CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
A98-R-39
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS 78040
SEPTEMBER 8, 1998
5:30 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. ROLL CALL
IV. MINUTES
1. City Council Meeting, July 20, 1998
City Council Meeting, July 27, 1998
City Council Meeting, July 29, 1998
City Council Meeting, August 3, 1998
City Council Meeting, August 5, 1998
Special City Council Meeting, August 12, 1998
Special City Council Meeting, August 13, 1998
Budget Workshops, August 12, 13, 14, & 15
V. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCE
2. Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to enter into an
agreement with Clemente M. Bedia for the leasing of 624.77
square feet of building space at the South Laredo Pool Park
site.
3. Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to enter into a lease
agreement by and between the Laredo Municipal Transit System
and the City of Laredo Department of Community Development
for the lease of 6,628 square feet of building space at the
Laredo Intermodal Transit Center located at 1301 Farragut
(East), for the monthly sum of $3,314; to be paid as follows:
Community Development Block Grant $2,534.50; Home Investment
Partnership Program $159.50; and City of Laredo General Fund
$620.00.
4. Ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 1997-1998 annual
budget by reclassifying three firefighters to three captain
positions due to the large amount of EMS calls for the City's
rapid growth area of response.
VI. FINAL READINGS
5. 98-O-161 Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998
budget in the amount of $1,600.00 for the purchase
of canine dog food and supplies for the multi-agency
financial disruption force for the period beginning
January 1, 1998 and ending December 31, 1998.
(City Council)
6. 98-O-224 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 4, 5, and the north
2/3 of Lot 3, Block 1424, Eastern Division, located
on the 2400 block of Cleveland Street from B-3
(Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway
Commercial District).
(Council member Alfredo Agredano)
7. 98-O-225 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 21, 25, and 26, El
Rancho Subdivision, located on the south side of SH
359 and east of Wildcat Drive, from R-3 (Mixed
Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business
District). (Council member Alfredo Agredano)
8. 98-O-226 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 26.128 acres, as further
described by metes and bounds, located south of
Jacaman Road and east of McPherson Road from R-2
(Multi-Family Residential District) to B-3
(Community Business District).
(Council member Louis H. Bruni
9. 98-O-227 Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 97-O-185
authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit
for a child education/day care center on Lots 1 and
2, Block 1697, Eastern Division, located at 2801 and
2807 E. Fremont Street, by revising the site plan.
(Council member Louis H. Bruni)
10. 98-O-228 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 7A, Block 1413,
Eastern Division, located at 2414 Cortez Street,
from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to M-1 (Light
Manufacturing District).
(Council member John C. Galo)
11. 98-O-229 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 1, 2, and 3, Block
350, Eastern Division, located at 119 W. Lyon Street
from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1
(Limited Business District).
(Council member Eliseo Valdez Jr.)
12. 98-O-230 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning the east 46.3 feet of Lot
4, Block 663, Eastern Division, located at 1219
Taylor Street from R-3 (Mixed Residential District)
to B-1 (Limited Business District).
(Council member Eliseo Valdez Jr.)
13. 98-O-231 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 11 and 12, Block
448, Eastern Division, located at 118 and 120 East
San Carlos Street from R-3 (Mixed Residential
District) to B-1 (Limited Business District).
(Council member Eliseo Valdez Jr.)
14. 98-O-232 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 5 and 6, Block 822,
Western Division, located at 1504 Blair Street from
B-1 (Limited Business District) to B-3 (Community
Business District).
(Council member Mario G. Alvarado)
15. 98-O-233 Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 97-O-105
authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit
for a jewelry only pawn shop on Lot 4 and the south
8.56 feet of Lot 3, Block 9, Western Division,
located at 1102 Zaragoza Street by omitting the
"jewelry only" restriction and adding "no gasoline
or fuel burning merchandise", "no weapons/firearms"
and "no curbside/sidewalk display or sales".
(Council member Consuelo "Chelo" Montalvo)
16. 98-O-234 Ordinance amending the City of Laredo General Fund
annual budget for fiscal year 1998 to appropriate
additional revenues of $20,000 from Entex Company
and $35,000 grant from the Alternative Fuel Council
for the conversion of City vehicles to compressed
natural gas. (City Council)
17. 98-O-235 Ordinance amending the contract with the Texas
Department of Health and budget in the amount of
$1,986,480 to operate the Women, Infants, and
Children (WIC) Program, and to issue approximately
$9,745,497 in federal food vouchers by the City of
Laredo Health Department for the period beginning
October 1, 1998 through September 30, 1999.
(City Council)
18. 98-O-236 Ordinance authorizing the issuance of City of
Laredo, Texas International Toll Bridge System
Revenue Bonds, Series 1998A, and the execution of a
purchase contract, approving of an official
statement, and the execution of an escrow agreement.
(City Council)
19. 98-O-237 Ordinance authorizing the issuance of City of
Laredo, Texas International Toll Bridge System
Taxable Revenue Bonds, Series 1998B, and the
execution of a purchase contract, approving of an
official statement, and the execution of an escrow
agreement. (City Council)
VII. RESOLUTIONS
20. 98-R-153 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a non-
financial agreement between the Laredo Community
College and the City of Laredo - Laredo Public
Library and its branches to provide Adult Basic
Education, English as a Second Language and
Citizenship classes to the undereducated adults
within the City of Laredo.
21. 98-R-154 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a non-
financial agreement between the City of Laredo -
Laredo Public Library and the Webb County Head Start
Program to coordinate services provided to Head
Start families.
22. 98-R-155 Authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant from
the National Library of Medicine for staff training,
public seminars and presentations, printing fliers,
posters, etc. for the NLM's Consumer Health
Information Project for Public Libraries in the
amount of $5,000.
23. 98-R-156 Accepting a grant from Entex in the amount of
$16,880.00, to be used toward the conversion of
existing fleet vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas
(CNG).
24. 98-R-157 Amending the list of capital improvement projects to
be submitted to the South Texas Development Council
(STDC) for incorporation in the Overall Economic
Development Program Plan (OEDP) to be provided to
the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic
Development Administration (EDA) for potential
funding consideration and authorizing the City
Manager to submit a follow-up grant application as
may be directed by EDA. Projects named include:
1. El Portal Riverfront Development Project
2. Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Along F.M.
1472 (Mines Road) from the Pan American
Industrial Park to the Santa Isabel Creek Bridge
3. Railroad Overpass at the Unitec Industrial Park.
VIII. MOTIONS
25. Approval of bid specifications and authorization to advertise
for bids for the following:
a) Water Meters, Annual Contract - Utilities Department
b) M.J. Fittings, Annual Contract - Utilities Department
c) Water Distribution Material, Annual Contract -
Utilities Department
d) Air Scrubber Operation, Annual Service Contract -
Utilities Department
26. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER MEETING SPECIFICATIONS,
Laurel Battery Co., Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of
$29,077.80, for the purchase of automotive batteries for the
City's fleet. This contract will be for a period of one year.
Since no battery inventory is maintained at the maintenance
facility, all batteries are purchased on an as needed basis.
The contract pricing is approximately 2% higher than the
previous contract period for the same battery types.
The City did receive lower bids from two other vendors,
however, the batteries proposed by these vendors did not meet
the minimum acceptable cranking amps or the reserve capacity
rating required by the City.
27. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER MEETING SPECIFICATIONS,
Executive World, Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $20,073.60,
for the purchase of office furniture and office equipment.
Desks, chairs, filing equipment, and general office equipment
will be purchased for the eight police sub-stations. All
items will be delivered within thirty days. The City received
a lower bid from Office Max, San Antonio, Texas, however,
some of the office equipment bid by this vendor did not meet
the City's bid requirements.
28. Award of annual contracts for the purchase of automotive
parts for the Fleet Maintenance Division, to the following
LOW BIDDERS:
A. Velco, Laredo, Texas
Section I - Filters $ 92,661.78
B. NAPA Auto Parts, Laredo, Texas
Section II - Bulbs, Lamps, Fuses $ 22,492.50
Section V - Hose, Clamps, Etc. $ 10,351.45
Subtotal $ 32,843.95
C. Gonzalez Auto Parts, Laredo, Texas
Section III - Wheel Bearings,
Seals, U-Joints $ 9,754.75
Section IV - Service Lubricants $ 10,088.40
Subtotal $ 19,843.15
D. A & A Automotive, San Antonio,
Texas
Section VI - Wiper Blades,
Assemblies $ 2,046.20
TOTAL $147,395.08
All replacement automotive parts will be purchased on an as
need basis.
29. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER, Newman Signs, Jamestown,
N. Dakota, in the amount of $37,810.98, for the purchase of
3,136 street name sign blades for 734 intersections. These
are vandal proof street name signs which will be installed on
CDBG and non-CDBG areas. The installation of these larger
street name signs will facilitate the street identification
by emergency vehicles. The bid pricing is approximately 9%
more than the previous year's sign purchase.
30. Award of the Airport Liability insurance contract to the
LOWEST BIDDER, Arthur J. Gallagher, broker on behalf of Great
American Insurance Company, in the amount of $24,508, for the
$20,000,000 policy limit. Also, award the Blanket Public
Employee Dishonesty Bond to, Texas Municipal League
Intergovernmental Risk Pool, in the amount of $6,916 for
$1,000,000 policy limit. Both types of coverage will be for a
period of twelve (12) months (October 1, 1998 through October
1, 1999 12:01 a.m.) with a two-year renewal option.
31. Authorizing the City Manager to amend the professional
engineering services contract with Structural Engineering
Associates, Inc. (SEA) to reflect an increase in the amount
of $20,715 to provide a scale model of the Laredo Northwest
International Bridge, border station and approach roadway and
to rescind the previous authorization to contract with Marmon
Mok L.L.P. for the same. SEA's contract for professional
engineering services related to the construction of the
Laredo Northwest International Bridge will increase from
$2,059,047.28 to $2,079,762.28.
32. Authorizing the award of a consultant contract to Foster
Engineering Company for the written description and sketches
of twenty-two tracts of land to be proposed for unilateral
annexation. The amount of the contract for professional
services is $109,500.00.
33. Approval of amendment no. 1, an increase of $61,291.00 to the
Vertical Expansion of the City of Laredo Landfill engineering
contract with Rust Environment and Infrastructure, Inc.,
Houston, Texas, for additional consulting engineering work to
add Wetlands, Alternate Daily Cover Operating Plan Design,
Full Certification Compliance with Section 404 in compliance
with new Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission
(TNRCC) Policies of the Clean Water Act of 1977 and which
must be submitted and approved by the United States Army
Corps of Engineers before a vertical expansion permit is
approved by TNRCC for the City of Laredo Landfill located at
Highway 359. The original engineering contract amount was
$350,000.00. This amendment will bring the engineering
contract amount to $411,291.00. Funding is available in
Landfill Capital Outlay Improvements Other Than Building.
34. Approval of change order no. 4, a net decrease of $53,278.99
for the balance of quantities actually constructed in place,
acceptance of the Santa Maria Avenue Drainage Improvements
between Del Mar Boulevard and Markley Lane, and approval of
final payment in the amount of $145,683.90 to Ramex
Construction Company, Houston, Texas. The original
construction contract amount was $1,993,475.00. This
change order will bring the final contract amount to
$1,936,542.15. Funding is available in the Drainage
Improvements Santa Maria Drainage Improvements.
35. Authorize payment in an amount of $16,795.00 to Archeology
Consultants, Inc. for additional Investigative diggings
required by the Texas Historical Commission in order to clear
Father McNaboe Recreational Complex from environmental review
for construction.
36. Adopting a schedule of hearings and proceedings and directing
staff to prepare a service plan for the unilateral annexation
of 20 tracts of land totaling 5,433.494 acres, more or less,
and 6 tracts of land for voluntary annexation totaling
2,751.9493 acres, more or less, for a total of 8,185.4433
acres in accordance with Section 43.052 of the Texas Local
Government Code.
37. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a three-month
extension to the City of Laredo's current management contract
with Ryder/ATE Management and Service Company, Inc., at the
rate specified under the terms of the existing contract,
specifically, for a monthly fee of $26,747, from October 1,
1998 through December 31, 1998.
38. Refund of property tax to the following company:
a. First Nationwide Mortgage in the amount of $661.68.
39. Confirmation of the Mayor's Declaration of a Local State of
Emergency Regarding the Rio Grande River Flooding, in
accordance with Code of Ordinances Section 11.5-21.
40. Authorizing the issuance of a Request for Proposals for
professional environmental services under the City of
Laredo's Brownfield Redevelopment Initiative. The
professional environmental services are to conduct Phase I
and Phase II environmental assessments, risk evaluation, and
develop re-use options for the Los Altos Del Rio Brownfields
site in conformance with State and Federal requirements.
IX. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
41. Status report of the 1998 flood with presentation of the
Executive Emergency Management Team and recognizing City
staff who worked diligently during this trying period.
42. Presentation and discussion regarding City Council's
Resolution No. 97-R-025 supporting the Concord Hills
Development contract and abiding by the performance measures
in the Resolution incorporated into the contract, stating
that any monies not used at the end of each specific year
will be forfeited by Vaquillas Development and will be made
available for use by all builders. Further, that any homes
not built at the end of and placed in the regular Down
Payment Assistance Program.
43. Status report and presentation by Mr. Armando Hinojosa,
Artist for professional services in the development and
creation of a life sized bronze sculpture depicting a
"Campfire scene," being comprised of the following (1) South
Texas Cowboy, (2) Mexican Charro, (3) two Quarter Horses with
saddle and gear, and (4) campfire ornaments for placement at
the Laredo International Airport.
44. Presentation on the status report of the Laredo Northwest
International Bridge (Fourth Bridge) for the month of
September 1998.
45. Status regarding negotiations with Webb County for fire
protection services with possible action.
X. COMMUNICATIONS
Presentation of Best of Show Display at the City Showcase that
took place on Saturday, July 25, 1998 to the Engineering
Department.
XI. CITY COUNCIL PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION
46. Requests by Mayor and City Council members for presentation
and discussion.
A. Request by Council member Alfredo Agredano
1. Confirmation on the appointment of Mr. Ruben Castillo, to
the Beautification Committee.
B. Request by Council member Louis H. Bruni
1. Discussion and possible action on conducting a Traffic
Flow Study for the purpose of installing a traffic
control device at the entrance of J.B. Alexander High
School. (Co-sponsored by Councilman Joe A. Guerra)
2. Status report on the Brown and Root drainage study at the
Laredo International Airport with possible action.
3. Status report on the Laredo Land Development Code,
Section 24-73, pertaining to oil and gas extraction and
production, with possible action.
(Co-sponsored by Councilman Joe A. Guerra)
4. Status report on resurfacing the 1600, 1700, and 1800
Blocks of Milmo, with possible action.
C. Request by Council member John C. Galo
1. Discussion on the Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation
with possible action.
2. Discussion on the need of city council to have the agenda
posted sooner than the Friday before the meeting with
possible action.
D. Request by Council member Eliseo Valdez Jr.
1. Discussion and possible action requesting a commitment
from TxDOT on having them do everything possible to
secure the maximum signage allowed by the state to warn
the motorists about the designated truck lane on IH-35
(ex. electronic or other state approved signs).
2. Request to expedite the study mapping the new flood lines
along the Zacate Creek to provide flood insurance relief
for residents outside the flood plain with a monthly
status report from City staff.
3. Discussion and possible action on including Taylor Street
on the sidewalk program as a priority because of truck
traffic on that street that is used by alot of children
on their way to school.
4. Request for a monthly report on the status of the
Chaparral Drainage Improvement Project.
E. Request by Council member Joe A. Guerra
1. Request by Ron Goodman to discuss issues concerning the
movement and permitting of oversize loads within the City
of Laredo.
2. Discussion and possible action on the applicants by the
City to TNRCC concerning the vertical expansion and other
related issues of the Laredo Landfill.
3. Discussion and possible action on status of the pre-
application to EDA regarding the railroad overpass at
Unitec Industrial Park.
F. Request by Council member Mario G. Alvarado
1. Update from staff on the Orilla Road project with
possible action.
2. Discussion and possible action on request from St. Jude
Church for traffic signs along Bristol Road.
G. Request by Council member Consuelo "Chelo" Montalvo
1. Discussion and possible action to amend the Border Area
Nutrition Council's proposed third party funding for the
1998-1999 fiscal year to be increased from $22,500 to
$30,000.
(Co-sponsored by Cm. Eliseo Valdez and Cm. Joe A. Guerra)
XII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
47. Public hearing concerning an application by Rodolfo Garza
amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lot 1, Block 3, Towneast Subdivision, Unit I,
located at the intersection of US 59 and West Fiesta Loop,
from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-1 (Limited
Business District). The Planning and Zoning Commission
recommends approval of the zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 3, Towneast Subdivision, Unit
I, located at the intersection of US 59 and West Fiesta Loop,
from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-1 (Limited
Business District); providing for publication and effective
date.
48. Public hearing to adopt the Annual Budget for fiscal year
1998-1999 and appropriating the estimated revenues and
balances reported therein for the year beginning October 1,
1998 and ending September 30, 1999, consistent with the
financial plan described in said Annual Budget; and
authorizing the City Manager to implement said Annual Budget.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance to adopt the Annual Budget for fiscal year 1998-
1999 and appropriating the estimated revenues and balances
reported therein for the year beginning October 1, 1998 and
ending September 30, 1999, consistent with the financial plan
described in said Annual Budget; and authorizing the City
Manager to implement said Annual Budget; providing for
effective date.
49. Public hearing on the 1998 proposed Ad Valorem tax rate of
$.53993, and introduction of an ordinance approving the 1998
tax rate, and providing for the levy and collection of
General and Special Ad Valorem Taxes and Alcoholic Beverage
Taxes for the City of Laredo for the 1998 tax year and the
1998-1999 fiscal year. A public hearing must be held when the
tax levy to be adopted is more than the levy of 1997. The
introductory ordinance is to be read in its complete form and
voted on after the fiscal 1998-1999 budget ordinance is
introduced and voted on. A notice of the tax rate ordinance
must be published and the final vote taken within fourteen
days of the public hearing.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance providing for the levy and the collection of
General and Special Ad Valorem and Alcoholic Beverage Taxes
for the City of Laredo for the tax year 1998 and the fiscal
year 1998-1999; providing for effective date. .
50. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo Health Department
FY 97-98 annual budget (City of Laredo) by an additional
$156,000; and increasing the General Fund transfer to the
Health Fund by $156,000 to pay for the completion of a
roofing project.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the City of Laredo Health Department FY
97-98 annual budget (City of Laredo) by an additional
$156,000; and increasing the General Fund transfer to the
Health Fund by $156,000 to pay for the completion of a
roofing project; providing for effective date.
51. Public hearing authorizing the City Manager to amend the City
of Laredo Fire Department FY 1997-98 budget in the amount of
$6,848.00 for funds distributed from Senate Bill 102
Emergency Medical Services Trauma Care System Fund, to be
used toward the purchase of educational and training
equipment.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of
Laredo Fire Department FY 1997-98 budget in the amount of
$6,848.00 for funds distributed from Senate Bill 102
Emergency Medical Services Trauma Care System Fund, to be
used toward the purchase of educational and training
equipment; providing for effective date.
52. Public hearing adopting the Comprehensive Plan of the City of
Laredo without amendment in compliance with Article IX,
Section 9.03 of the Charter of the City of Laredo.
RESOLUTION #98-R-158
Resolution adopting the Comprehensive Plan of the City of
Laredo.
53. Public hearing adopting the 1999-2003 Capital Improvement
Program for the City of Laredo.
RESOLUTION #98-R-159
Resolution adopting the 1999-2003 Capital Improvement Program
for the City of Laredo.
XIII. MOTION TO RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MASS TRANSIT BOARD
54. Public hearing adopting the Laredo Municipal Transit System's
proposed annual operating budget for fiscal year 1998-99 and
program of projects; appropriating the estimated revenues and
balances reported therein for the year beginning October 1,
1998 and ending September 30, 1999; and authorizing the City
Manager to implement the budget.
RESOLUTION #98-RT-160
Resolution adopting the Laredo Municipal Transit System's
proposed annual operating budget for fiscal year 1998-99 and
program of projects; appropriating the estimated revenues and
balances reported therein for the year beginning October 1,
1998 and ending September 30, 1999; and authorizing the City
Manager to implement the budget.
XII. ADJOURNMENT
This notice was posted at the Municipal Government Offices,
1110 Houston Street, Laredo, Texas, at a place convenient and
readily accessible to the public at all times. Said notice was
posted on Friday, September 4, 1998, at 5:30 p.m.
_________________________
Gustavo Guevara, Jr.
City Secretary