CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
M2000-R-22
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS 78040
AUGUST 21, 2000
5:30 P.M.
I. CALL
TO ORDER
With
a quorum present, Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores called the meeting to order.
II.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor
Elizabeth G. Flores led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III.
ROLL CALL
In
attendance:
Elizabeth
G. Flores, Mayor
Alfredo
Agredano, Council
Member, District I
Louis
H. Bruni, Council
Member, District II
John
C. Galo, Council
Member, District III
Johnny
Amaya Council
Member, District IV
Eliseo
Valdez, Jr., Council
Member, District V
Joe A.
Guerra, Mayor
Pro Tempore, District VI
Jose
A. Valdez, Jr., Council
Member, District VII
Juan
Ramirez, Council
Member, District VIII
Gustavo
Guevara, Jr., City
Secretary
Cynthia
Collazo, Acting
City Manager
Larry
Dovalina, Acting
City Manager
Jaime
Flores, City
Attorney
IV. MINUTES
Approval of the minutes of July 3, 2000,
and July 17, 2000.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. COMMUNICATIONS
AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
Cm. Bruni submitted a
two-week rain enhancement report from Southwest Texas Rain Enhancement Association.
The report is available in the City Secretary’s Office for public
viewing.
Mayor Flores read a section from the following letter:
Mr.
William B. Madden, Chairman
Texas Water Development Board
1700 North Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78701
Dear Chairman Madden:
In my role as Governor George W.
Bush’s lead liaison on Texas-Mexico border issues, I strongly state my
support for the City of Laredo-Webb County Colonia Improvements Project. This project is one of Governor Bush’s top
priorities for his colonia program for 2000.
I encourage the board to approve the financial commitment for this
much-needed and long-awaited project.
This project will provide first-time water and wastewater service
to thousands of Colonia residents living along Highway 359 and Mines Road. I know many local officials and residents
have worked diligently to carry this project forward to this point. Also, dozens of state officials and Board
staff have put in numerous hours guiding this project through the development
phase. As a result, we will soon see
the benefits of our cooperative efforts.
On behalf of the Governor, I want to thank Judge Martinez,
Commissioners Gutierrez and Urdiales, Mayor Flores, city and county staff, and
the Board members and staff for their dedication to see this project through to
this juncture. I reiterate my and the
Governor’s full support for this project and the financial commitment the State
of Texas will be making for these Colonia residents to receive safe drinking
water and adequate wastewater service.
Sincerely,
Elton Bomer
Secretary of State
State of Texas
Mayor Flores stated that the White House Millennium Council
recently designated the City of Laredo as an official Millennium Community.
Roger Garcia, Acting Director of the Health Department, circulated
a press release from the Health Department discussing the Community Health
Status Report of Webb County regarding the decline in border birth
defects. The report confirmed that
birth defects are yielding dramatically from a result of the Health Department
and their ability to inform the public of the importance of nutrition and folic
acid.
Invitations
a.
Mr. Daniel B. Hastings, Jr., would like to invite the Mayor and the City
Council to
attend The Treasury Advisory Committee meeting on Commercial
Operations (COAC) of the U.S. Customs.
The Committee's objectives are to advise the Secretary of the Treasury
on issues relating to the commercial operations of the Customs Service. A tour and dinner will be
held on Thursday, September 21, 2000 and COAC Committee meeting will be held on
Friday, September 22, 2000 at La Posada.
Mr. Hastings thanked the Mayor and the Council and publicly
invited them to attend the Treasury Advisory Committee on Commercial Operations
of the U. S. Customs. He also
extended the invitation to Acting City Managers Dovalina and Collazo.
Recognitions
a. In recognition to Officer
David Hinojosa, Jr. and Leticia Garcia from the Laredo
Police Department and Patricia Martinez from the Engineering Department
for their
noble act as Bone Marrow Donors.
Mayor Flores and the Council presented a Seven Flags Certificate
to Leticia Garcia from the Police Department and Patricia Martinez from the
Engineering Department for their compassionate and heroic act as a Bone Marrow
Donors. The Mayor acknowledged their
humanitarian deed in unselfishly donating the gift of life. Officer David Hinojosa was not present.
b.
Mayor Flores presented a Seven Flags Certificate of Recognition to Lucy
Trapane
from Stoneworks
of Texas for investing in Laredo.
Communiqués
VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES
a. Appointment of Blanca N. T. Castro by
Council Member Johnny Amaya to the
Telecommunications Advisory Committee.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
b. Appointments by Council Member Jose A.
Valdez, Jr. of Javier "Rito" De Anda to the
Library
Advisory Committee and Blas Martinez to the Airport Advisory Committee.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
c. Appointment of Patricia Martinez by Council
Member Juan Ramirez to the Citizens
Environmental
Committee.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra
Second:
Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. PUBLIC
HEARINGS
1.
Public hearing to amend the City of Laredo's 1999-2000 annual budget in
the amount of
$424,000.00 for the Governor's Automobile Theft Prevention
Authority Grant. A.T.P.A. is
contributing $325,000.00, the City is designating $77,000.00 in matching funds
and Webb County is designating $22,000.00 in matching funds for a total of
$424,000.00 to fund the Laredo Auto Theft Task Force for the period of
September 1, 2000 through August 31, 2001.
(Approval of Resolution 2000-R-117 needed before Public Hearing)
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amend the City of Laredo's 1999-2000 annual budget in the amount
of $424,000.00 for the Governor's Automobile Theft Prevention Authority
Grant. A.T.P.A. is contributing
$325,000.00, the City
is designating $77,000.00 in matching funds and Webb County is
designating $22,000.00
in matching funds for a total of $424,000.00 to fund the Laredo
Auto Theft Task Force
for the period of September 1, 2000 through August 31, 2001.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the
public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
2.
Public hearing to approve a contract with South Central Texas Chapter of
March of
Dimes and budget in the amount of $2,990.00 for the Children's
Health Insurance Outreach Program of the City of Laredo Health Department for
the period of August 1, 2000, through December 31, 2000. (Approval of Resolution 2000-R-121 needed
before Public Hearing)
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Approval of a contract with South Central Texas Chapter of March
of Dimes and budget in the amount of $2,990.00 for the Children's Health
Insurance Outreach Program of the City of Laredo Health Department for the
period of August 1, 2000, through December 31, 2000; and authorizing the City
Manager to make transfers within the Budget.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the
public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra
Second: Cm. Bruni
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
3.
Public Hearing to amend the City of Laredo's 1999-2000 Annual Budget to
reflect an
appropriation in Transportation Planning Funds. The appropriation of $21,039.00 comes
from the release of 1998-1999 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP)
unexpended
funds.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the City of
Laredo's 1999-2000 Annual Budget to reflect an appropriation in
Transportation Planning
Funds. The appropriation of $21,039.00
comes from the release
of 1998-1999 Unified
Planning Work Program (UPWP) unexpended funds.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved:
Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the
public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
4.
Public Hearing to repeal the Ambulance Advisory Council Ordinance dated
April 7,
1981 consisting of eight (8) members for the purpose of advising
and consulting with the City of Laredo in regards to operations of both the
public and private ambulance systems.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Repealing the Ambulance
Advisory Council Ordinance dated April 7, 1981 consisting of
eight (8) members for
the purpose of advising and consulting with the City of Laredo in
regards to operations of
both the public and private ambulance systems.
Motion to open the
public hearing.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the
public hearing and introduce.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
VIII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND
PRESENTATIONS
5. A. Request by Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores
1.
Creation and appointment of Council Committee to work with city staff in
the
matter of the Laredo
Entertainment Center.
The Mayor read the
following:
We have a mandate, a majority vote, from the people of Laredo who
exercised their right to vote on August 12, 2000. The people voted for a ¼ of 1% sales and use tax for the purpose
of building the Laredo Entertainment Center.
We also have a Letter of Intent approved by the City Council
Members and executed by the City and Arena Ventures, LLC which requires both
parties to enter a 180 day negotiation period and in good faith work towards
agreeing how to get the Laredo Entertainment Center designed, built and
operated. If we cannot come to
agreement within the next 180 days the parties can go their separate ways and
the City can proceed to negotiate with any other party that may show interest.
Having said that, I want to stress that we have, as I said at
first…we have a mandate, we have been told by the people. “We want it…get it built!”
And we will now begin to do just that.
As we begin, I want to share with you some organizational points
on how we plan to proceed with the negotiations.
Tonight I am appointing every council member to an area of
contribution towards this great endeavor.
I will also be sharing with you the composition of the city managers’
negotiation team and how these two bodies will work together throughout the
negotiation process.
First, however, let me clarify one point: The negotiations for the City will be
conducted by a team of city staff with assistance from additional city staff
members and outside expert consultants.
The core city staff negotiations team will be headed by the City
Managers and will consists of the City Attorney, the City Engineer, the City
Planner, the City Building Director and the City Budget Officer. Assisting this core group will be the City
Finance Officer, the City CVB Director and the City Convention Center Director. And, of course, behind them is every single
member of the city’s staff.
The City Negotiation Team will also assisted by outside legal
consultants from the law firm of McCall, Parkhurst and Horton. They will also be assisted by the City’s
Financial advisors, the firm of Estrada-Hinojosa. Additionally, this team will be further assisted by professionals
yet to be determined who will have specific expertise and will provide
engineering, architectural and arena management consultation.
Because of the significance of this project and the importance of
obtaining citizens’ input through their elected representative I am calling on
the entire council to serve in different capacities. Accordingly, I am naming the council members to lend their
expertise and advice in important areas, which I will identify at this time as
“focus groups”.
Architectural and Engineering:
District II Council Member Louis Bruni
District III Council Member John Galo
District VII Council Member Jose Valdez
Transportation and Infrastructure:
District I Council Members Alfredo Agredano
District IV Council Member John Amaya
District VIII Council Member Juan Ramirez
Financing and Management:
District III Council Members John Galo
District V Council Member Eliseo Valdez
District VI Council Member Joe Guerra
Directly advising and meeting with the City Negotiation Team will
be a committee of City Council members to be known as the “Council Laredo
Entertainment Center (CLEC) Committee”.
This Committee which I am also creating and appointing tonight will be
chaired by the Council Member from District III, John Galo and will also
include as Members, District II Council Members Louis Bruni and District V
Council Member Eliseo Valdez.
The inter-working for these different groups is a dynamic
one. It will be a challenge for the
city negotiation team to find the manner and the method to best utilize the
time and expertise of the staff, the consultants and the citizens as
represented by their elected representative.
As we have done in every other project and with every other
contract, we bring our good faith efforts to the table and we bring a full
knowledge that as representative of the citizens of Laredo we owe a duty to
every single taxpayer to obtain the best possible return for every public
dollar spent. We have demonstrated our
ability to do just that.
The public trust demands a direct correlation between the value of
the good and services obtained and the cost and expense incurred for those
goods and services.
Accordingly, these contract negotiations will be directed at
obtaining a full and best value for each taxpayer dollar spent to build the
Laredo Entertainment Center. That is
our mission and our resolve and today we begin with these assignments and with
an excited anticipation that come September 2002 we shall swing open the doors
to a new era of entertainment and economic development in Laredo.
In closing let me say this Laredo. Your calls have been uplifting, your direction clear and your
hope that we finish early will be carefully taken into consideration. I will promise the Class of 2002 that the
Council and I, along with every member of the team will do everything in our
power to finish in time for your 2002 graduation ceremonies. Let’s get it done.
Council Laredo Entertainment Center (CLEC)
Committee
Purpose of Setting up CLEC Committee:
Ad Hoc Committee of City Council members to provide advice to the
City of Laredo Staff Negotiation Team in the matter of the City’s negotiation
with Arena Ventures, L. L. C. in all
areas involved in financing, building and managing of the Laredo Entertainment
Center.
Members:
District II Council Member Louis Bruni
District III Council Member John Galo, Chair
District V Council
Member Eliseo Valdez
Focus Groups
Purpose of Setting up Focus Groups
Because of the significance of this project the entire council who
represent the citizen’s interest will serve in different capacities. Accordingly, the following council members
will lend their expertise and advice in the following areas identified at this
time as “Focus Groups”.
Motion to confirm the Mayor’s appointments to the Council Laredo
Entertainment Center (CLEC), Architectural and Engineering Committee,
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Financing and Management
Committee.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore
Guerra
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
B. Request by Council Member Jose A. Valdez,
Jr.
1. Status report on the
communication efforts for emergency vehicle response during
the blockage of
intersections by the Tex-Mex and Union Pacific Railroads.
Lt. Palacios assured the Council that the communication efforts
for emergency vehicles would be fully functional within a week.
2. Request for the
construction of a sidewalk on Albany St. from Rancho Viejo to
Kazen Elementary, with
possible action.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, informed the council of the cost
estimate for construction of the sidewalk.
The cost estimate, which includes the removal of the landscaping, will
be $ 6,500 dollars.
Cynthia Collazo stated that the city is ready to move forward with
the project because the City partnered with United Independent School District
to expedite the construction.
Motion was made to proceed in the construction of the sidewalk on
Albany St. from Rancho Viejo to Kazen Elementary.
Moved: Cm. J.
Valdez
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
3. Requesting a report
from City Staff regarding sidewalks and safety improvements
needed around schools and school approaches.
Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, explained that each year his
department re-stripes all crosswalks and verifies that all flashing beacons are
functioning properly. He added that
his staff works closely with Risk Management addressing specific concerns. Metro Government Committee does meet to
decide what schools they can prioritize to be able to do some studies. United Independent School District and
Laredo Independent School District utilize some of the funds that are available
for the purpose of sidewalks and safety improvements.
Gabriel Del Bosque, from the Planning Department, stated that the
Metropolitan Planning Organization recently approved the Unified Planning Work
Program for the next fiscal year which includes $70,000 authorized for a school
zone safety study. Representatives from
both school districts will determine the best locations and gather enough data
to identify the necessary improvements for safety and circulation. Also, to prepare grant applications through
programs such as Hazard Elimination Safety Programs
Motion to have the priority set where we
work around the schools first.
Moved:
Cm. Agredano
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
C. Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez
1.
Requesting staff to provide information on the Council action that
provided the
authorization of transferring funding from the surplus Hotel-Motel
Fund to the
Civic Center Reserve, Capital Improvement Fund.
Heberto
Ramirez, Budget Officer, reported that at the last City Council meeting he gave a history on the Hotel-Motel Funds and
how they were used. Also, how they were
transferred.
Cm. Ramirez asked staff how they
determine the amount of money that Third
Party Funding receives.
Beto Ramirez, Budget Director, stated that Hotel Motel Legal
Requirements
section 351.103 dictate the terms of the allocation of revenues.
Larry Dovalina, Acting City Manager, remarked that staff would meet with
Cm. Ramirez and explain the
entire process and address his concerns.
2.
Status report on proposed traffic patterns and master plan for the
downtown area
and specifically around San Agustin Church, with possible action.
Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, stated that the last study was
completed in 1996.
Motion was made to update the study and incorporate the new changes that
are recently being considered.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IX. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
6.
An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease amendment
to the lease
agreement authorized by Ordinance NO. 91-O-266 dated December 2, 1991,
and as
amended by Ordinance No. 95-O-161 dated July 17, 1995, in order to
assign the lease to Josefa Lago De Sarabia, surviving wife, successor in
interest, and heir of Herculano Sarabia, deceased, for Hangar No. 162 at the
Laredo International Airport, amend Section 1.02, titled "Term" by
extending the lease term for an additional six (6) years and nine (9) months
ending September 30, 2009, amend Section 1.03, titled "Rental Obligation"
by adding a clause providing for a fair market appraisal to determine the
monthly rent effective December 31, 2002, which is the beginning of the amended
lease term extension period, amend Section 1.06, titled "Use , Use
Conflict and Sublease", in order to allow Lessee to sublease to Labata
Services, and amend Section 4.08, titled "Notices", thereby changing
the name to Josefa Lago de Sarabia. All
other terms and conditions remain unchanged and in effect.
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
7.
An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary
documents to
effectively convey fee simple title to the "Surface
Only", at its market value of $38,107.00, of certain property described as
a tract of land containing 12,292.65 sq. ft., more or less, out of that former
section of the 1200 block of N. India Ave. between the north right-of-way line
of Guadalupe Street and the south right-of-way line of the Texas Mexican
Railroad tracks to Heirloom Investments, L.C. (Miracle Candle Company). Said tracts being situated in the Eastern
Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, being described on the City Plat;
and hereby approving the submitted Improvement Plan, which is in compliance
with Section 10 of the Street Closing/Sales Policy Handbook, as approved per Resolution
No. 97-R-140; and providing for an effective date.
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
8.
An ordinance amending Ordinance No. 94-O-050, to reflect the new
abutting property owner being Mr. Narsario Soliz as the authorized buyer of the
northeast quarter of that former section of Malinche Avenue between Pecan and
Sta. Clara Streets instead of Manuel M. Garcia; and authorizing the City
Manager to execute all necessary documents to effectively convey fee simple
title of the "Surface Only" at its market value of said City property
to Mr. Narsario Soliz who is now the current abutting property owner and
providing for an effective date.
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
9.
An ordinance setting the maximum speed limits in that portion of SH 359
between Market Street and Coronado Street, within the City Limits of Laredo,
Webb County, Texas, as 30 MPH, 45 MPH, and 55 MPH, as defined in the Texas
Department of Transportation, Control Section Map 0086-01.
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
10.
An ordinance granting an Interim License to Adelphia Business Solutions
of Texas, L.P. ("ABS") to erect, construct, maintain, and operate a
wire telecommunications system for a term of one (1) year pending amendment of
the City's Wire Telecommunications System Registration and Licensing Ordinance
of 1998, Ordinance No. 98-O-353, to conform with Texas Local Government Code,
Subtitle A, Chapter 283, as amended in 1999; and providing for an effective
date.
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
11.
An ordinance amending Ordinance NO. 98-O-141, which established
guidelines and
criteria governing Tax Abatements by the
City of Laredo, by authorizing a five (5) year renewal option period, in order
to extend the 100% Tax Abatement for a maximum ten (10) year term, for
companies that have provided and have agreed to maintain over 200 jobs, and $10
Million in required investment during the five (5) year renewal option period,
after verification by the City's Tax Assessor Collector, providing for
severability; providing for an effective date.
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
X. FINAL
READINGS OF ORDINANCES
Internet
Availability: http://www.cityoflaredo.com
Motion to waive final reading of ordinances #2000-O-200,
#2000-O-164, #2000-O-201, #2000-O-202, #2000-O-203, and #2000-O-204.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
12.
2000-O-200 Amending the City of
Laredo General Fund FY 2000 Annual Budget for a grant from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation in the amount of $118,561.00 for computer hardware,
software and professional development for library staff, providing for
effective date. (Council Member Louis
H. Bruni)
Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-200.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2000-O-164 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning 49.71 acres, as further
described by metes and bounds, located west of the Bob Bullock Loop and north
of the proposed Jacaman Rd. extension from R-1 (Single Family Residential
District), R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) and AG (Agricultural
District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for publication and
effective date. (Council Member Louis
H. Bruni)
Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-164.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain:
0
2000-O-201 Approval of a contract with Texas Department of Health and
amending the budget in the amount $552,000.00 for the Maternal and Child Health
(MCH) Program of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period September
1, 2000, through August 31, 2001; and increase revenue line item
226-0000-323-4034 from $0 to $504,000.00, and increase expenditure line item
226-6025 from $0 to $504,000.00; and increase expenditure line item 226-6026
from $0 to $48,000.00 (City Council)
Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-201.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2000-O-202 Approval
of an amendment to the contract with the Texas Department of Health and
amending the budget for seven grants as depicted in the amount of $1,117,569.00
in direct funds and $360,678.00 in program income for the City of Laredo Health
Department for the period September 1, 2000, through August 31, 2001. (City Council)
Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-202.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2000-O-203 Approval
of a contract with the Texas Department of Health and amending the budget in
the amount of $42,000.00 for the Chronic Disease Prevention Program, Breast and
Cervical Cancer Control Project (BCCCP), of the City of Laredo Health
Department for the period September 1, 2000, through August 31, 2001;
authorizing the City Manager to make transfers within the budget. (City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-203.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2000-O-204 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to
execute a lease agreement authorized by Ordinance No. 99-O-099 dated April 19,
1999, and as amended by Ordinance No. 99-O-240 dated August 23, 1999, with Webb
County Juvenile Board for approximately 100,357 square feet of land located on
Block No. 23 at the Laredo International Airport. Said amendment will amend the lease term to end on December 31,
2000 instead of May 31, 2000. All other
terms and conditions remain in effect and unchanged. (City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-204.
Moved:
Cm. Bruni
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XI. RESOLUTIONS
13. 2000-R-116 A resolution authorizing the City Manager to continue using the
Webb County Jail to incarcerate prisoners that are arrested for Class C
misdemeanor violations, and to pay Webb County $46 dollars a day for each
prisoner. This agreement will continue
annually unless written notice from either party to discontinue the services is
submitted. Webb County Jail is the only
source that provides this service within our geographic area.
Motion
to approve Resolution #2000-R-116.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 2
Cm. Amaya
Cm. E.
Valdez
14. 2000-R-117 A resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant from
the Governor's Automobile Theft Prevention Authority in the amount of
$325,000.00 to fund the City of Laredo's Auto Theft Program. The Governor's Automobile Theft Prevention
Authority is contributing $325,000.00, the City of Laredo is designating
$77,000.00 in matching funds and Webb County is designating $22,000.00 in
matching funds for a total of $424,000.00 to fund the Laredo Auto Theft Task
Force for the period of September 1, 2000 through August 31, 2001.
Motion to
approve Resolution #2000-R-117.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
15. 2000-R-118 A resolution declaring the public necessity to acquire the
"Surface Only" of one parcel of land for the construction of a
downtown parking lot. Said parcel being
legally described as Lots 3 & 4, Block 6, Western Division, City of Laredo,
Webb County, Texas; and being delineated on copy of City Plat, and authorizing
staff to negotiate for the acquisition of said parcel by purchase at a market
value to be established by a State Certified Real Estate Appraiser.
Motion
to approve Resolution #2000-R-118.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
16. 2000-R-119 A resolution accepting the donation of the "Surface Only"
of a 0.0194 of an acre (845.78 sq.ft.) parcel of land, more or less, from
Hector H. Garcia, Jr. and Anna Isabel Garcia, for the widening of Calton Road
East of McPherson Road. Said parcel of
land being out of Block 5, McPherson Plaza Subdivision, City of Laredo, Webb
County, Texas; being generally described, and more particularly described by
metes and bounds.
Motion
to table.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
17. 2000-R-120 A resolution in which the City of Laredo is urging the Texas
Municipal League to support changes in state law to create a state wide deposit
system for glass and plastic bottles, because in states where such a program
has been implemented, recycling rates increased dramatically and litter volume
was reduced remarkably.
Motion
to approve Resolution #2000-R-120.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
18. 2000-R-121 A resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant from
the South Central Texas Chapter of the March of Dimes in the amount of
$2,990.00 for the Children's Health Insurance Outreach Program of the City of
Laredo Health Department for the period of August 1, 2000, through December 31,
2000; and authorizing the City Manager to execute the contract.
Motion
to approve Resolution #2000-R-121.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain:
0
19. 2000-R-123 A resolution concerning the transfer of the controlling interest of
the Cable Television Franchise, franchisee and its Cable Television System and
granting the consent of the City Council to the assignment and transfer of the
controlling interest of the Cable Television Franchise, Franchisee and its
Cable Television System from Timer Warner, to AOL Timer Warner.
Motion
to approve Resolution #2000-R-123.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain:
0
XII. MOTIONS
20.
Consideration for approval of change order no. 1 an increase of
$53,825.00 for additional utility work requested and to be paid for by
Southwestern Bell on the construction contract with Pate & Pate Enterprises,
Inc., The Woodlands, Texas, for the South Laredo/Chacon Creek Interceptor. Funding is available in the 1998-A Bond
Issue Chacon Interceptor.
Motion
to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
21.
Consideration to authorize the City Manager to enter into an interlocal
agreement with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for the reimbursement
of building rental fees. Currently the
City of Laredo Police Department is leasing building 134, suite 5 and 6,
located at the Laredo International Airport.
The DEA is agreeing to reimburse the City of Laredo Police Department
$3,600.00 per month for their usage of the building. The commencement of this agreement is from May 1, 2000 through
September 30, 2001.
Motion
to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
22.
Consideration to approve monthly adjustments to tax roll. The amount to be adjusted for the month of
July 2000, represents an increase in levy, of $13,696.73. These adjustments are determined by the Webb
County Appraisal District and by Court Orders.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
23. Consideration to
refund property tax to the following company:
a. Penske Logistics, Inc.
is requesting a refund in the amount of $559.21. This property
did not exist on the
first of the year.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
24.
Consideration to approve the 2000 Appraisal Roll from the Webb County
Appraisal District for the development of the tax roll, and to accept the
calculations of the effective tax rate for fiscal year 2000-2001.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
25.
A motion to set a public hearing and issue notice thereof on a proposed
tax rate of $0.576358/$100 value. The
public hearing will be held on September 5, 2000 at 5:30 p.m. at City of
Laredo, City Hall Chambers, 1110 Houston, Laredo, Texas.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
26.
Consideration to award a contract for a Tennis Professional, in an
amount of $26,400.00 for a twelve (12) month period from October 1, 2000 to
September 30, 2001, with Carlos Ortiz, individually and D.B.A. Tennis
Professional, to provide professional lessons for the playing of tennis at the
Market Street Tennis Courts. Funding
for FY 00/01 in an amount of $26,400.00
will be available from Professional Services.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
27.
Consideration to award contract number FY00-135, to the SOLE BIDDER,
Grande Truck Center, San Antonio, Texas, in the amount of $44,365.40, for the
purchase of one, 1 1/2 ton truck with service body and crane. This truck will
be assigned to the Utilities Department - Wastewater Collection Division. Funding is available in the Utilities
Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
28.
Consideration to award contract number FY00-133, to the SOLE BIDDER,
Advanced Business Solutions, Inc., Houston, Texas, in the annual amount of
$19,035.00, for a maintenance agreement for the Bridge System's cash settlement
system and the currency and coin counters.
Funding for this maintenance agreement has been allocated in the Bridge
Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain:
0
29. Consideration to award
contract number FY00-134 to the LOW BIDDER, Southwestern Bell Telephone,
Laredo, Texas, in amount of $17,525.00, for the purchase and installation of a
communications router at the Bruni Branch Library. Funding is available in the Library budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
30.
Consideration to award contract number FY00-138, to the LOW BIDDER, Bill Peace and Sons, Inc., San Antonio,
Texas, in the amount of $16,655.00, for the purchase of a forklift for the
Traffic Safety Department. Funding is
available from FY2000 Contractual Obligation Bond proceeds.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
31.
Consideration to award six month supply contracts (FY00-129) to the
LOW BIDDERS, Leyendecker Oil Inc., Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of
$10,796.35, and Arnold Oil Co. dba Lone Star Lubricants, Laredo, Texas, in the
estimated amount of $7,922.54, for the purchase of lubricants for the Fleet
Maintenance Division.
In addition, the City Council must choose lots to determine the
contract vendor for automatic transmission fluid. There was a tie bid for this commodity between Leyendecker Oil
Inc. and Lone Star Lubricants at a unit cost of $2.98/gallon. The bid pricing will be firm during this six
month period and all items will be purchased on an as needed basis.
The
winning bid drawn by lots was Leyendecker Oil, Inc.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
32.
Consideration to award contract number FY00-132, to the LOW BIDDERS,
Office Depot, Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $10,301.63, Executive World,
Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $6,025.00, and Office Max, McAllen, Texas, in
the amount of $3,816.00, for the purchase and installation of office furniture
at the World Trade Bridge Administrative offices. Funding for this furniture has been allocated in the Bridge Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain:
0
33.
Consideration to waive the bus fare collection during "Try Transit
Week", on September 12, 2000 and motion to waive the Transit Center
Parking Garage fee for Saturday, September 16, 2000. This action will give El Metro an opportunity to attract new
customers and support this community event.
The estimated revenue loss will be $7,854.00.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain:
0
34.
Consideration for approval of change order no. 3 for an increase of
$15,080.00 and to add 30 working days to the construction contract time with
Ramos Industries, Inc., Pasadena, Texas, for the Calton Road Widening Project
at the Public Library and the McPherson Road Widening Project from Calton Road
to the Culvert Drainage Channel at Cotulla's Restaurant. This change order will provide for the
relocation and reconstruction of a portion of a brick/wrought iron fence to
provide a safe sight distance for traffic exiting main library south driveway
onto Calton Road. Funding is available
in the 1998 CO Issue Calton Road Improvements.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
35.
Consideration for acceptance of the Killam Industrial Blvd. Extension
Project approximately 8000 L.F. from Sara Road to I.H. 35 and approval of final
payment in the amount of $85,077.17 to Price Construction, Inc., Laredo,
Texas. Final contract amount is
$1,701,543.37. Funding is available in
the Capital Improvement Fund, Killam Industrial Blvd. Extension.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
36.
Consideration to enter into an interlocal agreement with South Texas
Development Council and the City of Laredo under Chapter 791 of the Government
Code and authorizing the City Manager to execute said contract relating to the
planning, development, operation and provisions of 9-1-1 service. The term of this agreement shall be for two
years beginning on the 1st of September, 1999 and ending on the 31st day of
August, 2001.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XIII. STAFF REPORT
37.
Presentation on the recruitment progress of the City Manager position,
with possible action.
Dan Migura, Administrative Services Director, affirmed that there are 14
candidates that have applied for the City Manager position. He added that the recruitment process is in
the second phase of advertising.
Mayor Flores encouraged the Council to review the applications.
Mayor Pro Tempore requested a deadline for applications.
Motion
to set a deadline date of September 21, 2000 for taking applications in order
to start the interviewing process.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra
Second: Cm.
E. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
38.
Presentation on an update by the Laredo Police Department on the current
status and future improvements to the emergency communications system.
Bob Hyder, representative from Motorola, informed the Council that
Motorola would submit a proposal on the 7th of September, which will
include several options. He stated
that a team of Motorola engineers completed a review of the existing
system. The equipment was operating at
manufacturing specifications. The
problem was site noise, which takes increased issues of receiver strength
getting back in from a unit and then back to the base station. Currently,
the Motorola staff is working on the equipment list and the services
required to provide a solution for the problem which would enhance the portable
talk back coverage of the police department’s units.
Cm. E. Valdez asked Bob Hyder if this solution would solve the
communication
problems that the Fire Department is experiencing.
Bob Hyder commented that the short-term solution would quickly solve the
problem. However, the long-term
solution would be switching to digital.
Larry Dovalina, Acting City Manager, informed the Council that a
short-term solution was important and the recommendations would be back in two
weeks. However, the long-term solution
is a combination of the entire radio system and would take some time. He added that the new radios that are being
purchased are digital ready.
Mayor Flores asked the City Managers to come back to Council with
recommendations in a timely manner.
39.
Status report on the request for the clean up of brush and trash in the
area of Farias St. and Baltimore St. along the Union Pacific Railroad
right-of-way.
Erasmo Villarreal, Community Development Director, reported that Union
Pacific was given a citation and would be appearing at the Municipal Court on
August 30, 2000.
XIV. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The City Council hereby reserves the right to go into executive
session at any time during this public meeting, when it deems it necessary to
consult privately with its attorney about any item upon this agenda, pursuant
to the provisions of Section 551.071(2) of the Texas Government Code.
XV. RECESS
AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MASS TRANSIT BOARD
Motion to recess as City Council and convene as Laredo Mass
Transit Board.
Moved: Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. E. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain:
0
40.
2000-RT-002 A resolution
authorizing the City Manager to accept and execute the Texas Department of
Transportation Grant No. 51122F1013 in the amount of $275,584.00 from the State
Public Transportation Fund for the 2000-2001 Biennium; and providing for grant
funds to be deposited in the City Transit Department Accounts.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
41.
2000-RT-003 A resolution
authorizing the City Manager to accept and execute Amendment No. 1 for Grant
Agreement No. 51922F6007 between the City of Laredo and the Texas Department of
Transportation extending the contract termination period to January 31,
2001. All of the other terms,
conditions and provisions of the original contract shall remain in full force
and effect.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to adjourn as Laredo Mass Transit Board and reconvene as
City Council.
Moved: Cm. E. Valdez
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XVI. ADJOURNMENT TIME:
7:17 p.m.
Motion to adjourn.
Moved: Cm. E. Valdez
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
I hereby certify that the above minutes contained in pages 01 to
22 are true, complete, and correct proceedings of the City Council meeting held
on August 21, 2000.
____________________________________ Gustavo
Guevara, Jr.
City
Secretary