City Council approved Evangeline groundwater contracts, a $38M Li Ranch purchase, and the O.N. Stevens Brackish Groundwater Desal Plant on Tuesday.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Update at 4:19:

Corpus Christi City Council approved a contract with FCC Aqualia USA Corp. for the design, procurement, assembly, commissioning and operation of a containerized brackish water desalination plant in an amount of $43,548,474.

The item also authorizes construction contracts for ancillary improvements in an amount up to $11,451,526 and emergency construction contracts totaling up to $120 million for a pump station and conveyance system connecting the Western Well Field to the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant.

Council voted unanimously to approve the project. 

Corpus Christi City Council approved several infrastructure, water supply, and public safety-related items Tuesday as part of its consent agenda, including additional funding and land acquisition tied to the City’s Evangeline Groundwater Project.

Council approved amendments to contracts with Pape-Dawson Engineers for construction management and inspection services related to the Evangeline/San Patricio County Groundwater Program.

The amendment with Pape-Dawson Engineers adds $13,065,100 for construction management and inspection services, bringing the total contract amount to $28,465,100.

Council also approved an amendment to the City’s Construction Manager-At-Risk contract with Garney Companies for construction services tied to the same groundwater program.

That amendment increases the Garney agreement by $182,389,792, bringing the total contract amount to $185,389,792.

Council also approved an amendment to the City’s Construction Manager-At-Risk contract with Garney Companies, increasing that agreement by $182,389,792 for construction services tied to the same groundwater program.

In addition, council approved a groundwater rights purchase and sale agreement for the Li Ranch property as part of the Evangeline Groundwater Project in an amount up to $38 million.

The Li Ranch purchase has been identified by city leaders as a key component of the groundwater supply effort intended to supplement the City’s water portfolio during extended drought conditions.

A five-year lease agreement with Big Johnson Fuel & Lubricants for a marine fuel station at Cooper’s Alley L-Head

Updates to the city’s food establishment fee schedule and adoption of a reinspection fee to comply with Senate Bill 1008

A five-year lease with Sinister LLC for use of city-owned property at 1401 Leopard Street as a parking lot

Renewal of Cisco enterprise software licenses and support services totaling $3.37 million

A one-year service agreement with Carrillo’s Welding Services for as-needed fleet welding services

A construction contract for installation of a new 500-kilowatt natural gas generator at the Police Training Academy

Acceptance of $5,000 from the ONEOK Emergency Responder Grant Program for HAZMAT suits, drone equipment and emergency weather radios

An amendment to the lease with the Elizondo Tennis Foundation allowing assignment of the lease and adjustments to court and league fees

Items related to a containerized brackish water desalination plant at O.N. Stevens Water  Treatment Plant, a waste disposal agreement with Republic Services, a generator installation at Ben Garza Gymnasium and upgrades at Greenwood Sports Complex were pulled from the consent agenda and will be considered individually later in the meeting.

Council approved the consent agenda swiftly and moved on to public comment, which lasted several hours. 

Councilman Mark Scott told 3NEWS that nearly 70 people signed up to speak on Tuesday.

Council is currently in Executive Session. We will continue coverage throughout the meeting, including updates on votes for the four agenda items saved for later and the reconsideration vote for the Northside Aquatics Center.