HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 03/21/2023I 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 21, 2023 which
were approved by the City Council on April 11, 2023
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, on this the 11th day of April 2023.
(SEAL)
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 21, 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 11:34 a.m.
B. Invocation to be given by, Pastor Rob Bailey, Southside Community Church.
Pastor Rob Bailey, Southside Community Church, gave the invocation.
C. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Texas
Flag to be led by Tiffany Dake, Executive Assistant to the Mayor.
Tiffany Dake, Executive Assistant to the Mayor, 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: 9 - 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,Council Member Jim Klein, and
Council Member Sylvia Campos
E. CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS / UPDATE ON CITY OPERATIONS:
1. 23-0544 Train Derailment Protocols
Interim Fire Chief Richie Quintero presented the following information on Train
Derailment Protocols: introduction; East Palestine, OH February 3, 2023; hazardous
materials in 11 cars; railroad companies operating in Corpus Christi; map of active
railways; incident in Corpus Christi responder list; and emergency response.
Council Members, Interim Fire Chief Quintero, City Manager Peter Zanoni, and City
Attorney Miles Risley discussed the following topics: can the city enforce a safer process
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for the railway cars; the rail system has many computer devices and heat sensors; the
federal railroad regulations overrule the City's regulations; in case of an emergency, the
public would be notified through reverse alert; and a Council Member's request for staff to
work with the railroad companies to repair the tracks that cross Leopard Street.
2. 23-0546 "Light Up CC" Update - Tammy Huffman, Utilities Analyst
Utilities Analyst Tammy Huffman presented information on the following topics: purpose;
project summary; project map; before and after; and achieved milestones for phase 1.
Council Members, Utilities Analyst Huffman, and City Manager Peter Zanoni discussed
the following topics: a Council Member's request for the approximate number of lights in
each zone; phase 2 is to add more lights to certain areas; and all of the lights will be
LED.
3. 23-0547 Community Input Sessions for Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Grant
Expenditure - Constance Sanchez, Chief Financial Officer
Chief Financial Officer Constance Sanchez presented information on the following topics:
HUD plans; five-year consolidated plan; determining consolidated plan goals; process
schedule; and public input sessions.
A Council Member's request that in the future, public input sessions be held at the Lindale
Recreation Center in District 2.
F. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Guajardo opened public comment.
The following citizens spoke in favor of the reappointment of Judge Young Burkett as
Municipal Court Judge: Nathan Burkett, 316 Foster Dr.; Kevin Cochran, P.O. Box 412;
James Granberry, 3525 Golden Oak Dr.; Terry Shamsie, 4002 Castle Valley Dr.;
Kimberly Rayos, 27 Townhouse Lane; Chris Gale, 14245 Cabo Blanco Dr.; and John D.
Garcia, 4133 Woodland Creek Dr.
Greg Smith, 1746 Glenoak Dr., spoke about the drought contingency plan that the Port of
Corpus Christi ratified.
Clarissa Mora, 4346 Pontchartrain Dr., asked to be reappointed to the Commission on
Children and Youth, and made recommendations for vacant positions.
The following citizens spoke in opposition to Item 15: Blanca Parkinson, 10801 Silverton
Dr.; Armon Alex, 1610 La Joya St.; Jessica Palitza, 606 Hopper Dr.; Eli McKay, 1008
Marguerite St.; Mary Carter, 3401 S. Alameda St.; Joe McComb, 5323 St. Andrews Dr.;
Melissa Zamora, 454 Louisiana St.; Alyssa Alaniz, 5757 Wooldridge Rd., Errol
Summerlin, Portland, TX; Cathy Fulton, Port Aransas, TX; and Lucia Dailey, Port
Aransas, TX.
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John Weber, 609 Naples St. and Rachel Caballero, 522 Hancock Ave., spoke regarding
the Memorandum of Understanding with the Port of Corpus Christi that was negotiated by
several City Council Members.
Adam Rios, 7301 Tangled Ridge Court, asked to be appointed to the Parks and
Recreation Advisory Board.
The following citizens submitted a written public comment which are attached to the
minutes: Ira Miller, 5656 S. Staples St.; Anita Garza, 7242 Old Brownsville Rd.; John
Weber, 609 Naples St.; Sarah DeLeon, 541 Sims Ave.; Sean McFarland, 3902
Cimarron Blvd.; Olga Garcia, 4006 Iturbide St.; Sandra Santana, 7042 Tamarron Ct.; and
Geordie Schimmel, 115 Alta Plaza St.
G. BOARD & COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS:
4. 23-0475 Board of Adjustment (2 vacancies)
Building Standards Board (4 vacancies)
Construction Trade Advisory & Appeals Board (9 vacancies)
Corpus Christi Commission on Children and Youth (9 vacancies)
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 4.
Board of Adjustment:
Appointed: Brandon Crowson (Alternate Member to Regular Member)
Building Standards Board:
Reappointed: Monica Pareso (At -Large)
Appointed: Merced V. Pena (Alternate Member to Regular Member) and Carlos
Martinez (At -Large Engineer)
Construction Trade Advisory & Appeals Board:
Council Member Pusley made a motion to postpone these appointments to allow for
more time for consideration, seconded by Council Member Hunter.
Corpus Christi Commission on Children and Youth:
Council Member Pusley made a motion to table these appointments to restructure the
board, seconded by Council Member Roy.
H. EXPLANATION OF COUNCIL ACTION:
I. CONSENT AGENDA: (ITEMS 5 -10)
Approval of the Consent Agenda
Mayor Guajardo referred to the Consent Agenda. Council Members pulled Item 9 for
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individual consideration.
A motion was made by Council Member Suckley, seconded by Council Member Barrera
to approve the Consent Agenda with the exception of Item 9. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye:
9 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member
Hunter, Council Member Pusley, Council Member Suckley, Council Member Roy,
Council Member Klein and Council Member Campos
Abstained: 0
5. 23-0476 Approval of the March 7, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes.
The Minutes were approved on the consent agenda.
Consent - Second Reading Ordinances
6. 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 second reading on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: 033001
7. 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.
This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: 033002
8. 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).
This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: 033003
9. 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 9.
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There were no questions from the Council.
Council Member Pusley moved to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council Member
Roy. This Ordinance was passed on second reading and approved with the following
vote:
Aye: 8 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member
Pusley, Council Member Suckley, Council Member Roy, Council Member Klein and
Council Member Campos
Abstained: 1 - Council Member Hunter
Enactment No: 033004
10. 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.
This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: 033005
J. EXECUTIVE SESSION: (ITEMS 11 - 12)
11. 23-0474 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 Municipal Court Judges and
Texas Government Code § 551.074 (personnel matters) to deliberate the
appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment or duties of a public officer
or employee (including, but not limited to, the Presiding Judge of the Municipal
Court, Division 1 Judge of the Municipal Court, Division 2 Judge of the Municipal
Court, Division 3 Judge of the Municipal Court, Division 4 Judge of the Municipal
Court, Division 5 Judge of the Municipal Court, Part -Time Judge No. 1,
Part -Time Judge No. 2, Part -Time Judge No. 3, Part -Time Judge No. 4,
Part -Time Judge No. 5, Part -Time Judge No. 6, Part -Time Judge No. 7 [as
appropriate], Part -Time Judge No. 8 [as appropriate], Part -Time Judge No. 9
[as appropriate], Part -Time Judge No. 10 [as appropriate], and Part -Time Judge
No. 11 [as appropriate]).
Mayor Guajardo referred to Executive Session Item 11. The Council went into Executive
Session at 1:57 p.m. The Council returned from Executive Session at 2:32 p.m.
Enactment No:
12. 23-0489 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 collaboration with the Port of Corpus
Christi Authority on seawater desalination or other water sources, potential
business relationships with the Port of Corpus Christi on water issues, and
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matters related to Harbor Island, with possible action.
This E -Session Item was withdrawn.
K. INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION ITEMS: (ITEMS 13 - 18)
13. 23-0486 Ordinance appointing Jacqueline Del Llano Chapa as Presiding Judge, Mike
Alaniz as Division 1 Judge, Julianna Siracusa Rivera as Division 2 Judge, David
Walsh as Division 3 Judge, William Gregory "Bill" Bonilla as Division 4 Judge,
and George Picha as Division 5 Judge of the Municipal Court; appointing
Christopher E. Matt as part-time judge #1, Douglas K. DeFratus as part-time
judge #2, William Holt Feemster as part-time judge #3, Mariana Garza as
part-time judge #4, Mario A. Olivarez as part-time judge #5, Kali Guttman as
part-time judge #6, Robert Reyna as part-time judge #7, and Michael White as
part-time judge #8 of the Municipal Court; determining salary; providing a two
year term of office; and declaring an effective date.
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 13.
Mayor Guajardo opened public comment.
Judge Young Burkett asked the Council consider reappointing her as Municipal Court
Judge.
Mayor Guajardo closed public comment.
Council Members and City Manager Peter Zanoni discussed the following topics: all
individuals who were considered were highly qualified; the Municipal Court Committee
reviewed statistical information, warrants and number of jury trials; the Municipal Court
Committee is proposing to increase the Municipal Court Judges salaries by $111,000;
market study showed that the Municipal Court Judges were 26-31 % below the market,
while part-time judges were about 5% below market; and the Municipal Court Committee
would like to review other candidates for the vacant part-time positions.
Council Member Barrera moved to approve the ordinance as presented, seconded by
Council Member Pusley.
Council Member Campos moved to amend the ordinance to include Judge Young
Burkett as a qualified candidate to be considered for the full-time position, replacing
George Picha, seconded by Council Member Klein. The motion to amend failed with the
following vote: Council Members Campos and Klein voting -aye; Council Members
Suckley, Barrera, Hernandez, Hunter, Pusley, Roy and Mayor Guajardo voting -no.
Council Member Barrera moved to approve the ordinance as presented, seconded by
Council Member Pusley. This Ordinance was passed on first reading and approved with
the following vote:
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Aye: 6 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hunter, Council Member
Pusley, Council Member Suckley and Council Member Roy
Nay: 3 - Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Klein and Council Member Campos
Abstained: 0
Enactment No: 033013
14. 23-0485 Ordinance amending Chapter 29 of the Corpus Christi Code to replace terms
that are "coterminous with the term of the appointing City Council" with definite
two-year terms for Municipal Judge Appointments.
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 14.
Assistant City Attorney Buck Brice stated that the state law and city ordinance did not
provide sufficient time for the City Council to appoint Municipal Court Judges. A
municipal court judge who is not reappointed by the 91st day following the expiration of a
term of office shall, absent action by the appointing authority, continue to serve for
another term of office beginning on the date the previous term of office expired. This new
Ordinance will provide a definite two-year for judges, which will allow future Council
Members until June 30 to appoint future judges.
There were no questions from the Council.
Council Member Barrera moved to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council
Member Campos. This Ordinance was passed on first reading and approved with the
following vote:
Aye:
9 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member
Hunter, Council Member Pusley, Council Member Suckley, Council Member Roy,
Council Member Klein and Council Member Campos
Abstained: 0
Enactment No: 033007
15. 23-0529 City Council discussion on whether the City of Corpus Christi should collaborate
with the Port of Corpus Christi on seawater desalination, with possible action.
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 15.
Council Members discussed the following topics: building a desalination plant closer to
the Gulf of Mexico is better environmentally; a Council Member's concern that
desalination is the most expensive way to provide water; a concern that the leadership at
the Port of Corpus Christi is problematic; the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was
prepared by several Council Members to initiate discussion with the Port; the Council
desires a water solution that is in the best interest of the ratepayers; how the Port of
Corpus Christi is going to assist the City with providing a water supply system; and
Council Members issues with negotiating the contract with the Port of Corpus Christi
without consent of all Council Members.
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Council Member Pusley moved "to direct the City Manager to work out a framework on
how the Port of Corpus Christi can assist the City of Corpus Christi in pursuit of
desalination and other water resources for the long-term growth of the City of Corpus
Christi and the Coastal Bend. Details of this collaboration will be brought back to the full
Council at a regularly scheduled meeting on April 18 or April 25. That report will be made
to the Council in its entirety for discussion and potential action;" seconded by Council
Member Hunter. This Motion was 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 Roy
Nay: 2 - Council Member Klein and Council Member Campos
Abstained: 0
Enactment No: M2023-035
16. 23-0231 Motion authorizing a six-month service agreement with AM Services, Co., in an
amount not to exceed $84,772.00, for Fire Station #14 renovations, located at
5901 S. Staples Street, with FY 2023 funding from the Bond 2018 Fund.
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 16.
Director of Asset Management Charles Mendoza stated that this facility is outdated and
needs to be updated. In the last three years, Asset Management has received about 40
service calls for the kitchen and laboratory at this fire station.
A Council Member, Director of Asset Management Mendoza, Assistant Fire Chief Doug
Matthijetz, and City Manager Peter Zanoni discussed the following topics: the $4.2
million dollar improvements were part of the Bond 2018 project, which included
generators and replacement of roofs at several stations; and a Council Member's request
to breakdown each item by station.
Mayor Guajardo opened public comment.
There were no comments from the public.
Mayor Guajardo closed public comment.
Council Member Pusley moved to approve the motion, seconded by Council Member
Hunter. This Motion was passed and approved with the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Pusley, Council Member
Suckley, Council Member Roy, Council Member Klein and Council Member Campos
Absent: 2 - Council Member Barrera and Council Member Hunter
Abstained: 0
Enactment No: M2023-036
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17. 22-1786 Motion authorizing execution of a three-year service agreement, with two
one-year options, with Tetra Tech, Inc., of Houston, to provide consulting and
monitoring services on a contingency basis for storm debris removal for Solid
Waste Services in an amount not to exceed $948,200.00, and a potential of
$1,580,333.33 if options are exercised.
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 17.
Director of Solid Waste David Lehfeldt stated that this item provides the city the ability to
react after a disaster.
Mayor Guajardo opened public comment.
There were no comments from the Council or the public.
Mayor Guajardo closed public comment.
Council Member Suckley moved 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 Hernandez, Council Member Pusley, Council Member
Suckley, Council Member Roy, Council Member Klein and Council Member Campos
Absent: 2 - Council Member Barrera and Council Member Hunter
Abstained: 0
Enactment No: M2023-037
18. 23-0363 Motion authorizing execution of a three-year service agreement, with two
one-year options, with Green Planet, Inc., of Royse City, Texas, to provide
household hazardous waste disposal services for Solid Waste Services in an
amount not to exceed $495,543.75, and a potential amount of $825,906.25 if
options are exercised, with FY 2023 funding of $82,590.63 from the General
Fund.
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 18.
Director of Solid Waste David Lehfeldt stated that this item will continue to allow the city
to provide hazardous household waste disposal services.
A Council Member and Director Lehfeldt discussed the following topic: customers
should take their hazardous waste materials to the transfer station.
Mayor Guajardo opened public comment.
There were no comments from the public.
Mayor Guajardo closed public comment.
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Council Member Klein moved to approve the motion, seconded by Council Member
Suckley. This Motion was passed and approved with the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Pusley, Council Member Suckley, Council Member
Roy, Council Member Klein and Council Member Campos
Absent: 3 - Council Member Barrera, Council Member Hernandez and Council Member Hunter
Abstained: 0
Enactment No: M2023-038
L. RECESS FOR LUNCH
Mayor Guajardo recessed the Council meeting for lunch at 1:57 p.m. Executive Session
Item 11 was held during the lunch recess. Mayor Guajardo reconvened the meeting at
2:32 p.m.
M. PUBLIC HEARINGS: (ITEMS 19 - 20)
19. 23-0392 Case No. 0223-01 Mehran and Sepideh Vatankhah (District 1):
Ordinance rezoning a property at or near 12102 Leopard Street, located
along the north side of Leopard Street, east of Callicoatte Road, and south
of Interstate Highway 37 (IH -37), from the "RS -6" Single -Family 6 District to
the "CG -2" General Commercial District. (Planning Commission and Staff
recommend approval of the rezoning request from the "RS -6" Single -Family
6 District to the "CG -2" General Commercial District).
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 19.
Director of Development Services Al Raymond presented information on the following
topics: zoning and land use; Leopard St. corridor; adjacent grocery stores; public
notification; and staff analysis and recommendation.
Council Members and Director Raymond discussed the following topics: in response to
a Council Member's concern about the facade of the building, staff stated that there are
no design standards or overlay for this rezoning; and a Council Member's request for staff
to look into the state statute requirement for an overlay.
Mayor Guajardo opened the public hearing.
Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (CCRTA) Board Member Erica Maymi
stated that this is a high traffic area.
Mayor Guajardo closed the public hearing.
Council Member Roy moved to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council Member
Pusley. This Ordinance was passed on first reading and approved with the following
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vote:
Aye:
8 - Mayor Guajardo, Council Member Hernandez, Council Member Hunter, Council Member
Pusley, Council Member Suckley, Council Member Roy, Council Member Klein and
Council Member Campos
Absent: 1 - Council Member Barrera
Abstained: 0
Enactment No: 033006
20. 23-0459 Ordinance authorizing and approving a Substantial Amendment to the Corpus
Christi FY2022/PY2021 Consolidated Annual Action Plan for the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development and approval of the Corpus
Christi HOME-ARPA Allocation Plan.
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 20.
Chief Financial Officer Constance Sanchez presented information on the following topics:
HOME -ARP award; HOME -ARP uses; HOME -ARP process; and staff recommends
approval.
Council Members, Chief Financial Officer Sanchez, Assistant Director of Enforcement &
Administration of Neighborhood Services Tracey Cantu, and Program Manager for
Neighborhood Services Leticia Kanmore discussed the following topics: a Council
Member's request that the non-profit organizations submit a plan to the City and for the
City to send the plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD);
a Council Member's concern about one homeless shelter receiving more funding than
another; service providers will request the amount of money they have the capacity to
spend; a Council Member's request that staff explain to the organizations about the
allocation of monies; applicants have to meet HUD's threshold for the rental income limit;
the area median income thresholds are established by HUD on an annual basis; what the
City is doing to market the available money to the organizations; and a Council Member's
request for a list of social service agencies contacted by staff.
Mayor Guajardo opened the public hearing.
There were no comments from the public.
Mayor Guajardo closed the public hearing.
Council Member Hunter moved 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 Hernandez, Council Member Hunter, Council Member
Pusley, Council Member Suckley, Council Member Roy, Council Member Klein and
Council Member Campos
Absent: 1 - Council Member Barrera
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Abstained: 0
Enactment No: 033008
N. BRIEFINGS: (ITEM 21)
21. 23-0488 Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) to provide information
on the organization's Legislative Program for the 88th Legislative Session.
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 21.
Legislative Committee Chair Aaron Munoz of the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation
Authority (RTA) presented information on the following topics: background; and general
overview.
Council Members, RTA Legislative Committee Chair Munoz, RTA Chairman Dan
Leyendecker and RTA Acting Chief Executive Officer Miguel Rendon RTA, Attorney John
Bell RTA Board Member, City Appointee Erica Maymi, and Managing Director of
Capital Programs and Customer Services Sharon Montez discussed the following topics:
RTA is focusing on battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric buses; the RTA
receives one-half cent sales tax out of the two cents that is allocated to local taxations;
hydrogen fuel electric buses have a small hydrogen tank and when the battery depletes,
the hydrogen fuels the battery cell and they do not need to be charged overnight; a
Council Member's concern about the resale value of the hydrogen fuel electric buses;
regulating fares goes through the state legislature; RTA is looking to enhance the criminal
penalty if an employee or member of the public is assaulted on RTA property; Bus Rapid
Transit is still being discussed; in response to a Council Member's concern that hydrogen
fuel is more expensive than the electricity to charge a bus, staff stated that the technology
and development of hydrogen fuel is less expensive because there is less infrastructure;
RTA is pursuing funding for 70 electric and 30 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles; a Council
Member's request for RTA to consider using paper transfer tickets instead of plastic
tickets; a Council Member's request for RTA to add shade structures to the bus stops in
the northwest area of the City; RTA is in the process of adding 300 new bus stops with
solar lighting; the existing bus stops are being addressed for shade structures; a Council
Member's challenge for the RTA to add restrooms to the buses; a Council Member's
request to add larger bus shelters in the Flour Bluff area; and a single bus fare across the
City is 75 cents, while other cities in Texas are charging more than a dollar.
O. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Guajardo adjourned this meeting at 5:14 p.m.
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Mariah Resendez
From: Jotform <noreply@jotform.com>
Sent: Monday, March 20, 2023 8:28 PM
To: CitySecretary; Norma Duran
Subject: [EXTERNAL]Public Input: 03-21-2023 - Ira Miller
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
[ [ 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
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Public Comment & Input Form
Date of Meeting
Name
Address
Topic
Agenda Item Number
Describe Feedback:
Provide an email to
receive a copy of your
submission.
03-21-2023
Ira Miller
Street Address: 5656 S Staples, Suite 300
City: Corpus Christi
State / Province: Texas
Postal / Zip Code: 78413
23-0486
Young Burkett
I have know Young Burkett for several years. She
has served Nueces County honorably and protected
the residents as a prosecutor and a judge. I tried
several cases against her when she was a
prosecutor and she was always well prepared and
knew the rules of evidence and the law applicable
to the case forward and backwards. Showing her
dedication and work ethic in being prepared for
trial. When she later became a judge I could tell she
worked hard and was well informed of the law. I am
hopeful that the city keeps Judge Burkett because
she is a great asset to the city and we are lucky to
have her. Her hard work and dedication to the
residents of Corpus Christi is very apparent in the
court room. It would be a huge loss to the city if she
is not retained.
izm@iramillerlaw.com
1
Mariah Resendez
From: Jotform <noreply@jotform.com>
Sent: Monday, March 20, 2023 9:13 PM
To: CitySecretary; Norma Duran
Subject: Public Input: 03-21-2023 - Anita Garza
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
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password, username, payment or to take action from an email. When in doubt, please forward to
SecurityAlert@cctexas.com. ] ]
0 Public Comment & Input Form
Date of Meeting 03-21-2023
Name Anita Garza
Address Street Address: 7242 Old Brownsville Rd
City: Corpus Christi
State / Province: TX
Postal / Zip Code: 78415
Topic 23-0486
Agenda Item Number 23-0486
Describe Feedback: I have submitted my letter in hopes that Judge
Young Min Burkett keeps her position at the City of
Corpus Christi Municipal Court.
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Hello,
My name is Anita Garza, I am a former City of Corpus Christi Courtroom clerk. I am here on
behalf of Judge Young Min Burkett, I worked with her while I worked at the Municipal Court for
the past 1 1/2 years. I enjoyed my time working there with other judges but not so much with
Judge Jacqueline Chapa and Judge Julianna Rivera, due to the fact that these 2 judges felt that
part of their job was to belittle me during courtroom dockets. On 22 Dec 2022, during a juvenile
docket, Judge Chapa stopped talking to a defendant during court to ask me what I was doing,
even though it was a courtroom policy given by her to print what needed to be printed during
court, I explained to her that I was printing extra copies of her judgment to give to the Juvenile
Case Manager, she was upset and continued with the docket. After the docket was over, and
before I could let my supervisor know what had happened Judge Chapa had already notified my
supervisor and had advised her to move me to another department. On another occasion,
Judge Rivera made a comment to my supervisor that I was always asking questions and making
errors when it was the other way around, Rivera was always asking me to do things out of my
control, was constantly late for the dockets, would always be confused and then would tell me to
change dates and amounts something we are not allowed to do. Judge Burkett was the exact
opposite, always professional, never late, on top of changes and was always mistreated by
Chapa and Rivera. I quit my job on 22 December 2022 because I felt bullied by Judge
Jacqueline Chapa and Judge Julianna Rivera, on that same day, I was told by my supervisor,
Laura Garza, that I was going to be moved to the call center to answer phones because
"technically, Chapa's the judge and we don't want to piss her off right"? I am a disabled veteran
who served proudly in 2 Iraq wars, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom,
and I was so excited when I got the job at the Municipal Court and left so disappointed because
some people think they are entitled to mistreat others just so they can bring their family
members in as judges. I am asking that you please reconsider Judge Young Min Burkett as a
Municipal Court Judge, the citizens of Corpus Christi deserve to be treated with respect and
dignity and not leave feeling belittled when they walk into the courtroom doors. Judge Young
Min Burkett is the only positive and friendliest Judge in the Municipal Court.
Sincerely,
Anita Garza
Mariah Resendez
From: Jotform <noreply@jotform.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 21, 2023 6:35 AM
To: CitySecretary; Norma Duran
Subject: [EXTERNAL]Public Input: 03-21-2023 - John Weber
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
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Public Comment & Input Form
Date of Meeting 03-21-2023
Name John Weber
Address
Street Address: 609 Naples St
City: Corpus Christi
State / Province: TX
Postal / Zip Code: 78404
Topic Ethics
Agenda Item Number 15
Describe Feedback: Please see attached document.
Uploads: Ethics.docx
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Mariah Resendez
From: Jotform <noreply@jotform.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 21, 2023 8:40 AM
To: CitySecretary; Norma Duran
Subject: Public Input: 03-21-2023 - Sarah De Leon
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I
Public Comment & Input Form
Date of Meeting
Name
Address
03-21-2023
Sarah De Leon
Street Address: 541 Sims Ave
City: San Antonio
State / Province: Texas
Postal / Zip Code: 78225
Topic File Number 23 -0486 -Municipal Court
Appointments
Agenda Item Number 13
Describe Feedback:
This comment is in reference to the reappointment
of Judge Young Burkett. As a former employee of
the Corpus Christi Police Department - Family
Violence Unit I can witness to the fact that Judge
Burkett was and continues to be an immense help
to the citizens of Corpus Christi. She always assisted
with Emergency Protective Orders, even if she was
walking out the door. When other judges were busy
or in court, Judge Burkett would allow us into her
office for detention holds to be signed or to get
clarification on submitting an EPO. She never once
turned us away or made us feel like we were
imposing on her time. Her compassion and
dedication to the city and its citizens is evident in
every interaction with her. This was not just a job,
she truly cares about people. When in her office,
you have her full and undivided attention. It would
be a great loss to the city to not reappoint her for
the position. You can't train someone to have the
compassion and empathy that she innately has.
i
r
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Mariah Resendez
From: Jotform <noreply@jotform.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 21, 2023 10:30 AM
To: CitySecretary; Norma Duran
Subject: [EXTERNAL]Public Input: 03-21-2023 - Sean McFarland
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0 Public Comment & Input Form
Date of Meeting 03-21-2023
Name Sean McFarland
Address Street Address: 3902 Cimarron Blvd
Street Address Line 2: #4108
City: Corpus Christi
State / Province: TX
Postal / Zip Code: 78414
Topic "File number 23-0486 - Municipal Court
appointments."
Agenda Item Number
Describe Feedback:
23-0486
Good morning, I have worked with Municipal Court
Judge Young Burkett since she she worked with the
District Attorney's office as an Intake Assistant
District Attorney while I worked in the Family
Violence Unit as a Detective. Then later as she
transitioned to Municipal Court, as a Judge. She
understood the laws and worked insure the
paperwork was in order to file cases or requested
additional documents or information if needed. She
worked well with detectives to file cases. Then as as
a Judge she assisted with Emergency Protective
Orders and Holds on Family Violence cases. She
helped with warrants on Assault Family Violence
cases as well when the offender was not arrested at
the scene. More recently I have been back in patrol
and have gone to Municipal Court for citations on
accidents and Judge Burkett has handled the court
room and cases in an efficient manner. I have also
seen her deal with upset defendants in a
professional manner as well. I believe she is an
asset. Thank you.
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Seanmac8@gmail.com
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Mariah Resendez
From: Jotform <noreply@jotform.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 21, 2023 10:31 AM
To: CitySecretary; Norma Duran
Subject: [EXTERNAL]Public Input: 03-21-2023 - Olga Garcia
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Public Comment & Input Forn,
Date of Meeting
Name
Address
03-21-2023
Olga Garcia
Street Address: 4006 ITURBIDE ST
City: CORPUS CHRISTI
State / Province: TX
Postal / Zip Code: 78405
Topic file number 23-0486 - Municipal Court
Appointments
Agenda Item Number 23-0486
Describe Feedback: Reference: Judge Young Burkett
I have known Judge Burkett for several years. She
has always been a huge supporter of the Family
Violence unit as well as the CC Police
Department. She is one of the most caring and
compassionate person, I know.
She has always been reliable when our office has
needed warrants signed or Emergency Protective
Orders. She is extremely knowledgeable when it
comes to FV matters.
There have been times, we were in need to have
warrants signed after hours and we have been able
to contact Young without any hesitation.
She is truly a caring individual, and it would be a
loss, not only to the Police Department but the
community.
Thank you,
Olga Garcia
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Norma Duran
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Sent: Tuesday, March 21, 2023 11:17 AM
To: CitySecretary; Norma Duran
Subject: [EXTERNAL]Public Input: 03-21-2023 - Sandra Santana
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Public Comment & Input Form
03-21-2023
Sandra Santana
Date of Meeting
Name
Address
Topic
Agenda Item Number
Describe Feedback:
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Street Address: 7042 Tamarron Ct.
City: Corpus Christi
State / Province: Texas
Postal / Zip Code: 78412
Municipal Court Judge
23-0486
My name is Sandra Santana,' used to work for the
city for almost 10 years w/MC Judicial Dept
I write to support Judge Young Min Burkett. Unless
you directly work w/a person you may not have full
knowledge of their work ethic. If you hear one side
of the story you do not get to make fair opinion for
such an important decision. Your decision in this
matter affects is extremely important and should
not be considered lightly or biased.Judge Burkett
always volunteered to work the hard long hours
during warrant round up. In the middle of Covid she
was often given the graveyard and weekend hours.
If you look at the schedule during this time you can
see that the Judges work was not equally shared as
said in the city ordinance.
Judge Burkett often covered for many judges to
keep the courtroom going. She was ordered to miss
lunch and breaks very often biut she always
worked. I am asking for you to reconsider not
reappointing her. She is an asset to this community.
Sandibsantana@yahoo.com
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Norma Duran
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Sent: Tuesday, March 21, 2023 11:55 AM
To: CitySecretary; Norma Duran
Subject: [EXTERNAL]Public Input: 03-21-2023 - Geordie Schimmel
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Public Comment & Input Form
03-21-2023
Geordie Schimmel
Date of Meeting
Name
Address
Street Address: 115 Alta Plaza St
City: Corpus Christi
State / Province: TX
Postal / Zip Code: 78411
Topic Judge Burkett
Agenda Item Number 23-0486
Describe Feedback: My name is Geordie Schimmel. I've been a lawyer in
the city for more than 20 years. I practice in all the
courts of the county, including Municipal Court.
Respectfully, I think Judge Burkett's contract should
be renewed. All the judges I have dealt with at City
Court—Judge Walsh, Judge DeKoch and Judge
Burkett—have been professional and a credit to the
city. None of them has ever mistreated me or made
me feel like they didn't have time for me. Not once.
I have never heard from anyone in the local criminal
bar that Judge Burkett has been anything except
kind and professional—and believe me, lawyers like
to complain about things. No one complains about
these judges. That is extraordinary. I think the city
needs more diversity—of backgrounds and
perspectives. But that's not why I think Judge
Burkett should continue to be a Municipal Court
judge. She's a good judge! We need more judges
like her. Please consider allowing her to remain a
Municipal Court judge.
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