Corpus Christi City Council Meeting - November 19, 2024

On November 19, 2024, the Corpus Christi City Council met at 11:31 a.m. to address a new police training academy, certify November 5 election results, receive a quarterly economic update from CCREDC, vote on consent agenda items (with two pulled for separate consideration), and hold a workshop on the state and federal legislative agenda. The meeting recessed for lunch and executive sessions, reconvening at 2:43 p.m., and adjourned at 4:01 p.m.

Consent Calendar

The council approved the consent agenda (Items 5–19 except 7 and 19) by an 8-0 vote (Council Member Suckley absent). Approved items included:

• Item 5: Approval of November 12, 2024 meeting minutes.
• Item 6: Ordinance accepting $120,500 border security grant for CCPD (Second Reading).
• Items 8–9: Two historic overlay zoning changes (Second Reading).
• Items 10–12: Service agreements for construction equipment repairs ($140,000), worksite restoration ($186,225), and seawall clean-up ($66,999.92).
• Items 13–15: Capital projects: Calallen Elevated Storage Tank design ($2,450,854), Greenwood WWTP improvements ($112,000), and Dilworth Park Pavilion ($202,754.50).
• Item 16: Ordinance amending FY2024-2025 Capital Budget to add Bond 2024 projects ($140,411,197) (First Reading).
• Item 17: Ordinance approving 10-year lease renewal with Padre Island Yacht Club (First Reading).
• Item 18: Ordinance authorizing assignment and new lease for Hala Pit Landfill (First Reading).

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Weber (Corpus Christi) discussed water drought contingency plan deadlines and groundwater exploration costs, referencing a prior council discussion. He also noted that home addresses of council members are redacted from public records.
• Joan Carrillo (Corpus Christi) supported the Library Board's role in book selection and argued that public opinion is properly expressed through elections and board appointments.
• Susie Luna Saldana (Corpus Christi) expressed concern about stage 3 drought restrictions and the timing relative to political campaigns, urging the council to prioritize water supply.
• Aislu Engelke (Corpus Christi) presented atmospheric water generator technology as a solution to water shortages, speaking on behalf of the non-profit Creative Society.
• Bob Catalano (Corpus Christi) supported the new police cadets and raised issues about high tides on North Beach.
• Adam Rios (Corpus Christi) called for civil discourse and positive community engagement.
• Nancy Vera, Deanna King, and Peggy Duran (all Corpus Christi) spoke in support of Alice Upshaw-Hawkins retaining her Library Board seat, citing her experience and the need for diversity. Deanna King also requested a meeting with the City Secretary regarding removal procedures.

Discussion Items

1. City Manager’s Report – New Police Training Academy: City Manager Peter Zanoni reported on the new 34,000 sq ft, $23.5 million police training academy on Del Mar College’s south campus. The facility, funded through bond programs, replaces the outdated Corona Drive site. The 28 cadets of the 84th Academy were introduced. Police Chief Markle and a cadet spoke about the improved training environment. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for November 21, 2024, at 9 a.m.

2. Special Consideration – Election Canvassing and Runoff:

   • Item 2: Ordinance canvassing November 5 general and special election results. Mayor Guajardo read the certified results; a runoff is needed for Mayor, Council District 1, and Council District 4. Passed 8-0.
   • Item 3: Ordinance ordering a runoff election on December 14, 2024, with early voting Dec 2–10 and 13 polling locations. Passed 8-0.

3. CCREDC Quarterly Update: Mike Culbertson, President and CEO of the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation, presented economic trends: median home prices, sales tax collections (flat growth), employment exceeding 200,000, unemployment at 4.4%, and wages nearing state averages. The pipeline includes 12–15 active projects. Hydrogen energy was highlighted as a potential future sector. Council members discussed water availability for industry, medical workforce retention, and the impact of legislative changes on carbon capture incentives.

4. State and Federal Legislative Agenda Workshop: Director of Intergovernmental Relations Ryan Skrobarczyk and consultants from Hance Scarborough and Focused Advocacy presented the draft legislative agenda for the 89th Texas Legislature and 119th Congress. Key federal priorities include military base support (including the 50-50 rule, child development center, and housing), water infrastructure funding, disaster relief reform, and flood insurance program sustainability. State priorities include preserving local decision-making, opposing preemption on zoning and revenue, increasing Texas Military Department funds, supporting TWIA reforms, pursuing water funding (including a proposed $5 billion capitalization), and advancing projects like the TAMU-CC convocation center and aviation education campus. The council will vote on the final resolution on December 3, 2024.

Key Outcomes

• Election Results Certified and Runoff Ordered: The council approved canvassing the November 5 election results (8-0) and ordered a runoff election for Mayor, District 1, and District 4 on December 14, 2024 (8-0).
• Item 7 (Type B Budget Increase) Passed 6-3: Ordinance increasing the Type B Corporation’s FY 2025 operating budget by $221,284 for CCREDC services passed on second reading with a 6-3 vote (Hernandez, Klein, Campos nay).
• Item 19 (Whataburger Field Lease Addendum) Passed 8-1: Ordinance approving $137,260 in Type A funding for capital improvements to Whataburger Field per MLB requirements passed on first reading with an 8-1 vote (Hernandez nay).
• Legislative Agenda Adoption Scheduled: The council will consider adoption of the state and federal legislative agenda on December 3, 2024. Discussion indicated broad support for added water infrastructure funding and military support.
• Executive Sessions Held: The council met in executive session during the lunch recess to consult with attorneys on legal issues related to water rate appeals (PUC Docket No. 56427) and a potential Chapter 380 incentive agreement with Air Products LLC.