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Record of Proceedings

Corpus Christi City Council Meeting - September 8, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, September 8, 2026
BodyCorpus Christi, Texas
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, September 8, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 5:36:04

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Unassigned speaker

5:58

Report up three one of the good

Speaker 1

6:32

morning everyone, everyone.

6:33

I'd like to call this meeting to order.

6:36

Uh welcome to City Hall.

6:37

Welcome to Council Chambers.

6:39

It's wonderful to be

Unassigned speaker

6:40

back

Speaker 1

6:41

with you all today.

6:42

So thanks for joining us as well.

6:44

Uh this morning our invocation will be given by Father William Campbell with the Church of the Good Shepherd.

6:52

Father.

Speaker 2

6:55

Let us pray.

6:57

The Lord, our governor, bless the leaders of our land that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth.

7:06

To the President and members of the cabinet, to governors of states, mayors of cities, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties.

7:18

To senators and representatives and those who make our laws in states, cities, and towns, give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.

7:33

To the judges and officers of our courts, give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served.

7:42

And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society, that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy name.

8:02

Amen.

Speaker 1

8:03

Amen.

8:04

Thank you, Father.

8:06

And uh the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States and to the Texas State flag will be led by Melina Guzmán.

8:13

She is a senior at uh South Texas Science and Technology.

8:18

She's an honorable scholar and student council senior class officer.

8:22

Melina,

Speaker 3

8:23

please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.

8:26

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

8:40

Please join me in honoring the Texas Pledge.

8:43

Honor the Texas flag.

8:45

I pledge allegiance to the Texas one state under God, one and indivisible.

Speaker 1

8:55

Thank you.

8:55

Yes, ma'am.

8:58

City Secretary Rebecca Werta, would you

Speaker 4

9:00

please call the role?

9:01

Mayor Palette Wahardo.

9:03

Present.

9:04

Council members Roland Barreta.

9:05

Here.

9:06

Savia Campos.

9:07

Eric Anthou.

9:08

Here.

9:09

Gail Hernandez.

9:10

Here.

9:10

Kaelin Paxson.

9:12

Everett Roy.

Speaker 5

9:13

Present.

Speaker 4

9:14

Mark Scott.

Speaker 5

9:15

Here.

Speaker 4

9:16

Carolyn Bond.

9:18

City Manager Peter Zanoni.

9:20

Present.

9:20

Interim City Attorney Buck Bryce.

9:22

Present.

9:22

Mayor and Council Accorum of the Council and the required charter officers are present to conduct the meeting.

Speaker 1

9:28

Thank you, Ms.

9:28

Werther.

9:29

We'll go to Section E, and that is our city manager's comments update and update on city operations.

9:34

Mr.

9:35

Zanoni.

Speaker 6

9:36

Okay, great.

9:36

Good morning, Mayor and members of the council.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Engineering And Infrastructure████████████████████20%
Budget Equity Analysis██████████████████18%
Personnel Matters████████████████16%
Procedural█████████████13%
Water And Wastewater Management██████6%
Public Engagement██████6%
Community Engagement████4%
Public Safety███3%
Procurement Policy███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Corpus Christi City Council Meeting - September 8, 2026

The meeting began at 11:30 AM and was adjourned at 6:23 PM, covering a wide range of items including updates on water releases and 9/11 remembrance, numerous public comments, adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget and property tax rate, zoning decisions, and a failed resolution to form a procurement committee. The council also received an update on the city's audit department which faces staffing challenges.

Consent Calendar

  • Items 14-27, with items 19, 20, 21, and 27 pulled for individual consideration. All consent items ultimately passed.
  • Items 19 and 20 involved annexation and rezoning for commercial development in District 3. Item 21 ratified termination of an agreement with Elevate QOF. Item 27 extended the La Palmera Mall incentive agreement without additional funding.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Robin Sanders urged removal of the appraisal district chairman, criticizing his appointment and alleged quid pro quo with council contributions.
  • Stephen Clepper advocated for a strong internal auditor function, supporting the audit department's independence and role in transparency.
  • Robert Rocha requested review of insurance cost increases for retired firefighters.
  • Marty Lena Garza urged support for public libraries, citing increased visitation and circulation statistics.
  • Adam Rios expressed interest in serving on the Arts & Cultural Commission and highlighted the value of arts and culture in the city.
  • Susie Saldania encouraged council unity and cooperation.
  • Amanda Gomez invited the public to a Catholic Charities traveling poverty museum.
  • George Johnson opposed a halfway house being established across from his home, citing safety concerns and asking for council action.
  • Jared Swatz questioned the mayor's involvement in various controversies and suggested agenda items start after public comment.
  • Carissa Tamez announced community meetings for the 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan.
  • Henry Williams commended the council for rejecting the Inner Harbor Desalination project.
  • Armand Alex celebrated the rejection of the desalination plan and urged permanent permit termination.
  • Sean Merritt (WebEx) criticized the mayor's suspension and alleged violation of suspension terms.
  • Terry Samuels expressed dissatisfaction with city council and called for the city manager's resignation.
  • Nishi G criticized the mayor being named in a lawsuit and alleged violation of Texas Government Code.
  • Melody Cooper welcomed the mayor back and expressed concerns about budget cuts to the sister city program.
  • Stan McDaniels spoke about constitutional rights and encouraged citizen activism.
  • Additional speaker Pete Ibarra raised concerns about sidewalk accessibility and drainage issues in his neighborhood.

Discussion Items

  • City Manager's Update: Chief Operating Officer Nick Winkleman reported on the TCEQ's temporary suspension of environmental water releases from western reservoirs. The executive director approved a 180-day suspension or until combined reservoir levels reach 50%. Full TCEQ commission approval is pending. Support from state legislators and various entities was noted. Council discussed long-term resolution via reactivation of the Nexas Estuary Advisory Council (NEAC). Fire Chief Brandon Wade outlined plans for the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Heritage Park and other community events marking the 25th anniversary.
  • Board and Committee Appointments: The mayor's appointments to the Arts & Cultural Commission were approved: reappointments of Ernest Delagarza and Melina Gosa, and new appointment of Adam Rios.
  • Budget Related Items (Items 4-13): Extensive debate on the FY2026-2027 operating budget, capital budget, fees, and the property tax rate. The original budget included a 3% COLA for employees. After multiple motions, the budget (Item 4) was approved with an amendment: 1% COLA effective October 1, 2026, and 2% merit-based pay in January 2027. The tax rate (Item 7) of $0.599774 per $100 valuation (a 0.50% increase) was adopted by a supermajority. Several council members expressed concerns about the impact of further cuts on services and low-paid employees.
  • Individual Consideration Item 30: Resolution to create an ad hoc committee to review procurement of professional services, proposed by Councilwoman Paxson. The motion failed 2-7 after discussion. Some members suggested the audit department could conduct such a review.
  • Briefing Item 31: Senior auditor Joseph Lopez presented an update on the audit plan and department status. The department has three staff members after recent resignations. Council members expressed concern about vacancies and the hiring process for a permanent city auditor.

Key Outcomes

  • Approved the FY2026-2027 Operating Budget (Item 4) with an amendment modifying employee compensation: 1% COLA effective October 1, 2026, and eligible for 2% merit-based pay in January 2027.
  • Adopted the property tax rate of $0.599774 per $100 valuation (0.50% increase) by the required supermajority (Item 7).
  • Approved the Capital Budget (Item 6) and other budget-related items: airport parking rate increase, solid waste charges, recreation fees, fire fees, annexation fee, and street fees.
  • Approved zoning changes: 6201 Greenwood Drive rezoned to RS-6 with Special Permit (Item 28) and 5514 Greenwood Drive rezoned to RS-4.5/PUD for 920 residential lots (Item 29).
  • Rejected resolution to form ad hoc committee on procurement (Item 30) by a vote of 2-7.
  • Noted ongoing challenges in the audit department; council discussed plans to hire a city auditor and the need for temporary support.

Meeting Transcript

Report up three one of the good morning everyone, everyone. I'd like to call this meeting to order. Uh welcome to City Hall. Welcome to Council Chambers. It's wonderful to be back with you all today. So thanks for joining us as well. Uh this morning our invocation will be given by Father William Campbell with the Church of the Good Shepherd. Father. Let us pray. The Lord, our governor, bless the leaders of our land that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth. To the President and members of the cabinet, to governors of states, mayors of cities, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties. To senators and representatives and those who make our laws in states, cities, and towns, give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations. To the judges and officers of our courts, give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served. And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society, that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy name. Amen. Amen. Thank you, Father. And uh the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States and to the Texas State flag will be led by Melina Guzmán. She is a senior at uh South Texas Science and Technology. She's an honorable scholar and student council senior class officer. Melina, please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Please join me in honoring the Texas Pledge. Honor the Texas flag. I pledge allegiance to the Texas one state under God, one and indivisible. Thank you. Yes, ma'am. City Secretary Rebecca Werta, would you please call the role? Mayor Palette Wahardo. Present. Council members Roland Barreta. Here. Savia Campos. Eric Anthou. Here. Gail Hernandez. Here. Kaelin Paxson. Everett Roy. Present. Mark Scott. Here. Carolyn Bond. City Manager Peter Zanoni. Present.

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