Corpus Christi City Council Meeting - July 22, 2025

The Corpus Christi City Council met on July 22, 2025, beginning at 11:30 AM in Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of consent agenda items, public hearings, individual consideration items, and briefings on the Inner Harbor Water Treatment Campus and water supply updates. Key decisions included approvals of air service incentives, a family entertainment center incentive, solid waste infrastructure, and modifications to street closures and zoning for the Port of Corpus Christi. The meeting recessed for executive session and concluded at approximately 10:14 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the July 15, 2025 meeting.
• Approved ordinances for a no-fee 20-year FAA lease at the airport, appropriation of grant funds (Motor Vehicle Crime, Emergency Management), and issuance of various bonds and certificates of obligation (Items 5 and 7 passed individually after being pulled).
• Approved acceptance of grants from ASPCA ($30,000) and NRPA ($15,000).
• Approved abandonment of 2.5193 acres of public right-of-way related to the Harbor Bridge project (Item 11, pulled, discussed below).
• Approved zoning changes for Port of Corpus Christi (Items 12 and 13, pulled, discussed below).
• Approved contracts for 911 system upgrades, vehicles, investment advisory services, wastewater line design, and library exterior renovation (Item 20, pulled, discussed below).
• Approved acceptance of homeland security grants and a lease for a radio shop.
• Approved first-reading ordinances for PID assessment and airport lease amendments.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 11 (Street Closures): Multiple residents from Hillcrest and Washington-Coles neighborhoods opposed the closure, citing concerns about evacuation routes, historical significance, and the impact on community access. Speakers urged the council to keep streets open. Council members engaged in extensive discussion with Port and Public Works representatives.
• Item 12 & 13 (Zoning): Numerous residents opposed rezoning to light industrial, arguing it would harm the historic Hillcrest neighborhood, increase environmental risks, and displace residents. Some speakers noted lack of notification. Councilman Hernandez proposed an amendment to Item 12 to rezone to CG2 with a special permit instead of IL.
• Item 26 (Crime Control Budget): Residents expressed mixed views; some supported increased police funding, while others advocated for more crime prevention programs and cited examples from other cities.
• Item 27 (HUD Annual Action Plan): Speakers supported funding for Rising Tide Ministries, Habitat for Humanity, and other social services. Some criticized code enforcement funding and the Salvation Army's past performance.
• General Public Comment (5:30 PM): Over 40 speakers addressed the council on topics including opposition to the Inner Harbor desalination plant, support for alternative water sources, concerns about PFAS contamination, criticism of rezoning Hillcrest, police collaboration with ICE, and requests for improved public comment procedures.

Discussion Items

• Item 11 (Street Abandonment): Council and public debated the closure of New Oasis Street. Port representatives explained the need for a contiguous laydown area. Public Works clarified that only a small segment between Port Avenue and Coke Street was recommended. Councilwoman Campos offered an amendment to delay actual closure until 2027, which was accepted. The item passed 7-1.
• Item 12 (Zoning ZN8534): Councilman Hernandez moved to amend from IL to CG2 with a special permit to protect a remaining residence. The amendment passed. The item as amended passed.
• Item 13 (Zoning ZN8553): Similar rezoning request for larger area. Council approved the IL zoning as recommended by staff (overruling Planning Commission denial).
• Item 20 (Library Renovation): Councilwoman Campos urged more tree planting. Discussion on water-efficient landscaping. Approved.
• Item 31 (Air Service Agreement): Interim Aviation Director Jeremy Valgardson presented a minimum revenue guarantee agreement with Frontier Airlines for non-stop service to Denver starting October 9, 2025. Costs covered by SCASD grant, Visit Corpus Christi, and Type B Corporation funds. Unanimously approved.
• Item 30 (Cinergy Incentive): Economic Development presented a Chapter 380 agreement for a $40 million family entertainment center at Rodd Field and SPID, providing up to $4.15 million in tax rebates over 15 years. Unanimously approved.
• Item 26 (Crime Control Budget): FY2026 budget of $11.2 million for 78 sworn officers and 9 replacement vehicles, funded by sales tax and fund balance. Approved after public hearing.
• Item 27 (HUD Action Plan): First reading of ordinance adopting FY2026 CDBG, ESG, and HOME allocations totaling $4.375 million. Councilwoman Paxson proposed amendments to shift funding from code enforcement to Habitat for Humanity and Rising Tide, but discussion deferred to second reading. Staff recommendation passed.
• Item 28 (STWA Water Contract Deadline): Chief Operating Officer Drew Molly reported that due diligence could not meet the August 24 deadline. South Texas Water Authority representatives requested more time. Council amended the motion to waive the deadline and schedule an update on September 23. Passed.
• Item 29 (Solid Waste Compost Yard): Award of $5.49 million construction contract to JE Construction for a compost facility at Cefe Valenzuela Landfill. Approved unanimously.
• Briefing on Inner Harbor Water Treatment Campus (Item 32): Program Director Brett Van Hazel presented the 10% cost model update, showing total project cost estimated at $1.189 billion (up from $757 million). Drew Molly discussed rate impacts: residential monthly increase of $11.38 (with grants, $9.92) starting FY2029. Council debated costs, alternatives, and rates. The briefing was for information only; next steps include approval to advance to 60% design.

Key Outcomes

• Item 11 (Street Closures): Motion to approve with amendment to delay closure until 2027 passed 7-1.
• Item 12 (Zoning ZN8534): Amendment to CG2 with special permit passed; item as amended passed.
• Item 13 (Zoning ZN8553): IL zoning approved.
• Item 31 (Air Service): Approved unanimously.
• Item 30 (Cinergy Incentive): Approved unanimously.
• Item 26 (Crime Control Budget): Approved after public hearing.
• Item 27 (HUD Action Plan): First reading passed; second reading scheduled for July 29.
• Item 28 (STWA Deadline): Motion to waive deadline and set update for September 23 passed.
• Item 29 (Compost Yard): Approved unanimously.
• Consent Agenda: Approved as amended (items 5,7,9,11,12,13,20 voted individually).