Corpus Christi City Council Meeting – January 27, 2026

The Corpus Christi City Council met on January 27, 2026. The meeting included recognition of city staff for cold weather response operations and a TCEQ TOP award for the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant. Discussions spanned water supply policies, drought programs, coastal infrastructure funding, board appointments, and an Animal Care Services briefing.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda (Items 3-24) was approved with Items 4, 12, 13, 15, and 17 pulled for individual consideration and later passed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Water Policy: Rod Bartelson advocated for a strategic water plan, citing 51 million gallons per day of reservoir evaporation. Jason Hale presented data showing Stage 3 restrictions achieved only a 5% reduction in water use in 2025 against a 30% target, argued the drought exemption fee provides less conservation incentive than surcharges, and noted a $16 million revenue shortfall from conservation.
• Cold Weather & Infrastructure: Multiple speakers (Gregory Mills, Jerry Sinclair, Terry Witchy, Greg Rivera) thanked the council for the city's coordinated cold weather shelter response and for prioritizing seawall repairs. Marty Luna Garza praised the shelter operations and urged support for homeless service grants.
• Animal Care Services Funding (Sean Merritt): Sean Merritt (WebEx) proposed a utility bill roundup program to fund Animal Care Services. He disputed a previously stated euthanasia number of 20, citing city data showing 748 animals euthanized in 2025, and called for accurate data in policy-making.
• Other: Adam Rios advocated for bringing X Games to Corpus Christi. Christina English complained about a lack of transparency regarding a committee meeting.

Discussion Items

• Item 17 – Coopers Boater Facility / Seawall Fund: The council debated a $6.6 million construction contract using Type A Seawall funds. Councilmembers Paxson, Cantu, and Hernandez argued the fund should prioritize infrastructure and protection of the seawall itself rather than marina amenities. Councilman Roy defended the project as serving the public and noted the fund was nearly exhausted ($852K remaining). The motion carried, but with significant opposition.
• Item 28 – Drought Exemption Fee: Councilwoman Campos led a discussion on eliminating the drought exemption fee for large-volume users. Staff explained a 5-year phase-out is required and that ending the fee could shift costs to all ratepayers. Councilman Scott supported the fee as a consistent revenue source. Councilman Hernandez argued the city cannot conserve its way out of the drought. Councilman Roy requested a 5-year water usage trend analysis for industrial users.
• Item 29/30 – Padre/Mustang Island Mobility Plan & MPO Resolution: The plan was deferred to the February 10th meeting due to missing ordinance and a need to reconcile golf cart lane designs with TxDOT standards for Park Road 22. A resolution supporting the MPO project (Item 30) passed unanimously to secure its place in the funding cycle.
• Item 31 – Homewood Suites Police Investigation: A motion to postpone the police department's presentation pending a report from an independent legal firm passed 6-3, after a dispute over transparency.
• Item 32 – Animal Care Services Briefing: Director Kathleen Chopa reported 96 of 170 Citigate operational recommendations are complete (56%), exceeding the FY25 goal. Capital projects are delayed by manufacturing. Q1 FY26 statistics showed an 80% live release rate. Council members requested more granular data on call resolution and citation outcomes.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Items: Authorized agreements for recycled water (Valero), backup generators (Exergy), treated water supply (WCID #3), lift station repairs, and the Coopers Boater Facility contract.
• Zoning & Annexation: Approved zoning case ZN8987 (Ramfield Road) and the annexation of a 109-acre tract for subdivision development in District 5.
• Board Appointments: Jeff Edmonds reappointed to the Aquifer Storage Board. The Reinvestment Zone No. 7 Board was filled with council members, county appointees confirmed, and Councilman Gil Hernandez named chair.
• Water Rights: Authorized execution of groundwater rights option agreements from Li Ranch up to $315,400 annually.
• MPO Project: Passed a resolution supporting the Park Road 22 corridor upgrade project.