HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 08/15/2023I 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 August 15, 2023 which
were approved by the City Council on August 22, 2023.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, on this the 22nd day of August 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
cctexas.com
SCANNED
City of Corpus Christi
Meeting Minutes
City Council
1201 Leopard Street
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
cctexas.com
Tuesday, August 15, 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 11:36 a.m.
B. Invocation to be given by Reverend Claudia M. Rush, Brooks AME Worship
Center.
Reverend Claudia M. Rush, Brooks AME Worship Center, gave the invocation.
C. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States and to the Texas Flag to be
led by Jake Ryan Ortega, Junior at Moody High School.
Jake Ryan Ortega, Junior at Moody High School, 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. 23-1266 Staff Announcement:
Ryan Skrobarczyk - Intergovernmental Relations Director
Doug Matthijetz - Deputy Fire Chief
City Manager Peter Zanoni introduced the new Intergovernmental Relations Director
Ryan Skrobarczyk. He began with the City on July 24 with over ten years of
experience in public policy. Ryan has over six years of experience with Texas House
of Representatives and the Texas Senate.
City Manager Zanoni announced the new Deputy Fire Chief Doug Matthijetz. He has
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been with the City's Fire Department for 33 years.
2. 23-1330 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Update by Dr. Alissa Mejia,
Committee Chair
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) Chair Dr. Alissa Mejia presented
an update on the following topics: strategic plan and priorities; parks and recreation
priorities; pedestrian and bicycle connectivity; communication; PRAC web page
launch; PRAC playbook; Adopt -A -Park; erosion response plan; and further projects
PRAC is tracking.
Council Members thanked Dr. Mejia for her service and leadership with Parks and
Recreation.
F. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Guajardo opened public comment.
Merida Forrest, 7114 Grape Arbor Dr., spoke in opposition to raising residential water
rate increases and in support of raising industrial water rates.
Shawn Flanagan, 4218 Herndon St., spoke in opposition to an environmental and
sustainability department.
Amanda Guerra, 6410 Windhollow Dr., spoke about the Municipal Court Director's
budget report.
Blanca Parkinson, 10801 Silverton Dr., spoke about the lack of information for a
drought contingency plan.
Linda Lindsey, 3002 Cedar Springs Rd., spoke about repurposing sales tax for parks.
Rachel Caballero, 522 Hancock, Ave., expressed her desire for no tax rate or utility
rate increases, and a concern about how Certificates of Obligation are used.
Isabel Araiza, 326 Poenisch Dr., spoke about issues with the audio/visual technology
and supports a water rate increase for high volume water users.
Randall Hicks, 3809 Walking Oaks Lane, spoke in support of the City repurposing
Type A sales tax funding.
John Weber, 609 Naples St., spoke in opposition of rezoning Item 6 and in opposition
to Items 15 and 16.
John LaRue, 426 Cape Lookout, spoke in support of the City repurposing Type A
sales tax funding for airport services.
Samuel Aundra Fryer, 2222 Cardinales Lane, spoke in opposition to a sustainability
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and resiliency department.
Marcus Sarate, 3126 Austin St., spoke in opposition of eliminating City Marshals.
Glenn Holland, 3905 Priscilla Dr., spoke in support of public safety and City Marshals,
and to enforce harsher punishment for criminals.
Victoria Holland, 235 Ohio Ave., spoke about whether the City can support the Capital
Improvement Plan.
Melissa Nucete, 6530 Peacock and Barbara Gennaway, 7022 Monalisa Circle, stated
concern about euthanizing dogs and for the City to enforce spay and neuter
ordinances.
Marlon and Mattie Chapman, 1617 Peabody Ave., spoke about the lack of response
to a gas leak near their home.
Susie Saldana, 4710 Hakel Dr., expressed disappointment about Council not
attending a Feria de las Flores event.
Adam Rios, 7301 Tangled Ridge Court, advocated for the skateboarding community.
Al Arreola, 301 Louise Dr., spoke in support of Items 15 and 16 regarding the
convention center proposition.
Jessica Palitza, 606 Hopper Dr., spoke in support of increasing water rates for high
volume water users, and in support of a sustainability department.
Lois Huff, 5818 Saint Andrews Dr., spoke in support of increasing water rates for high
volume water users and opposed to raising rates for residential users.
Eric Tunchez, 4437 Kirkwood Dr., spoke about a concern that water is shut off at
several properties.
Jesse Gilbert, spoke in support of Items 15 and 16 regarding the convention center
complex.
Michael Miller, 51 Camden Place, spoke regarding concern about the City sustaining
a hotel/convention center.
Brittany Garcia, 3214 Brawner Parkway, spoke in support of increasing water rates for
high volume water users and opposed to raising water rates for residential users.
Catherine Barnes, 520 S. Chaparral St., spoke about a concern with the proposed
budget and the way Certificates of Obligation are used.
Encarnacion Serna, Portland, TX, spoke in opposition to desalination projects.
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The following citizen submitted a written public comment which is attached to the
minutes: Deven Bhakta, 40 E. Bar Le Doc Dr.
G. BUDGET RELATED ITEMS: (ITEM 3)
3. 23-1357 Resolution to consider a proposed ad valorem tax rate of no more than
$0.599774 per $100 valuation for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 and taking a record
vote; setting the date for the City's proposed FY 2024 ad valorem tax rate
public hearing and first reading ordinance on August 29, 2023, with adoption
of the FY 2024 ad valorem tax rate on September 5, 2023.
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 3.
Interim Director of Finance and Procurement Alma Casas stated that this item is to
take a record vote on a rate not to exceed $0.599774.
Council Members, City Manager Peter Zanoni, and Interim Director Casas discussed
the following topics: the no -new revenue rate is $.55838; and to be purposeful in
educating others as to what this means.
Council Member Hernandez moved to approve the resolution, seconded by Council
Member Suckley. This Resolution was passed 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
Campos
Nay: 2 - Council Member Hunter and Council Member Klein
Abstained: 0
Enactment No: 033125
H. BOARD & COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS: (NONE)
I. EXPLANATION OF COUNCIL ACTION:
J. CONSENT AGENDA: (ITEMS 4 -13)
Approval of the Consent Agenda
Mayor Guajardo referred to the Consent Agenda. Item 7 was pulled for individual
consideration.
Council Member Pusley moved to approve the consent agenda with the exception of
Item 7, seconded by Council Member Barrera. The motion carried by the following
vote:
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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
4. 23-1314 Approval of the August 3, 2023 Budget Workshop and August 8, 2023
Regular Meeting Minutes
The Minutes were approved on the consent agenda.
Consent - Second Reading Ordinances
5. 23-1180 Ordinance authorizing acceptance and future amendments of Women, Infant
and Children's Nutrition Program (WIC) grant for $1,172,131.00 from the
Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS); appropriating
$1,172,131.00 to provide funding for the WIC program for the period of
October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024; and authorizing thirteen grant
positions.
This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: 033126
6. 23-1190 Zoning Case No. 0623-04, Southern Builders Co LLC (District 2). Ordinance
rezoning a property at or near 639 Del Mar Boulevard from the "RS -6"
Single -Family 6 District to the "RS-TH" Townhouse District; Providing for a
penalty not to exceed $2,000 and publication.(Planning Commission and Staff
recommended approval of the change of zoning from the "RS -6"
Single -Family 6 District to the "RS-TH" Townhouse District)
This Ordinance was passed on second reading on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: 033127
Consent - Contracts and Procurement
7. 23-1152 Motion authorizing execution of a three-year service agreement, with two
one-year extensions, with Digitech Computer, LLC., of Chappaqua, New
York, for emergency medical services (EMS) billing and collection services
with payment for Texas Ambulance Supplemental Payment Program
(TASPP) reporting, with the anticipated payment to be $2,126,010.00 over
the term and approximately $3,603,205.00 if all options are exercised, with no
funding required for FY 2023 and future funding subject to budget approval.
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 7.
A Council Member commended the fire department and City leadership for their
efforts on moving this program forward.
Council Member Hunter moved to approve the motion, seconded by Council Member
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Pusley. This Motion was passed 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: M2023-116
8. 23-1123 Motion authorizing execution of a one-year service agreement, with two
one-year options, with Herc Rentals Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia, with an office in
Corpus Christi, through Omnia Partners Cooperative, in an amount not to
exceed $900,000.00, with a potential amount of $2,700,000.00 if options are
exercised, for the rental of heavy equipment for Corpus Christi Water, with FY
2023 funding of $75,000.00 from the Water and Wastewater Funds.
This Motion was passed on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: M2023-117
9. 23-0662 Motion authorizing execution of Amendment No. 9 to the service agreement
with USIO Output Solutions, Inc., of San Antonio for an amount not to exceed
$886,886.48, for a revised total amount of $5,391,462.14, to provide
additional utility bill printing and mailing services, with FY 2023 funds of
$221,722.00 from the Water Fund.
This Motion was passed on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: M2023-118
10. 23-1127 Motion authorizing execution of a five-year service agreement with Arbitrage
Compliance Specialists, Inc., of Greenwood Village, Colorado, for
$83,470.00, to provide arbitrage compliance services, with no funding
required in FY 2023 and funding in future fiscal years subject to budget
approval.
This Motion was passed on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: M2023-119
11. 23-1299 Motion authorizing the execution of a five-year master lease -purchase
financing agreement with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., of Chicago, Illinois,
for annual vehicle and machinery acquisitions of approximately
$19,164,137.81, with no funding required for FY 2023 and future funding
subject to budget approval.
This Motion was passed on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: M2023-120
General Consent Items
12. 23-1300 Resolution approving the amended bylaws to include a provision for board
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member absences for the Corpus Christi Business and Job Development
Corporation (the "Corpus Christi Business and Job Development
Corporation") as approved by the Board of Directors of the Corpus Christi
Business and Job Development Corporation on July 17, 2023.
This Resolution was passed on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: 033128
13. 23-1301 Resolution approving the amended bylaws to include a provision for board
member absences for the Corpus Christi B Corporation (the "Type B
Corporation") as approved by the Board of Directors of the Corpus Christi B
Corporation on July 17, 2023.
This Resolution was passed on the consent agenda.
Enactment No: 033129
K. RECESS FOR LUNCH
Mayor Guajardo recessed the Council meeting for lunch at 1:43 p.m. Mayor Guajardo
reconvened the meeting at 2:25 p.m.
L. PUBLIC HEARINGS: (ITEM 14)
14. 23-1290 Ordinance amending the Urban Transportation Plan Map of Mobility CC, a
transportation element of the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Corpus
Christi, upon application by MPM Development LP, to remove the southward
extension of Sunny Drive, a proposed C1 Minor Residential Collector located
between Starlite Lane and Haven Drive, and to remove a northwestward
extension of Haven Drive, a proposed A2 Secondary Arterial located between
the existing Haven Drive and Violet Road.
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 14.
A Council Member would like to table this item to allow staff and the contractor more
time to address some issues.
Council Member Roy moved to table this item, seconded by Council Member
Hernandez. This Item was Tabled 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
M. INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION ITEMS: (ITEMS 15 - 17)
15. 23-1291 Resolution by the City Council of Corpus Christi, Texas designating and
establishing the Convention Center Complex and certain City Parks as
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projects authorized by Chapters 504 and 505 of the Texas Local Government
Code; identifying a method for financing the project; and resolving other
matters in connection therewith.
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 15.
Assistant City Manager Heather Hurlbert presented information on the following
topics: convention center project scope; estimated project investment; potential
revenues; Type A repurposing; convention center complex defined by resolution;
current Type A sales tax revenue seawall fund use; regional parks defined by
resolution; location of each regional park; five mile radius for each regional park;
proposition proposed ballot language; and recommendation.
Council Members, City Manager Zanoni, Assistant City Manager Hurlbert, and Bond
Counsel Clay Binford with McCall, Parkhurst and Horton LLP discussed the following
topics: the City's role in the convention center hotel complex is to maintain ownership
of the land; the pros and cons of incentivizing airport funding; to be cognizant of what
the City offers as an incentive; and the proposed $200 million for the convention
center complex came from the Hunden study and based on industry standards.
Mayor Guajardo opened public comment.
Ted Mandel, 15306 Key Largo Court, spoke in support of Type A funding at the
airport, and would like to see more money spent on air service development.
Mayor Guajardo closed public comment.
Council Member Roy moved to approve the resolution, seconded by Council Member
Campos. 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 Pusley, Council Member Suckley, Council Member
Roy, Council Member Klein and Council Member Campos
Abstained: 0
Enactment No: 033130
16. 23-1265 One -reading ordinance calling a Special Election to be held in the City of
Corpus Christi, Texas to repurpose two local sales and use taxes for
financing the City's Convention Center Complex, Regional Parks, and
Commercial / Industrial Streets and new destination flight options; making
provision for the conduct of the election; and resolving other matters related
to such election.
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 16.
Mayor Guajardo opened public comment.
There were no comments from the public.
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Mayor Guajardo closed public comment.
Council Member Pusley moved to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council
Member Campos and passed unanimously.
Council Member Barrera moved to amend the ordinance in Measure A to read, "the
succeeding categories (2) and (3) and a meaningful amount (as annually determined
by the City Council), but not more than 5%, applied to the succeeding category (4),"
seconded by Council Member Roy and passed unanimously.
Council Member Roy moved to approve the ordinance as amended, seconded by
Council Member Barrera and passed unanimously.
Council Member Pusley moved to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council
Member Campos. This Ordinance was passed on emergency as amended 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: 033131
17. 23-1287 Resolution authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute all
documents necessary to enter into an interlocal agreement with the Texas
General Land Office to accept the donation of two beach access wheelchairs
from the Texas General Land Office.
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 17.
Mayor Guajardo opened public comment.
There were no comments from the Council or the public.
Mayor Guajardo closed public comment.
Council Member Hunter moved to approve the resolution, seconded by Council
Member Suckley. 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 Pusley, Council Member Suckley, Council Member
Roy, Council Member Klein and Council Member Campos
Abstained: 0
Enactment No: 033132
N. BRIEFINGS: (ITEM 18)
18. 23-1297 Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation (CCREDC)
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Quarterly Update to City Council (The second quarter of 2023)
Mayor Guajardo referred to Item 18.
Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation (CCREDC) Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) Mike Culbertson presented information on the following
topics: mission statement; Corpus Christi M/A housing report; sales tax collections
allocations; employment by sector for selected month/Corpus Christi; MSA
unemployment rates; CCREDC project pipeline; area projects net taxable value;
CCREDC 2021-2022 projects; and business attraction trade shows.
Council Members and CEO Culbertson discussed the following topics: a request for
the number of licensed/certified special skilled careers throughout the City; the
CCREDC provides databases, compliance, incentives, and economic modeling to
San Patricio County; the amount of commercial building permits are similar to last
year; and 25% of 16-24 year olds are unemployed or not in school.
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION: (NONE)
P. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Guajardo adjourned this meeting at 4:24 p.m.
City of Corpus Christi
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Norma Duran
From: Jotform <noreply@jotform.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2023 10:27 AM
To: CitySecretary; Norma Duran
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Public Input: 08-15-2023 - Deven Bhakta
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Public Comment & Input Form
Date of Meeting 08-15-2023
Name
Address
Topic
Agenda Item Number
Describe Feedback:
Deven Bhakta
Street Address: 40 E Bar Le Doc Dr
City: Corpus Christi
State / Province: TX
Postal / Zip Code: 78414
Repurposing of Sales Tax
23-1265
I am the CEO of ZJZ Hospitality Inc, a locally based
hotel development company with over 30
developed hotels as well as the newest coming to
downtown Corpus Christi. I currently serve as
Chairman of the Board for Visit Corpus Christi and
wanted to express my overwhelming support for
the repurpose of sales tax to help unlock our cities
potential. Quick history: I had just begun my
appointment to the Texas Hotel and Lodging
Association Board when legislation was passed
adding Corpus Christi as an enterprise zone
enabling the use of state HOT for convention
center/hotel projects. At the time, like most hotel
owners, I was skeptical of the success of such
projects which had taken roots in Austin, Dallas, and
Houston. After seeing the enormous success of
these developments and many more across this
country, my skepticism changed to optimism
(Please see attached letter for remainder)
Uploads: Deven Bhakta Letter of Support.pdf
1
8/15/2023
Mayor Guajardo, Council, and Peter Zanoni
ZJZ HOSPITALITY INC
Ilmel Management siva Wee!vaunt
I am the CEO of ZJZ Hospitality Inc, a locally based hotel development company with
over 30 developed hotels as well as the newest coming to downtown Corpus Christi. I
currently serve as Chairman of the Board for Visit Corpus Christi and wanted to express
my overwhelming support for the repurpose of sales tax to help unlock our cities
potential. Quick history: I had just begun my appointment to the Texas Hotel and
Lodging Association Board when legislation was passed adding Corpus Christi as an
enterprise zone enabling the use of state HOT for convention center/hotel projects. At the
time, like most hotel owners, I was skeptical of the success of such projects which had
taken roots in Austin, Dallas, and Houston. After seeing the enormous success of these
developments and many more across this country, my skepticism changed to optimism
although my doubts still existed as the overall scope of the project proposed over the years
was at times narrow thinking with no masterplan of a node of entertainment with
restaurants bars and other entertainment. Over the past year, I've been extremely
excited at the direction this project has taken and the support of our elected officials to
develop the entire area which is the key to the long-term success of this project and erased
any doubt of the validity and impact of a project like could make for our community.
Secondarily, the success of these types of developments hinges on access. With major
highways to Houston, Austin, San Antonio and Dallas; our drive location is preferable to
many, but we are also alienating a portion of our potential visitors with lack of airline
variety and direct routes. In addition to the VCC Board, I have also been appointed the
Chair of the Air Services Task Force for CCIA and our biggest goal is to bring more flight
options to our visitors as well as our residents, many of which drive out of town DAILY to
catch a flight outside of our airport. It is vital that part of this initiative, that air travel is
also addressed and what better time than now with 2 grant programs at CCIAs' disposal
which need some committed funds locally to activate. The economic impact of such a
development would improve the lives of all Corpus Christi residents and the quality -of -life
components we all seek; better schools, more jobs, better streets, and infrastructure would
all see more funding because of this development. The support of the council to put this
measure on the ballot would allow Corpus Christi to finally develop and become what it
has always destined to be; a world class destination to work and play. Thank you for your
time.
Sincerely
Deven Bhakta
ZJZ Hospitality Inc
President
Chairman — Visit Corpus Christi Board of Directors
Chairman — CCIA Air Services Task Force
•
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