CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

A-2007-R-016

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

AUGUST 20, 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 May 7, 2007 and May 14, 2007.

 

V.                 COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

Recognitions

 

a.      Recognition of the Laredo Independent School District, on their 125th Anniversary Celebration.

 

b.      Recognizing Jesse Sanchez III, a UISD boxing student for winning the Ring Side World Championship in Kansas, Missouri on August 3, 2007.

 

c.      Recognizing Margaret Ann Garza for winning both Miss Belleza Latina 2008 and Most Photogenic in Orlando, Florida on July 2007.

 

d.      Recognizing David Silva, a Library Department Employee, for being inducted into the U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame with a Silver Live Award in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 4, 2007.

 

e.      Recognition of the Budget Department on receiving the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the 16th consecutive year.

 

f.        Recognition of Alejo Q. Gutierrez of the Bridge Department, on his selection as August Employee of the Month.

 

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 Council Member Johnny Amaya of J.J. Perez to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.

b.      Appointment by Council Member Johnny Amaya of Gilbert Mancha Jr., to the Transportation & Traffic Safety Advisory Committee.

 

VII.             GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

1.           

a.       

A.                 Request by Mayor Raul G. Salinas

1.   Discussion with possible action on the status of the Ethics Committee and the naming of the Mayor’s and City Council Member’s appointees to this Commission.

 

B.                 Request by Council Member Mike Garza

1.                  Discussion with possible action on requesting all City    employees to report public works issues and/or problems.

 

C.                Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore Gene Belmares

1.                  Discussion with possible action interpreting, defining and amending the truck route ordinance.

 

2.                  Discussion with possible action on installing speed humps on Denmark Street between International Boulevard and Woodridge Drive.

 

3.                  Discussion with possible action on appropriating funds for a Street light on Canterbury Lane and Downing Street in the Regency Subdivision.

 

 

 

D.                Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez

 

1.           Discussion with possible action on the status of the El Portal Project.

 

2.           Discussion with possible action on placing the water park project on the upcoming election ballot.

 

VIII.           PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

2.          Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept a contribution from San Isidro Southeast, Ltd., in the amount of $53,736.00 and to amend the City of Laredo Capital Improvement Fund Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures for park improvements within the San Isidro Subdivision.

 

3.          Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept and execute the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Grant, Section 5307, TX-90-X758, in the amount of $3,658,679.00 for Fiscal Year 2006-2007 and amend the Transit System’s Operating Budget by decreasing the Fiscal Year 2006-2007 FTA Operating Grant Contribution from $3,700,000.00 to $3,658, 679.00 and increasing the Transit Sales Tax match for operating expenses from $5,166,953.00 to $5,208,274.00 and providing for grant funds to be deposited in the City of Laredo Transit Fund.

 

4.            Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Article II [Regulation of Private Premises Vendors] of Chapter 18 of the Code of Ordinances; Section 18-3 Definitions, excluding fruit and produce vendors from the definition of private premises vendors; providing for publication; and providing for an effective date.

 

5.          Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2007 Airport Construction Budget to recognize additional revenues from a grant received from the Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program being Grant Project No. 3-48-0136-50-07 in the amount of $6,513,444.00 to rehabilitate a portion of the General Aviation Apron ($4,513,444.00 for Phase 3) and ($2,000,000.00) for noise mitigation under FAR PART 150 Noise Abatement Program at the Laredo International Airport and appropriating said grant revenues and local match to the appropriate expenditure accounts and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget amendment. The local match of five percent (5%) in the amount of $342,813.00 is available in the Airport Construction Fund.

 

6.          Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Public Works Department approved Full Time Equivalent (FTE) positions by creating twenty-nine (29) full time positions for an estimated cost of $898,084.00 per year.  These employees will be assigned for the construction, improvements and repairs of streets.  Funding is available in the 2007 Certificates of Obligation bond proceeds. 

 

7.          Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant from the Texas Department of State Health Services Office of Border Health and amending the City of Laredo Health Department Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Annual Budget by appropriating revenues and expenses in the amount of $21,500.00 to support activities of the Los Dos Laredos Council and the Healthy Border 2010 Objectives for the period beginning October 1, 2006 through December 31, 2007. 

 

8.          Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Health Department Fiscal Year 2006-2007 annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $134,342.00 in funds from the Texas Department of State Health Services, and an estimated $22,597.00 from Program Income from the Health Department La Familia Health Care Program for the period of September 1, 2007 through August 31, 2008; and authorizing the City Manager to execute the contract.

 

9.          Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Health Department Fiscal Year 2006-2007 budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $231,609.00 in funds from the Texas Department of State Health Services for partial support of the Public Health Preparedness and Epidemiology Program (Pandemic Influenza) for the City of Laredo Health Department.  These funds are for the period of September 1, 2007 through August 31, 2008, including approved Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) positions and authorizing the City Manager to execute the contract.  Additional supplemental funds for Pandemic Influenza and Early Warning Infectious Disease Surveillance (EWIDS) will be provided in November 2007 to the Health Department.

 

10.      Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the current contract with the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDHS) for the Women, Infants and Children Program for the period beginning October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007 to extend the contractual service area to include Duval, Jim Hogg, and Zapata counties for a period from September 1, 2007 through September 30, 2007; amending the City of Laredo Health Department Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Annual Budget by appropriating revenues and expenses in the amount of $50,000.00 from TDSHS and amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) positions by adding eight (8) full time positions; and providing for an effective date.

 

11.      Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Health Department Fiscal Year 2006-2007 annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $140,125.00 in funds from the Texas Department of Health Services, which includes $10,804.00 from an estimated amount of program income for the Tuberculosis Elimination Program of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning September 1, 2007 through August 31, 2008.

 

12.      Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to transfer $20,861.00 from the City of Laredo - Public Library Fiscal Year 2006-2007 budget to the Friends of the Library Account.  The $20,861.00 includes $15,010.00 (the required City of Laredo's match of 11% of the $136,448.04 Universal Service Program Grant applied for with the Schools & Libraries Division/Universal Services Company/ Federal Communications Commission) plus $5,851.00 (for ineligible or non-funded needed items).  This 10th Round (year) of this multi-year grant is currently in the initial review stage and official funding confirmation is still pending. 

 

13.       Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for a parking lot on Lot 7, Block 6, Moonlight Subdivision, located at 2101 Puscas Court.  The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the Conditional Use Permit.

 

                                                                                      

(Recess)

(Press Availability)

 

IX.               INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

 

14.       Designating a one-way westbound the 1200 block of Rosario Street; and designating as one-way southbound the 900 block of Stone Avenue; and said designations to be in effect only during the peak hours of 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday during school days, and providing for the installation of appropriate signs to indicate one-way traffic in the westbound direction and southbound direction; and providing for publication and an effective date. 

 

15.       Authorizing the City Manager to execute a Lease Agreement with T-Mobile West Corporation, A Delaware Corporation, 2106 Mexico Avenue, for use of antennae facilities, an equipment building and related facilities.  Term of the lease is five (5) years, with four (4) successive renewal terms of five (5) years.  Annual base rent shall be $15,000.00 with a five percent (5%) increase on each anniversary of the commencement date; and providing for an effective date.

 

16.       Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Webb County (Floyd Day Care) for approximately 1.0128 acres of land located at 4704 Naranjo Street at the Laredo International Airport.  Lease term is for five (5) years commencing on August 1, 2007 and ending on July 31, 2012.  However, the lease may be terminated by either party upon giving a 180-day written notice from the party terminating to the other.  Monthly rent shall be $1,990.00 and will be adjusted annually according to changes in the Consumer Price Index; providing for an effective date. 

 

 

X.                 FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES 

 

17.  

2007-O-117           Amending Ordinance No. 2006-O-073, Chapter 15 Health and Sanitation, Article VI “No Smoking In Public Places”, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Laredo, Texas by amending sections 15-78 through 15-81; “no smoking in public places”; to include declared and approved establishments by the City of Laredo Health Department as providing services solely to patrons age 21 and older, who have applied and been granted a permit as a 21 years of age and older place of business. Approved businesses will pay an application fee and a permit fee to allow smoking.  The ordinance also provides for violations, penalties, and enforcement of the policies of this chapter, and for providing severability and an effective date and publication. (As amended)

 

2007-O-137      Amending the Fiscal Year stated on Ordinance 2007-O-110, this grant affects one (1) month of Fiscal Year 2006-2007 (September 1 thru September 30, 2007) and continues in Fiscal Year 2007-2008 (October 1 thru August 31, 2008).  The City of Laredo Health Department is amending the Fiscal Year 2006-2007 annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $70,000.00 in funds from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to operate and maintain three (3) continuous air monitoring stations (CAMS) by the Health Department for the term period beginning September 1, 2007 through August 31, 2008.

 

2007-O-138      Authorizing the City Manager’s acceptance of additional grant monies from the South Texas Development Council (STDC) in the amount of $8,322.00 with no matching funds and amending the City of Laredo’s Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Annual Budget for the Environmental Services Fund by appropriating the said additional grant revenue to the appropriate expenditure accounts. The grant funds will be used for additional purchase of recycling containers.

 

2007-O-139      Amending the City of Laredo FY 2006-2007 Annual Budget for the Waterworks System Operating Fund by increasing twenty (20) Full Time Equivalent positions (FTE’s) for a total estimated amount of $ 69,000.00 for the remainder of the fiscal year. These employees will be assigned for the construction of water and sewer line replacements. Funding is available through the 2006 Revenue Bond.

 

2007-O-140      Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 7 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit "A", located on the North side of F.M. 1472, 3.5 miles west of Las Tiendas Road, from AG (Agricultural District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District); providing for an effective date and publication. 

 

2007-O-141      Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 15.95 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located east of Highway 83 and south of Cielito Lindo Boulevard, from R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District) and B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for an effective date and publication. 

 

2007-O-142      Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing a Special Use Permit for sand/gravel sales, storage, and/or extraction, on 15.95 acres as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located east of Highway 83 and south of Cielito Lindo Boulevard; providing for an effective date and publication.                                                                                      

2007-O-143      Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 1.53 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located on the southeast corner of F.M.1472 and Camino Colombia Toll Road, from AG (Agricultural District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for an effective date and publication. 

 

2007-O-144      Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 1.2 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located west of F.M. 1472 and north of Riverbank Drive, from AG (Agricultural District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for an effective date and publication. 

 

2007-O-145      Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 4.15 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located west of F. M. 1472 and north of Riverbank Drive, from AG (Agricultural District) and B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for an effective date and publication. 

 

2007-O-146      Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 4.78 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located west of F.M. 1472 and north of Riverbank Drive, from AG (Agricultural District) and B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for an effective date and publication.                                                   

 

2007-O-147      Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 1.13 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located west of F.M. 1472 and north of Riverbank Drive, from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for an effective date and publication.    

 

2007-O-148      Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 5 and 6, Block 1625, Eastern Division, located at 2719 Ligarde Street, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District); providing for an effective date and publication. 

 

2007-O-149      Authorizing the City Manager to accept Grant Funds from the South Texas Development Council (STDC) in the amount of $8,322.00 with matching funds of $541.00 and to amend the Solid Waste Fund to appropriate said grant awarded from STDC in the amount of $8,322.00 with $ 541.00 matching funds.  Funds will be used to buy a billboard advertisement at a cost of $8,863.00 that will be set up in south Laredo to further educate the public on recycling.

 

2007-O-150      Authorizing the City Manager to execute a Lease Agreement with Cricket Communications, Inc. for 8711 McPherson, for use of antennae facilities, an equipment building and related facilities.  Term of the lease is five (5) years, with four (4) successive renewal terms of five (5) years.  Annual base rent shall be $16,000.00, with a five percent (5%) increase on each anniversary of the commencement date; and providing for effective date.

 

2007-O-151      Authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the lease approved by Ordinance No. 2004-O-038 dated February 17, 2004, and as amended by Ordinance No. 2006-O-158 dated July 17, 2006, between the City of Laredo, as Lessor, and Webb County Juvenile Board, as Lessee, for the Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (JJAEP) school campus for an approximate 100,357 square foot tract of land located on Block No. 11 of the Airport Subdivision Plat at the Laredo International Airport.  Said amendment will extend the lease term 18 months ending on December 31, 2008.  All other terms and conditions of the lease remain unchanged and in effect; providing for an effective date.

 

2007-O-152      Authorizing the City Manager to execute a permit and right of entry for access agreement by an off-airport rental car business with Laredo Car Rental, Inc., D/B/A Alamo Rent-a-Car, as Permittee, as the Laredo International Airport.  Term shall commence on May 1, 2007 and end on July 31, 2011.  Permittee shall pay $1,500.00 per year plus 8% of annual Gross Receipts Derived from airport revenues; providing for an effective date.

 

2007-O-153      Amending Chapter 19-410 Truck Routes designated, of the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances, by deleting and replacing the entire Section of Division 2 in order to clarify the existing ordinance language and by designating and additional truck route, Bustamante Street eastbound between Daugherty Avenue and U.S. 59 (Saunders Street) providing for severability, publication and effective date.

 

2007-O-154      Amending Section 32-29(E)(1) suspension and revocation of Annual Permit, of the Code of Ordinance, in order to clarify section, providing severability and for an effective date and publication; and

1.           Amending section 32-43.1(d)(5)  suspension and revocation of taxicab license, of the Code of Ordinances, in order to clarify section, providing severability and for an effective date and publication; and

2.           Amending section 32-68 fares of  Mexico, of the Code of ordinance, in order to clarify section, providing severability and for an effective date and publication; and

3.           Amending Section 32-80.1(c) violations, in order to clarify ordinance section; and providing for severability and for an effective date and publication. 

 

XI.               RESOLUTIONS

 

18.      2007-R-059         Authorizing our Delinquent Tax Attorney to arrange for the auction by the Webb County Sheriff, pursuant to Section 34.05 of the Tax Code, of the properties listed on the exhibits A and B; and subject to the minimum bids specified herein. 

 

19.      2007-R-063         Authorizing the City Manager to execute a funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation and to disburse a payment in the amount of $389,750.93 as the City’s contribution to the costs of preliminary engineering, construction and contingencies for the rehabilitation or replacement of the bridge over the Kansas City Southern (KCS) Railway Company crossing on Meadow Avenue.  Funding is available in the Meadow Bridge Crossing Account #101-4323-535-4262.

 

20.      2007-R-066         A resolution of the City Council in support of  H.R. 512 and S. 500 for the creation of a commission to study the potential establishment of a National Museum of the American Latino in Washington, D.C.

 

 

XII.             MOTIONS

 

21.      Authorizing the City Manager to extend the current contract for one year with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (THHSC) to provide a Medicaid Eligibility Specialist employed by the THHSC, stationed at the Health Department, 40 hours a week. The Health Department will reimburse THHSC the total amount of $31,261.00 for this service for the term of October 1, 2007 through September 30, 2008.  Funding is available in the Health Fund/Administration Budget.

 

22.      Consideration to authorize payment to ten (10) vendors, (Embarq, Intrado, DIR, AT&T, Sprint PCS, Nextel Partners, Verizon, Jim Hogg County, Starr County and Zapata County) for providing existing 9-1-1 telephone network, database, wireless, and equipment maintenance services for our county regional 9-1-1 system in the projected amount of $476,115.00.  Payments are for the period of September 1, 2007 through August 31, 2008.  Funding is available in the 9-1-1 Regional Fund.

 

23.      Authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract between the City of Laredo (City), South Texas Development Council (RPC), and Commission on State Emergency Communications (CSEC) for the period beginning September 1, 2007 through August 31, 2008 to administer the 9-1-1 program on behalf of the RPC Counties of Jim Hogg, Starr, Webb and Zapata.

 

24.      Consideration to authorize the purchase of one sewer line TV inspection truck from Kinloch Equipment and Supply, Inc., Pasadena, Texas, in the amount of $145,606.00 through the Buy Board Cooperative Purchasing Program’s contract pricing.  This equipment will be assigned to the Utilities Department.  Funding is available from the 2007 Certificates of Obligation Bond proceeds.

 

25.      Award of a professional services contract, Phase I with Gilpin Engineering Company in the amount of $387,000.00 to provide consulting services for the Manadas Creek Multi-purpose Drainage Improvement Project for the City of Laredo, Texas.  Funding is available in the 2005 & 2007 Certificates of Obligation Bonds.

 

26.      Approval of the 2007 Appraisal Roll from the Webb County Appraisal District for the development of the City’s tax roll, acceptance of the Effective and Rollback Tax Rate calculations for the Tax Year 2007, and setting the public hearing dates of September 4th and 10th, 2007 for the proposed tax rate of $0.637000/$100 value.

 

27.      Approving monthly adjustments to the tax roll.  The amounts to be adjusted for the month of July 2007, represents an increase of $2,444.27.  These adjustments are determined by Webb County Appraisal District and by court orders.

 

28.      Refund of property tax in the amount of $1,684.37 payable to Alfredo and Irma Gabriela Flores due to an overpayment.  Account # 945-00841-387. 

 

29.      Consideration to authorize approval of contract amendment No. 2 to the professional services contract dated February 21, 2007 with Puig Engineering, L.L.C., of Laredo, Texas, for the performance of engineering services related to the West Laredo Multimodal Corridor Phase II-Flecha Lane/Las Cruces Drive Realignment Project, increasing the fee by $248,000.00, in order to allow for additional professional services, and to extend the contract by an additional 450 days.  Funding is available in the Capital Improvement Fund.

 

30.      Consideration for approval to award an engineering contract to Sherfey Engineering Company, L.L.C., Laredo, Texas, for an amount of $101,400.00 for the boundary and acquisition, platting, surveying, design and preparation of plans and specifications for the Shiloh Boulevard Extension 1,400 linear feet of the 100 ft. right-of-way (63 ft., back-to-back) from its current terminus at Wyndum Subdivision to the Killam west property line.  Funding is available in the 2000A Certificates of Obligation – Shiloh Boulevard Extension.   

 

31.      Consideration for approval of acceptance of the Ejido Avenue Extension Project (Pita Mangana Boulevard-Chacota Street) and approval of final  payment in the amount of $82,182.81 to Ramos Industries, Inc., Pasadena, Texas.  Final contract amount is $1,643,656.14.  Funding is available in the Community Development Budget.

 

32.      Consideration for approval to award a construction contract to the sole bidder ALC Construction, L.L.C., Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $72,380.00 for the Sidewalk and ADA Ramps Improvements along Matamoros Street from Santa Maria Avenue to Flores Avenue (4 blocks) approximately 1200 linear feet of construction.  Funding is available in the Community Development Block Grant -31st Action Year. 

 

33.      Authorizing the City Manager to conduct a Public Sale of Block No. 2 of the Subdivision Plat of the Laredo Airport and consisting of approximately 5.8529 -acres, more or less, located at the Laredo International Airport with a minimum bid amount of $1,708,180.14 being the appraised fair market value. Block No. 2 is bounded by Maher Avenue to the east, Hillside Road to the north, Thomas Avenue to the west and Cherry Hill Drive to the south.

 

34.      Concurring with the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Record of Approval dated June 22, 2007, 14 C.F.R. Part 150 Noise Compatibility Program for the Laredo International Airport, Laredo, Texas and authorizing the City Manager to implement the FAA approved elements. Laredo’s FAR Part 150 Noise Compatibility Program is funded by 95% FAA Grants and 5% local match.  The Remedial Land Use Measures include three (3) voluntary elements being Fee Simple Acquisition, or Acoustical Treatment of residential dwellings in exchange for an Avigation Easement or Avigation Easement Acquisition. 

 

35.      To authorize the submittal of project eligibility review applications to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in order to secure project approval for funding under the Coordinated Border Infrastructure (CBI) Program. The projects to be submitted for review include: the Industrial Parks Street Reconstruction Project, Bridge IV - toll booth expansion, and Cuarto Vientos – right of way acquisition.  In general, projects funded by the CBI Program result in a federal contribution of eighty (80%) percent of the total project cost, and a twenty (20%) match requirement.  Therefore, if approved, selected, and fully funded: the Industrial Parks Street Reconstruction Project is estimated at $20,000,000, in total project costs will result in $16,000,000 in federal funding, and $4,000,000 in matching funds required; the Bridge IV – toll booth expansion is estimated at $4,041,400 in total project costs results in $3,233,120 federal funding, and $808,280 matching funds required; and the Cuatro Vientos – right of way acquisition project estimated at $6,000,000 in total project costs results in $4,800,000 in federal funding, and $1,200,000 in matching funds required.

 

36.      Authorizing the City Manager to allocate an additional $18,000.00 to pay legal services related to the existing retainer agreement with the Law Offices of William M. Mckamie, P.C., for the lawsuit styled Carlos Blanco, Jr. and Maria Gloria Gonzalez v. the City of Laredo, Cause No. 2004-CV-000760-D2, in the District Court 111th Judicial District, Webb County.  Funding is available in the General Fund.

 

37.      Consideration to authorize the purchase of one scraper in the amount of $688,817.00 and one landfill compactor in the amount of $553,976.00 through the BuyBoard’s cooperative purchasing program’s contract pricing from Holt Cat, Laredo, Texas.  This is replacement equipment for the Solid Waste operation.  Funding is available from Solid Waste – 2007 Certificates of Obligation Bond proceeds.  

 

38.      Consideration to award contract number FY07-145 to the low bidder, Delta House Electric, Freer, Texas, in the estimated annual amount of $240,000.00 for providing electric motor repair service for the Utilities Department motors with horsepower ratings from 1/8 HP to 400 HP and will service the many electric motors used in the water and wastewater operations. All repair work will be secured on an as needed basis.   Funding is available in the Utilities Department Fund.

 

39.      Consideration to amend contract FY06-106, awarded to C.W. Security Laredo, Texas, for providing security guard services for the Bridge System, City Hall, Health Department, Parks and Recreation Department - Civic Center, Solid Waste Department, the Municipal Housing Division and other departments as needed by adjusting the hourly rate from $7.00 to $7.70 effective August 10, 2007.  The federal minimum wage hourly rate was increased on July 24, 2007 from $5.15 to $5.85.  The contract terms and conditions allow for a rate adjustment in the amount of increase in the federal minimum hourly wage. 

 

40.      Consideration to ratify the purchase contract with Group One Automotive DBA Dallas Dodge, in the total amount of $26,370.00, for the purchase and installation of vehicle graphics package for fifty four (54) police sedans.  A new graphics package was installed on the new vehicles.  Funding is available in the Police Department budget. 

 

41.      Consideration to award annual supply contract number FY07-148 in the estimated amount of $2,923,649.50 for the purchase of unleaded and ultra low sulfur and high sulfur diesel fuel for the City of Laredo's fleet to the low bidder, Arguindegui Oil Co., Laredo, Texas. Funding is available in the Fleet Maintenance Fund.  

 

42.      Consideration to award contract number FY07-136 to the following low bidders, Southern Tire Mart, Laredo, Texas in the estimated amount of $24,331.00 and Gray’s Wholesale Tire, Fort Worth, Texas in the estimated amount of $28,456.27 for the purchase of passenger truck and industrial tires for the Fleet Department.  All tires will be purchased on an as needed basis.  Funding is available in the Fleet Fund. 

 

43.      Consideration to award contract FY07-129 for the purchase of dealer repair parts to Paul Young Chevrolet Inc., Laredo, Texas, in the estimated annual amount of $40,000.00; and Clark Chevrolet, McAllen, Texas in the estimated annual amount of $10,000.00.  All automotive parts will be purchased on an as needed basis.  Funding is available in the Fleet Maintenance budget. 

 

44.      Consideration to authorize the purchase of two (2), 2008 Peterbilt 240 trucks for roll-off containers from Rush Truck Centers of Texas L.P., in the total amount of $230,088.00 through the Houston Galveston Area Council of Governments (H-GAC) cooperative purchasing program’s contract pricing. These trucks will be assigned to the Solid Waste Department. Funding is available from 2007 Certificates of Obligation Bond proceeds. 

 

45.      Consideration to authorize the purchase of one asphalt paver in the total amount of $328,189.00 through the Buy Board cooperative purchasing program’s contract pricing from Holt Cat. This equipment will be assigned to the Public Works Department. Funding is available from 2007 Certificates of Obligation Bond proceeds.

 

46.      Consideration to authorize the purchase of one milling machine in the total amount of $440,596.00 through the Houston Galveston Area Council of Governments (H-GAC) cooperative purchasing program’s contract pricing from Wirtgen America Inc.  This equipment will be assigned to the Public Works Department.  Funding is available from 2007 Certificates of Obligation Bond proceeds. 

 

47.       Consideration to authorize the purchase of (2) two, American La France custom ambulances and one, American LaFrance fire pumper truck from American LaFrance Gulf Coast, Houston, TX., in the total amount of $787,781.00 through the Houston Galveston Area Council of Governments (H-GAC) cooperative purchasing program’s contract pricing. These are replacement units. The ambulances will be assigned to Stations #7 located at 1120 Calton Road and #8 located at 510 Del Mar Boulevard and the fire truck will be assigned to Station #7.    Funding is available from 2007 Certificates of Obligation Bond proceeds.

 

48.      Consideration to authorize the purchase of three (3) cargo vans from Philpott Motors, in the total amount of $56,581.00, through the Buy Board cooperative purchasing program’s contract pricing; and three (3) Chevrolet Suburbans from Caldwell Country Chevrolet, in the total amount of $119,334.00, through the Houston Galveston Area Council of Governments (H-GAC) cooperative purchasing program’s contract pricing.  The cargo vans will be assigned to the Public Works Department and the Suburbans will be assigned to the Fire Department’s EMS Division. Funding is available from 2007 Certificates of Obligation Bond proceeds. 

 

49.      Consideration to award contract FY07-147 to the following low bidders:

 

a)     Planet Ford, Houston, TX., in the total amount of $485,359.00 for the purchase of thirty (30) vehicles;

b)     Tommie Vaughn Auto Country, Weimar, TX., in the total amount of $422,641.92 for the purchase of twenty three vehicles (23), and

c)      Caldwell Country Chevrolet, Caldwell, TX., in the total amount of $150,573.00 for the purchase of nine ((9) vehicles, for a total of $1,058,573.92.

 

The purchase of vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and vans authorized for the Building, Fire, Public Works, Human Resources, Engineering, Parks and Recreation, Health, Airport, Civic Center, Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Solid Waste, and Utilities Departments, all as authorized in the 2007 Certificate of Obligation (CO) schedule; including four (4) vehicles which were approved for purchase for the Utilities Department with 2006 Waterworks revenue bond proceeds. Funding is available from 2007 certificates of obligation bond proceeds and 2006 Waterworks Bond proceeds. 

 

50.      Consideration to reject all bids received for bid number FY07-146 – heavy equipment and authorizing the City Manager to purchase this equipment through the Houston Galveston Area Council of Governments (H-GAC) cooperative purchasing program from :

 

a)                 Nueces Power Equipment in the total amount of $451,228.41 for the purchase of seven (7) backhoes and two (2) skid steer loaders; and

b)                 Volvo Construction Equipment and Services in the total amount of $259,474.61 for the purchase of one soil compactor, one pneumatic roller, and one double drum roller for a total purchase of $710,703.02. 

 

Six (6) backhoes and one skid roller will be assigned to the Utilities Department, and one backhoe, one skid roller, one pneumatic loader, one soil compactor and one double drum roller will be assigned to the Public Works Department.  Funding is available from 2007 Certificates of Obligation Bond proceeds and 2006 Waterworks Revenue Bond proceeds. 

 

51.      Consideration to award contracts to the following bidders for the purchase of industrial uniforms for various departments of the City:

a)     Cintas, Corpus Christi, Texas in the estimated annual amount of $60,027.84;

b)     Safety & Security International Services, Franklin, Tennessee, in the estimated annual amount of $41,885.65.00;

c)      G&K Services, San Antonio, Texas in the estimated annual amount $17,039.90; and

d)     Aramark-Wearguard, Burbank, California in the estimated annual amount of $1,625.00.  

The term of the contract for each of the bids under FY07-122 shall be for one year with an option to extend each for one additional year term at the same contract pricing and under the same terms and conditions.  Funding is available in the various department budgets. 

 

 

 

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.

                                                                  

52.       Request for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071 (2) by Assistant City Attorney to discuss with city’s delinquent tax attorney, some legal aspects of Resolution No. 2007-R-059 of this agenda; and return to open session for possible action.

          

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

                       

53.      Consideration to award an annual supply contract number FY07-150 for the purchase of unleaded and low sulfur diesel fuel, for the transit system’s fleet to the low bidder, Arguindegui Oil Co., Ltd., Laredo, Texas.  Approximately $388,000 is budgeted on an annual basis in the Transit Fund.    

 

XV.           RECESS AS THE LAREDO MASS TRANSIT BOARD AND CONVENE 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, August 15, 2007 at 10:30 p.m.

           

                                                           

 

 

                                                                        Gustavo Guevara, Jr.

                                                                        City Secretary