Corpus Christi City Council Meeting - July 14, 2026

The City Council met on July 14, 2026, at 11:30 AM in Council Chambers. The meeting included a presentation on the FY 2027 budget survey, public comments on data centers and water issues, board appointments, consent agenda approval, a discussion on the La Volla Creek flood mitigation project, a discussion on Industrial District Agreements (IDAs) 110A and 110B, a water supply update, and executive session actions. The meeting adjourned at 3:59 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved Items 3–14 with the exception of Item 11, which was pulled for separate discussion. Items included routine approvals such as zoning changes (Items 4–6), a substantial amendment to the FY 2021 Annual Action Plan (Item 7), a supply agreement for traffic sign materials (Item 8), grant applications for water line replacement and flood mitigation (Items 9–11), an interlocal agreement for police overtime reimbursement (Item 12), a 10-year lease with Harbor Playhouse (Item 13), and acceptance of grant awards for wastewater and water generation projects (Item 14).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sean Flanagan (Citizens Defending Freedom) expressed concerns about the HUT 8 data center, requesting more information on water, power, noise, and environmental impacts. He noted that 133 of the 524-acre site lie within city limits.
• Bradley Bartelson (District 5) provided technical details on data centers, warning of high energy consumption, heat islands, and potential property tax losses from the HUT 8 project.
• Susie Luna Saldania (District 2) urged the council to be mindful of taxpayer money and reduce spending on attorneys.
• Marty Garza (Chair, Library Advisory Board) requested a public update and timeline for resolving the Hart Library issue, citing delays and a lack of answers.
• Jeff Lerman (attorney for Elevate) argued that the city should withdraw its default position against Elevate, noting that the Type B board reaffirmed the contract by a 5-0 vote the previous day.
• Amanda Gomez (Mother Teresa Shelter) requested support for ESG funding to sustain essential services for the unhoused.
• Scott Barraza (Nueces County) criticized the city’s groundwater pumping, warning of subsidence and infrastructure damage, and cited a flawed hydrology report.
• Emily Bareta (District 2) expressed grief over the city prioritizing industry over residents, urging a change in course.
• Mark Menster (District 4) presented slides arguing that industrial water users do not pay their fair share, driving up costs for residents.
• Hope Malkin (CDF) listed numerous water-related questions about the HUT 8 project and requested a list of city officials who met with project proponents.
• Rev. Henry Williams commended a prayer meeting and asked the council to vote against the Inner Harbor Desalination Project.
• Melinda de los Santos (District T) emphasized that citizens' testimony is not complaining but providing independent research, and requested cumulative impact studies for the data center’s proximity to schools.
• Rachel Caballero (District 1) noted that a recall petition for the mayor has 2,674 signatures and questioned the lack of public reports from law enforcement.
• Robin Cox (District 3) criticized industrial water discounts and rising water rates, calling for fairness to residents.
• Amanda Short (District 4, disabled veteran) introduced a Texas infrastructure stewardship initiative to address cumulative impacts of new industrial development.
• Ajit David (via Webex, District 2) provided an update on his lawsuit against the city, noting the city’s appeals have been repeatedly denied and questioning the $500,000 in legal fees.
• Laura Madden (District 1) questioned the city’s legal costs and called for limits on attorney fee reimbursement.
• Alberto Zertuche (District 3) criticized industry influence on the council and urged an end to subsidies.

Discussion Items

• City Manager’s Report – FY 2027 Budget Survey and Community Input (Item 1): Budget Director Amy Rodriguez presented results from an online survey (1,504 responses, exceeding the 665 needed for 99% confidence) and three community input sessions. Top priorities: fire/EMS (12.7%), residential street maintenance (12.3%), police (11.4%), and animal care (6.9%). Least important: parking enforcement (14.2%), pools/aquatics (9.2%), economic development (7.4%), and code enforcement (7%). Council members discussed low attendance (average 13 per session) and suggested earlier engagement and district-specific sessions.
• La Volla Creek Flood Mitigation Project (Item 11): Ernie De La Garza (Public Works) presented the $6.6 million grant application (75/25 split) for Package B (box culverts under SPID and Holly Road) to reduce flood risk for La Molina, Los Encinos, and Las Colonias neighborhoods. Package A (detention pond) is near completion. Council supported the project.
• IDA 110A and 110B Discussion (Item 15): Councilwoman Campos led a discussion on alleged revenue losses from the 2024 rewrite of Industrial District Agreements. Staff (Jennifer Buxton) indicated a performance audit by Weaver is forthcoming. Council debated the three-signature memo process and staff readiness. City Manager Zanoni confirmed that Weaver will conduct a no-cost audit of the specific IDA.
• Water Supply Update (Item 16): Nick Winkleman (CCW COO) reported current reservoir levels: Lake Corpus Christi 33.8%, Choke Canyon 8.1%, combined 15.3% (up 0.2% from last year). Updates on Oasis groundwater program (drilling permits granted, permit modification postponed), effluent reuse projects (Valero and Flint Hills projected to start later in 2026), Evangeline project (10,001 linear feet of pipe installed, permit hearing delayed), Seven C's water group (test well expected by end of July), Inner Harbor desalination (far field model review ongoing, stakeholder group formed by Nueces River Authority), and CC Polymers (hearing completed, decision expected by year-end). Councilman Cantu asked about watering restrictions (Stage 2 at combined 30%). Councilwoman Campos requested cost tracking for each project.

Key Outcomes

• Approved consent agenda (Items 3–14) with the exception of Item 11. Item 11 was approved after discussion.
• Appointed members to the Landmark Commission (Aaron Goldstein and Shelly Rios), Planning Commission and Airport Zoning Commission (Alex Garcia and Paul Cervantes).
• Directed staff to conduct a performance audit of IDA 110A and 110B, with a presentation to council at a future date.
• In executive session, council passed a motion (8-3 with abstention) to recommend substitute counsel for the Ajit David lawsuit, replacing George Hyde, within 10 business days.
• Council passed a motion (with opposition and one abstention) to direct staff to pursue mediation with all parties in the Ajit David lawsuit.
• A motion to waive attorney-client privilege for a letter from George Hyde failed.
• Received the water supply update; no action taken. Mayor Guajardo noted that the water supply dashboard update will be delivered on July 28, 2026.