CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

A-2007-R-05

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

MARCH 19, 2007

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 October 12, 2006, October 16, 2006 and October 24, 2006.

V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

Recognitions

a. Recognizing the Alexander Bulldogs boy’s basketball team for participating in the Regional Finalists “Elite 8.”

b. Recognizing the Alexander Bulldogs girl’s basketball team for participating in the Regional Semi-finalists “Sweet 16.”

c. Recognition of the Lyndon B. Johnson High School Cheerleaders for their participation in the NCA Senior & Junior National Championship
in Dallas, Texas and winning the 2006-2007 NCA National Champions in the Varsity-Non-Tumbling Division and Most Innovative Choreography. The team will be featured on Fox Channel 55 in April.

Communiqués

Citizen comments

Citizens are required to fill out a witness card and identify themselves at the microphone. Comments should be relevant to City business and delivered in a professional manner. No derogatory remarks will be permitted. There is a time limit of three minutes per speaker.

VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

a. Appointment by Mayor Raul G. Salinas of Juanita Isabel Martinez to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.

b. Appointment by Council Member Gene Belmares of Marco Ramos to the Telecommunications Advisory Committee.

VII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

A. Request by Mayor Raul G. Salinas

1. Status report from LCVB on the Mexico advertising campaign.

2. Discussion with possible action on the construction of a canopy at Bridge I for pedestrians. (Co-sponsored by Council Member Chavez)

B. Request by Council Member Mike Garza

1. Discussion with possible action on the creation of a Budget calendar.

2. Discussion with possible action on alternative methods for road construction and financing with the Texas Department of Transportation.

C. Request by Council Member Dr. Michael Landeck

1. Discussion with possible action regarding the City of Laredo’s Bridge System shortage and overage policy.

2. Discussion with possible action on Rio Grande River water rights acquisition and status and possible renovation/extension of the Jefferson Street water plant facility.

3. Discussion with possible action on initiating an investigation pursuant to Section 2.06 of the Charter into those City departments and individuals involved with (1) street construction and maintenance, and (2) contracts for street construction and maintenance. (Co-sponsored by Council Member Juan Chavez)

4. Discussion with possible action regarding the demand that members appointed to all city, standing and ad hoc committees must meet the requirement of being a currently registered voter in the City of Laredo; and that this qualification will be applied to all presently appointed and serving committee members.

D. Request by Council Member Gene Belmares

1. Discussion with possible action on consolidating all City offices under one roof with an emphasis on the old Mercy Hospital building and requesting that the 2006-2007 Leadership Class adopt the feasibility study as their class project.

E. Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore Juan Ramirez

1. Discussion with possible action on sewer problems on Convent and Salinas Streets.

2. Discussion with possible action on the use of City vehicles.

3. Status report on the police station at the H.E.B. downtown, with possible action.

VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS

2. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Veterans Field Fund by drawing down $55,000.00 from the Veterans Field Fund balance and appropriating said funds for the purchase of heavy equipment for the maintenance of Veterans Field.

3. Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept grant funds from the South Texas Development Council (STDC) in the amount of $37,737.00 with no matching funds and to amend the Solid Waste Fund to appropriate said grant award. Funds will be used to buy an industrial grade paper shredder at a cost $27,737.00 in order that the Materials Recovery Center can recycle paper that has sensitive information, and $10,000.00 that will be used to promote and educate the public about recycling.

4. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 1 and 3, Block 273, Western Division, located at 1504 Santa Maria Avenue, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change. District VIII

5. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 1, Morales Plat, located at 9219 F.M. 1472, from R-2 (Multi-family Residential District) and M-1 (Light Manufacturing District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change. District VII

6. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Ordinance No. 2006-O-311 authorizing a Special Use Permit for mini storage/warehousing, on Lots 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8, Block 1068, Eastern Division, located at 1320 South Meadow Avenue, by revising the site plan. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the Special Use Permit. District III

7. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 7 and 8, Block 24, Eastern Division, located at 602 Market Street, from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change. District III

8. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 1.27 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located east of Highway 359 and west of Fiesta Subdivision, from R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District) to B-3 (Community Business District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change. District II

9. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 9.11 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located on the North side of A.F. Muller Sr. Memorial Boulevard east of Hummingbird Boulevard, from M-1 (Light Manufacturing District) to R-1 (Single-Family Residential District) (Planned Unit Development District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change. District VII

10. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 46.9 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A,” located at 3220 Bob Bullock – Loop 20, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change. District II

11. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 12.82 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A,” located at 3221 Bob Bullock – Loop 20, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change. District II

12. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 112.82 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located on the East side of Interstate 35 north of Shiloh Drive, from AG (Agricultural District) and M-1 (Light Manufacturing District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change. District VI

13. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 6, Block 13, San Isidro- Las Buganvillas Subdivision and .22 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located at 10550 Sanderiana Court, from R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change. District VI

14. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 2.02 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located at the East end of Basswood Drive, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the zone change. District VI

(Recess)

(Press Availability)

IX. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

15. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with UETA of Texas, Inc. for the lease of the tract of approximately 73,698.73 square feet tract of land located premises located south of Ventura Street and east of Santa Cleotilde Avenue, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 1. Lease shall commence on August 7, 2007 and be for a term of twenty (20) years, with an option to renew for an additional ten (10) years. The annual rent shall be $52,000.00 payable in monthly installments of $4,333.33.

16. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to effectively convey fee simple title to the “Surface Only” at its adjusted market value of $11,533.00 for certain property described as a 7,717 square feet (0.1772 of an acre) tract of land, more or less, out of that former south one-half section of Canada between O’kane and Clark Streets to Adolfo Tellez; provided that the City of Laredo retains the entire tract as a utility easement, said tract being situated in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, being generally described on attached Exhibit “A”; and providing for an effective date.

17. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to effectively convey two (2) City owned lots, namely, Lot 6, Block 643, Eastern Division and Lot 7, Block 700, Western Division, in the City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, to Habitat for Humanity, Inc., in support of the construction of two (2) homes, and providing for an effective date.

18. Authorizing the City Manager to convey fee simple title to the “surface only”, at its adjusted market value of $4,750.00, the 2,725.4 sq. ft. tract of land, more or less, out of that former triangular section of Blaine Street between Smith and Ejido Avenues, as shown by metes and bounds description in Exhibit “A” attached hereto, to purchasers, Humberto H. Ramirez and wife, Guadalupe L. Ramirez; provided however, that the City of Laredo retains and reserves the entire tract as a utility easement, and approving the plan as described in Exhibit “B”, under which purchasers will use the said property; and providing for effective date.

19. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a Foreign Trade Zone Operations Agreement with Luka International Trading, Inc., as zone site operator within site III, located at 14610 Archer Drive, Killam Industrial Park, effective February 1, 2007, and ending on January 31, 2008, and may be extended for three (3) one (1) year terms ending on January 31, 2009; January 31, 2010; and January 31, 2011 and providing activation, administration and transaction fees be paid to the City; providing for an effective date.

X. FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES

20.

2007-O-028 Authorizing the City Manager to accept the Universal Service Program grant from the Schools & Libraries Division/Universal Services Administrative Company/FCC in the amount of $117,532.00, which includes $11,647.00 in matching funds from General Fund, for multi-year E-Rate discounts and communication and technology infrastructure enhancements and to amend FY 06-07 Friends of the Library Fund Budget by appropriating said funds, and extending the contracts previously awarded to AT&T and CALENCE to July 7, 2008.

2007-O-029 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease renewal with Securitas Security Services, USA, Inc., for approximately 120 square feet of office and an exclusive office entry lane of approximately 540 square feet at Bridge II.

A. Lease term for one (1) year commencing April 1, 2007 and ending on March 31, 2008.

B. Monthly rent shall be $2,500.00 for approximately 120 square feet of office space and an exclusive office entry lane of approximately 540 square feet at Bridge II.

C. The lease may be terminated by either party with a thirty (30) day written notice.

2007-O-030 Amending the Fiscal Year 2006-2007 budgets for Risk Management fund by $325,182.00 and 2005 Certificate of Obligation (C.O.) fund by $352,874.00 by appropriating revenues and expenditures in both funds. Funds are provided by the Texas Municipal League (TML) for the replacement of the fire pumper truck involved in an accident and damaged beyond repair. Funds will be used to reimburse the 2005 C.O. for the purchase of a replacement fire pumper truck.

2007-O-031 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into agreement with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the amount of $15,573.00 and amend the Fiscal Year 2006-2007 City of Laredo Budget by $15,573.00. The agreement’s purpose is to reimburse the cost of overtime incurred by the Laredo Police Department in providing resources of OCDEFT (Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces). The term of this agreement is from October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007.

2007-O-032 Amending Ordinance 2006-O-175 to accept a supplemental grant in the amount of $67,000.00 from the Texas Automobile Theft Prevention Authority and to amend the City of Laredo’s Fiscal Year 2006-2007 annual budget in the amount of $67,000.00. This supplemental grant of $67,000.00 is 100% funded and at no cost to the City. The 2006-2007 Texas Automobile Theft Prevention Authority grant for the Laredo Autotheft Task Force will now total $413,000.00. The funding period for this grant is from September 1, 2006 through August 31, 2007.

2007-O-033 Authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo FY 2006-2007 annual budget by increasing revenues and expenditures of $18,579.00 in additional funds from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP); extending the grant period ending November 30, 2006 to March 31, 2007 and authorizing the City Manager to execute said contract.

2007-O-035 Amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2006-2007 General Fund Budget by appropriating $2,500,000.00 from the opening balance for various one time expenditures and or capital improvements.

2007-O-036 Amending section 12-81 [Purpose and Schedule] of Article IV [Fire Prevention Fees] of Chapter 12 [Fire Prevention & Protection] of the Code of Ordinances to revise and amend the fees for inspection services, and adding the new sprinkler installation, sprinkler system modification/remodel, new fire alarm system installation, fire alarm modification/remodel, fire alarm connected to sprinkler system, fire alarm panel replacement; and providing for effective date.

2007-O-037 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 8, Block 809, Eastern Division, located at 1502 Wooster Street, from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential District); providing for publication and an effective date. District III

2007-O-038 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 3, Block 1343, Eastern Division, located at 2315 Market Street, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and an effective date. District III

2007-O-039 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 8 through 18, Block 8, Del Mar Village Subdivision, located at 313 West Village Boulevard, from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for publication and an effective date. District V

2007-O-040 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 6, Block 199, Eastern Division, located at 3419 Springfield Avenue, from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and an effective date. District IV

2007-O-041 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a series Telephone Equipment Easements with Southwestern Bell Telephone, L.P. d/b/a AT&T Texas consisting of a tract of land containing 0.9851 acres being part or portion out of Lot 1, Block 2, and 2.070 acres being a part or portion out of Lots 1, 2 & 3, Block 2, Laredo International Airport Passenger Terminal Subdivision recorded in Volume 16, Pages 45-47, to provide service to the Laredo Town Center project at the Laredo International Airport; providing for an effective date. (As amended)

2007-O-042 Amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances by amending Chapter 18, Section18-2.2 by providing that the Building Department is responsible for issuance of amusement redemption machine permits; providing for publication and an effective date.

2007-O-043 Closing as public easements the following three street sections in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas:

A. Frees Street between the west right-of-way line of U. S. Highway 83 and the west right-of-way line of Meadow Ave. including its intersections with Meadow and Mendiola Avenues;

B. Meadow Avenue between Frees Street and the original South City limits; and

C. Mendiola Avenue between Frees Street and the original South City limits;

While retaining all utility easements thereon; and providing for an effective date.

2007-O-044 Authorizing the City Manager to accept the FY 2007 Federal Planning Funds (PL112) in the amount of $480,039.00 and amending the City of Laredo’s 2006-2007 General Fund budget to match PL112’s budget by increasing revenues by $168,544.00 and expenditures by $168,244.00. The PL112 Funds come from the 2006-2007 approved Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP).

2007-O-045 Approving the public sale of a tract of land containing 88.6913-acres, more or less, legally described as Lot Numbers One (1), Two (2), and Three (3), in Block Number Two (2), Laredo International Airport Passenger Terminal Subdivision, as per Plat recorded in Volume 16, pages 45-47, Webb County Plat Records and authorizing the City Manager to execute all conveyance documents to sole bidder Laredo Town Center, L.P. in the amount of $15,865,000.00; the Laredo Town Center bid offer is subject to the closing being held sixty (60) days after City Council award of the sale instead of the thirty (30) days specified in the bid specifications, and further contingent upon Laredo Town Center receiving clear title to the subject property, and providing for an effective date.

XI. RESOLUTIONS

21. 2007-R-014 Authorizing the City Manager to partner with the Laredo Chamber of Commerce and the International Bank of Commerce for the purchase of an L. E. D. electronic marquee, to replace the one located on San Bernardo Avenue outside of the Civic Center at an approximate cost of $33,918.00. The amount committed by the City of Laredo is $17,000.00. Funding is available in the Civic Center Operational Budget.

22. 2007-R-015 Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application to the Texas Automobile Theft Prevention Authority to fund the Laredo Auto Theft Task Force for the period of September 1, 2007 through August 31, 2008. This grant pays salaries, fringe benefits, and equipment and supplies for LPD personnel and Webb County personnel to combat auto theft in the City of Laredo and Webb County.

23. 2007-R-019 Authorizing the City Manager to execute the renewal of a clinical affiliation agreement between the City of Laredo Fire Department and Laredo Medical Center. The Laredo Fire Department provides its emergency medical technicians and paramedic students with clinical training available at the Laredo Medical Center.

24. 2007-R-020 Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application to the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division in the amount of $40,000.00 with the City designating $8,000.00 in matching funds for a total of $48,000.00 for a Violent Crime Grant under the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) for the period of September 1, 2007 through August 31, 2008.

XII. MOTIONS

25. Consideration to award a contract to Carter & Burgess, Austin, Texas, in the amount of $174,286.00 to provide a scope of services for design, bidding and construction phases, including special services for the existing pump station at the MOHAC Booster Station. Funding is available in the Water 2004 Revenue Bond.

26. Consideration to award a contract to Crane Engineering Company, Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $107,500.00 to design the 24 inch water transmission line from McPherson Road to Loop 20 Del Mar Boulevard with construction plans and specifications. Funding is available in the 2004 Water Bond Issuance.

27. Consideration to award a contract to Foster Engineering Company, Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $40,172.00 to include basic engineering services including surveys, design and preparation of plans and specifications with cost estimates for the construction of a creek crossing for the 24” sewer line (36” alternate) to cross Manadas Creek. The contract time is 135 calendar days. Funding is available in the Sewer Construction Fund.

28. Consideration to authorize the purchase of traffic signal poles and arms required for the traffic signal upgrade of the following locations: Del Mar Blvd. and McPherson Dr. and a new installation at Loop 20 and Laredo Town Center (Airport Driveway), from Pelco Structural LLC, Claymore, OK, in the total amount of $48,208.00. These items are being purchased through the State of Texas Cooperative purchasing program. Funding is available from 2006 Contractual Obligation bond proceeds and the Airport Fund budget.

29. Consideration to award an engineering contract to SCS Engineers, Bedford, Texas, for an amount of $332,600.00 for the design and preparation of plans and specifications for New Type I Cell in the City of Laredo Municipal Landfill located at 6912 Highway 359. Funding is available in the Solid Waste Fund.

30. Consideration to authorize the payment of the solid waste fee assessed quarterly by the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The City is assessed a solid waste fee based on a per ton basis for all waste processed (disposed) at the landfill. This is a recurring annual expense paid on a quarterly basis. The current rate is $1.25 per ton which is subject to change by the TCEQ. Approximately 400,000 tons will be processed during the next twelve month period which would result in a total payment to TCEQ of $500,000.00. Funding is available in the Solid Waste Fund.

31. Consideration to award contract number FY07-068 to the low bidders Castaneda Sand and Gravel, Inc., Laredo, Texas and Flecha Material, Inc., Laredo, Texas in the estimated amount of $115,000.00 for the purchase of top soil; and Flecha Material, Inc., in the estimated amount of $25,000.00 for providing fill dirt for maintenance and capital improvement projects being constructed by the Parks and Recreation Department and Utilities Department. A primary and secondary vendor will be awarded contracts for the purchase of the needed material. The City received identical bids for the purchase of top soil from Castañeda and Flecha Materials, and the primary vendor must be determined by choosing lots. All materials will be purchased on an as needed basis. Funding is available in respective departmental budgets.

32. Consideration to authorize change order number 7, a credit in the amount of $31,570.00, and the purchase of additional radio equipment in the total amount of $31,570.00 to the 800 MHz radio communication contract awarded to Motorola; and authorizing a final payment of $145,935.00. The change order includes credit for reprogramming and utilizing that same credit for the purchase of additional radio equipment. Funding is available in the Information Technology fund.

33. Consideration for approval of payment not to exceed $6,250.00 and approval to cancel the remaining contract in the amount of $68,550.00 with South Texas Testing Laboratories, Inc., due to them not being able to continue to provide testing services of materials for quality assurance; and approval to contract with another testing laboratory to provide laboratory sampling and testing services of materials for quality assurance for the Laredo International Airport Construction of Northeast Cargo Apron (Phase II), General Aviation Apron (Phase II) and Southwest Cargo Apron Concrete Pads Project. Funding is available in the Airport Construction Fund.

34. Consideration for approval of change order no. 1 a decrease of $4,108.00 for the balance of quantities actually constructed in place, acceptance of the CDBG Sidewalks City-Wide Project No. 33 (15 Blocks) and approval of final payment in the amount of $7,517.70 to ALC Construction, LLC, Laredo, Texas. Final construction contract amount is $75,177.00. Funding is available in the Community Development Fund-Sidewalks Project No. 33.

35. Consideration to award software maintenance contract to the sole source provider, Sungard H.T.E., Inc., Lake Mary, Florida, in the amount of $32,157.00. This maintenance contract will provide customer support and service for the Police Department’s Computer Aided Dispatch System, Crime’s Management System, Crackdown software, Mobile Data Terminal software and the Fire Department’s Fires Management System. Funding is available in the Police and Fire Department budgets.

36. Consideration to authorize the purchase of thirty (30) radar units for the Police Department through the Houston Galveston Area Council of Governments (HGAC) cooperative contract pricing from Applied Concepts Inc., Plano, Texas, in the total amount of $94,850.62. Funding is available in the Police Trust Fund budget.

37. Consideration to award a contract to G.T. Distributors, Inc., Austin, Texas, for the purchase of fifty (50) Taser electro muscular disruption weapons in the total amount of $46,315.00. Taser International is the sole source manufacturer of the Taser electro muscular disruption weapon and G.T. Distributor of Texas is the sole authorized distributor in this area. Funding is available in the Police Trust Fund.

38. Consideration for approval of Change Order No. 1 to add one hundred five (105) calendar days to the construction contract time, acceptance of the Demolition Services Schedule II for the Laredo International Airport Building No’s 132, 134, 356 and 924, and approval of final payment in the amount of $10,911.45 to III PG Enterprises, Inc., Laredo, Texas. Final construction contract amount is $109,114.50. Funding is available in the Airport Fund-Retainage Account.

39. Consideration for approval to award a construction contract to the lowest bidder Rovan, LLC, Mercedes, Texas, in the low alternate bid amount of $124,347.92 for the Laredo Town Center Storm Drainage Improvements. Funding is available in the Airport Fund.

40. Authorizing the City Manager to amend its 2004 HOME Investment Partnership, Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) Contract with the Laredo-Webb Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) to correct: 1). Section 4 A5 to read “City will monitor homeowner eligibility to ensure compliance with 24 Part 92.” 2). Section 21A to add that the Contractor must incorporate the City’s resale guidelines as deed restrictions in conjunction with the sale of homes assisted and 3). Section 21B to omit reference to the incorporation of a deed restriction and the statement that the City will maintain a second lien position.

41. Authorizing the City Manager to approve payment from the City’s Arena Renewal and Replacement Account for the purchase of replacement parts for broken chairs in a total amount not to exceed $17,000.00. Funding is available in the Sports and Community Venue Account.

42. Consideration for approval of acceptance for the Los Obispos Unit-5 Remediation Project Phase II and approval of release of Retainage in the amount of $5,000.00 to LEH Contractors, Inc., San Antonio, Texas. Final construction amount is $1,375,828.00. Funding is available in the Capital Improvement Fund.

43. Consideration for approval of Change Order No. 2 a decrease of $19,067.88 with an extension of time of 42 calendar days, acceptance of the 2 million gallon elevated storage tank project and approval of final payment of $106,896.61 to Landmark Structures, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas. The final construction contract amount is $2,137,932.00 with a total of 302 calendar days. Funding is available in the 2005 Water Bond Issue.

44. Consideration to award contract number FY07-055 to the low bidder, Tire Centers, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $260,598.80 for the purchase of truck tires for all City vehicles. All tires are purchased on as needed basis. Funding is available in the Fleet fund.

45. Consideration to award contract number FY07-046 to the low bidder, Safelite Group, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $50,895.00 for providing glass replacement services for the Fleet Maintenance Division. The contract pricing for concrete is approximately 1.04% lower than the previous contract price. All work will be done on an as needed basis. Funding is available in the Fleet Maintenance Fund.

46. Consideration to award contract number FY07-054 to the low bidders, Rob K Concrete Products, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $58,198.00 and Alamo Iron Works, San Antonio, Texas, in the estimated amount of $16,964.00 for the purchase of assorted rebar, wire mesh, keyway and stakes. These materials will be purchased on an as needed basis by the Public Works and Parks and Recreation Departments for construction and repair projects. Funding is available in the respective departmental budgets.

47. Refund of property tax in the amount of $1,000.00 payable to Rosa Maria Gonzalez due to an erroneous payment. Account #332-00407-010.

48. Approving monthly adjustments to the tax roll. The amounts to be adjusted for the month of February 2007, represents an increase of $5,198.98. These adjustments are determined by Webb County Appraisal District and by court orders.

49. Consideration to award contract FY07-063 to Aquatic Commercial Solutions, Inc., San Antonio, Texas, in the estimated amount of $26,515.50 for providing the needed pool chemicals for this summer season. Funding is available in the Parks and Recreation Department budget.

50. Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with PM Design Group in the amount of $18,725.00 for the Phase I development of an Anti-Vandalism Park Campaign to include the creation of a campaign theme, logo and mascot, as well as, press materials kit and graphic design production; and granting PM Design Group the exclusive right to solicit sponsorships on behalf of the City of Laredo for Phase II and Phase III of this project.

51. Authorizing the City Manager to amend the existing retainer agreement with Law Offices of Baker Botts, LLP, by allotting an additional amount of $140,000.00 to pay for legal services related to the Open Meetings Act appeal case styled Martha Escamilla v. City of Laredo, et. al., Cause No. 2004-CVQ-000760-D2.

52. Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Mega Services, LLC, El Paso, Texas, to provide and implement a security system to secure the water supply at the Jefferson Water Treatment Plant. The total contract amount is $285,500.00. Funding for this “Critical Design Review Water Quality Monitoring and Security System Project” is available in Utilities Fund. This motion rescinds the motion on the same subject approved by City Council on February 20, 2007.

53. Consideration to authorize an amendment to the electric energy sales agreement between the Texas General Land Office (GLO) and the City of Laredo to provide for a possible “blend and extend” modification of the existing contract; and to allow the City Manager to sign any and all contract documents related to this amendment. This extension is contingent upon securing a favorable rate for the amended contract period. Staff has been presented with possible rates that would provide for electricity cost savings of $475,000.00 or $810,000.00 depending on the extension terms chosen.

54. Approval to proceed with staff’s recommended one-time capital draw down in the amount of $2,5000,000.00 for the following projects:

1. Unitec 10, I-35 Road Improvement $1,200,000.00

2. Meadow Bridge Crossing $ 390,000.00

3. Industrial Parks – Street Improvements $ 910,000.00

(subject to approval of Final Reading 2007-O-035)

55. Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a lease agreement with Alejandro E. Villarreal, Jr. as “Lessor”, and the City of Laredo as “Lessee” for the approximate 2,000 square feet of office space located at 910 Hidalgo Street, Laredo, Webb County Texas. The office space will be used to relocate the Laredo Police Department Precinct # 6 in order to open office space at the Bruni Plaza Center for the City of Laredo’s Building Permit Department. The term of this lease agreement is three years commencing on March 1, 2007 and ending on February 28, 2010. Rental fees will be $750.00 per month through the term of this lease agreement. Funding is available in the Laredo Police Department General Fund and is subject to future appropriations.

XIII. STAFF REPORTS

56.

A. Presentation by Mario Maldonado, Bridge Director, regarding the Shortage and Overage Policy, with possible action.

B. Status report by Elizabeth Alonzo, Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation Executive Director, regarding the Noise Compatibility Rental Program.

C. Staff report by Miguel A. Pescador, Parks and Recreation Department Director, regarding Slaughter Park.

D. Update on the proposed split payment program by Elizabeth Martinez, Tax Department Director, for payment of property taxes, with possible action.

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.

57. Request for Executive Session pursuant to the Texas Government Code, Section 551.074 to deliberate the appointment, employment and duties of the City Manager; and return to open session for possible action thereon.

58. Request for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071 (1) (A) to consult with City’s attorney on the pending case of Joe Botello v. City of Laredo, Cause No. 2006CVQ002051, in the 111^th District Court, Webb County, Texas; and return to open session for possible action.

XV. RECESS AS THE LAREDO CITY COUNICL AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MUNICIPAL HOUSING CORPORATION

59. Consideration for approval to reject the bids received for the re-roofing project at the Jose Flores Apartments (25 duplexes) and approval to re-bid the project. Funding is available in the Municipal Court Housing Corporation.

XVI. ADJOURN AS THE LAREDO MUNICIPAL HOUSING CORPORATION AND RECONVENE AND ADJOURN AS THE LAREDO CITY COUNCIL

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, March 14, 2007 at 8:30 p.m.

Gustavo Guevara, Jr.

City Secretary