CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

A2000-R-19

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

JULY 17, 2000

5:30 P.M.

 

 

DISABILITY ACCESS STATEMENT

Persons with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who may need auxiliary aid or services, are requested to contact Gustavo Guevara, City Secretary at (956) 791-7308 at least two working days prior to the meeting so that appropriate arrangements can be made.  The accessible entrance and accessible parking spaces are located at City Hall, 1110 Victoria Ave.

 

 

 

    I.      CALL TO ORDER

 

 II.      PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

III.ROLL CALL

 

IV.      MINUTES

Approval of the minutes of June 5, 2000.

 

V.            COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

Announcements

 

Invitations

 

Recognitions

 

a.      Communities in Schools and the United South Academy of Global Business/Advanced Technology, working with the Nonprofit Management and Volunteer Center, received a $19,000.00 grant from Cisco Systems to place United South students in summer internships with City of Laredo Network Administrators.

 

b.      Recognition to Sgt. Jose Jalomo, Jr., of the Laredo Police Department who recently returned for the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy (FBINA) as he graduated from the 201st Session, in Quantico, Virginia, on June 16, 2000.

 

c.      Recognition to Sgt. Alberto Sanchez, of the Laredo Police Department for having been recently honored as Texas Narcotics Control Program’s (TNCP) Task Force Commander of the Year – 1999-2000, at the recent Texas Narcotics Officers Association (TNOA) Conference in Austin, Texas.

 

Communiqués

 

VI.     APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

a.      Appointment of Dr. Cecilia Garza by Council Member Louis H. Bruni to the Charter Review Commission.

 

b.      Appointment by Council Member John C. Galo of Viviana Frank Rotnofsky to the Airport Advisory Committee.

 

c.      Appointment by Council Member Jose A. Valdez, Jr. of Braulio Martinez to the Cemetery Advisory Committee, Nelda Benavidez  to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Carlos Castillo to the Tree Advisory Committee, and Gloria G. Garza and Norma Castilla to the Laredo Commission for Women.

 

d.      Appointment by Council Member Jose Ramirez of Hector Noyola to the Airport Advisory Committee, Herminio Martinez  to the Cemetery Advisory Committee, and Rosalinda Gonzalez  to the Library Advisory Committee, Enrique T. De La Garza to the Telecommunications Commission, Juan Martinez, Jr. to the 3rd Party Funding Advisory Committee, Miriam Marez to the Transportation Traffic Safety Advisory Committee, Irma Morales to the Laredo Commission for Women, and Sergio “Keko” Martinez to the Redistricting Commission.

 

VII.    PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1.   Public hearing to establish and create Policy and Procedures to consider requests for Foreign-Trade Zone Boundary (FTZ) Modifications that temporarily transfer FTZ designation from the Laredo International Airport Site No. 1 to private sites not currently participating in the FTZ Program; establishing an Administrative Fee of $200.00 per acre per month, subject to Foreign-Trade Zones Board approval; and authorizing the City Manager to implement said Policy and Procedures; providing for an effective date.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

      Establishing and creating Policy and Procedures to consider requests for Foreign-Trade Zone Boundary (FTZ) Modifications that temporarily transfer FTZ designation from the Laredo International Airport Site No. 1 to private sites not currently participating in the FTZ Program; establishing an Administrative Fee of $200.00 per acre per month, subject to Foreign-Trade Zones Board approval; and authorizing the City Manager to implement said Policy and Procedures; providing for an effective date.

      VIII.    GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

2.      A.  Request by Council Member Alfredo Agredano

 

1.      Presentation by the Veteran’s Coalition of a proposed Veterans Monument honoring the Hispanic Medal of Honor recipients, with possible action.

 

B. Request by Council Member  Louis H. Bruni

 

1.      Discussion and possible action on adding the 3400 and 3500 block of Lyon St. to the current speed hump project.

 

2.      Status report on the proposed park at the Eastwoods Subdivision, with possible action.

 

3.      Discussion with possible action on establishing a Police Substation at Fire Station No. 5 located at Bartlett St. and Stewart St.  (Co-sponsored by Council Member Johnny Amaya)

 

C.     Request by Council Member John C. Galo

 

1.   Discussion on the development of a City Ordinance to limit the number of railroad cars a railroad company may transport at any one time within the city limits with possible action.

 

D.     Request by Council Member John Amaya

 

1.      Discussion with possible action on the operation of the traffic signalization placed by TXDOT at Saunders St. and Buena Vista Ave.

 

2.      Discussion with possible action on a turning signal at the traffic signalization at Meadow Ave. and Lyon St.

 

3.      Discussion with possible action on placing a traffic signalization at Lyon St. and Cedar Ave.

 

 

E.     Request by Council Member Eliseo Valdez, Jr.

 

1.      Discussion with possible action on a request referencing a tower at Cruz Field and the relocation of the perimeter fence and the landscaping of the area by the current tenant.

 

2.      Discussion with possible action on the maintenance needed by the channelization of Zacate Creek in the area of Canal St. and Haynes Ave.

 

 

 

 

F.      Request by Mayor Pro Tempore Joe A. Guerra

 

1.      Discussion and possible action on the following:

a.      Replacing a fire engine at Fire Station #5.

b.      Placing an additional ambulance in South Laredo at Fire Station #11.

c.      Placing an additional Aerial truck in service at Fire Station #10 to provide aerial services to the North and South areas of the City.

(Co-sponsored by Council Member Alfredo Agredano and Council Member Louis H. Bruni)

 

2.      Discussion on the Laredo Fire Department Training Field and possibly finding the financing it needs to get started.

 

G.    Request by Council Member Jose Valdez, Jr.

 

1.   Discussion with possible action to repeal Ordinance 2000-O-161, “Ordering and proclaiming a special election to be held on Saturday, August 12, 2000”.

 

2.      Discussion with possible action to repeal or amend Resolution 2000-R-079, “The letter of intent entered into with Arena Venture on May 22, 2000”.

 

3.      Discussion with possible action to create a Community Projects Advisory Ad Hoc Committee to address future project needs of the City of Laredo.

 

H.     Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez

 

1.      Discussion with possible action on the placement of speed humps at the 2300-2400 block of Zaragoza St. and the 2300–2400 block of Grant St.

 

2.      Discussion and possible action to acquire and activate  an ambulance for Fire Station #4.

 

3.      Discussion and possible action of a hardship case referencing the relocation of a mobile home.  

 

 

                (Recess)

(Press Availability)

 

 

 

 

     IX. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCE

 

 

3.   An ordinance designating as a one-way eastbound that section of Mier Street, block number 100, between Monterrey Avenue on the west and Sanders Avenue on the east, providing for the installation of appropriate signs to indicate one-way traffic in the east direction and providing for publication and effective date.

     

 

4.   An ordinance setting the maximum speed limits in that portion of Spur 400 between Arkansas Ave. and Loop 20, within the City Limits of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, as 35mph, 45mph, as defined in the Texas Department of Transportation Control Section Map 3543-01.

 

 

5.   An ordinance setting the maximum speed limits on that portion of US 59 between Arkansas Avenue and IH 35, within the City Limits of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, as 35mph, as defined in the Texas Department of Transportation Control Section Map 0542-01.

 

 

6.   An ordinance setting the maximum speed limits on that portion of US 83 (Guadalupe and Chihuahua) between Santa Ursula and Milmo Avenue, within the City Limits of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, as 30mph, as defined in the Texas Department of Transportation Control Section Map 0086-01.

 

 

7.   An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to purchase from the Utilities Department at fair market value, lots number one (1), and twelve (12), block number six hundred eighty-five (685) in the Eastern Division of the City of Laredo, also commonly known as the 2200 Block of McPherson in order to establish a centralized recycling drop off site.

 

 

         X.  FINAL READINGS OF ORDINANCES 

 

 

8. 2000-O-174       Approval of an amendment to the contract with the Texas Department of Health and budget in the amount of $102,921.00 for the Nutrición Familiar / Family Nutrition Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning July 1, 2000 through August 31, 2001; and increasing revenue line item 226-0000-323-4084 from $0 to $102,921.00, and increasing expenditure line item no. 226-6024 from $0 to $102,921.00.  (City Council)

2000-O-175        Approval of a contract with the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) and budget in the amount of $60,000.00 to continue the operation of two continuous air monitoring stations (CAMS) by the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning September 1, 2000 through August 31, 2001; and increasing revenue line item 226-0000-323-1103 from $0 to $60,000.00 and increasing expenditure line item no. 226-7215 from $0 to $60,000.00.  (City Council)

                       

2000-O-176        Authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo’s FY 1999-2000 annual budget in the amount of $18,528.00 for overtime expenses that are to be reimbursed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to fund the Laredo Border Region Violent Crime Task Force (LBRVCTF).  The Laredo Police Department will assign one Investigator and one Police Officer to the task force.  Reimbursement of overtime expenses to include the period of October 1, 1999 through September 30, 2000.           (City Council)

 

 

                     2000-O-177        Amending the City of Laredo's 1999-2000 Annual Budget in the amount of $1,000.00 for a grant awarded to the Laredo Police Department's Litter Abatement Task Force from Target Great Land. This grant award does not require any matching funds from the City.

                                                (City Council)           

 

 

2000-O-178        Authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo’s 1999-2000 Annual Budget in the amount of $59,985.00 to fund the Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grant.  The Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division will be designating $53,986.00 and the City of Laredo will be designating $5,999.00 in matching funds.  Funding will be used to purchase computers, printers, and a data tracking system.   Grant period is from August 01, 2000 through July 31, 2001.            (City Council)

 

 

2000-O-179     Authorizing the City Manager to accept and execute a Second Budget Amendment to the Transit Operations Budget by appropriating additional State Funding of $329,640.00, thereby, increasing Transit State Funding Budget from $1,228,693.00 to $1,558,333.00 and decreasing the local match from the Transit Sales Tax Budget from $1,130,319.00 to $800,679.00. 

(City Council)

 

 

2000-O-180     Amending the FY 1999-2000 Budget of the Laredo Municipal Transit System transferring $325,725.00 from Fund 518, Sales Tax Revenues to Fund 558, Operations increasing the budget from $7,607,652.00 to $7,933,377.00.   (City Council)

 

 

2000-O-181     An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to enter into and execute a Lease Agreement between the City of Laredo and Riverdrive Mall, Inc., for two blocks of vega land adjacent to the Rio Grande River for use as a parking lot located upon blocks number 08, and 08-A, situated in the Western Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas for a primary term of five (5) years, with two - five (5) year renewal options, at the monthly rental rate of $463.00 per month, for block number 08, and $430.00 per month for block number 08-A with annual Consumer Price Index (C.P.I.), increase adjustment.   (City Council)

 

 

2000-O-182     An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to enter into and execute an amendment to the 1978 Parking Lot Lease Agreement between the City of Laredo and Riverdrive Mall, Inc., due to the re-acquisition of the lease for block “Z”, as authorized by Resolution No. 2000-R-066, and reducing the leased area from 3 blocks to blocks number “X” and “Y”, situated in the Western Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, and reducing the Fair Market Rent by 1/3 to $200.00 per month.   (City Council)

 

 

 

XI.  RESOLUTIONS

 

 

9. 2000-R-101       A resolution accepting the donation of the “Surface Only” of 1,672.3 square meters (18,000.0 sq. ft.) of land, more or less, from Laura G. Jacaman, Eduardo A. Jacaman, John Joseph Jacaman, and Laura Jacaman/F.K.A. Laura Jacaman Sanchez.  Said 1,672.3 square meters of land being situated in Survey 1022, Abstract 654, Webb County, Texas; being generally described below, and more particularly described by metes and bounds. 

 

 

10. 2000-R-102     A resolution to accept a grant from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in the amount of $118,561.00 for computer hardware, software and professional development for library staff and authorizing the City Manager to sign and submit any and all related documents as required.  Each public library building in Webb County will receive a portion of the grant.

 

11. 2000-R-103     A resolution accepting a grant from the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission (TNRCC) in the amount of $60,000.00 to continue the operation of two continuous air-monitoring stations (CAMS) by the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning September 1, 2000, through August 31, 2001.

 

12. 2000-R-104     A resolution accepting a grant from the Texas Department of Health in the amount of $102,921.00 for the Nutricion Familiar/Family Nutrition Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning July 1, 2000, through August 31, 2001.

 

13. 2000-R-105     A resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit an application for a grant in the amount of $40,000.00 to the South Texas Development Council to build a Citizen Convenience Center; and authorizing the City Manager to act on behalf of the City of Laredo in all matters related to the application; and pledging that if the grant is received, City of Laredo will comply with the grant requirements of the South Texas Development Council, the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission, and the State of Texas.

 

XII.    MOTIONS

 

 

14.    Consideration to refund property tax to the following taxpayers and companies:

 

a.      First American Real Estate Tax Service in the amount of $506.21 due to a payment made in error because of a wrong account number provided by the mortgage company.

 

b.      Gilbert & Martha Trevino in the amount of $657.84 due to a change order by the Appraisal Review Board.  The improvements did not exist on the 1st of the year, therefore, it is not taxable.

 

c.      AT&T Commercial Finance in the amount of $636.39 due to a change order by the Appraisal Review Board.  This property did not exist on the 1st of the year, therefore, it is not taxable.

 

 

 

15.    Consideration to approve monthly adjustments to the tax roll.  The amount to be adjusted for the month of June 2000, which represents a decrease in levy, is $52,199.47.  These adjustments are determined by the Webb County Appraisal District and by Court Orders.

 

16.    Consideration to approve the submission of the 5-Year 2000-2005 Consolidated Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requesting funding for the 26th Action Year Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in the amount of $4,316,000.00; the HOME Investment Partnerships Program in the amount of $1,356,000.00; the Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) in the amount of $152,000.00; and Program Income in the amount of $98,352.00, and authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents as a result of the Plan’s submission.

                                   

17.    Consideration to authorizing the re-direction of FY 1998 HOME Investment Partnership Program, Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) in the amount of $101,000.00 awarded to Metro Affordable Housing Corporation on August 2, 1999 for the Villa de Guadalupe Modernization Project; and authorizing the City Manager to enter into contract with Metro Affordable Housing Corporation for the use of said funds.  Metro Affordable Housing is requesting to redirect said funds to a Section 8 Lease Purchase Homeownership Pilot Program to be used for New Construction of single family dwellings, under a partnership with the City of Laredo.  The City of Laredo will provide the land, which is located in the Los Obispos Subdivision.

 

18.    Consideration to authorize the City Manager to accept a proposal from Graphitiks Advertising Design for the production of 75,000 copies of the 2000-2001 Laredo/Nuevo Laredo Visitors and Relocation Guide.

 

19.    Consideration to award a contract and authorizing the City Manager to execute the contract with Severn Trent Laboratories, Inc., Corpus Christi, Texas, to provide laboratory analytical services for storm water samples to comply with the City’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.  The total cost for this project is $43,520.00.  The scope of the works includes:

 

a.   Provide analytical services for storm water samples according to EPA methods.

 

b.   Provide bottle cleaning services for storm water samples.

 

c.   Provide sample containers and coolers for the sampling.

 

 

20.    Consideration to authorize the City Manager to reject all bids and to solicit new bids from the public interested in leasing an approximate 1.0709 acres of land to include Hangar No. 123 consisting of 12,000 square feet situated in Airport property located at 4617 Maher Avenue. 

 

 

21.    Consideration to award contract number FY00-119, to the SOLE BIDDER, Rush Truck Center, Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $129,500.00, for the purchase of one cab and chassis (56,000 G.V.W.) complete with a 40 cubic yard aluminum side dump trailer.  This truck will be assigned to the Utilities Department - Wastewater Treatment Division.  Funding is available in the Utilities Fund. 

 

 

22.    Consideration to award contract number FY00-116, to the MOST RESPONSIVE PROPOSER, Larry A. Norton & Co., Laredo, Texas, in the amount of  $19,884.88, for the purchase of a database server.  Funding for this project has been allocated in the Health Department fund.  

 

 

23.    Consideration to award contract number FY00-117, to the SOLE PROPOSER, Q.S. Technologies, Greenville, N.C., in the amount of $115,000.00, for the purchase and installation of patient care management software system that is used by the Health Department.  Funding for this project has been allocated in the Health Department fund. 

 

 

24.    Consideration to amend contract number 99-094, awarded to Rochester Armored Car Co., Omaha, N.E., in the estimated amount of $11,232.00 per year, for providing armored care courier service for the Building Department and the World Trade Bridge.  The revised contract amount will be $44,592.00.  The original  term of this contract expires 6/01.  Courier services is currently requested for the International Bridge, I, II, and Colombia, Health Department, City Hall, and the Civic Center.

 

 

25.    Consideration to award contract number FY00-086, to the SOLE BIDDER, Houston Freightliner, Houston, Texas, in the amount of $169,824.00, for the purchase of one brush tanker fire truck.  This truck will be housed at Station No. 11 located on Highway 359. Delivery of the truck is anticipated within eight to twelve months.  Funding is available from 2000 Contractual Obligation bond proceeds.  

 

 

 

26.    Consideration to award contract number FY00-1151, to the MOST RESPONSIVE PROPOSERS, Micron Government Computer Systems, Inc., Meridian, I.D., in the base amount of $33,146.00 for the purchase sixteen computers and six laptop computers, Gateway Companies, Inc., N. Sioux City, SD., in the base amount of $26,500.00, for the purchase of twenty computers, and Larry A. Norton Co., Laredo, Texas, in the base amount of $9,358.44, for the purchase of thirteen computer workstations.   These computers will be purchased for the Health and Police Departments.   The City has established a base price for the computers and option pricing for accessories such as modems and zip drives.  Delivery of all requested equipment is expected within thirty days.  

 

27.    Consideration to approve amendment no. 2 an increase of $21,357.00 to the engineering contract with WSBC Civil Engineers, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for additional professional services to the 16-Inch Water Line Project along State Highway 359 due to changes in the original scope of work and the required coordination with TXDOT during their current construction project to widen US 359.  Funding is available in the Waterworks 1997 Bond Issue Line Extensions.  The total amount of this contract is now $86,627.00.

 

28.    Consideration to award a construction contract to Laredo Class One Builders, Inc., Laredo, Texas, in the base bid amount of $319,000.00 for the Administrative Offices & Scale House for the City of Laredo Solid Waste Division.  Funding is available in the Solid Waste Buildings.

 

29.    Consideration for approval of change order no. 3 to add 10 calendar days to the construction contract with Price Construction, Inc., Laredo, Texas, due to rain days and awaiting for approval of a proposed change in the median design for the University Blvd. Extension Project.  The expected completion date is July 26, 2000.

 

30.    Consideration for approval of change order no. 4 an increase amount of $37,415.18 for extra signs and panels per FAA order, for Taxiway "J" and to add 75 working days to the construction contract with Ramex Construction Company, Laredo, Texas, for the Laredo International Airport Passenger Terminal and Related Airside Landside Improvements Phase D.  Funding is available in the FAA Noise Abatement FAA Grant 21 Improvements Other Than Building.

 

31.    Consideration to authorize the City Manager to sign a collaborative agreement to submit a grant application in the amount of $64,295.00 ($58,450.00 in TIFB funds and $5,845.00 to be supplied by the Texas Department of Health) to the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund Board, State of Texas, for computer network funding for the City of Laredo Health Department.

 

XIII.   STAFF REPORT

 

 

32.    Status report by Jose L. Flores, Airport Director and presentation by Mr. Jim Kazen, coordinator with the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, regarding the status of the Laredo Project and to discuss a vision regarding the future development of medical related land uses and infrastructure near the Laredo University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio extension campus.

 

33.    Presentation by the Administrative Services Department  regarding using an Executive Search Firm for the recruitment of the City Manager, with possible action.

 

34.    Presentation regarding the evaluation results of the speed hump pilot project with staff recommendation.

 

 

 

XIV.     EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

 

35.    Request for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.072 in regards to deliberating the purchase of a Utility Easement for the 36” South Laredo Outfall Improvements Project (Sanitary Sewer Trunk Line), because deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the governmental body in negotiations with a third person, and return to Open Session for possible action.

 

 

 

XV. ADJOURNMENT

 

 

This notice was posted at the Municipal Government Offices, 1110 Houston Street, Laredo, Texas, at a place convenient and readily accessible to the public at all times. Said notice was posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2000 at 6:00 p.m.

                                                                    

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Gustavo Guevara, Jr.

                                                         City Secretary[fp1] 

 

 

 

 

 [fp1]