Corpus Christi City Council Meeting - November 11, 2025

The Corpus Christi City Council met on November 11, 2025, at 11:30 AM in Council Chambers. The meeting featured a water supply update, board appointments, consent agenda actions, public hearings on zoning and development agreements, a briefing on the Civitan Service Center Master Plan, individual consideration items for a public works facility, an airport lease, and a roadway plan amendment. The mayor recessed the meeting for lunch and later excused herself; Councilmember Roy presided over the general public comment period. The meeting concluded with adjournment after executive session.

Consent Calendar

• Routine items (Items 3-14) approved in one vote, except Items 8, 9, and 13 were pulled for separate discussion.
• Item 8 (Professional services contract with BRW Architects for Fire Station No. 9 design): Approved after discussion. Amount: $814,528.00.
• Item 9 (Professional services contract with BRW Architects for Fire Station No. 11 design): Approved after discussion. Amount: $623,000.00.
• Item 13 (Ordinance accepting $264,603.00 TDHCA Homeless Housing and Services Program grant): Approved. The RFP process opened November 3, 2025, with recommendations expected January 27, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On Items 8 & 9: Rachel Caballero (District 1) opposed doing business with any contractor under investigation, referring to a local firm. Susan Saldania (Corpus Christi) argued for fairness unless a firm is found guilty.
• On Item 15 (Zoning ZN8855): BJ Johnston (Amanda Lane) presented a petition opposing use of Amanda Lane as access, citing safety and character concerns. Jared Bulliger (Robstown) opposed adding homes during a drought. Moses Mastagasi (District 5) supported the development, stating it provides connectivity. Melden Hunt (developer) said they would work with the city on access.
• General Public Comment (centered on desalination and city issues): Multiple speakers addressed the proposed Inner Harbor desalination project. Brad Bartelson (District 5) advocated for a distributed alternative water plan. Fatima Guerra Rashidi (District 1) opposed desalination, citing ecological risks. Eric Von Wade (District 2) urged bold action on desalination to secure future water supply. Isabel Adisa (District 2) criticized council ties to industry and campaign contributions. Susie Saldania (District 2) complained about the State of the City event format. Melissa Zamora (District 2) opposed desalination and called for a public ballot measure. Samuel Fryer (District 4) read scripture. Ron Grayman (Corpus Christi) expressed trust in council on water decisions. Eric Payne (District 2) rejected desalination and the model of treating government like a business. Jason Hale (Corpus Christi) requested public environmental modeling for the Inner Harbor plant. Christina English (District 1) criticized the mayor's use of honorifics and decorum enforcement. Eli McKay (District 1) praised council's progress on water projects. Robin Cox (District 1) criticized the mayor and high crime rates. Amanda Breland (District 1) opposed desalination and accused council of prioritizing industry. Mark Munster (Corpus Christi) argued that economic development subsidies harm public services. Frankie Orona (San Antonio, property owner in Ingleside) opposed desalination on legal and environmental justice grounds.

Discussion Items

1. City Manager's Water Supply Update (Item 1): City Manager Peter Zanoni and Nick Winkleman (CCW) provided an update on water supply projects. They reported that the drought has lasted 4.5 years since spring 2021. The New Oasis Groundwater Program includes an eastern well field (8 wells, $16.1M spent) and a western well field (4 wells drilled, $9M spent, target online May 2026). A $30M state grant was noted. The Evangeline Laguna Groundwater Project in San Patricio County (24 MGD capacity) targets partial delivery in November 2026. An independent hydrogeologic review confirmed groundwater availability. Effluent reuse projects are progressing, targeting 3 MGD from Allison and Greenwood plants, and a conveyance line from Oso to Greenwood. CCW launched a well owner assistance program (call 361-826-1600) for free well testing near the projects.
2. Board and Committee Appointments (Item 2): The council made multiple appointments:
   • Ethics Commission: Matt Moore appointed.
   • Landmark Commission: Walter Mum and Elizabeth Riggle reappointed.
   • Library Board: Incumbents Patricia Craig and Carrie Moore reappointed. From nominees Josh Shelton, Marty Lena Garza, Carolyn Kuvala, Ann Coover, Alex Hoffley, and Puja Bending Mali, the council selected Garza, Coover, and Puja for three vacancies.
   • Reinvestment Zone No. 2 (Island) Board: Incumbents reappointed, including Brent Chesney (Nueces County appointee) and Councilmembers. Chairman Kaylin Paxon reappointed.
   • Reinvestment Zone No. 4 (North Beach) Board: Incumbents reappointed, including Jesse Gilbert and Steve Banta. Chairman Carolyn Vaughn reappointed.
3. Briefing on Civitan Service Center Master Plan (Item 18): Juan Rivera (interim director of Asset Management) presented a long-term plan for the 85-acre service center, which houses multiple departments. The plan aims to improve security, address overcrowding, modernize facilities, and promote vertical expansion. Several CIP projects are approved or in planning, including a new public works facility, warehouse for CCW, and improvements to animal care, fleet, and police facilities. Estimated timeline is 10-15 years. City Manager noted future funding would likely come from bond programs. Councilmembers expressed support for the vision but called for transparent funding and prioritization.
4. Individual Consideration Items:
   • Item 19 (Public Works Facility Design Contract): Motion to authorize contract with Richter Architects ($1,464,088.00) for design of a 25,000 sq. ft. building attached to the traffic management center to consolidate operations. Discussion centered on funding source (stormwater fund) and the building's hurricane rating. Councilmember Hernandez raised concerns about stormwater funding for a multi-department facility. Councilmember Vaughn questioned the size. Motion carried.
   • Item 20 (Airport Lease with Texan Stores): Ordinance authorizing a 40-year lease (with one 10-year option) for eight acres at Corpus Christi International Airport for a convenience store and fueling station. The developer estimates $10M capital investment. The lease will generate $6.446M in rent over 40 years, plus $69.192M in tax revenue. Council discussion included comparisons to other airport leases, the need for a hotel on site, and requests for water conservation features. Motion carried.
   • Item 21 (Freds Folly Drive Removal): Ordinance to remove a section of Freds Folly Drive from the Roadway Master Plan. Councilmember Hernandez argued the road is needed for mobility and safety; Councilmember Scott supported removal to facilitate development. The motion to approve the ordinance failed, so the road remains in the master plan.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved with exceptions.
• Items 8 & 9 (Fire Station designs): Approved.
• Item 13 (Homeless Housing grant): Approved.
• Board Appointments: All recommended candidates appointed.
• Item 15 (Zoning ZN8855): Approved (rezoning for up to 226 single-family homes).
• Items 16 & 17 (King's Landing water & road agreements): Approved (reimbursement up to $394,296.00 and $944,506.80 respectively).
• Item 19 (Public Works Facility design): Approved.
• Item 20 (Airport lease): Approved.
• Item 21 (Freds Folly removal): Motion failed; road remains in master plan.
• Executive Session: Held on items 22-25 (personnel, desalination legal issues, business incentives, groundwater purchases). No votes were taken in open session on these matters.