Corpus Christi City Council Meeting: February 11, 2025

The Corpus Christi City Council convened on February 11, 2025, for a lengthy meeting dominated by the ongoing Stage 3 drought, small business relief, library board appointments, and drought contingency. The session ran late into the evening, defined by passionate public testimony and sharp divisions on the council, particularly regarding the proposed Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) update, which ultimately failed to advance.

Consent Calendar

• The majority of the consent agenda was approved. Items were pulled for individual consideration, including Item 8 (Airport audit, withdrawn for review), Item 23 (Upbring Head Start lease), and Item 27 (Drought Resilience Program, later passed under Individual Consideration).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) Oversight & Equity: Numerous residents, including Claudia Michelle, Brendan Hazelton, and Jake Hernandez, expressed frustration over the city council and mayor’s low attendance at the DCP listening session. Speakers demanded a delay to the vote to incorporate mandatory industrial water curtailment and the removal of the drought surcharge exemption for large-volume users, arguing residents are unfairly bearing the burden of conservation.
• Irrigation & Landscape Industry: Robert, Ricky, and Paul Schmitchel (ABC Irrigation), Sean Christopher (Seascapes), and Jesse Jenkins (Gill Garden Center) urged the council to allow drip irrigation and hand watering in the new drought plan. They stated the current restrictions were devastating their businesses and leading to widespread layoffs, and argued that professionally installed drip irrigation is a scientifically proven conservation method.
• Library Board Appointments: The library board was a central topic. Alex Fluke, Sue Wong, Eli McCain and others spoke strongly in favor of reappointing Dora Wilburn, praising her commitment to equitable access. Melinda de los Santos defended her conduct on the board, stating her controversial statements were direct readings from city code and explicit books. Sean Flanagan argued the current policy fails to protect children from harmful material.
• City Management & Hiring Practices: Elizabeth Lilly alleged the Animal Care Services director was hired without required state certifications due to a personal friendship with the city manager’s wife, citing specific cases of animals not being properly logged or held. Elena Martinez highlighted a news report on cronyism in city hiring. Rachel Caballero formally called for the termination of City Manager Peter Zanoni.
• Water Policy & Infrastructure: Blanca Parkinson, Mark Minster, and Albert Zertuche criticized the city’s management of water resources, the viability and purpose of the EV Ranch Desalination project, and the lack of a clear plan for Stage 4 water emergency.
• Cemeteries: John Hendricks pleaded for action on the neglected New Bayview Cemetery and the 1919 hurricane memorial, leading to a response from the city manager detailing plans for fencing and restoration using existing project funds.

Board & Committee Appointments

• Library Board: Dora Wilburn was reappointed by a 6-2 vote after Councilwoman Campos recused herself, following intense public lobbying from both sides.
• Other Boards: Appointments were approved for the Capital Improvements Advisory Committee, Coastal Bend COG, Crime Control & Prevention District (with a nominee substitution by Councilman Roy), Marina Advisory Committee, and Watershore & Beach Advisory Committee.

Discussion Items

• City Manager's Report:
  • Hooks 20th Season: General Manager Brady Ballard unveiled the team's new branding and logo, highlighting significant economic impact, including over 700 room nights generated by upcoming collegiate baseball games and a new community scholarship program for local nursing students.
  • Foresight Golf Update: Director Robert Dodd reported that the new Firefly nighttime golf course drove record rounds (125,000 total) and revenues, generating nearly $500,000 in returns to the city at no taxpayer expense.
• Briefing: EV Ranch Groundwater Desalination (Item 4): CC Water COO Drew Molloy presented a potential water supply project from the Catahoula aquifer, offering up to 25 MGD at a low royalty fee ($0.30/1,000 gal). The Port of Corpus Christi is considering funding a $3 million feasibility study. High pipeline costs were noted as a challenge.
• Upbring Head Start Lease (Item 23): Councilman Cantu questioned delays in opening Head Start centers. An Upbring representative stated licensing and hiring are in process, expecting to open within 60-90 days. City staff confirmed they did not cause any delays.
• Small Business Drought Resilience Program (Item 27): A $2.38 million package was debated to provide $2 million in grants (up to $50k per business) via LiftFund. The $380,000 (19%) administrative fee and tax delinquency rules were heavily criticized. A motion to allow tax-delinquent applicants to apply failed 4-4. The program was ultimately approved as an emergency measure.
• Drought Contingency Plan Update (Item 29): The most contentious item. The council first voted to postpone the vote by two weeks (5-4). This vote was immediately reconsidered and the postponement then failed 4-4. A subsequent motion to approve the DCP with staff amendments (drip irrigation, meter moratorium moved to emergency, surcharge increases for large users) also failed on a 4-4 tie. The council then adjourned without passing the second reading, leaving the existing stricter plan in place.

Key Outcomes

• Drought Contingency Plan Update (Item 29): FAILED. The second reading of the updated DCP was not approved. The existing plan remains in effect. The item is expected to be placed on a future agenda.
• Small Business Drought Resilience Grant Program (Item 27): APPROVED as an emergency measure. $2 million in grants will be distributed by LiftFund to help drought-affected small businesses. An administrative fee of $380,000 will be paid to LiftFund.
• South Texas Alliance of Indigenous People (STAIP) Agreement (Item 28): APPROVED. An agreement for a commemorative Native American artwork project at the Hans & Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge.
• Library Board: Dora Wilburn was reappointed to the library board.
• Rezonings/Annexations: Items 24 (Padma Estates), 25 (Mandel Family Homes), and 26 (Cross Timbers/County Road 52) were all approved.