AMENDED

 

CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

A-2008-R-09

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

MAY 5, 2008

5:30 P.M.

 

DISABILITY ACCESS STATEMENT

Persons with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who may need auxiliary aid or services are requested to contact Gustavo Guevara, City Secretary at (956) 791-7308 at least two working days prior to the meeting so that appropriate arrangements can be made.  The accessible entrance and accessible parking spaces are located at City Hall, 1100 Victoria Ave.

 

Out of consideration for all attendees of the City Council meetings, please turn off all cellular phones and pagers, or place on inaudible signal.  Thank you for your consideration.

 

 

I.                    CALL TO ORDER

 

II.                  PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

III.                ROLL CALL

 

IV.               MINUTES

 

V.                 COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

Recognitions

 

a.      Recognition of Dr. David E. Garza for his honorary designation of Fellow from the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians.

 

b.      Recognition of Mr. Abe Martinez for being named Community Health Systems (CHS) 2007 CEO of the Year.

 

c.      Recognition of Laredo Paint & Decorating, a family-owned paint store in business for 80 years.

 

d.      Recognition of the employees of the quarter.

 

e.      Recognition of employees that retired from the City of Laredo with 20 or more years of service.

 

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

Appointment by Council Member Hector Garcia of Richard Gentry to the Parks and Recreation Committee.

 

VII.             PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1.          Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 10, Block 97, Western Division, located at 419 Farragut Street, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to R-O (Residential/Office District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the zone change.

 

2.          Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning all Blocks 488, 488A, 489, 489A, and Lot 1, the west 44.34 feet of Lot 2, the north 55.1 feet and the west 33.3 feet of Lot 7, and all Lot 8, Block 490, Eastern Division, located at 4401 San Francisco Avenue, from MXD (Mixed Use Development District) to B-3 (Community Business District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change.

 

3.          Public hearing and introductory ordinance accepting a supplemental grant awarded and amending the City of Laredo FY 2007-2008 Financial Task Force grant budget by increasing revenues and expenditures in the amount of $15,577.00 for operational expenses awarded by the Office of the National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). Funds will be used to pay overtime expenses for The Laredo Financial Narcotics Enforcement Team agents from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008.

 

4.          Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Health Department Fiscal Year 2007-2008 annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $14,513.00 of additional funds from the South Texas Development Council to the Health Department’s HIV/Health & Social Services for a total amount of $137,555.00 from the period of September 1, 2007 through August 31, 2008.

 

5.          Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Health Department FY 2007-2008 annual budget by decreasing $111,315.00 in funds due to a realignment of funds from the Texas Department of State Health Services, for a total amount awarded of $181,622.00 which includes an estimated Program Income of $22,814.00 for the prenatal services provided by the Health Department Maternal and Child Health (MCH-Title V Fee-For Services) Program, for the period of September 1, 2007, through August 31, 2008.  

 

6.          Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept a National Network of Libraries of Medicine South Central Region (NN/LM SCR) award in the amount of $5,000.00 and to amend the City of Laredo Friends of the Library Fiscal Year 2007-2008 annual budget by appropriating said funds.  This is a cost-reimbursement award.

 

7.          Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept the 21st Century Innovation-Library Technology Grant from the Texas Book Festival in the amount of $5,000.00 and amending the City of Laredo Library Fiscal Year 2007-2008 Annual Budget.  Funds will be used to purchase four (4) computers to create an e-mail kiosk for the Main Library.

 

8.          Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Article IX [Swimming Pools] of Chapter 15 Section 144 Number 19 changing the amount of liability insurance from $1,000,000.00 to $500,000.00 and to increment said $500,000.00 annually by $250,000.00 until amount of insurance is no less than $1,000,000.00.

 

(Recess)

(Press Availability)

 

VIII.           INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

 

9.          Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease agreement with the Boys and Girls Club of Laredo. This agreement authorizes the lease of an unimproved tract of real property (as depicted in the lease agreement in Exhibit “A”), A 44,609 square foot parcel, more or less, out of City of Laredo 20.0177 acre tract of record in Volume 1614, Pages 520 thru 530, Official Public Records of Webb County, Texas, situated in Porcion 22, Abstract 277, in the North Central Park located along International Boulevard, Laredo, Texas, County of Webb. This agreement establishes a fee of $1.00 per annum for a term of forty (40) years.

 

10.      Closing as a public easement that section of the 1900 block of Calton Road between Maher and Thomas Avenues as per the Laredo Airport Plat recorded in Vol. 5, Page 1, Webb County Plat records situated in the City of Laredo, County of Webb, Texas and providing for an effective date.

 

11.      Authorizing the City Manager to grant License Agreement by and between The City of Laredo, Texas and Bestel USA, Inc., dated June 1, 2008 for the use of one (1) innerduct in the Juarez Lincoln Bridge and 1,000 linear feet of right-of-way.

1. Term of the extension shall be for five (5) years commencing at 12:00 am, June 1, 2008 and terminating at 12:00 pm, May 31, 2013.  2. Annual duct fee shall be $20,000.00 and will increase by five percent (5%) every year the license is in place. In addition to the duct fee, Licensee shall pay a six dollar ($6.00) linear foot right-of-way fee, and will increase by five percent (5%) every year.

 

12.      Authorizing the City Manager to execute an Amendment to the Lease Agreement approved on March 1, 1998, by Ordinance No. 99-O-064 between the City of Laredo, as Lessor, and The Laredo National Bank, as Lessee, for the approximate 5,632 square feet constituting Building No. 146 located at 4401 Maher Avenue at the Laredo International Airport.  Said Amendment specifically amends Lessee’s name from The Laredo National Bank to Compass Bank, an Alabama banking corporation, and amends Section 1.03, Option to Extend, allowing Lessor and/or Lessee to have the right to terminate the Lease Agreement at any time with or without cause, and without any penalty, upon ninety (90) days prior written notice from the party terminating to the other, and amends Section 1.06, Rent Adjustments Based on Appraisals, wherein Lessor and Lessee agree that the monthly rent shall be $1,860.00 commencing on July 1, 2006, and that such rent be adjusted according to changes in the Consumer Price Index provided for in Section 1.05, Rental Escalation, on July 1, 2007, and annually thereafter.  All other terms and conditions of the lease remain unchanged and in effect; providing for an effective date.

 

IX.               FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES 

 

13.       

2008-O-085           Authorizing the City Manager to enter into license agreements with local little league associations for the use of playing fields.  The valid public purpose agreement authorizes the use of league fields at no fee for a term of three (3) years.  The purpose of this agreement is for instituting baseball and softball programs at each site for the benefit of the youth of Laredo.

 

2008-O-086           Accepting a contribution in the amount of $2,000.00 from the State Farm’s Child Safety Day Clinic Program for the purchase of child safety seats and to amend the Fiscal Year 2007-2008 General Fund Police Budget for said amount in order to provide child safety inspections and replace any that are unsafe.  The Laredo Police Department will conduct a child safety seat inspection event that will take place on May 3, 2008 at 4500 San Bernardo Avenue.

 

2008-O-087           Authorizing the City Manager to accept a $10,050,231.00 grant and a $915,000.00 loan for a total of $10,965,231.00 from the Texas Water Development Board Economically Distressed Areas Program and amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2007-2008 Utilities Department Colonias Fund 451 in the amount of $10,965,231.00 in the form of a grant and loan for the design, construction and installation of water and sewer improvements for the colonias on HWY 359 (Pueblo Nuevo) and Mines Road Area (Los Minerales, Los Minerales Annex, Antonio Santos and Peñitas West) in Laredo and Webb County as approved by the Texas Water Development Board on October 23, 2007, and amending the Utilities Department Colonias Fund 451 by $10,965,231.00 for a total of $27,736,151.00.

 

2008-O-088           Authorizing the City Manager to execute a Scheduled Airline Operating Agreement and Terminal Building Lease with ExpressJet Airlines, Inc., d/b/a/ Continental Express for exclusive and non-exclusive joint use space located at the Laredo International Airport passenger terminal for the purpose of conducting commercial air transportation services.  The term of the agreement is for three (3) years effective January 1, 2008, and ending on December 31, 2010. However, it is agreed by the Parties that this agreement may be terminated by either party without cause on not less than ninety (90) days’ written notice from the party terminating to the other.  The monthly rent is $2.50 per enplaned revenue passenger for the first 20,000 enplaned revenue passengers, $2.25 per enplaned revenue passenger for the next 10,000 enplaned revenue passengers, $2.00 per enplaned revenue passenger for next 10,000 enplaned revenue passengers and $1.75 per enplaned revenue passenger for 40,001+ enplaned revenue passengers.  The airline’s landing fee obligation shall be $0.75 per thousand pounds Maximum Certificated Gross Landing Weight of the airline’s aircraft; providing for an effective date.  (As amended)

 

2008-O-089           Authorizing the City Manager to execute a Scheduled Airline Operating Agreement and Terminal Building Lease with American Eagle Airlines, Inc., for exclusive and non-exclusive joint use space located at the Laredo International Airport passenger terminal for the purpose of conducting commercial air transportation services.  The term of the agreement is for three (3) years effective January 1, 2008, and ending on December 31, 2010. However, it is agreed by the Parties that this agreement may be terminated by either party without cause on not less than ninety (90) days’ written notice from the party terminating to the other.  The monthly rent is $2.50 per enplaned revenue passenger for the first 20,000 enplaned revenue passengers, $2.25 per enplaned revenue passenger for the next 10,000 enplaned revenue passengers, $2.00 per enplaned revenue passenger for next 10,000 enplaned revenue passengers and $1.75 per enplaned revenue passenger for 40,001+ enplaned revenue passengers.  The airline’s landing fee obligation shall be $0.75 per thousand pounds Maximum Certificated Gross Landing Weight of the airline’s aircraft; providing for an effective date. 

 

2008-O-090           Authorizing the City Manager to execute Supplemental Lease Agreement No. 2 to Lease No. GS-07B-15259 approved by Ordinance No. 2002-O-325 dated December 16, 2002, and as amended by Ordinance No. 2005-O-112 dated May 16, 2005, with General Services Administration for approximately 1,313 square feet constituting office space occupied by the Transportation Security Administration located at 5210 Bob Bullock Loop at the Laredo International Airport.  Said Supplemental Lease Agreement No. 2 extends the lease term of one (1) year until November 17, 2008, and revises the monthly rent amount to $3,939.00.  All other terms and conditions of lease remain unchanged and in effect; providing for an effective date.

 

2008-O-091           Ratification of the City Manager’s execution of all necessary documents granting an easement and right-of-way to AEP Texas Central Company for the installation of electrical facilities to serve the City of Laredo Health Department building located at 2600 Cedar Avenue.  Said easement and right-of-way being situated in the south one-half of block number 338 and the south one-half of block 339, Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, and being depicted on attached Exhibit A; and providing for an effective date.  Execution of said easement was necessary due to project timeline.

 

 

X.                 RESOLUTIONS

 

14.      2008-R-034     Accepting the donation of one (1) utility easement from Rodolfo Morin and Guadalupe Garcia Morin for the Pueblo Nuevo Subdivision Easement Acquisition Project, this being a 0.1020 acre, more or less, parcel of land which is out of Lot 15, Block 19, Pueblo Nuevo Subdivision, recorded in Volume 5, Page 19, Map records, Webb County, Texas; as described by metes and bounds and survey attached as Exhibits A and B.

 

15.      2008-R-038     Expressing the City of Laredo’s support for Crystle Stewart, Miss Texas USA® 2008, who competed for and won the Miss USA® competition on April 11, 2008.  She was crowned with the national title in front of a live audience at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada and millions of viewers on NBC.  Laredo officially recognizes the dedicated and hard working Miss Stewart as an ambassador for the community, because she has competed in the Miss Texas USA® pageant since it was first hosted by the Gateway City in 2004.  Miss USA® 2008 Crystle Stewart will be competing for the Miss Universe® title in Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, Vietnam. The Miss Universe website indicates that “the glamorous live event, featuring some of the world's most beautiful women, will air from the Crown Convention Center, on NBC and Telemundo July 13, 2008.”

 

16.      2008-R-039     Confirming the appointment/reappointment for a member of the Fire Fighters’ & Police Officers’ Civil Service Commission of the City of Laredo.

 

17.      2008-R-040     Authorizing the City Manager to apply for a grant in the amount of $1,646,891.02 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for Fiscal Year 2007-2008 Operation Stonegarden (OPSG-08).  Operation Stonegarden will provide funding to enhance cooperation and coordination between law enforcement agencies in a joint mission to secure the United States borders.  Funds will be used to pay overtime and fringe benefits.

 

18.      2008-R-041     Accepting a grant in the amount of $20,000.00 from the Texas Department of Transportation for enforcement of Vehicle Occupant Protection during the Click it or Ticket Campaign.  This grant is for overtime, salaries, including fringe benefits, and is funded 100% by the Texas Department of Transportation.

 

19.      2008-R-042     The City of Laredo supports the binational effort of City of Laredo, Webb County and Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico to initiate a month-long festival to celebrate the founding days of Laredo, Texas, which is May 15, 1755 and Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, which is June 15, 1848.    

 

XI.               MOTIONS

 

20.      Authorizing the City Manager to execute a five (5) year Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Laredo and the Laredo Police Officers Association effective October 1, 2007 through September 30, 2012.  This contract addresses many issues and contract language clarifications. However, of significance is that upon approval of this contract, all police officers will now be subject to the City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy to include random testing for safety sensitive positions. The contract represents a 4% salary increase over the five (5) year period for all ranks through Captain effective October 1st over the five (5) year period.  The cost for the first year is estimated at $1,418,421.00.  Funding is available in the General Fund.

 

21.      Consideration to award a billing services contract with Intermedix Technologies, Inc., Houston, Texas and authorizing the City Manager to sign all contract documents.  The term of the proposed contract shall be for a term of three (3) years with an option to renew for one (1) additional three (3) year term.

 

22.      Authorizing the award of a contract in the amount of $71,400.00 to Wilbur Smith Associates for the development of a 2010-2035 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) Update.  Funding for the project is available in the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) account using Federal Planning Grant (PL112) funds.

 

23.      Consideration to authorize the purchase of public safety answering (PSAP) equipment from Embarq, Inc., through the Houston Galveston Area Council of Governments (HGAC) contract in the total amount of $177,761.48.  The equipment will be used as a live training facility for the region’s 9-1-1 call takers.  Funding is available in the 9-1-1 Regional Fund.

 

24.      Authorizing the City Manager to enter into contract FY08-069 for the 2008 Miss Texas USA Pageant:

 

Section 2.1-Hotel Group I-Contestant Group, to the Holiday Inn Civic Center in the estimated amount of $61,000.00.

 

Section 2.2-Hotel Group II-TV Production Staff to the SpringHill Suites in the estimated amount of $13,100.00.

 

Section 2.3 Hotel Group III-Executive Production Staff to the SpringHill Suites in the estimated amount of $9,300.00.

 

Section 2.4 Hotel Group IV-VIP Group to the Homewood Suites in the estimated amount of $4,000.00.

 

Section 2.5 Hotel Group V-TV Crew & Cadets to the Americana Inn in the estimated amount of $6,600.00.

 

Total estimated housing cost is $94,000.00 an increase of approximately $10,900.00/13% over 2007.

 

Funding is available in the Laredo Convention &Visitors Bureau Budget.

 

25.      Approval for students from the Sister Cities Youth Committee to travel to San Antonio de Areco, Argentina to participate in the Youth Committee Exchange Program and approval of expenditures in the amount of $21,000.00. The program serves as a catalyst for youth advancement through innovative and cross-cultural educational programs with our worldwide sister cities; provides an excellent opportunity for promoting the City of Laredo; enhances Laredo’s international relationships  which are vital to Laredo’s livelihood as the largest inland port in the country if not the world. Funds are available in the Sister Cities Youth Committee Account.  City Council finds and declares that a valid public purpose will be served by this expenditure.

 

26.      Awarding a construction contract to Price Construction, Ltd., Big Spring, Texas; in the amount of $3,505,167.00 for the Chacon Creek Wastewater Interceptor Phase II.   The project consists of approximately 2 miles of sewer line ranging in size from 8” to 30” pipe, manholes, storm water pollution prevention and incidentals.  Funding is available in the 1998-A Sewer Bond issue.

 

27.      Consideration for approval of amendment #1 to Crane Engineering for compensation for additional seven (7) Engineering surveying services completed for a total amount of $15,000.00.  Work Order consists of an 18” the main line extension (approximately 19,000 linear feet) from the South Laredo Elevated Storage Tank to provide potable water to Colonias within South Highway 359.  The final contract amount is $184,446.00.  Funding is available in the Colonias Project fund.

 

28.      Consideration for acceptance of change order #1 to Landmark Structures I, LP to furnish and install the water mixing system and flow meter with communication an increase in the amount of $68,889.00; and deleting fencing and concrete paving, a deduction of $13,300.00 as well as the addition of 21 days to completion for the Cuatro Vientos 2.0 Million Gallon Elevated Storage Tank Project. Funding for change order #1 in the amount of $55,589.00 is in the Waterworks Construction Fund. 

 

29.      Consideration for approval of amendment #7 to a contract with Foster Engineering, Co., Laredo, Texas by the amount of $ 5,760.00 to redesign plans/profiles for the streets within Pueblo Nuevo - Wastewater Collection and Water Distribution Improvements Project. The total contract amount is $546,473.00 and is subject to the approval of the TWDB. Funding is available in the Colonias Project Fund.

 

30.      Authorizing the City Manager to provide final project completion and release of retainage in the amount of $36,221.70 to System Controls & Instrumentation for the completion of the Water Systems SCADA Improvements Project.  Funding is available in the Utilities Department Fund.

 

31.      Consideration to award a contract to Shade Concepts, LLC. for an amount not to exceed $330,500.00 for the design, construction and installation of 19 Shade Structures throughout various park areas in Laredo. Funding is available in the Capital Improvement Fund, Lamar Bruni Vergara Shade Structure Project.

 

32.      Consideration to award a contract for a Tennis Professional, in an amount of $60,000.00 for a twenty-four (24) month period,  with Raul Miguel Ramos, individually and D.B.A. Tennis Professional, to provide professional tennis lessons at the Market Street Tennis Courts.  Funding is available in the Parks budget, Recreation division.

 

33.      Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a agreement with Laredo Morning Times, (LMT) for the development of the Parks and Leisure Department Summer/Fall Guides including design, publication and distribution of the approved product; and granting LMT the exclusive right to solicit sponsorship on behalf of the City of Laredo for the development of this project, at no cost to the city. The Parks Advisory Committee has recommended approval for this contract.   

 

34.      Consideration for approval of amendment no. 3 an increase of $11,205.00 to the professional service contract with TEDSI Infrastructure Group, Mission, Texas, for the Traffic Signal and Roadway Improvements on Del Mar Boulevard at the intersection of Winfield Parkway/J.B. Alexander Parkway to redesign and document changes for a portion of the Alexander Subdivision due to a sidewalk enhancement from 6 feet to 8 feet, and to address storm drainage pipe conflicts.  Funding is available in the 2006 Certificate of Obligations.

 

35.      Consideration for approval of amendment no. 3 an increase of $160,000.00 to the professional services contract with Architectura SA, Inc., San Antonio, Texas, for the Clinical/Laboratory Expansion and Renovation for the City of Laredo Health Department to finish the design of phase II for the dental and primary care clinics.  Current engineering contract amount is $542,792.00.  Funding is available in the UTHSC-SA Dental Clinic Construction.  

 

36.      Consideration for approval to award a construction contract to the lowest bidder SER Construction Partners, Ltd., Pasadena, Texas, in the amount of $1,185,698.00 for the Calton Road Reconstruction from IH-35 Right-of-Way to approximately 700 ft. West of San Bernardo.  Contract time is one hundred sixty (160) working days.  Funding is available in the Transit 2004 Certificate of Obligation Bond Proceeds Project #TRCALT.

 

37.      Consideration for approval of amendment no. 4 an increase of $28,715.00 to the professional services contract with Juarez Engineering Company, Laredo, Texas, for the Texas Avenue/Piedra China/Green Street Area Street Paving Improvements Phase III.  Current engineering contract amount is $208,449.74.  Funding is available in the 2007 CO Piedra China Phase III Paving.

 

38.      Consideration for approval to award a professional services contract to TBG Partners, San Antonio, Texas, for an amount not to exceed $64,000.00 for phase one of the project to include the development of a master plan, a conceptual design, associated with costs and to describe the project area and the scope of work for the Independence Regional Park.  Phase I work is to be done on a fast track basis approximately four (4) months.  Funding is available in the 2007 Contractual Obligation Bond Proceeds Independence Park Phase I.

 

39.      Authorizing the City Manager to award a professional services contract (FY08-014) to Martinez Pharmacy in the amount not to exceed $120,000.00 to provide pharmaceutical services to clients of the HIV/AIDS Programs of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning April 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009.  Funding is available in the State Grants HIV/Ryan White and HIV/Health and Social Services.

 

40.      Consideration to exercise the renewal option for contract FY07-090 to the low bidder, Eggemeyer Land Clearing, LLC, Yoakum, Texas, in the estimated annual amount of $124,500.00 for the grinding of wood waste material (brush, branches, pallets, etc.) at the Solid Waste facility.  Approximately 90,000 cubic yards of material will be processed on an annual basis.  Funding is available in the Solid Waste Fund.

 

41.      Consideration to amend contract FY07-096 currently awarded to Double R Construction, Laredo, Texas, for furnishing for asphalt repair services for the Utilities Department by increasing the contract amount by $68,750.00 to a new contract amount of $343,750.00. Due to an increase in the repair of streets damaged by water line repairs, the proposed amendment would increase the current contract in order to provide funding for the remainder of the contract term.  Funding is available in the Utilities Department Budget.

 

42.      Consideration to award contract number FY08-067 to the following bidders:

a.           Double R Construction, Laredo, Texas, as the primary contractor and F & F Construction, Laredo, Texas, as the secondary contract, in the estimated amount of $795,000.00 for asphalt repairs-waterline replacement projects.

b.           F & F Construction, Laredo, Texas, as the primary contractor and ALC Construction as the secondary contract, in the estimated amount of $242,750.00 for concrete repairs of sidewalks, driveways, and curbs.

All work will be performed on an as needed basis for repairs required due to utility repairs.  Funding is available in the Water and Sewer Fund budgets.

 

43.      Consideration to exercise the renewal option for one (1) additional year for contract number FY07-098 awarded to J.R. Landscaping Enterprises, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated annual amount of $75,000.00 for lawn and landscaping repairs caused by utility repairs. The contract is based on fixed hourly rates for a two (2) man crew and when needed a licensed irrigator; plus any landscaping materials. Funding is available in the Utilities Department Budget.

 

44.      Consideration to amend the purchase order issued to Godwin Pumps of America Inc, Bridgeport, New Jersey by increasing the total to $64,987.44, which is an increase of $15,870.00 for two (2) additional months of rental of a 12” service pump.  The pump is currently being utilized as a booster station while the manhole at San Francisco and Canal Street is being repaired.  Due to the complex nature of this repair, the continuous rental of this pump is essential to the completion of this project.  Funding is available in the Utilities Department Budget.

 

45.      Consideration to exercise the renewal option for contract number FY07-067 awarded to Test America Laboratories, Corpus Christi, Texas in the estimated amount of $100,000.00, for providing laboratory analytical services for water and wastewater samples in accordance to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved standard methods. Funding is available in the Utilities Department budget, Water Pollution Control Division.

 

46.      Consideration to award contract number FY08-065 to Texas Truck & Trailer, Austin, Texas, in the estimated amount of $50,760.00, for the purchase of four (4) backhoe trailers for the Utilities department. Funding is available from the 2007 Utilities Revenue Bond. 

 

47.      Consideration to award annual supply contract FY08-073 to the following low bidders:

                                          1.      Clark Hardware, Laredo, Texas in the estimated amount of $89,564.99;

                                          2.      HD Supply Inc., Laredo, Texas in the estimated amount of $34,925.45;

for the purchase of plumbing supplies for city maintenance and repair projects.  This is an annual contract and all items will be purchased on an as needed basis throughout the year and for various city departments. This contract may be extended for an additional year upon mutual consent of both parties.  Funding is available in the Parks and Leisure, Airport, Public Works, Civic Center, Health, Solid Waste, Laredo Transit Management Inc., Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation and Utilities Department Budgets.

 

48.      Consideration to authorize the purchase of:

a)     two (2) 2008 Ford Ranger Supercab service trucks in the amount of $24,680.00

b)     four (4) 2008 Ford F550 Crewcab utility trucks in the amount of $149,856.00 from Planet Ford 6, through the BuyBoard cooperative purchasing program’s contract pricing. These trucks will be assigned to the Utilities Department. Funding is available in the Utilities Department Budget.

 

49.      Consideration to award supply contract number FY08-052 to the following bidders:,

                                          a.      Section A, C, D, E, F, H to HD Supply Waterworks, San Antonio, TX in the estimated amount of $405,640.17.

                                          b.      Section B to Ferguson Waterworks, Mission, TX in the estimated amount of $132,131.10.

                                          c.      Section G to Act Pipe & Supply, Laredo, TX in the estimated amount $154,136.00. 

for the purchase of mechanical joint fittings, valve boxes and pipe tubing for the Utilities Department. These materials are purchased on an as needed basis by the Utilities Department- Water Operations for construction and repair projects.  Funding is available in the Utilities Department Budget.  


 

XII.             GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

50.       

a.       

A.                 Request by Mayor Raul G. Salinas

1.           Discussion with possible action regarding an action plan to decrease the number of stolen cars in our city.

 

2.           Status report on the traffic light at the Airport, with possible action.

 

3.           Discussion with possible action on the installation of a traffic light at the intersection of Jordan and Springfield (entrance to JSJ Estates).

 

B.                 Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore Gene Belmares

1.           Discussion with possible action on building development and parking issues in the Springfield and Village Area.

 

2.           Presentation by Dr. Carlos Valle on Urban Studies at TAMIU University, with possible action.

 

3.           Presentation by Buxton Group regarding Economic Development Tools, with possible action.  (Co-sponsored by Council Member Dr. Michael Landeck)

 

4.           Discussion with possible action on removing (Chicane) median on Winrock Drive.

 

C.                Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez

1.           Status on the street lights on Zacate Creek (on the left side), with possible action.

 

2.           Discussion with possible action on implementing the Conventions and Visitors Bureau recommendations regarding upgrades of the Civic Center meeting rooms and auditorium.

 

3.           Discussion with possible action on installing sidewalks by using District VIII Discretionary Funds on the 1400 block of San Eduardo (west side).

 

XIII.           STAFF REPORTS

 

51.       

 

A.     Status report regarding setting a priority for major capital improvements to include the golf course, water park, convention center and a baseball stadium, with possible action.

 

B.     Presentation by Tax Assessor Collector on the delinquent tax attorney collections and request for direction on how to proceed with the renewal of the next delinquent tax attorney contract.  

 

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.

 

52.      Request for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071 (1) (A) to consult with attorney on the pending eminent domain case of City of Laredo v. Luis Montano, et. al. Cause No. 2006CVQ002207C3, in County Court Law at Law No. 2, Webb County, Texas; and return to open session for possible action.

 

53.      Request for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071 (1)(A) to consult with attorney on the pending case of Marigloria Gonzalez v. City of Laredo, Cause No. 2005CVQ000905D2, in the 111th District Court, Webb County, Texas; and return to open session for possible action.

 

54.      Request for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071(1)(A) to consult with City Attorney regarding pending litigation in the case styled Jose A. Valdez, Jr. vs. Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary, and The City of Laredo, Cause No. 2008-CVQ-000288-D2, in the District Court 111th Judicial District Webb County, Texas; and return to open session for possible action.

 

55.      Request for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code, Section 551.074 to deliberate the duties, evaluation criteria and performance standards of the City Manager and return to open session for possible action.

 

 

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

                       

56.      Motion to approve the distribution of 5,000 free bus ride vouchers good on any of El Metro’s bus routes on Thursday, June 19, 2008 in conjunction with the second Annual American Public Transportation Association’s National Dump the Pump Day.

           

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

 

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, May 1, 2008 at 2:00 p.m.

 

 

 

 

                                                                        Gustavo Guevara, Jr.

                                                                        City Secretary