City Council - Regular Meeting

Thank you for joining us today. My name is Cecilia Orozco. I am the interim director of the communications department. Today, we thank you for finding time to join us here. This is the last of the seven budget input sessions that we have conducted in seven districts. In today's session, our CET Manager Peter Senoni's presentation and our Budget Management Director Aamir Rodriguez's presentation will continue. After that, a short video will be shown and the questions will be answered. Then you can come here and ask questions through the microphone. I would like to introduce you to our CET Manager Peter Senoni. Good. Thank you for that introduction, Cecilia. I am very happy to be able to come here tonight. I am just talking about a few things. I am Peter Senoni, CET Manager. I am happy to be able to come here. I think this is our seventh budget workshop as a community. By the end of July, I had submitted a budget to the CET Council. We have been working as a community for the past four weeks to receive feedback from you about the proposed budget. In addition, the CET Council organizes workshops on the budget every week. This is how it works. I suggest the budget. The Council examines it in detail at these workshops. We also accept the opinions of the community. Finally, the budget must be approved by the Council. It starts from the budget that is normally indicated, and the opinions and workshops that are obtained through the workshops in the community are made available, and differences are made in it. This is just a small introduction. But we always want to say that the residents come to see us and talk to us. So we are happy to be able to come here. Apart from accepting your opinions and coming here to talk, there are various organizations and offices here today to answer any questions you may have. We will also be here for the second part of today's event. Before we continue, I would like to welcome the staff of Sen. Adham Inahosi, who is the leader of Sen. Adham Inahosi. MK, yes, they are behind me. Thank you for coming here. In our activities in the city, Sen. Adham Inahosi helps us a lot. Even though they came here, we are grateful to Sen. Adham Inahosi. In addition, District Representative Kytlyn Paxton is coming. They will arrive immediately. I am sure that they will speak a few words when they arrive. They are stuck in traffic. That's why they will arrive immediately. That's all the things. So that's all my opinions. I think our budget director will speak a few things. We decided not to talk much because we want to hear you. Today, we would like to take this time to listen to you and answer your questions. However, as a CET Manager, I would like to thank you once again for coming. When you come to talk to us, we are happy to hear it. Also, we can learn from you and make the necessary changes. So, thank you. Now, we are accepting this. Yes, Amy. Shubha Sayanam, Amy Rodriguez, Management and Budget Director. I am very happy that you are joining us this evening. We will start with a short video about the budget prepared by our communications department. There will be time for further questions and opinions. So please pay attention to the screen. Thank you. Each year, Corpus Christi is preparing a budget that will provide services to our community. The budget determines how to ensure daily services to residents who have started road crossings, parks, libraries, mental health, and code enforcement. The budget for the financial year of 2027 is for the long-term water security and the management of Malinajala. The budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for the budget for The financial year of Corpus Christi starts on October 1 and ends on September 30. To ensure that the money of the unemployed is used responsibly and that the financial order of the city is maintained for a long time, the CET employees are inspected throughout the year, their employment needs are evaluated, and financial statements are issued. The budget preparation process begins months before the start of the new fiscal year. Various departments will pay for the needs of their employees, refund the advance payments, and submit requests for funding. In addition, the employees of the community will prepare accounts to pay for the calculated income, pay for the permanent services, and pay the advance payments to the society with the available funds. Through this process, the planned budget continues to be available, and at the same time, the city's income and expenses continue to increase in order to ensure that the necessary services and long-term benefits are maintained. The community feedback received from such organizations helps to shape those benefits. The proposed budget will be submitted to the CET Council. Before accepting the final budget in September, it will be submitted to the Council as part of a workshop. The budget of the city is made up of various funds, each fulfilling specific needs. Today's discussion is about the General Fund. In the major services that residents use on a daily basis, the General Fund is used in many ways. It is mainly funded from property tax, sales tax, franchisee fees, and other local income. This income is used for police, fire service, parks, recreation, libraries, animal protection services, code enforcement, and other activities that contribute to the survival of the Corpus Christi. Water, sewage, gas and other funds are included. Funds for these services are mainly obtained from the fees and fees from the beneficiaries. Special revenue funds for special programs, projects or financial responsibilities, capital improvement funds, and debt service funds are managed by the city. By investing in a family budget, you can think about the general fund. Imagine that you earn $100 a month. Some of that money will be used to build a house, a farm, a farmhouse, utilities, insurance and other expenses. Now, you may want to invest in a gym membership, a streaming service, or a new family activity. If your income continues to be $100, you may have to reduce or change another expense for what is in the budget. Families take such decisions every day, considering which is the most important, and making the required expenses available. The city's budget also works in the same way. Even if the income is changing every year, the expenses are not unlimited. New programs, services, facilities, or benefits have to be made available through funds that are available on a regular basis. That is why, through the budget preparation process, the needs of the city employees, income, activity expenses, and community funds are carefully valued. While preparing the budget for the financial year of 2027, the proposed budget for 2027 is focused on long-term water security, water quality control, police, fire department, roads, and parks. In addition, financial assistance is also provided for the daily needs of the residents. That is why the opinions of the community are very important. Your comments help the City Council and the City Council. It helps to understand which services and benefits should be provided in the coming financial year. Thank you for participating and helping to shape the Corpus Christi. Thank you very much for joining us this evening. I am Amy Rodriguez, Management and Budget Director. We would like to hear your opinions. So, if you have any questions or opinions about the budget, please come to the microphone and say it now. Hello, how are you? My name is Guiana Sals. I would like to ask for financial assistance for my local library. I have a second class student who has dyslexia. Very recently, about a year ago, I bought a variety of books called Pradhana Librarian, Box Books, according to the advertisement I sent. This is very important for children with dyslexia. That's why I was able to share those books with everyone who needed help with dyslexia. Then I have one more thing to say. I have another child. It would be good for her to go to the library after leaving school. Because her school will leave early. I think the library flower bluff I am aiming for is a heart library. What I could understand from talking to the librarian was that they are paying close attention to the Flower Bluff, London area and other places in York. Since there are three sub-divisions with new schools to come, it would have been very helpful if they had worked for more time. They only open on Mondays from 4 to 8, and then there is only the option to take books or return them. But you can't go directly to the library. In the next year's budget, I urge the librarians to allow funds to be provided to ensure that they are there 4 hours before. Because elementary school students will leave early, many educators have more than one child. So, it would be a good idea to take my three-year-old daughter to the library and wait there for 30 to 45 minutes, and then bring the second child. Instead of traveling through traffic again and making us uncomfortable, we can continue in that environment. That's my second need. Then, what I have to say is, forgive me, I have some doubts. It is very important for libraries to be open to public service at all times. I have been participating in such a general budget movement since I was about 50 years old. So you can understand how important this is to me. I know I'm not the only one who thinks like this. But I'm the only one who has managed to get here today. I'm sorry for taking up so much of your time. I need two things. 2. Increase the operating time of the Heart Library. 3. Increase the funds required for all libraries. Because this is an important place for our society. Thank you very much. Thank you for coming here this evening. Our library director is here. They are behind the room. I know they will be interested in talking to you. Sherry sir. Sherry sir. I don't know if I need a mic. Please talk to the mic. Because we are streaming this.

Oh, I don't have a problem with that. Believe me.

Then those who see us online will have to use the mic to hear us. Certainly. Okay, sir. My name is Joe Minervini. I live on 15,101 Aquarius Street in Dweeb. When I hear what I am going to say, I feel disappointed. Yes, there is a little disappointment. Well, sometimes it happens when it is put under government rules. But I am very happy about Corpus Christi and its services. Thank you. I think Corpus is a great place to stay. Yes, I am happy that the whole world has not known it so far. I have come to the Pakari channel to request the guests to come to South Chetti. That's what's in this part. Well. I would like the city council to include the amount required to make the rubber changes there in the budget. I think I saw you looking at how the Binnushesi-Sauhrudha road to South Chetty is. Umm. I wrote a letter to the mayor and our local city council members months ago. They sent me to Jonathan Atwood, who was working at Parks and Recs. He is still there, I think. He told me that the city, the state, or the jail, the GLO, i.e. the General Land Office, cannot allow refugees to enter through the entrance. I approached the jail. They told me, Joe, we will allow refugees to enter through the entrance. But it is not allowed to use concrete in that construction. Okay. I called Jonathan. I gave him a sign. GLO will agree to it. We need to do one more thing. I will come to the site. I will show the letter sent by the GLO. But I think they forgot me. I contacted him twice. I didn't get a call back. I talked to Isaac and I talked to Isaac. Island Strategic Action Committee. This seems like a military incident. I asked them about the entry to South Jetty in their two meetings. In the second meeting, I asked again. That was the second request. There was a figure standing in front of them that looked at me and did not understand anything, like a bird in front of a car. In 2003, we had a guest entry. As you saw in that picture. It was a stick-like structure. It was possible to walk to the concrete part of the jetty by using a wheelchair or a wheelchair. Then if you want to catch fish, aren't we all going to be prime? Even our CET manager will be prime after taking this job. But he is very healthy, isn't he? Okay, listen. 20 years ago, I was like that too. Or maybe 50 years ago. Somehow, you have to find some money for this. Okay? Find it from somewhere. You know how it is, right? Okay, right? Find some money and spend $20,000. Buy those shoes again and put them back in the past. If they are hidden in Kodunkadu, find it from somewhere. They can be found anywhere. It won't be in Galveston. Okay, you find some money. We'll find a way to get in. We'll all be of some age, right? Okay, think about this. Thank you. Sir, then I would like to inform you that Mayor Pro Tem Paxton is joining us. Do you have a few words to say? Okay, let me respond to your comments very quickly. Here is the famous Jonathan Atwood. He is at the Parks and Recreation table. He is happy to talk to you about this issue this evening. Okay, good evening to everyone. Thank you for being part of this cycle budget in District 4. I know that people in our district like to be active participants in such things. Thank you all for that. Finally, I would like to return to the question I asked. Thank you sir for this. This is an important issue. Our beaches are meant to be open to residents and to be enjoyed by all. I know that the people in Dweep and the people who cross the bridge and come to visit the beach should all have access to these places. I agree with your words. We have talked about this. I have previously agreed with the Parks and Rec Department. I have spoken to our CET Manager. I believe that we can take action in the matter of providing access to hotels to refugees. This is a matter of priority. Thank you again for doing this. If there are any other problems, please let me know. This is the time to make changes in such matters. Thank you for coming here tonight. Yes, Madam. I think that the changes in HANA were unexpected. They were very useful. I have used them. So, it's not about what your skills are. I have come here because I need to provide more funding for libraries. If you count the past 25 years, you can see that there has been a huge decrease in library funding for other departments. I know that other groups also need money. Anyway, when I started staying here 10 years ago, I immediately took a library card as an overdrive app that helps download Kindle books. Now it is called Libby app. 90% of the libraries in the country use Libby app. Unfortunately, I understand that we are using an app that does not allow us to download books. These books cannot be used correctly on your Kindle. They are not good to see. That's why I don't use it. Now we are being served by Heart Library. The time of its operation is very strange. I don't even know what it is. I think they have a drive-up facility. I don't know how it works. Now they are talking about being tied to a rope. These are the obstacles to getting books. I was surprised that there is no library in this school. So we need more facilities. This is a good way to get books without going directly to the library. And I got a grant for the next small library. I have three small libraries here. One of them is in Billish Park. This small library allowed me to count Padre Island as a book desert. This is a shame. So I'm asking. Kindle Book Appaya Libby Libby is to allow more money to get the app. This will enhance the library system for everyone. I just want to make it easy for everyone here and in the city to get these books. Thank you. That's right, Madam. We love the libraries in District 4. Heart Library has been one of our main centers for years. This is an opportunity for this community, and it is intended to be used by everyone. We are constantly thinking about how to make this a complete community for the entire District 4 community, while protecting the needs of our students. Even if we have to work in a temporary way until we see the results in the future, we will not forget that the Heart Library is to continue to be our District 4 Indian Library. Therefore, we are conducting discussions on the Heart for the island. We have reviewed some very effective ideas. Since it takes a lot of time for a new building to be built, we are thinking about building a small mobile library here. We know that there is no library here. This will be a quick solution. So far, I am happy that there are library stations in the city immediately. Of course, that lack is there. We know that this society is growing and that attention is needed here. So, these are part of our discussion. Thank you for your feedback on Libby Ape, who has books for Kindle books. Thank you. Is there any other opinion or question? Yes, sir.

My name is Deberto Gonzalez. I live down the street in Portillo. My wife and I have been living here for a year now. When we started living here, my friend Merlin helped us to get to know each other and to welcome us. So, thank you, Merlin. So, for the library, for Merlin, for the youth, for the youth, for the youth, for the youth, for the youth, for the youth, for the youth, for the youth, for the youth, for the youth, for the youth, for the youth, I can understand how helpful it will be to put those changes there. I also need another thing. I can understand that public safety is the first problem raised by people. But I would like to know a little more about how we can work on the streets. I know that Vincent Drive, which is one of our streets, needs a little help. There are ponds and other unsuitable places. Many pedestrians and children use that street to go to school and other places. I know that some people have to move back and forth to avoid those ponds. I don't think this is a big deal, but I would like to understand a little more about what needs to be done to help. Even if we don't do it completely, we could at least close some of the holes. I sent an email to Paxton four times in our district. Unfortunately, I gave the wrong price. It came back. So I'll send it again. At first, I thought it wasn't taken care of, but I'll send it again because it came back. I would like to know how to apply for this. I think an e-mail will work. But there are other ways too. Thank you. I believe there is a very useful program to report birds through our 311 program.

If you call 311, the birds can report. They will be identified. Our Public Works Department is behind you. You can talk to them directly. Is there anyone else? Many of our buildings are represented here. This is part of the open house of today's festival. I encourage you to speak to each and every one of the organizations here regarding your questions, opinions or suggestions. I know that we like to hear it when we are doing well. Then, if you have any other opinions or questions, we still have time. Okay, I don't see any more questions or opinions tonight. But if you want to write down your questions or opinions, let me remind you that there are cards in all the cards. If you do that, you can write it down. Someone is connected to you. Certainly, when we move to the open house now, questions and opinions will be shared with you directly. We thank everyone for joining us tonight and for being a part of this budget discussion. Thank you. Thank you.