CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

A-2004-R-014

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

July 19, 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

 

Approval of the minutes of June 7, 2004.

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

Announcements

 

Invitations

 

Recognitions

 

a.      Recognition of Adriana Garza from Alexander High School on being selected to compete in the 2004 Tourney Sport USA Hawaii Classics Competition and winning the top pool medalists competition and overall tournament championship. She was also selected to the All-Tournament Team and placed 2nd in the setting skills contest.

 

b.      Recognitions of  Sam Youngs (home school, 4th grade), Alex Lopez (Milton Elem., 5th grade), Anaissa Leal (Matias De Llano Elem., 5th grade), Kristyn Ramirez (Gutierrez Elem., 4th grade) and Patrick Carroll (St. Peter’s Memorial, 6th grade) for their time and dedication for the production of the Environmental Educational Video “It’s Up To Me and You”  for the City of Laredo.

 

c.      Recognition of Jonathan Leyendecker Swisher for being the youngest competitor to win the Doc Novoa’s Golf Championship.

 

d.      Recognition of Loryn Elysha Muñoz for competing in the National American Miss Princess Pageant in Houston, Texas.

 

Communiqués

 

a.      Presentation by Sylvia Bruni, Laredo Independent School District, regarding  HOSTS (Help One Student To Succeed) Program.

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

           

a.                  Appointment by Council Member Johnny Rendon of:

 

1.   Roberto Mancha to the Vehicles for Hire Ad Hoc Committee

2.   Jesus Hinojosa, III, to the Board of Adjustment

3.   Michael Smith to the Telecommunications Advisory Committee

  

VII.             PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1.               Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 150 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A,” located west of Hwy 83, from R-1 (Single-Family Residential 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.

 

2.               Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 39.6014 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A,” located south of Hwy 359 and Las Blancas Subdivision, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing 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 6, Block 1093, Western Division, located at 4403 Santa Maria Avenue, from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date. The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change.

 

4.               Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for the long-term storage of hazardous materials (pool maintenance chemicals only) on Lot 22, Block 5, San Isidro Ranch East Point Center Subdivision, Unit 2, located at 801 Union Pacific Boulevard; providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the Conditional Use Permit.

 

5.               Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 60, Calton Gardens Subdivision No. 2, located one block west of Marcella Avenue and one block north of Calton Road from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential District); providing for publication and effective date. The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

 

6.               Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 4B, Block 352, Western Division, located at 1711 San Dario Avenue, from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change.

 

7.               Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $70,000.00 from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to continue the operation of the two continuous air monitoring stations (CAMS) by the City of Laredo Health Department for the contract period beginning September 1, 2004, through August 31, 2005.  One of the CAMS is located at Laredo Community College on the northeast side of the campus, and the second CAMS is located at Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge #2. 

 

8.               Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 full-time equivalent positions for the City of Laredo Health Department’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program from 83 to 86 by creating three full-time Nutrition Aide positions.  Funding is available in the  program grant.

 

9.               Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo’s FY 2003-2004 full-time equivalent positions by reclassifying nine (9) firefighters to the positions of three (3) captains, three (3) drivers and three (3) assistant drivers to activate aerial truck #3 for fire station #12 located at 9402 N.E. Bob Bullock Loop.  Funding for these positions is available in the Fire Department’s operating budget in the amount of $20,133.09.

 

10.           Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the FY 2003-2004 annual budget in the amount of $1,141,000.00 to fund the 2002-2005 Universal Hiring COPS Grant from United States Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services.  The purpose of this grant is to hire 15 Patrol Officer Cadets for a three-year funding period of the “Universal Hiring” program beginning August 1, 2002 through July 31, 2005.  The Department of Justice will contribute $1,125,000.00 and the City of Laredo will contribute $1,216,770.00 in matching funds in the (3) three year grant period for a total grant amount of $2,341,770.00.  The City of Laredo 2003-2004 full-time equivalents will be amended by the addition of fifteen (15) Grade 71 Cadet Police Officers.

 

(Recess)

(Press Availability)

 

VIII.           INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

 

11.           Setting the maximum speed limit on that portion of U.S. 59, within the City limits of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, as 35 mph from milepoint 42.755 to milepoint 45.085, located east of Ejido Avenue, as defined in the Texas Department of Transportation Control Section Map 0542-01-039, providing for the installation of appropriate signs to indicate speed changes in the designated areas and providing for publication and effective date.

 

12.           Authorizing the City Manager to execute Lessor’s Consent to an assignment of that Lease Agreement approved by Ordinance No. 95-O-155 dated August 7, 1995, between the City of Laredo, as Lessor, and Aero Center, Inc., as Lessee, for the approximate 0.5573 acre tract of land located at 800 Flightline at the Laredo International Airport to Khaledi Global Sales Co., Ltd.  All terms and conditions of the original lease will remain the same and in effect; providing for an effective date.

 

13.           Consider a recommendation authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Ronny Salamon dba Avionics Services for approximately 5,980 square feet constituting Hangar No. 1307 located at 4400 Maher Avenue at the Laredo International Airport.  Lease term is for three (3) years commencing August 1, 2004, and ending on July 31, 2007.  Monthly rent shall be $1,301.00 and will be adjusted annually according to changes in the consumer price index; providing for an effective date.

 

 

IX.               FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES 

 

14.            

 

2004-O-171      Amending the City of Laredo's FY 2003-2004 Annual Budget by authorizing the addition of three (3) Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) including one (1) 9-1-1 Program Manager, one (1) 9-1-1 Specialist, and one (1) 9-1-1 Mapping and Database Maintenance Specialist for the South Texas 9-1-1 Regional Administration Division.  Funding is available in the 9-1-1 Regional Administration Fund.

                     

2004-O-172      Amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by increasing revenues and expenditures in the amount of $20,017.00 in additional funds, totaling $85,767.00 for a nine month budget from the Texas Department of Health for the Immunization Action Program of the City of Laredo Health Department for the grant period beginning January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2004.  The City’s contribution to the program is in the amount of $199,103.00 for FY 04-05. (As Amended)

 

2004-O-173      Authorizing the City Manager to execute an Assignment of that Rental Car Agency Concession and Lease Agreement entered into between the City of Laredo, as Lessor, and Instant Signs, Inc., dba Budget Rent a Car of Laredo, as Lessee, by Ordinance No. 2003-O-191 dated August 4, 2003.  Said Assignment is to Budget Rent a Car System, Inc., for approximately 171 square feet of office and counter space located in Car Rental Space #2, and 19 parking spaces located at 5210 Bob Bullock Loop at the Laredo International Airport.  All the terms of the original Rental Car Agency Concession and Lease Agreement will remain unchanged and in effect; providing for an effective date.

 

X.                 RESOLUTIONS

 

15.           2004-R-064     Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a non-financial agreement between Texas A & M International University ~ Eduardo M. Hinojosa Reading Research Center and the City of Laredo ~ Public Library to provide a Summer Literacy Camp for fourth and fifth grade students July 12–31, 2004.

 

16.           2004-R-068     Accepting the donation of one utility easement from Maria Esther Garcia for the extension of utility service lines to San Carlos Subdivision, Phase I.  This being a strip of land 8.00 feet in width, containing 1,255.37 square feet or 0.029 of an acre, more or less, and being situated in porcion 31, abstract 3116, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, and described by metes and bounds and survey attached as Exhibits A and B.

 

17.           2004-R-069     Accepting the donation of one utility easement from Rafael De La Rosa for the extension of utility service lines to San Carlos Subdivision, Phase I. This being a strip of land 8.00 feet in width, containing 688.64 square feet or 0.016 of an acre, more or less, and being situated in porcion 31, abstract 3116, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, and described by metes and bounds and survey attached as Exhibits A and B.

 

18.           2004-R-070     Accepting the donation of one utility easement from Rosa Liendo for the extension of utility service lines to Antonio Santos Subdivision.  This being a 1,293.00 square foot tract out of tract 8 in the Antonio Santos Subdivision, and being situated in porcion 10, abstract 280, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, and described by metes and bounds and survey attached as Exhibits A and B.  

 

19.           2004-R-071     Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application to the Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program and to accept a grant(s), if offered, in the estimated amount of $2,788,451.00 for the purpose of rehabilitating taxiways, $3,000,000.00 for the purpose of rehabilitating cargo apron, and $1,800,000.00 for the purpose of acquiring land for the Laredo International Airport.  The grant application for the Discretionary Funding is for a total of $7,588,451.00. The City’s five (5%) percent local match in the estimated amount of $399,393.00 is available in the Airport Fund Balance/Land Sale Proceeds.

 

XI.               MOTIONS

 

20.           Approving the submission of the 2004 Consolidated One Year Action Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development  in request for funding through the 30th Action Year Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in the amount of $4,336,000.00; the 2004 HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) in the amount of $1,444,006.00; the 2003 American Dream Downpayment Initiative in the amount of $38,244.00; the 2004 American Dream Downpayment Initiative in the amount of $45,129.00; and the 2004 Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) in the amount of $161,205.00, and authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents as a result of the Plan’s submission.

 

21.           Consideration for approval of change order no. 3 an increase of $256,631.26 and to add 75 calendar days to the construction contract with Price Construction, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for the Laredo International Airport Access Roads for revised alignment of the Fuel Farm Road and South Access Drainage Improvements. Funding is available in the Airport Construction Fund – Grant No. 29.

 

22.           Consideration to approve award of amendment no. 1 to Foster Engineering Company, Laredo, Texas, for an amount not to exceed $251,000.00 for professional services to include preparation of drainage easement surveys, design and preparation of plans and specifications, and construction phase services for the Upper Zacate Creek Drainage Project Phase II.  Funding is available in the 1998 C.O. Zacate Creek U.R. Pilot and 2003 C.O. Zacate Creek Upper Pilot.

 

23.           Consideration to award contract number FY04-098 to Quest Diagnostics, Inc., San Antonio, Texas, in an estimated annual amount of $225,000.00 to perform clinical laboratory testing services submitted by the City of Laredo Health Department.  The term of the contract is for an amount not to exceed $675,000.00 for a period of three years beginning October 1, 2004, through September 30, 2007.  The vendor was selected based on the testing fees, years of experience, and their ability to meet the City’s requirements.  Funding is available in the Health Department’s budget and is contingent on future budget appropriations for subsequent years.

 

24.           Authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Texas Department of Health in an amount not to exceed $134,342.00 for the provision of comprehensive medical and preventive health care and case management services for family health, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease as well as counseling and diagnostics to eligible low-income individuals.   This contract will begin on September 1, 2004, through August 31, 2005, and grant compliments the city’s contribution of $45,564.00 for FY 04-05.  Services are provided to 560 clients per year.

 

25.           Authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Texas Department of Health in the amount not to exceed $21,657.00 for the provision of health screening, counseling and behavior modification and education for chronic diseases (cardiovascular, cancer, diabetes, and obesity), and general wellness.  This includes medical case management, nutrition, prevention, and aerobics, as well as diagnostics and referral for specialty care. These services are provided to 4,000 clients. This contract will begin on September 1, 2004 through August 31, 2005.

 

26.           Consideration to exercise the option year for contract FY03-081 awarded to the low bidder, Air Gas, Inc., Laredo, Texas, in the estimated annual amount of $40,000.00 for providing welding gases, welding rods, and cut links used by the service departments and medical oxygen used by the Fire Department.  Funding is available in the following departmental budgets: Traffic Safety – Fleet Maintenance, Parks and Recreation Department and Fire Department – EMS Division.

 

27.           Consideration to cancel contract FY04-069 awarded to Super X Mowing Service, Laredo, Texas, on May 3, 2004, for providing monthly mowing and maintenance of the Zacate Creek areas due to non compliance with our contract provisions and poor performance; and award a new contract to Nick Benavides, Laredo, Texas, in the annual amount of $72,168.00.  Nick Benavides was the previous contract vendor for this project and provides the best value for the City due to his past experience and satisfactory performance.  Funding is available in the Environmental Services Department budget.

 

28.           Consideration to award contract 04-102 to the low bidder, D.R. Kidd Co., Inc., Round Rock, Texas, in the total amount of $168,145.00 to repair the damaged sections of the International Airport passenger terminal roof.  Funding is available in the Airport Fund.  This is a reimbursable TML expense from the storm/wind damages.

 

29.           Approving monthly adjustments to the tax roll.  The amount to be adjusted for month of June 2004, represents an increase of $49,814.34.  These adjustments are determined by Webb County Appraisal District and by court orders.

 

30.           Refund of property tax to the following taxpayers and companies:

 

1.   A refund in the amount of $1,131.10 payable to Ramiro and Maria Bustamante due to over payments. Account # 900-90241-097.

2.   A refund in the amount of $869.90 payable to Richard M. Sample and Marie L. Sample due to a double payment.  Account # 909-00014-317.

3.   A refund in the amount of $2,357.96 payable to Caterpillar Financial Services due to a double payment.  Account # 801-03000-515.

4.   A refund in the amount of $908.17 payable to Graciano and Gabriela Bortonio due to a double payment.  Account # 970-50001-160.

5.   A refund in the amount of $864.42 payable to V. & P. Incorporated due to a double payment.  Account # 964-40008-350

6.   A refund in the amount of $512.25 payable to Juanita A. Cruz due to a double payment.  Account # 968-60005-160.

7.   A refund in the amount of $595.20 payable to the International Bank of Commerce due to a decrease in value certified by Webb County Appraisal Review Board.  Account # 801-09099-108.

8.   A refund in the amount of $1,321.82 payable to Kayce A. Frye due to a double payment.  Account # 970-60009-110.

 

31.           Consideration for approval of change order #2 to Price Construction, Ltd., Big Spring, Texas, in the amount of $36,000.00 for the construction of State Highway 359 Planning Area - Work Order No. 1 Wastewater Trunk Line from Chacon Creek to Los Altos. This increase in contract amount is a result of additional expenses incurred while excavating through a rock strata which was not identified in the plans or contract documents. The construction contract time is extended for an additional nine (9) calendar days. The revised contract amount is $1,959,745.25 and is subject to the approval of the TWDB. Funding is available in the Colonias Construction Fees.

 

32.           Authorizing the City Manager to solicit bids and conduct a public sale of three (3) tracts of airport non-aeronautical use land consisting of approximately 35.63 acres located along the east side of Bob Bullock Loop and  across from the Airport Passenger Terminal at the Laredo International Airport.

 

XII.             STAFF REPORTS

 

33.            

A.              Report by Planning Director, Keith Selman, regarding issues to be considered in the upcoming draft amendment to the parking         ordinance relative to recreation facilities.

 

B.              Request by Police Officer Jose Luis Ramos to consider extending his injury leave with pay, with possible action.

 

C.              Update report on the status of the Colonias Project.

           

XIII.           GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

34.            

                       

A.                 Request by Council Member John C. Galo

1.               Authorizing the City Manager to use District III discretionary funds to install a mister system at Santa Fe Park and Three Points Park in an amount not to exceed $4,000.00, with possible action.

2.               Discussion with possible action requiring all utility franchises of the City of Laredo to have local contact numbers in case of emergency.

 

B.                 Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore Johnny Amaya

1.               Discussion with possible action authorizing the City Manager to use discretionary funds for installing a mister system at Lyon Street Skate Park in an amount not to exceed $4,000.00.

2.               Discussion with possible action regarding street repairs for Lyon Street between Meadow and Springfield.

3.               Status report regarding street repairs on Bartlett Avenue between Saunders and Elm.

 

C.                Request by Council Member Johnny Rendon

1.               Status report on District V ongoing projects, specifically the Zacate Creek Linear Park.

 

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

1.               Discussion with possible action on creating a Council Ad Hoc Committee to provide project oversight for the official activities of the City of Laredo’s 250th Anniversary Celebration.  

2.               Discussion with possible action on potential amendments to the Conditional Use Permit Ordinance.

3.               Discussion with possible action on the sewer overflow at the 8100 block of Mines Road.

 

E.              Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez

1.               Discussion with possible action concerning train safety to prevent derailments.

2.               Discussion with possible action to create a position of Design and Building Coordinator for the City of Laredo to oversee projects such as Zacate Creek and El Portal.

3.               Discussion with possible action on placing a water fountain in Zacate Creek honoring the late Simon Villarreal.

4.               Status report on communication with Webb County regarding the water park.

 

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 MUNICIPAL HOUSING CORPORATION

 

35.           2004-RMH-001           A resolution authorizing the Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation (LMHC) to charge 80% of the HUD updated Fair Market Rents (FMR) established on October 1, 2003, equivalent to $419.00 for a 2-bedroom, $520.00 for a 3-bedroom, and $586.00 for a 4-bedroom at the Jose A. Flores Apartments.  Rents at the Jose A. Flores Apartments will be adjusted to reflect 80% of FMR every two years after October 1, 2004.  Also authorizing to charge $374.00 for a 2-bedroom, $461.00 for a 3-bedroom, $280.00 for 2-bedroom low income units, $305.00 for 3-bedroom low income units (a total of 13 low income units) at the Tomas Flores Apartments, also charging a $200.00 deposit to all new tenants at the Tomas Flores Apartments, effective October 1, 2004.

 

XVI.         ADJOURN AS THE LAREDO MUNICIPAL HOUSING CORPORATION 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 July 14, 2004 at 7:00 p.m.

                                                                       

 

 

                                                                        Gustavo Guevara, Jr.

                                                                        City Secretary