CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

A-2004-R-08

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

MAY 3, 2004

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

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

Announcements

 

Invitations

 

Recognitions

a.      Recognition of Associate Judge Belinda Mendez on her appointment to State Judge officially known as Title IV-D Master I, which deals with family law matters.

 

b.      Recognizing Jonathan Leyendecker as the District 5A Individual Golf Champion and fellow teammates from J.B. Alexander High School as District 5A Champions.

 

c.      Recognizing Christopher Welnetz, senior at United High School for winning Tennis District Champ sectional runner up for the third time.

d.      Recognition of City departments for their contribution and participation in the 2003 United Way Campaign.

 

e.      Recognizing the Financial Services Department on their fifteenth consecutive distinguished award for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).  This award is the highest recognition for state and local governments.

 

f.        Recognition by the Parks and Recreation Department of the 3rd Annual City Employee Bowling Tournament winners, fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

 

Communiqués

 

a.      Presentation by Jose Ortiz regarding City owned public restrooms.

 

b.      Presentation by the Parks and Recreation Department Miracle Youth Committee regarding recent special events and activities.

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

             

a.      Appointment by Council Member Hector J. Garcia of Ricardo Gonzalez to the Ad Hoc Vehicles for Hire Committee.

 

VII.             PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1.               Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning the west 46.30 feet of Lot 8, Block 1536, Eastern Division, located at 2602 Ash Street, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change.

 

2.               Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Land Development Code, Article III, by creating section 24-57, “Green Space Preservation,” and amending the City of Laredo Land Development Code, Appendix A, by including definitions relating to Green Space Preservation; providing for severability, publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed ordinance amendment.

 

3.               Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $2,000.00 in additional funds for a grant total of $22,000.00 from the University of Arizona for the Border Vision Fronteriza (BVF) 2:  Community Health Workers for Children’s Health Project of the City of Laredo Health Department, for the period beginning September 14, 2003, through September 13, 2004.

 

4.               Public hearing providing community residents an opportunity to comment on their housing and community needs and the projects that they wish to see funded through the 30th Action Year (AY) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the 2004 HOME Investment Partnerships Grant (HOME), the 2004 Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG), and the 2003 and 2004 American Dream Downpayment Initiative Programs (ADDI) in support of the preparation and submission of the 2004 Consolidated Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  Also for discussion and comment is the Fiscal Year (FY) 2002-2003 Consolidated Annual Performance Report regarding the City’s administration of HUD Programs. 

 

5.               Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to enter into agreement with Texas Parks and Wildlife to accept a grant in the amount of $55,380.00 with a 20% local match for the construction of the Chacon Creek Trail Phase II and amend the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2004 Capital Improvements Projects Fund annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $90,380.00 for the construction and development of Phase II of the Chacon Creek Hike and Bike Trail.

 

 

(Recess)

(Press Availability)

 

VIII.     INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

 

6.               Authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract by and on behalf of the City of Laredo as Zone Grantee of Foreign Trade Zone No. 94 Site 6 and specifically authorizing the City Manager to enter into operations agreement with Ravisa Distribution Center, as Zone Site Operator for approximately 5,000 square feet of activated space and 2,150 square feet of yard space located at 13485 South Unitec Drive, Unitec Industrial Park Foreign Trade Zone Site 6 and authorizing the City Manager to execute said agreement.  Providing activation, administrative and transaction fees to the City and providing for an effective date.

 

7.               Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to effectively to convey to Jesus Padilla, fee simple title to the “Surface Only” of certain property described as being a 3,544.6830 square feet or 0.081 acres, more or less, parcel of land, at its market value of $5,300.00 and being situated in Survey 1019, Abstract 62, City of Laredo, Webb County Texas; as described by metes and bounds and survey attached as Exhibits A and B; and providing for an effective date. 

 

8.               Amending Chapter 19, “Motor Vehicles and Traffic” Article VIII; Stopping, Standing or Parking, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Laredo:  Specifically Section 19-364, Restricted Parking Areas, establishing a “No Parking Anytime/Tow Away Zone” on the east side of the 11000 block of McPherson Road between Nafta Street and Grand Central Boulevard, within city limits of Laredo; providing for severability, effective date and publication.

 

IX.       FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES 

 

9.                

2004-O-87               Third and Final Reading authorizing the granting to Batista Roman Enterprises, Inc., a non-exclusive franchise to construct, maintain and operate a commercial container refuse gathering and disposing service in the City of Laredo, Texas and providing the terms, conditions, obligations, and limitations upon and under which such franchise shall be exercised; providing indemnity to the city; city retains authority to regulate rates except for rate increases resulting from increased landfill fees which are passed on to the customer; providing for increased services rates; providing for franchise payments; and providing for severability, publication and effective date.  (As amended)

 

2004-O-88               Amending Section 24-94, of the Laredo Land Development Code, in order to revise the established standards and procedures governing the issuance of Conditional Use Permits; providing for publication and effective date. 

 

2004-O-89               Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by amending Ordinance No. 2002-O-058 authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit to David Richter for a concrete batch plant on 5.00 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A” located on the west side of Highway 83 and north of Masterson Road, by extending the terms of the permit two (2) more years; providing for publication and effective date. 

 

2004-O-90               Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 13.18 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A,” located northeast of Havana Drive from AG (Agricultural District) to R-1 (Single Family Residential District); providing for publication and effective date. 

 

2004-O-91               Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 2.07 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A,” approximately located south of Southgate Boulevard and east of Highway 83 from AG (Agricultural District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date. 

 

2004-O-92               Authorizing the City Manager to amend City of Laredo’s FY 2003-2004 annual budget in the amount of $1,250,000.00 to fund a program under U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS).  The U.S. Department of Justice will be designating $1,250,000.00 and City of Laredo will be designating $369,250.00 in matching funds within the three-year life of the grant.  Funding will be used to hire 10 additional School Resource Officers (SRO).  The funding for this grant will be from September 1, 2002 through August 31, 2005.  The City of Laredo 2003-2004 Full Time Equivalents will be amended by the addition of 10 Grade 71 Cadet Police Officers.

 

2004-O-93               Amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 Capital Improvement Project Fund budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $12,660.00 for the school flasher/beacon program.  Revenues consists of contributions from Laredo Independent School District (LISD) in the amount $3,165.00 and United Independent School District (UISD) in the amount of $9,495.00.

 

2004-O-94               Establishing a 15% penalty on the 2003 delinquent tax accounts as of July 1, 2004; to defray costs of collection pursuant to section 33.07 (a) of the Texas State Property Tax Code; providing for publication and effective date.

 

2004-O-95               Authorizing the City Manager to execute a two (2) year lease agreement between the City of Laredo and the Laredo Amateur Boxing Club, Inc., for use of the “Orlando and Gaby Canizales Boxing Gym” located at 1610 Guadalupe Street, as described on attached Exhibit “A,” for an annual rent fee of $1.00; and providing for an effective date.  (As amended)

 

2004-O-96               Amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by decreasing revenues and expenditures in the amount of $15,479.00 to reflect the actual grant amount of $28,053.00 from the Texas Department of Health for the Texas-Tamaulipas Border States Birth Defects Project:  Neural Tube Defects (NTD) Pilot Project in Los Dos Laredos of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning April 1, 2004, through August 31, 2004; and authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo’s FY 2003-2004 Full-Time Equivalent Position by  including .27 Health Educator position. 

 

2004-O-97               Amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by increasing revenues and expenditures in the amount for the $20,000.00 from the Texas Department of Health for the Office of Border Health:  Buena Vida Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning April 1, 2004, through August 31, 2004. 

 

2004-O-98               Amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by increasing revenues and expenditures in the amount of $4,995.00 in additional funds from the Texas Department of Health for the Office of Border Health:  HIV Awareness Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning April 1, 2004, through August 31, 2004.   

 

2004-O-99               Amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by increasing revenues and expenditures in the amount of $3,500.00 in additional funds from the Texas Department of Health for the Office of Border Health: Environmental Epidemiological Study Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning April 1, 2004, through August 31, 2004.  

 

2004-O-100           Amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by increasing revenues and expenditures in the amount of $2,000.00 from the Texas Department of Health for the Office of Border Health:  Tuberculosis Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning April 1, 2004, through August 31, 2004.  

 

2004-O-101           Amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 Recreation Fund annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $15,000.00 for the administration of recreation programs and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget amendment. 

 

2004-O-102           Amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 Noise Abatement and Airport Construction Funds to recognize additional revenues from two grants received from the Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program being Grant Project No. 3-48-0136-40-04 in the amount of $6,000,000.00 for acquisition of residential structures, sound insulate residences and acquire navigation easements; and Grant Project No. 3-48-0136-41-2003 in the amount of $4,276,134.00 for construction of Engineered Materials Arresting System for Runway 35L, rehabilitate portion of Taxiway System and construct cargo pads at the Laredo International Airport; and  appropriating said grant revenue in the Noise Abatement and Airport Construction Funds and local match in the amount of $540,850.00 from the Airport opening fund balance to the appropriate expenditure accounts; and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget amendment. 

 

2004-O-103           Authorizing the City Manager to execute a one (1) year lease agreement between the City of Laredo Parks and Recreation Department and “Escuela de Futbol Soccer America’s Laredo” for use of two (2) soccer fields at the southern area of Father McNaboe Park formerly known as River Oaks Park for a fee of $200.00 per month plus the cost of utilities. The primary purpose of this agreement is to institute a soccer program for the youth of Laredo with the understanding that the fields are open for public use during non-programs hours.

 

2004-O-104           Accepting a grant and amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 budget by decreasing revenues and expenses in the amount of $16,454.00 to reflect the actual grant amount of $637,267.00 awarded by the Office of the National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), at no cost to the city, to fund the Laredo Financial Task Force.  Funds will be used to pay personnel salaries, travel and operational expenses from January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004.  Accepting a grant and amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 budget by increasing revenues and expenses in the amount of $49,916.00 to reflect the actual grant amount of $99,916.00 awarded by the Office of the National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), at no cost to the City, to fund the STX Multi-Agency Drug Related Corruption Task Force. Funds will be used to pay overtime, fringe benefits and operational expenses from January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004.

 

X.        RESOLUTIONS

 

10.           2004-R-036    Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation in the amount of $3,246,590.00 for the West Laredo Multimodal Trade Corridor Phase II project.  The federal contribution is $2,597,272.00 and the City’s contribution of $649,318.00 has been identified and funding is available in the Capital Improvement Fund.  The federal contribution for this project is part of the $3,500,000.00 award through the national corridor planning and development program/coordinated border infrastructure program.

 

11.           2004-R-038    Rescinding the buffer zone agreement of August 13, 1990, pertaining to planned improvements at the North Laredo Wastewater Treatment Plant and the abandonment of the existing south effluent pond.

 

12.           2004-R-039    Directing publication of Notice of Intention to issue City of Laredo, Texas, Combination Tax and Revenue Certificate of Obligation, Series 2004, in the principal amount of $13,325,000.00 for paying all or a portion of the City's Contractual Obligations for the purpose of constructing, repairing and maintaining City streets for the benefit of the Municipal Transit Department; acquiring, constructing, improving and equipping surface Municipal Parking Lots in the City's Downtown area, including demolition of existing facilities; and purchasing refuse trucks, and trash cans and other improvements for the Solid Waste Department; and for the payment of legal, fiscal and engineering fees in connection with such projects.

 

13.           2004-R-040    Designating city streets to be constructed, repaired and maintained for the benefit of the Transit System for proposed Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 2004 Bonds.

 

 

XI.       MOTIONS

 

14.           Consideration to exercise the renewal option for one additional year for contract number FY03-070 awarded to the low bidder, Valu Care Cleaners, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $28,320.00 for providing laundry dry cleaning services for Police Department non uniformed officers.  Funding is available in the Police Department budget.

 

15.           Consideration to award contract FY04-035 to the low bidders, Clark Hardware and Lowe’s Home Improvement in the estimated annual amount of $40,000.00 for the purchase of plumbing supplies for City maintenance and repair projects.  Funding is available in the Parks and Recreation Department, Airport, Public Works, Civic Center, Health and Municipal Housing budgets.

 

16.           Consideration to award an annual supply contract number FY04-076 to the low bidder, Oil Patch Petroleum, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for the purchase of unleaded, low sulfur and high sulfur diesel fuel, for the City of Laredo’s fleet.  Funding is available in the Fleet Maintenance Program.

 

17.           Consideration to award contract FY04-075 to the sole bidder, Castaneda Sand and Gravel, Inc., Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $30,000.00 for the purchase of top soil and fill dirt.  Funding is available in the Parks and Recreation Department and park construction project budgets.

 

18.           Consideration for approval of the selection of consultant Sepulveda Associates Architects, Laredo, Texas, associated with Foster Engineering Company, Laredo, Texas, for the Former Southern Hotel 1200 Block of Matamoros Street and authorization to negotiate a professional services contract.  The Engineering Contract Review Committee recommended approval on April 19, 2004.  Funding is available in the 2002 CO Issue Former Southern Hotel.

 

19.           Consideration to award an engineering contract to Structural Engineering Associates, Inc., San Antonio, Texas, for an amount not to exceed $79,700.00 for preliminary designs of alternative single column bent or multi-column bent for the Santa Ursula Connector Phase II.  All designs, schematic drawings and layouts of the connector will meet the requirements of the International Boundary Water Commission (IBWC).  Funding is available in Purchase Professional Services Bridge System Revenue Bond Series 2002.

 

20.           Consideration for approval of acceptance of South Laredo Park in a two block area by Kawas Elementary School bounded by San Luis and Saltillo Streets and South Martin and South Jarvis Avenues and approval of final payment in the amount of $8,666.17 to R. Aguero Trucking, Laredo, Texas.  Final contract amount is $183,963.30.  Funding is available in the South Laredo Park.

 

21.           Consideration to award annual contract FY04-069 to the low bidder, Super X Mowing Service, Laredo, Texas, in the annual amount of $72,000.00 for providing monthly mowing and maintenance of the Zacate Creek areas from Meadow and Canal Streets to the mouth of the river.  Funding is available in the Environmental Services Department budget.          

 

22.           Consideration to authorize the City Manager to continue negotiations with Proviron, Inc., as to the rates and charges for gas and gas service to residential and commercial customers authorized by Ordinance 94-O-082 and Ordinance 94-O-092, for a period not to exceed 180 days from the date of authorization.

 

23.           Consideration to award a contract to York Services, San Antonio, Texas, in the amount of $38,730.00 to make emergency repairs to the air conditioner chill water supply and return lines in order to maintain a/c service to the Airport Passenger Terminal. Funding is available in the Airport Maintenance Building & other improvements

 

24.           Approving that the Laredo International Airport enter into a Gold Sponsorship contract with the Miss Texas USA Pageant in the amount of $50,000.00. Funding is available in the FY 04 Airport Budget under the Small Communities Air Service Development Program.

 

XII.      STAFF REPORTS

           

25.            

A.     Presentation of the new Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFM), and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Chacon Creek.

 

B.     Presentation by Mr. Martin Aleman, Budget Director, of Citizens Survey conducted and prepared by National Service Research.

 

C.    Discussion with possible action to construct necessary bridge widening enhancements on International Bridges 1 and 2 for the purpose of increasing capacity and ensuring the safe and expedient crossing of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.  The proposed widening enhancements to Bridge 2 would support Homeland Security efforts as well as complement the City’s efforts to promote economic growth, tourism and sustainable development through the next thirty (30) years, as exemplified in the planned improvements to Bridge I as part of El Portal project, the creation of a Sentry Lane at Bridge 2, and the planned construction of a Fifth International Bridge.

 

D.    Status report on City of Laredo park land and city streets as it relates to Ryan, Buenos Aires, and Daiches Elementary Schools.

 

 

XIII.     GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

26.            

A.        Request by Council Member Alfredo Agredano

1.               Discussion with possible action to include the name of the Veteran’s Coalition on the plaque of the Veteran’s monument.  (Co-sponsored by Council Member Jose A. Valdez, Jr.)

 

2.               Status report on the Mario Tijerina Park.

 

B.        Request by Council Member Hector J. Garcia

1.        Discussion with possible action regarding landscaping of City buildings:  Public Library, Police Department, Municipal Court and Airport.

 

C.        Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore John C. Galo

1.        Discussion with possible action regarding parking problem at the corner of Gustavus and Mendiola due to the church overflow.

 

2.        Discussion with possible action identifying the owner of the property known as “el pozo” in the Santa Fe Subdivision.

 

D.        Request by Council Member Eliseo Valdez, Jr.

1.        Status report regarding traffic light at the intersection of San Francisco and Lafayette.

 

2.        Presentation by Juan Esparza of River City Soap Box, Inc., of the soap box derby scheduled for July 4th weekend, with possible action.

 

3.        Status report regarding pending projects in District V, including drainage and park improvements and street reconstruction projects.

 

E.        Request by Council Member Gene Belmares

1.        Discussion with possible action regarding flash flooding on Denmark.

 

                        F.         Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez

1.        Discussion with possible action regarding the capacity of existing sewer plants.

 

2.        Discussion with possible action regarding tire buying program.

 

3.        Discussion with possible action regarding water park study.

 

XIV.     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.

 

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

 

27.           Consideration to an award annual supply contract number FY04-076 to the low bidder, Oil Patch Petroleum, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for the purchase of unleaded, low sulfur and high sulfur diesel fuel, for the Transit System’s fleet.  Funding is available in the Transit Fund.

 

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

 

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 April 28, 2004 at 7:00 p.m.

 

 

 

           

                                                                        Gustavo Guevara, Jr.

                                                                        City Secretary