CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

A-2001-R-04

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

FEBRUARY 5, 2001

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, 1100 Victoria Ave.

 

Out of Consideration for all attendees of the City Council meetings, please turn off all cellular phones and pagers, or place on inaudible signal.  Thank you for your consideration.

 

 

 

    I.      CALL TO ORDER

 

 II.      PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

III.      ROLL CALL

 

IV.      MINUTES

 

Approval of the minutes of December 4, 2000 and December 18, 2001.

 

 

V.              COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

Announcements

 

Invitations

 

Recognitions

 

a.      Recognizing the City of Laredo Finance Department in receiving the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).

 

b.      Recognition by the Mayor and City Council Members of employees that retired from the City of Laredo with 20 years or more of service for the period of December, 2000.

 

c.      Recognizing 14 students from local middle schools who have been chosen as “Eighth Grader of the Month” for January by the Laredo Police Department Community Relations Unit and local school counselors.

 

 

Communiqués

 

 

 VI.    APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

a.      Appointment of Henry Alexander by Council Member John C. Galo to the Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee.

 

b.      Appointment by Council Member Louis H. Bruni of Jay Stout to the Citizens Environmental Advisory Committee, Raquel Valle Senties to the Plaza Theater Ad-Hoc Committee and Ron Stewart to the Redistricting Committee.

 

c.      Appointment by Council Member Jose Valdez, Jr. of Mary Lou Cervantes to the Laredo Women’s Commission and Daniel Torres to the Redistricting Committee.

 

d.      Appointment by Council Member Juan Ramirez of Sylvia Pedraza to the Plaza Theater Renovation Project Ad-Hoc Committee.

 

 

   VII.         PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

 

1.   Public hearing amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances Chapter 33, Environmental Protection, Article 1, by repealing Section 33-1 and approving and adopting Section 33-1 as written hereunder including the establishment of the Citizen’s Environmental Advisory Committee, its membership, terms of office, methods of appointment, authority, duties, and other terms and conditions and providing for publication and effective date.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

     

Amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances Chapter 33, Environmental Protection, Article 1, by repealing Section 33-1 and approving and adopting Section 33-1 as written hereunder including the establishment of the Citizen’s Environmental Advisory Committee, its membership, terms of office, methods of appointment, authority, duties, and other terms and conditions and providing for publication and effective date.

2.   Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 200, Block 10, Del Mar Hills Subdivision, Section I, Area “A”, located at 618 Idylwood Ln., from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Business District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the proposed zone change and approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a child day care center.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

 

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 200, Block 10, Del Mar Hills Subdivision, Section I, Area “A”, located at 618 Idylwood Ln., from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Business District); providing for publication and effective date.

 

 

VIII.   GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

3.      A.  Request by Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores

 

1.      Discussion with possible action on the City of Laredo’s State and Federal Legislative Agenda for self assignments by Council Members.   Including the availability and commitment for trips, letter writing, presentation to constituencies, research and any other means related to Legislative Advocacy for the City of Laredo. 

 

Areas on: 1. Transportation

a.      Surface

b.      Railroad

c.      Air 

2.   Environment

3.   Housing

4.   International Trade Activity

5.   Redistricting

6.   Other

 

B.  Request by Council Member Louis H. Bruni

 

1.   Discussion and possible action on the street maintenance of Locust Street between Bartlett and Arkansas Avenues.

 

2.      Status report on existing Utility Street cuts in District II, with possible action.

 

3.      Discussion and possible action on the continued residential encroachment on the Laredo International Airport.

 

4.      Status report on the purchase of homes by our Noise Abatement Project, with possible action.

 

C.     Request by Council Member John C. Galo

 

1.      Discussion on the traffic congestion on Bridge II, with possible action.

 

2.      Staff report on any potential sales and /or lease of the former Mercy Hospital property.

 

 

D.     Request by Council Member Eliseo Valdez, Jr.

 

1.            Discussion with possible action on how to develop a tool or amend an existing ordinance to give our enforcement officials the authority to deal with what is perceived as a growing problem in our community.  There are several groups of people using empty lots in residential areas as junkyards.  They buy wrecked cars at auctions, and then they bring them into these residential areas, that are used as temporary staging areas before transporting them over to Mexico.  At times we even have tractors, and at times they dismantle these vehicles, creating eyesores and junkyards.  Some of these lots are owned by people in Mexico, which makes it hard for us to get them to comply with our existing ordinances.

 

2.            Request for a traffic study at the intersection of Marcella and Bustamante, due to the high incidence of accidents; to be followed by recommendation from the Traffic Department on what could be done to help remedy the problem.

 

 

E.   Request by Council Member Jose A. Valdez, Jr.

 

1.      Discussion with possible action on giving Officer Jose Luis Ramos an extension of one (1) year with pay for injury leave.

 

 

F.   Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez

 

1.      Discussion with possible action regarding the brush clean up by the river, mainly between Main Ave. and San Francisco Ave.

 

2.      Discussion with possible action to install sidewalks at the 1800 – 1900 blocks of San Francisco Ave. on the east and west sides of the street.

              

               (Recess)

(Press Availability)

 

   IX.  INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

 

4.         An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Laredo Webb County American Red Cross for approximately 491 square feet constituting Suite No. 2 of Building No. S-1 located at 1718 E. Calton Road at the Laredo International Airport.  Lease term is for one (1) year commencing on February 1, 2001 and ending on January 31, 2002, and may be extended for one (1) year ending on January 31, 2003.  However, it is agreed by the parties that the lease may be terminated by either party on not less than thirty (30) days’ written notice from the party terminating to the other.  Monthly rent shall be $315.00 and will be adjusted annually during the primary and extension term of this lease according to changes in the Consumer Price Index; providing for an effective date.

 

5.         An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with FedJones, L.L.C., for Tract 8 of the Subdivision Plat of the Laredo Passenger Terminal Subdivision containing approximately 2.82 acres at the Laredo International Airport.  Lease term is for forty (40) years commencing on March 1, 2001 and ending on February 28, 2041.  Monthly rent shall be $1,740.25 and will be adjusted annually according to changes in the Consumer Price Index not to exceed 2.5% per year and further adjusted at every 10th anniversary by Fair Market Value appraisal; providing for an effective date.

 

6.         An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Region One Education Service Center for approximately 4,234 square feet constituting Building No. 1054 located at 4812 North Bartlett Avenue at the Laredo International Airport.  Lease term is for one (1) year commencing on February 1, 2001 and ending on January 31, 2002, and may be extended for one (1) year ending on January 31, 2003. However, it is agreed by the parties that the lease may be terminated by either party on not less than thirty (30) days’ written notice from the party terminating to the other.  Monthly rent shall be $3,960.00 and will be adjusted annually during the primary and extension term of this lease according to changes in the Consumer Price Index; providing for an effective date.

 

7.         An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Region One Education Service Center for Tract 2, Block 9 of the Subdivision Plat of Laredo Airport containing approximately 10,562 square feet constituting Building No. 979 located at 4717 Daugherty Avenue at the Laredo International Airport.  Lease term is for one (1) year commencing on December 1, 2000 and ending on November 30, 2001.  However, it is agreed by the parties that the lease may be terminated by either party on not less than thirty (30) days’ written notice from the party terminating to the other.  Monthly rent shall be $4,525.00; providing for an effective date.

 

8.         An ordinance amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances, Chapter 28, Article III, Division 2, entitled Rental Rates for Facility, Personnel and Equipment; specifically §28-86, definitions by clarifying, adding and deleting terms; also §28-87, Rates and Fees, by increasing rental rates for Civic Center Facilities and equipment, and establishing rates for the Auditorium Lobby, grounds, rehearsal and move-in/move-out activities, and merchandise sales; providing for severability and effective date.

 

         X.  FINAL READINGS OF ORDINANCES 

 

9.         2001-O-030     Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for a plug back and recompletion of Richter No. 1 gas well on 2.0 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located north of Masterson Rd. and west of Hwy. 83; providing for publication and effective date. (As Amended)  (Council Member Alfredo Agredano)

        

2001-O-031     Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for a plug back and recompletion of Ervin #1 gas well on 3.0 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located south of Riverhill Drive and west of Hwy. 83; providing for publication and effective date. (As Amended)  (Council Member Louis H. Bruni)     

 

2001-O-032     Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for a plug back and recompletion of H.B. Zachry Unit #2 gas well of 5.0 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located east of Hwy. 83 and south of Southgate Blvd.; providing for publication and effective date. (As Amended)  (Council Member Louis H. Bruni)      

 

2001-O-033     Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for an Adult Day Care Center on Lots 4, 5 and 6, Block 794, Eastern Division, located at 1419 Market St.; providing for publication and effective date. (As Amended) (Council Member John C. Galo)

                       

2001-O-0034   Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 1, Eagle Ridge Subdivision, located on the northeast corner of Country Club Dr. and McPherson Rd., from RSM (Residential Suburban Multi-Family District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District); providing for publication and effective date. (Mayor Pro-Tempore Joe A. Guerra)

                       

 

2001-O-035     Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 3.206 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located on the southwest corner of Bartlett Ave. and Jacaman Rd., from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date.       (As Amended) (Council Member John C. Galo)

 

 

2001-O-036 Amending sections of the Laredo Land Development Code pertaining to manufactured housing, specifically Section 24.63.3, Non-Conforming Uses or Buildings; Section 24.63.2, Permitted Uses; Section 24.65.7, R-3 Mixed Residential District; Section 24.65.6, R-1 MH Single Family Manufactured Housing District; Section 24.77.1, Dimensional Standards; Section 24.93.2, Manufactured Housing Park; and Appendix A; providing for publication and effective date.  (As Amended)   (City Council)

 

 

2001-O-037     Amending Subsection 24-84.5(a) Exceptions, of Section 24.84 Sidewalk Standards of the Laredo Land Development Code; providing for publication and effective date. (As Amended) (City Council)

 

 

2001-O-039     Amending Chapter 19, Motor Vehicle and Traffic, Article VIII. Stopping, Standing or Parking of the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances, specifically creating Section 19-361 Parking Meters. Secured Controlled Access Parking Lots and Section 19-362, Parking Lot Rates and Hours of Operation and providing for publication and effective date. (City Council)

 

XI.  RESOLUTIONS

 

 

10.    2001-R-010     A resolution authorizing the issuance of a permit for a plug back and recompletion of Ervin #1A gas well on 3.0 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located south of Riverhill Dr. and west of Hwy. 83.

 

 

11.    2001-R-011     A resolution urging the U. S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration to re-designate the Laredo International Airport for participation in the Military Airport Program (MAP) for a subsequent five-year period commencing during FY 2001 and authorizing the City Manager to submit an application for re-designation.

        

 

12.    2001-R-012     A resolution authorizing the use of surplus proceeds from the City of Laredo – Public Property Finance Contractual Obligations (PPFCO), Series 2000, in the amount of $4,812.00 for the purchase of a Hurst Airbag Rescue System.  This equipment will be assigned to the new ambulance recently activated for Fire Station No. 11.

 

 

13.    2001-R-013     A resolution supporting the Texas Airport Management Association in its efforts to increase State of Texas funding for airport development and urging the 77th Legislature of the State of Texas to appropriate the sum of $20.0 million to be used by the Texas Department of Transportation to make loans to airport sponsors in the State of Texas as authorized by Chapter 21 of the Texas Transportation Code.

 

 

14.    2001-R-015     A resolution authorizing the issuance of a permit for a plug back and recompletion of Richter No. 1 gas well on 2.0 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located north of Masterson Rd. and west of Hwy. 83.

 

 

15.    2001-R-016     A resolution authorizing the issuance of a permit for a plug back and recompletion of H.B. Zachry Unit #2 gas well on 5.0 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located east of Hwy. 83 and south of Southgate Blvd.

 

 

XII.    MOTIONS

 

 

16.       Consideration to authorize the purchase of two police interceptors for the Police Department through the Houston Galveston Area Council of Governments (HGAC) - Cooperative Purchasing Program, in the amount of $42,267.63.  These vehicles will be assigned to the Laredo Multi-Agency Narcotics Task Force.  Delivery of these two vehicles is expected within thirty days.  Funding for the purchase of these vehicles is available from the Police Narcotics Grant Fund.

 

 

17.       Consideration to award a contract to the SOLE PROVIDER, Timesoft, Long Beach, CA., in the total amount of $24,270.00, for providing automated time recorder equipment and software.  The City is currently utilizing this system for City Hall, Health Department, and Bridge System personnel and is expanding the use of automated time recording for the Public Works Service Center, Solid Waste Center, and Utilities Department sites.  Funding is available in the respective department's budgets. 

 

 

18.              Consideration to award contract number FY01-025, to TechTel Communications d/b/a Laredo Telephone Company, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $30,000.00, for providing long distance service for all city departments.  The contract will be for a period of two years.  TechTel Communications is offering a competitive rate structure, easy access for international calls, an account code structure, and the ability to service the City locally.  The new rate structure will result in savings of up to 50% to 60% from our current domestic and international rate structure.  Funding is available in the Communications line item budgets for the respective departments.

 

 

19.       Consideration to award contract number FY01-026, a twelve-month office supply contract to the LOW BIDDERS, Executive World, Laredo, Texas and Office Depot, Laredo, Texas for providing general office supplies for all city departments.  This contract is based on the lowest cost format utilizing a published price for city orders.  Department will be able to order from the vendor's general catalogues.  Funding is available in the office supply line item budgets for the respective departments.

 

20.       Consideration to award contract number FY01-046, to the SOLE BIDDER, Library Interiors of Texas, Bastrop, Texas, in the amount of $19,858.60, for the purchase and installation of twenty, furniture workstations for the Main Library.  Funding is available in the Library budget.  

 

21.       Consideration to award contract number FY01-048, to the LOW BIDDER, Hillside Nursery, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $105,000.00, for providing monthly mowing and maintenance of the Zacate Creek areas from Meadow and Canal Streets to the mouth of the river.  This includes the collection of trash, debris, rubbish and other floatable materials along the creek.  The contract will be monitored by the Engineering Department’s – N.P.D.E.S. Division.  Funding is available in the N.P.D.E.S. Budget.

 

22.       Consideration to award construction contract number FY01-044, to the LOWEST RESPONSIBLE BIDDER, Air Weld Inc., of Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $34,876.00 for The Sacred Heart Children’s Home Rehabilitation located at 3310 South Zapata Highway.  The major work to be done consists of the installation of 131 2’X4’ fluorescent light fixtures and the construction of 24 closets.  Funding is available from Emergency Shelter Grant funds from the 25th Action Year – Community Development Budget.

 

23.       Consideration for approval of final Change Order No. 1, an increase of $7,437.00 for the balance of quantities actually constructed in place, acceptance of the Zacate Creek Beautification Project Phase II and approval of final payment in the amount of $22,071.40 to Ramos Industries, Inc., Pasadena, Texas.  Final contract amount is $153,781.00.  Funding is available in the Community Development 24th Action Year CD Projects/Zacate Creek Park.

 

24.       Consideration to approve amendment no. 1 an increase of $24,000.00 to the engineering contract with Brown & Root, Inc., Houston, Texas, for the Laredo International Bridge I Strengthening Project for additional engineering services to design and prepare plans and specifications for removal of the existing roadway asphalt, structural inspection of the concrete sub-surface slab and overlay with concrete the US side of the Bridge II.  Funding is available in the Bridge System Purchased Professional Services.

 

25.       Consideration to award a construction contract to the SOLE BIDDER Cutler Construction Co., Lawrence, Kansas, in the amount of $315,329.70 for the 2000-2001 Street Recycling Project (133.5 Blocks).  Funding is available in the Capital Improvement Fund Street Materials/Cutler Repaving.

 

26.       Consideration to authorize the City Manager to execute a Development Agreement and an Operating Agreement with Arena Ventures, L.L.C., related to the Laredo Entertainment Center.

 

 

27.       Consideration to authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for the Weigh-in-Motion Project on Bridge IV and Colombia Bridge.  The U.S. Congress and the Federal Highway Administration approved $1,000,000.00 in Discretionary Funds through the FY 2000 Border-Corridor Discretionary Program.

 

 

28.       Consideration to approve a five-year professional service contract with First Southwest Asset Management Company to perform the arbitrage rebate calculations services for all of the City’s tax-exempt bond issues.  Pursuant to provisions of Section 148(f)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 the City is required to determine whether or not a rebate of investment earnings will be required to be made to the United States of America in connection with the sale and delivery of tax-exempt bond issues.  Contract may be terminated with or without cause by either party upon thirty days’ notice.  Funding for the fees will be funded from interest earnings of the respective bond issues.

 

 

29.       Consideration to amend a contact with Laredo Development Foundation for economic development services to include governmental relations and legislative services for fiscal year 2000-2001 for an amount not to exceed $72,400.00.  The total amount of the contract will be $357,400.00.  Funding is available in the General Fund.

 

 

XIII.   STAFF REPORT

           

 

30.       Presentation by Frank Architects, Inc.  on the Gateway to the Americas Bridge (Bridge I) Access, Export Lot & Parking Lot Modifications.

 

 

31.       Presentation of the 1999-2000 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) prepared by the City of Laredo’s Financial Services Department and audited by the independent audit firm of Garza, Martinez, & Co., P.L.L.C.

 

 

32.       Presentation by the City Manager on the Economic Feasibility and Impact Study conducted by McCray Research regarding a Fifth International Bridge Crossing.

 

33.       Presentation by Olga Maldonado, for American Electric Power on the maintenance of streetlight  and current Senate Bill 7 status on competitive services (i.e. Streetlights).

 

34.    Status report on the construction of the Skate Park.

 

 

XIV.     EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

The City Council hereby reserves the right to go into executive session at any time during this public meeting, when it deems it necessary to consult privately with its attorney about any item upon this agenda, pursuant to the provisions of Section 551.071(2) of the Texas Government Code.

 

XVII.   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, January 31, 2001 at 6:00 p.m.

                                                        

 

 

        

 

 

                                                                        Gustavo Guevara, Jr.

                                                         City Secretary[fp1] 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 [fp1]