded by
Council Member Pusley.
Council Member Suckley made a motion to approve as amended, seconded by Council
Member Pusley and passed unanimously.
Council Member Hernandez made a motion to amend the resolution to remove Section 4
of the resolution, seconded by Council Member Pusley and passed unanimously.
Council Member Pusley made a motion to approve the resolution as amended,
seconded by Council Member Hernandez. This Resolution was passed as amended
and approved with the following vote:
Aye:
8 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member
Hunter, Council Member Pusley, Council Member Suckley, Council Member Roy and
Council Member Klein
Absent: 1 - Council Member Campos
Abstained: 0
Enactment No: 032999
17. 23-0284 Motion awarding a construction contract to Clark Pipeline Services, LLC,
Corpus Christi, Texas, for Citywide Water Line Repair/Replace-Large Diameter
Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) project in an amount of
$5,000,000.00, located Citywide, with FY 2023 funding available from the Water
Capital Fund.
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 17.
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Council Members, City Manager Peter Zanoni, Director of Engineering Services Jeff
Edmonds, and Director of Water System Infrastructure Wesley Nebgen discussed the
following topics: the importance of replacing cast iron pipes throughout the city due to
pipes rupturing; the City is currently investing about $30 to $50 million to replace cast iron
water pipelines; and COVID funding has been allocated to actual Capital Improvement
Plan projects.
Mayor Guajardo opened public comment.
There were no comments from the public.
Mayor Guajardo closed public comment.
Council Member Pusley made a motion to approve the motion, seconded by Council
Member Klein. This Motion was passed and approved with the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member
Hunter, Council Member Pusley, Council Member Roy and Council Member Klein
Absent: 1 - Council Member Campos
Abstained: 1 - Council Member Suckley
Enactment No: M2023-034
18. 23-0366 Ordinance appropriating $75,492.28 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
Retention Grant funds from Nueces County per the Amended Cooperative
Agreement for City -Operated Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health
District.
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 18.
Director of Public Health Dr. Fauzia Khan stated that former Nueces County employees
that were hired on as city employees were entitled to additional pay through the American
Rescue Plan Act, which was negotiated by Nueces County. There is no fiscal impact,
and it is a one time funding that the City is contractually obligated to provide to city staff.
Mayor Guajardo opened public comment.
There were no comments from the Council or the public.
Mayor Guajardo closed public comment.
Council Member Barrera made a motion to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council
Member Pusley. This Ordinance was passed on first reading and approved with the
following vote:
Aye: 8 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member
Hunter, Council Member Pusley, Council Member Suckley, Council Member Roy and
Council Member Klein
City of Corpus Christi
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Absent: 1 - Council Member Campos
Abstained: 0
19. 23-0369 Resolution adopting a Master Plan for Sherrill Veterans Memorial Park
consistent with the Veteran Stakeholder Group and the Parks and Recreation
Advisory Committee.
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 19.
President at Turner Ramirez Architects Philip Ramirez presented information on the
Sherrill Veterans Memorial Park as follows: USS City of Corpus Christi; Huey Helicopter;
and next steps.
Council Members, City Manager Peter Zanoni, Director of Parks and Recreation Robert
Dodd, and Mr. Ramirez discussed the following topics: staff recommends that Council
approve this Master Plan; priority number one is the placement of the helicopter; the City
is working on a Memorandum of Agreement for the sail with the Sea Turtles; the
submarine still has to be removed; a Council Member's request to install ground security
lighting for a cleaner look; a request to increase park hours; a Council Member's request
to increase handicap parking closer to the park; a Council Member's request to harvest
the ship's bell and plaques associated that can be displayed at the park or City Hall; and
a request for the City Manager to meet with the Sea Turtles about the process of
acquiring the submarine sail.
Council Member Hernandez made a motion to amend the resolution to include the main
sail of the USS City of Corpus Christi shall be included in the comprehensive Master Plan
for display at Sheri!! Veterans Memorial Park, seconded by Council Member Pusley and
passed unanimously.
Council Member Hernandez made a motion to approve this resolution as amended,
seconded by Council Member Hunter. This Resolution was passed as amended and
approved with the following vote:
Aye:
8 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member
Hunter, Council Member Pusley, Council Member Suckley, Council Member Roy and
Council Member Klein
Absent: 1 - Council Member Campos
Abstained: 0
Enactment No: 033000
N. EXECUTIVE SESSION: (ITEM 20)
20. 23-0414 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 the reservation and potential
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purchase of groundwater.
Mayor Guajardo referred to Executive Session Item 20. The Council went into Executive
Session at 2:36 p.m. The Council returned from Executive Session at 3:48 p.m.
O. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Guajardo adjourned this meeting at 4:57 p.m.
City of Corpus Christi
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Public
Comment
& Input
Form
Date of Meeting 03-07-2023
Name Julie Rogers
Address Street Address: 710 Furman Ave
City: Corpus Christi
State / Province: TX
Postal / Zip Code: 78404
Topic Social Workers
Agenda Item Number Proclamation
Describe Feedback: Good morning, thank you for honoring
Social Workers and Social Worker Month
with a proclamation today. I am grateful
that there is a social work intern at La
Retama Library this semester.
Unfortunately, just as the community gets
used to having this service, it goes away
since it is dependent on volunteers. Please
consider adding full time paid social
workers to the Corpus Christi Public
Library system, especially at La Retama.
Many public libraries have added these
employees to their public libraries with
great success. They help the patrons and
staff. Sincerely, Julie Rogers, District 1,
78404
Provide an email to
receive a copy of your
submission.
rogersiuliet@gmail.com