CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

A-2003-R-01

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

JANUARY 13, 2003

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 for November 13, 2002, November 18, 2002 and December 9, 2002.

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

Announcements

 

Invitations

 

Recognitions

a.      Recognition of the J.W. Nixon Football Team for their football accomplishments in 2002.

 

b.      Recognition of Amelia "Amy" Martinez of the Community Development Department for her selection as 2002 City of Laredo Employee of the Year.

 

c.      Recognition of employees who assisted in the special project to complete improvements at Bridge I to alleviate congestion of pedestrians crossing into Laredo.

 

Communiqués

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

           

a.             City Council confirmation of Mayor Flores’ appointments to the Electrical Examining Board of the following:  Roberto Narvaez, Hugo Garcia, and Carl Johnson.

           

VII.             PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1.                Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning all of Block 2024, Eastern Division, located at 3200 Blaine Street, from R-2 (Multifamily Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

 

2.                Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 6.0035 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A”, located east of Highway 83 and south of Sierra Vista Blvd., from AG (Agricultural District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

 

3.                Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 2, Cuatro Vientos Norte Subdivision, Phase I, located at 3302 Cuatro Vientos Drive, from R-1A (Single Family Residential Area District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

 

4.                Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend the FY 2002-2003 annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $52,931.00 for the Medicaid Administrative Cost (MAC) Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning October 1, 2002, through September 30, 2003.  This amount includes program surplus funds from FY 2001-2002 in the amount of $34,537.00 and funding in the amount of $18,394.00 which was received in the current fiscal year.

 

5.                Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the city manager to amend the City of Laredo’s FY 2002/2003 annual budget in the Convention & Visitors Bureau operating fund in the amount of $42,521.00 for revenue and expenses from the management and operation of the Washington’s Birthday Celebration Museum, and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget.

 

6.                Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003 annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $169,983.00 from the Texas Department of Health for the Tuberculosis Prevention/Control Federal Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003.

 

7.                Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo’s Convention and Visitors Bureau full time equivalent positions by adding 1.5 full time clerks positions for the Washington’s Birthday Celebration Museum and information center operation.

 

8.                Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo fiscal year 2003 2000A Certificate of Obligation Issue Fund annual budget by appropriating revenues of $2,000,000.00 in the form of a donation from Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust for $2,000,000.00 and appropriating expenditures in the amount of $2,000,000.00 for the construction of the Inner City Park.

 

VIII.     GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

9.         A.        Request by Council Member Hector J. Garcia

1.      Discussion with possible action on placing a traffic light at the 3300 block of Clark and 2300 block of Townsend or at the corner of Clark and Newport.

2.      Discussion with possible action on opening the end of Ejido and Corpus Christi Streets.

 

B.        Request by Council Member John C. Galo

1.      Staff report concerning the rights of property owners whose property has been damaged by traffic accidents, especially when the wrecked vehicle lies across both City easements and private property, with possible action.

2.      Staff report regarding opening of Bartlett at Market with possible action.

           


 

C.        Request by Council Member Johnny Amaya

1.        Discussion with possible action  regarding updating the J.W. Nixon football team accomplishments on the Utilities Department water towers at the corner of Malinche & Lyon.

 

D.        Request by Council Member Gene Belmares

1.      Discussion with possible action to begin a study for possible placement of a traffic light or stop signs at the intersection of Springfield Avenue and Village Boulevard.  (Co-sponsored by Council Member Eliseo Valdez)

 

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

                                                                        1.      Discussion with possible action regarding a presentation by Laredo Police Officers on the need for additional investigators.  (Co-sponsored by Council Member Hector J. Garcia)

                                                                        2.      Discussion with possible action regarding the proposed recommended changes for advertising on taxi cabs.  (Co-sponsored Council Member Johnny Amaya)

                                                                        3.      Discussion with possible action on traffic calming devices in District VII.

                                                                        4.      Discussion with possible action regarding the paving of one block of Pierce Street west of Eagle Pass.

 

F.         Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez

1.      Requesting the recognition of Ricardo De Anda for his donation of trees for the beautification of San Agustin Plaza.

2.      Requesting the recognition of Justo Penn for his donation to Las Palmas Park.

3.      Letter to TXDoT requesting the use of overpass for parking on Sanchez and Park for the Jamboozie Festival and WBCA, with possible action.

4.      Discussion with possible action regarding sidewalks using District VIII discretionary funds for the following streets:  800 block of Jefferson Street (south side), 800 block of Garden Street (north side). 

         

(Recess)

(Press Availability)

 

IX.       FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES 

10.
 
 


2003-O-001   Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for townhouses on 9.9237 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located west of McPherson Road and southwest of Ranchway Drive, providing for publication and effective date. 

 

2003-O-002   Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 3.2485 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A”, located at 7060 San Bernardo Avenue, from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date. 

 

2003-O-003   Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 31, Santa Rita Subdivision, Unit XI, located at 501 Lope de Vega Drive, from R-1A (Single Family Residential Area District) and B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date. 

 

2003-O-004   Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 6, 8, and 10, Block 1030, Western Division, located at 4102 Santa Maria Avenue, from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date. 

 

2003-O-005   Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 4.3876 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A”, located at the rear of 3901 East Saunders Street, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) and R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date. 

 

2003-O-006   Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 2.2924 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A”, located at 6801 McPherson Road, from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date.

 

2003-O-007   Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 1.4151 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A”, located west of Highway 83 and north of Santa Marta Boulevard, from B-3 (Community Business District) to R-1MH (Single Family Manufactured Housing District); providing for publication and effective date. 

 

2003-O-008   Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 1 through 6, Block 1066, Western Division, located at the 4300 block of San Agustin Avenue, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date. 

 

2003-O-010   Authorizing the City Manager to execute a budget amendment appropriating operation funds from the Urban Transportation Grant, Section 5307 for fiscal year 2002-2003 in the amount of $41,781.00 increasing the State Operating Grant from $500,000.00 to $541,781.00 and decreasing the sales tax match from $3,825,955.00 to $3,784,174.00 and transferring $41,781.00 to sales tax reserve appropriation.

 

2003-O-011   Amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003 annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $17,833.00 in additional funds from the Texas Department of Health for the Tuberculosis Elimination Program of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning September 1, 2002 through August 31, 2003.

 

2003-O-012   Authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo’s full-time equivalent positions by creating three (3) part-time with no benefits (1.44 FTE) Community Service Aides positions at 19.21 hours per week in the  Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) of the City of Laredo Health Department, funded by the Texas Department of Health.

 

2003-O-013   Amending Chapter 19, Motor Vehicle and Traffic, Article VIII, Stopping, Standing or Parking, of the Code of Ordinances, City of Laredo:  specifically adding Section 19-364(5) which establishes certain street sections adjacent to Shiloh Drive and to the north entrance of the United High School campus as permit parking only/tow away zones between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, providing for effective date and publication. 

 

2003-O-014   Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Nextel WIP Lease Corporation, a Delaware Corporation, d/b/a Nextel Partners, space on the rooftop of the Laredo Transit Center located at 1301 Farragut, Laredo, Webb County, Texas and being more fully described in Exhibit “A” of lease agreement for the installation and operation of certain antennae facilities for use with its communications business and a portion within the owned premises for the location of an equipment building and related facilities associated with the antennae facilities.

 

2003-O-015   Authorizing the City Manager to grant a license to Alestra S. De R.L. de C.V., a Mexican Corporation for the use of a telecommunication PVC conduit located at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge and the use of 47 linear feet of City right-of-way from the river bank to the 500 block of Iturbide Street, Laredo, Webb County, Texas.  License term is five (5) years commencing on January 6, 2003 and ending January 5, 2008.  Annual rent shall start at $7,600.00 with a five percent (5%) increase each anniversary date plus $5.00 per linear foot for the use of the right of way; providing for effective date.

 

2003-O-016   Authorizing the City Manager to convey fee simple of the surface only of all former streets lying within the area of Tract “A” of 51.7338 acres, and to quitclaim the balance of Tract “A” to Mexrail, Inc. and to convey fee simple of the surface only of the Tract “B” of 0.3543 acres to Mexrail, Inc. and to convey fee simple of the surface only of Tract “C” of 2.1085 acres to Mexrail, Inc. in exchange for conveyance to the City of Laredo by Mexrail, Inc. of the fee simple of the surface only of Tract “D” of 12.8617 acres, and the fee simple of the surface only of Tract “E” of 0.0072 acre, and of a sanitary sewer easement over Tract “F” of 0.8223 acre; and providing for effective date.

Said tracts being generally described below, and more particularly described on attached Exhibits “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, “E”, and “F” respectively.

Tract “A” consisting of Aldama, Willow, Chacon, Piedra China, Green & Mercer Streets, and Maryland, Lexington, Cedar & Logan Avenues.  Said streets and avenues being situated in a 51.7338 acre tract of land consisting of City blocks and portions of the street right-of-ways, out of the area known as the “Embargo Yard”.

Tract “B” being a 0.3543 of an acre (15,434.57 sq. ft.) tract of land, more or less, out of the Aldama Street right-of-way between Logan and Tilden Avenues.

Tract “C” being a 2.1085 acre (91,845.34 sq. ft.) tract of land out of the existing right-of-way of Guatemozin & Cortez Streets between Springfield Avenue and Lexington Avenues, and Maryland Avenue between Guatemozin Street and 105.75 feet north of Cortez Street situated in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo provided that the City of Laredo retains the entire said tract as a utility easement.  

Tract “D” being a 12.8617 acre tract of land, more or less, also referred to as the “Riverbank Tract”.  Said tract being out of the area known as the  “Embargo Yard”.

Tract “E” being a Corner Clip consisting of a 0.0072 of an acre (312.50 sq. ft.) tract of land, more or less, out of the Southwest corner of Block 64, Eastern Division, City of Laredo, County of Webb, Texas.  Said tract being out of the area known as the “Embargo Yard”.

Tract “F” being a tract of land containing 0.8223 acres (35,818.07 sq. ft.), more or less, for a 20 foot wide Sanitary Sewer Line Easement, being out of the Mexican National Construction Company, now known as the Texas Mexican Railway Company, also known as “Embargo Yard”, recorded in Volume 13, Pages 11-14, on March 12, 1884, Deed Records of Webb County, Texas.

 

X.        RESOLUTIONS

           

11.  2003-R-001      Authorizing the City Manager to accept an FY 2003 Routine Airport Maintenance Program (RAMP) Grant from the Texas Department of Transportation CSJ Number M322LREDO for fifty percent (50%) of the eligible project cost or $30,000.00 whichever is less, per fiscal year and subject to availability of State appropriations.

 

12.  2003-R-002      Authorizing the donation of an atomic absorption spectrometer with a microwave digester for metal analysis to Texas A& M International University (TAMIU) and an ion chromatograph with automatic sampling capabilities for mineral analysis to Laredo Community College (LCC) which will be used in the examination of water and wastewater, since the City has no use for this equipment and plans to dispose of it absent interested donees.

 

 

13.  2003-R-003      Accepting a 7.92 acre tract of land, more or less, from the Fasken Trust for park and open space use located adjacent to Deerfield Subdivision Phase 2, Lot 1, Block 1 and north of Father McNaboe Park as described by metes and bounds in Exhibit “A” herein attached.

 

14.  2003-R-004      Accepting the donation of the “Surface Only” of two parcels of land from Zaftex Corporation, for the construction of a public park.  Said parcels being Tract B, containing 3.76 acres, and Tract C, containing 3.43 acres, for a total of 7.19 acres of land. Both parcels being out of Share A, Part A, Original Share 1, Bruni Estate, Porcion 32, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas; being generally described below, and more particularly described on attached Exhibit “A”.

 

Tract B – Being a 3.76 acre tract of land out of a 128.093 acre tract, recorded in Volume 410, Pages 79-81, L. E. Bruni to Fred Galo and H. D. Hall III, Aug. 11, 1971, Porcion 32, Webb County Deed Records, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas.

 

Tract C – Being a 3.43 acre tract of land out of a 128.093 acre tract, recorded in Volume 410, Pages 79-81, L. E. Bruni to Fred Galo and H. D. Hall III, Aug. 11, 1971, Porcion 32, Webb County Deed Records, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas.

 

 

15.  2003-R-005             Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application with the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division for $998,115.00 to fund the Laredo Narcotics Task Force.  CJD will designate $998,115.00 and the City of Laredo and participating agencies will designate $334,778.00 for a total amount of $1,332,893.00.  This funding will be used to pay salaries, direct operating expenses, and the purchase of equipment from June 1, 2003 through May 31, 2004.

 

XI.       MOTIONS

 

16.           Amend the 2002 Consolidated Plan by authorizing the reprogramming of 28th Action Year (AY) Community Development Block Grant Funds (CDBG) totaling $400,000.00 to be used for the construction of two new zero depth water spray playgrounds to be located within the area of the Farias Recreation Center and at the Lafayette Linear Park, and eliminating funding from the 28th AY CDBG funds for the proposed West Laredo Park.

 

                                    28th AY Community Development Block Grant

Farias Splash Playground               $200,000.00

Lafayette Splash Playground           $200,000.00

West Laredo Park (Cancel) $ -0-

                                    Total funds reprogrammed         $400,000.00

                       

17.           Consideration to exercise the renewal contract option for ninety days for the following annual contracts for repair parts and service for the vehicle fleet and medium and heavy duty trucks:  North Park Lincoln, San Antonio, Texas (FY02-007), in the estimated amount of $20,000.00, Powell Watson Motors, Laredo, Texas  (FY02-007); in the estimated amount of $10,000.00; and Fleet Pride, Laredo, Texas (FY02-017), in the estimated amount of $5,000.  New bids will be solicited based on changes on the estimated needs for this contract period.  All parts will be purchased on an as needed basis.  Funding is available in the Fleet Maintenance budget.

 

18.           Consideration to exercise the renewal contract option for one additional year for the following annual contracts for repair parts and service for the heavy equipment fleet, sweepers and lawn maintenance equipment:  Holt Co. of Texas, Laredo, Texas, (FY02-008) in the estimated amount of $125,000.00; RDO Equipment Co., Laredo, Texas (FY02-008) in the estimated amount of $25,000.00; and Kinlock Equipment and Supply Inc., Pasadena, Texas, (FY02-018) in the estimated amount of $40,000.00.  All parts will be purchased on an as needed basis.  Funding is available in the Fleet Maintenance budget. 

 

19.           Consideration for award of a construction contract to the lowest responsible bidder meeting requirements of the project of the Inner City Park to be located on Locust and Plum Streets between Barcelona Avenue and McDonnel Avenue.  The project is funded through the Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust Fund and Community Development Block Grant.  Contingent upon the final passage of Ordinance 2003-O-009 on January 27, 2003.

 

20.           Consideration for approval of amendment no. 1 an increase of $92,300.00 to the contract with Howland Engineering & Surveying Company, Laredo, Texas, for the Laredo International Airport Passenger Terminal and Related Airside/Landside Improvement Improvements Phase “E” – Taxiway “J”.  This amendment is for additional inspection services for the Laredo International Airport Northeast Cargo Apron and Access Road Project and for the Services Road.  Funding is available in the Project Engineer Fees.

 

21.           Amending a contract with CH2MHILL, San Antonio, Texas for $29,000.00 to include additional basic engineering services required to design the water line extension oversize and booster pump station for Mines Planning Area - Work Order #2 and to extend the contract time to an additional 360 days.  The extension brings the design completion to within 3 months.  The services include additional modeling work for the booster station and the impact on the existing system for the Mines Road area.  The amendment brings the total contract amount to $241,530.00. Funding is available in the Colonias Project Engineering Fees.

 

22.           Consideration to authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract on behalf of the Joint Venture Office in Monterrey, Laredo Trade & Travel Center, in the amount of $18,000.00 with Laredo Arena Operating, L.P., for Promotional and Marketing Services to benefit the Arena; services to be provided by the Laredo Trade & Travel Center in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. 

 

23.           Final acceptance of the biosolids Improvement Project and approval of final payment of the retainage of $5,000.00 for the final completion of the contract in the amount of $1,337,914.88.  Funding is available in the  Biosolids Improvement Project-Retainable Payable.

 

XII.      STAFF REPORTS

18.
 

24.
 
 


A.     Status report on improvements to George Washington Park located at Los Presidentes and appropriation of $30,000.00 for Phase II that includes park benches and a playground module.  Funding is available in the Capital Improvement Fund District I Discretionary Funding.

 

B.     Report and update on the Laredo International Festival of Sister Cities.

 

XIII.     EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

The City Council hereby reserves the right to go into executive session at any time during this public meeting, if such is requested by the City Attorney or other legal counsel for the City, pursuant to his or her duty under Section 551.071(2) of the Government Code, to consult privately with his or her client on an item on the agenda, or on a matter arising out of such item.

 

25.           Request for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code  Section 551.071 (A) & (B) for consultation with the City Attorney regarding settlement offer pending litigation, being Pascual Miravete and Gloria Miravete v. City of Laredo, Cause No. L-02-CV-46, in the US District Court, Southern District of Texas, Laredo Division, and Oscar J. Pena and Martha Pena, Cause No. L-02-CV-47, in the US District Court, Southern District of Texas, Laredo Division, and return to open session for possible action.

 

26.           Request for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.072 in order to deliberate the possible purchase, lease or value of certain property in North Laredo for open space and green belt use, because deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the City Council in negotiations with third persons, and return to open session for possible action.

 

XIV.     RECESS AS THE LAREDO CITY COUNCIL AND CONVENE AS THE MASS     TRANSIT BOARD

 

27.           Consideration to extend the award of contracts (FY02-004), to the listed vendors for providing bus and van fleet parts for a period of ninety days: Andy’s Auto Air ($3,500.00), CC Battery Co. Inc. ($3,600.00), Gillig ($22,500.00), Laurel Battery ($25,000.00), Laredo Wholesale Auto ($1,000.00), MCI Service Parts ($10,000.00), McCarty Equipment ($500.00), Muncie Transit Supply ($17,500.00), O’Reilly Auto Parts ($3,000.00), Prevost Car, Inc. ($7,875.00), Rush Truck Center ($1,750.00), San Antonio Brake & Clutch ($4,100.00), and Stewart & Stevenson ($31,000.00).   This ninety-day extension will allow the management company to work with staff to secure competitive bids for a new contract period.   Funding is available in the Transit Fund. 

 

XV.      ADJOURN AS THE MASS TRANSIT BOARD AND RECONVENE AS THE         LAREDO CITY COUNCIL

 

XVI.   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 8, 203 at 6:00 p.m.

                                                                       

 

 

                                                                        Gustavo Guevara, Jr.

                                                                        City Secretary