Corpus Christi City Council Meeting – May 19, 2026

The City Council convened on May 19, 2026, at 11:30 AM to address a range of topics including updates on the North Padre Island Seawall, approval of a water conservation plan, a fiscal year 2027 general fund forecast, a water supply update, and a pretrial hearing for the removal action of the mayor. The meeting included extensive public comment on water issues, city transparency, and the removal petition.

Consent Calendar

• Items 2–9 (Consent Agenda): Items 5 (natural gas supply contract) and 8 (firefighter health exams contract) were approved as part of the consent agenda. Item 8 was discussed publicly and then approved separately. Items 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9 were pulled for individual consideration.
• Item 2 – Meeting Minutes (May 12, 2026): Approved after a typographical correction was noted.
• Item 4 – Zoning Case ZN9181 (America Alfa Group): Approved (Councilmember Hernandez voted against, citing consistency with district preferences).
• Item 6 – Interlocal Agreement with Harris County Department of Education (Choice Partners cooperative): Approved after discussion; council emphasized the need to prioritize local vendors.
• Item 9 – Grant Application for South Bay Park Erosion & Flood Mitigation: Approved with an amendment capping interdepartment service fees at 11% of total project cost (not to exceed $295,900), funded by Type B Corporation.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Robin Sanders (District 1) called for accountability regarding the FEMA fraud case and urged removal of an appointed appraisal district board member.
• Brad Bartelson urged a city strategic plan for water decisions and criticized one-at-a-time water project approvals.
• Sandra Meyer criticized the city attorney's handling of rights violations and police officer misconduct.
• Scott Barraza accused the city of stonewalling public information requests (PIRs), citing high fees and a $723.50 cost estimate for a hydrology report; he filed an attorney general complaint.
• Susie Saldaña presented names of petition signers and argued the removal effort is politically motivated by a competing hotelier.
• Jaden Birdwell criticized the city for prioritizing industrial water projects over residents and pointed to homelessness and police accountability issues.
• Miriam Guerra Rashidi and Fatima Rashidi urged environmental protection, quoting Pope Francis and David Attenborough, and argued water is not a commodity.
• Jared Suarez criticized the mayor's decorum enforcement and supported the removal petition, calling for a full independent audit.
• Isabella Riser (District 2) estimated $2.1 billion in costs for eight water projects, leading to 115% rate increases, and questioned the economic benefits of petrochemical industries.
• Adam Rios (District 5) praised the Golden Mic and Wraps & Apps nonprofit programs for supporting local artists.
• Melinda de los Santos (District 2) supported the pretrial hearing, citing a need for truth regarding water and COVID-19 vaccine lot numbers.
• Rachel Caballero (District 1) claimed the city overcharged for PIRs (13 AG findings) and defended her petition to remove the mayor, stating 2,489 signatures.
• Multiple call-in speakers raised concerns about water equity, BMX track needs, and support for the removal process.

Discussion Items

• Item 1 – North Padre Island Seawall Update: Jeff Edmonds presented the project history, funding ($17 million total budget), and a community meeting set for May 20 to review landscape design. Construction expected to start after Labor Day, lasting over a year.
• Item 3 – Level 1 Water Emergency Policies (postponed): Councilman Cantu moved to table to June 2 to allow further discussion with the Apartment Association over classifying multifamily units as commercial. The motion passed 8-0-1.
• Item 7 – Surcharges During Level 1 Emergency (postponed): Tabled to June 2 along with Item 3.
• Item 11 – 2025 Water Conservation Plan: After staff presentation, the council approved the plan with several amendments: (1) Remove water supply target percentages by type (Section 2.6), (2) Remove production volumes for individual projects, (3) Remove mention of EV Ranch, (4) Adjust leak detection goals to 13 GPCD by 2030 and 11 GPCD by 2035, (5) Update water supply project list to reflect current active projects, (6) Strike Appendix D1–D2 (state water rights application). The plan will be submitted to TCEQ.
• Item 12 – FY 2027 General Fund Forecast: Amy Rodriguez presented that revenues are projected at $344.2 million, expenses $362.2 million, leaving a $900,000 gap. The gap is deemed manageable through reduced recurring expenses and fee adjustments. Council emphasized the need for district budget input sessions.
• Item 13 – Water Supply Update: Nick Winkleman reported the projected Level 1 water emergency date has moved from September to December 2026 due to beneficial rainfall and project timeline improvements. The dashboard will be updated monthly. Council discussed the potential of using full well capacity (26 MGD) and the status of the Aquatech desalination project (letter of intent expected this week, contract negotiation within three months). The Farfield model results for Inner Harbor will be presented on May 28, with a contract vote on June 2.
• Item 15 – Pretrial Hearing for Mayor Removal: After public comment (supporters urged proceeding for transparency; opponents called it politically motivated), the council approved motions to (1) appoint Terry Shamsy as special counsel, (2) schedule pretrial hearings for May 27 and June 2, 2026, and (3) require petitioners and mayor to exchange witness lists, scope of testimony, and exhibits by June 2.

Key Outcomes

• Item 3 & 7 (Water Emergency Policies & Surcharges): Postponed to June 2, 2026, pending meeting with Apartment Association.
• Item 11 (Water Conservation Plan): Approved with amendments; will be submitted to TCEQ.
• Item 15 (Mayor Removal): Special counsel appointed; pretrial hearings set for May 27 and June 2, 2026; parties must exchange witness lists and exhibits by June 2.
• Budget: The $900,000 gap in the FY 2027 general fund is to be closed through cost savings and fee adjustments; district budget input sessions will be prioritized.
• Water Supply: The Level 1 emergency projection extended to December 2026; staff to continue monitoring and update dashboard monthly.