Corpus Christi City Council Meeting - October 29, 2024

The Corpus Christi City Council met on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 11:30 AM in the Council Chambers. Mayor Paulette Guajardo presided. The meeting included an invocation by Police Chief Markle, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Anthony Wilson (Flour Bluff High School student), roll call, city manager's comments, public testimony, approval of consent agenda items (with one item pulled for separate vote), public hearings on industrial district annexations and developer participation agreements, and a resolution to accept a petition for a new Public Improvement District. An executive session was held to discuss legal issues related to water rights and property.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the October 22, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes (Item 3).
• Ordinance authorizing a Wastewater Collection Line Construction Reimbursement Agreement with Devonshire Custom Homes, Inc. for Westwood Heights Unit 4, up to $14,476.00 (Item 5).
• Motion authorizing a three-year service agreement with Southern Tire Mart for mobile tire repair services, up to $223,807.00 (Item 6).
• Motion authorizing a three-year service agreement with Excel Pump & Machine, Inc. for pump maintenance, up to $1,599,980.00 (Item 7).
• Motion authorizing a one-year cooperative service agreement with United Rentals for dump trucks and a pickup truck, up to $219,716.00 (Item 8).
• Resolution approving the 2025 Council meeting calendar (Item 9).
• Resolution authorizing a grant application to the U.S. Department of Energy for energy-efficient lighting at the airport and Parks & Recreation, $322,260.00 (Item 10).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Nicanor Lopez: Expressed concerns about gutter maintenance responsibility (arguing it falls on the city, not homeowners) and poor customer service from the water department and code enforcement. He noted a water meter left uncovered and a disrespectful comment from a city employee.
• Arlene Medrano (Habitat for Humanity board member): Thanked the council for partnership on the Lamar Elementary infill housing project and introduced the new Executive Director, Steven Pierce.
• Steven Pierce (new Habitat for Humanity Executive Director): Shared his personal background of housing instability and military service, emphasizing the importance of stable housing as a launchpad for success. He expressed enthusiasm for working with the city.
• Robin Sander: Raised concerns about loitering and safety around City Hall, proposing signage to deter panhandling. She suggested that the city should address the issue more visibly.
• Daniel Resley: Described a problem with auto-pay for water bills after the city sent a directive to re-enroll, resulting in a shut-off notice despite having paid. Councilman Roy noted a similar issue and pointed out an additional tab needed to confirm payment.
• Alma Studer: Questioned the use of sales tax revenue by economic development corporations, alleging preferential treatment to businesses without sufficient transparency. She asked where the money went.
• Sharin Del Seuss: Advocated for protected bike lanes, citing studies showing up to a 90% reduction in accidents. She urged the city to consider safety improvements for cyclists when fixing streets and provided links to grant opportunities.

Discussion Items

• City Manager's Comments: Rebecca Huerta (City Secretary) presented the Boards and Commissions Annual Report Process for 2024. She explained that board chairs must submit annual reports by January 31, 2025, using an online template. Councilwoman Campos asked about the number of active boards (approximately 28) and noted that sunset reviews are conducted every three years; some boards may need changes.
• Item 4 (Consent pulled by Councilman Klein): Ordinance authorizing a Wastewater Trunk System Construction and Reimbursement Agreement with MPM Development for King's Landing Unit 6, up to $440,829.12. Councilman Klein opposed, stating that extending services far outside the central city limits is not cost-effective. The item was approved with Klein's dissenting vote.
• Items 11 & 12 (Public Hearings – Industrial District Annexation): Dan McGinn (Planning Director) explained the first public hearings for potential annexation of properties in Industrial Districts 1-8 in Nueces and San Patricio Counties if owners do not sign new 15-year Industrial District Agreements. He noted that 80+ businesses are being contacted, and most are expected to sign. Councilman Klein asked about the deadline: the final annexation ordinance will be considered on December 10, so agreements must be signed by late November. No public comments were received.
• Items 13 & 14 (Public Hearings – Developer Participation Agreements): Michael Dice (Development Services) presented resolutions for Oso Parkway construction reimbursements: Item 13 with LSK Development for Azali Estates Unit 3 ($267,118.47) and Item 14 with MPM Development for Starlight Estates Unit 8 ($547,497.18). Councilman Hernandez noted that Item 14 uses concrete while Item 13 uses asphalt. Councilman Klein asked about elevation concerns near Oso Creek; Dice responded that improvements are outside the floodplain. Councilman Putley asked about funding source: public works budget, not trust funds. No public comments. Both items were approved.
• Item 15 (Individual Consideration – Mirabella Public Improvement District): Dr. Marcus (Economic Development) presented a petition to create a Public Improvement District (PID) for the Mirabella development, a 300-acre project with approximately 1,000 homes, parks, trails, and a community center/resort-style pool. The council accepted the petition and set a public hearing for December 3, 2024. Councilman Hernandez supported the PID policy as a way to fund infrastructure without burdening existing citizens. Councilman Roy praised the project's concept. Councilman Presley asked about potential conflicts with Navy flight operations from Cabaniss Field; Dr. Marcus confirmed the development is outside the airfield zone and the Navy has been notified. No public comments. The resolution was approved.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda (Items 3, 5-10): Approved unanimously by one vote.
• Item 4 (Wastewater Trunk Agreement): Approved with one dissenting vote (Councilman Klein).
• Items 11 & 12 (Industrial District Annexation Public Hearings): Held; no vote required; process continues with second hearing scheduled for November 12, 2024.
• Items 13 & 14 (Developer Participation Agreements): Approved unanimously.
• Item 15 (Mirabella PID Petition): Accepted; public hearing set for December 3, 2024.
• Executive Session (Item 16): Council entered executive session to consult with attorneys regarding water rights, purchase/lease of water-related properties, drought contingency, and related legal matters. No action was taken in open session after reconvening.
• Other: Council directed city staff to follow up with public commenters Mr. Lopez (water/street concerns) and Ms. Sander (City Hall loitering).