CITY OF LAREDO
CITY
COUNCIL MEETING
M2001-R-11
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110
HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS 78040
APRIL 23,
2001
5:30
P.M.
I.
CALL TO ORDER
With a quorum present, Mayor Pro
Tempore Guerra called the meeting to order.
II.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III.
ROLL CALL
In Attendance:
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
Jose 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
Jaime Flores, City
Attorney
Motion to excuse Mayor Flores.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra was chairing the meeting.
IV. MINUTES
None.
V.
COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
None.
Invitations
None.
Recognitions
None.
Communiqués
Cm. Bruni submitted the
South Texas Rain Enhancement reports to be on file at the City Secretary’s
Office.
Cm. Bruni read the
following excerpts from a letter from Kenneth A. Oleson from H. B. Zachry Company:
“The initial request for proposals by the City of Laredo was
announced on October 19, 1999. Over one
and a half years have past, which is my personal judgment, has lead to a
broader understanding of the need and the issued of finding water in sufficient
quantity to meet the growth needs of Laredo.
However, an unfortunate by-product of the passage of time is 1) the loss of a variety of opportunities to
those who, in fact, hold the rights to such water resources, 2) the ultimate right to sell and transport
such reserves from an underground source in an area and 3) the uncertainty of payment for the
reservation of water rights.
While I believe that the City of Laredo should continue in its
efforts, I must advise you that the San Lorenzo Water Partners, the source of
our water supply for our project, has advised us that they no longer are
content to be bound by an earlier expressed interest to reserve their resources
for the City of Laredo. The two reasons
for withdrawing their commitment is the amount of time for which they have
already reserved their resources and prospectively would need to ensure until
final resolution and the uncertainty of the quantity of resources that might
need to be proven on the over one hundred thousand acres they have reserved
irrespective of the preliminary studies by CH2M Hill.
It is only fair to advise you that any proposal we might now make
consistent with the RFP that is being developed would be without a commitment
by Lorenzo Partners. We would have to
proceed on the basis that the same landowners would be willing to reconsider if
the outcome was consistent with their earlier desires.
Cm. Bruni expressed his
concerns about the delay in the Secondary Water Source issue. He directed staff
to schedule a Water Issues Committee Meeting on Friday. He also directed the City Manager to place
the Water Issues on the next agenda with Cm. Galo and Mayor Pro Tempore as co-sponsors
for the item.
Cm. Galo submitted an
article from the Houston Chronicle in reference to a water war that Houston is
facing. He stressed the importance of
expediting the issue in the City of Laredo.
Cm. Ramirez recognized Roy Garcia, Code Enforcement Supervisor,
and Javier Pena, from Community Development, for supervising a group of young
men that cleaned up the downtown area.
The men are as follows:
Saul Rodriguez Jose
Lozano
Valentin Ocha Armando Cantu
David Hannies Alberto Soto
Jacob Espinoza Chris
Perez
Jose Viegas Pedro Medrano
Jose Cruz Gerardo
Salinas
Mayor Pro Tempore read the following report from the Environmental
Services Department:
City of Laredo thanked the citizens of Laredo for the Household
Hazardous Waste Collection and Tire Roundup event on April 21, 2001. The following is a summary of the waste
collected at the event:
q 13,837 lbs. of Household Hazardous Waste Collected (which is almost 1,600 lbs
more than the previously most successful event).
q 2,145 used tires collected.
q 400 gallons of used oil collected.
q 100 used oil filters.
q 178 used batteries.
During this event more than 700 people participated in keeping
Laredo clean. Furthermore, this event
would not have been possible without the help from the following entities:
q United High School AFJROTC
q Alexander High School
q Rio Grande International Study Center
q City of Laredo
q Library Non- Profit and Volunteer Center
q Public Works
q Engineering
q Environmental
q Traffic
q Finance
q El Metro
Moreover, the following corporate sponsor should be recognized:
q Southern Distributors
q HEB Company, (specifically, HEB Del Mar)
Finally, We would like to commend the efforts of students at
Juarez Lincoln Elementary for collecting over 160 used tires for this event.
Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra gave an update on the Mayor participation
at the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference.
VI.
APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
None.
VII.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1.
Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo
by rezoning 3.1915 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located
north of Hwy. 359 and west of the City of Laredo Landfill, from R-1 (Single
Family Residential District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District). The Planning and Zoning Commission has
recommended approval of the proposed zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning 3.1915 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located north
of Hwy. 359 and west of the City of Laredo Landfill, from R-1 (Single Family
Residential District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District); providing for
publication and effective date.
Motion
to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
E. Valdez
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There
was no public input.
Motion
to close public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Bruni
2.
Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo
by rezoning 3.20 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located north
of Hwy. 359 and east of Coronado Ave., from R-1 (Single Family Residential District)
to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District).
The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the
proposed zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning 3.20 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located north of
Hwy. 359 and east of Coronado Ave., from R-1 (Single Family Residential
District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District); providing for publication and
effective date.
Motion
to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There
was no public input.
Motion
to close public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Bruni
3.
Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo
by rezoning Lot 1C, Block 2, Jacaman Ranch-Unit I Subdivision, located north of
Jacaman Rd. and west of Bartlett Ave., from B-3 (Community Business District)
to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District).
The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the
proposed zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
Lot 1C, Block 2, Jacaman Ranch-Unit I Subdivision, located north of Jacaman Rd.
and west of Bartlett Ave., from B-3 (Community Business District) to R-2
(Multi-Family Residential District); providing for publication and effective
date.
Motion
to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second:
Cm. Galo
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Henry Mejia from Sherffey Engineering spoke in favor
and was present to answer any questions from Council.
Motion
to close public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Bruni
4.
Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo
by rezoning Lot 1B, Block 2, Jacaman Ranch-Unit I Subdivision, located north of
Jacaman Rd. and west of Saldana Ave., from B-3 (Community Business District) to
R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District).
The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the
proposed zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lot 1B, Block 2, Jacaman Ranch-Unit I Subdivision, located north of
Jacaman Rd. and west of Saldana Ave., from B-3 (Community Business District) to
R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District); providing for publication and
effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Henry
Mejia from Sherffey Engineering spoke in favor of the zone change.
Motion
to close public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Bruni
5.
Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo
by rezoning the South 93.8 ft. of Lots 7 and 8, Block 87, Eastern Division,
located at 102 Rosario St., from M-1 (Light Manufacturing District) to R-O
(Residential-Office District). The
Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone
change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning the South 93.8 ft. of Lots 7 and 8, Block 87, Eastern Division,
located at 102 Rosario St., from M-1 (Light Manufacturing District) to R-O
(Residential-Office District); providing for publication and effective
date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Henry
Mejia with Sheffey Engineering, representing the applicant spoke in favor.
Motion
to close public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Galo
6.
Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo
by rezoning 30.81 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located
north of Hwy. 359 and west of Bob Bullock Lp., from R-1 (Single Family
Residential District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District). The Planning and Zoning Commission has
recommended approval of the proposed zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning 30.81 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located north
of Hwy. 359 and west of Bob Bullock Lp., from R-1 (Single Family Residential
District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for publication and
effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Agredano
Second: Cm.
Galo
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Henry
Meja with Sherffey Engineering, representing the applicant, spoke in favor of
the zone change.
Motion
to close public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Bruni
7.
Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo
by rezoning Lot 6, Block 1088, Western Division, located at 4402 Vidaurri Ave.,
from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial
District). The Planning and Zoning
Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lot 6, Block 1088, Western Division, located at 4402 Vidaurri Ave.,
from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District);
providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Bruni
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Omar
Cavazos spoke against the zone change request.
Isabel
Martinez, applicant, spoke in favor of the zone change for a restaurant-kiosk.
Motion
to close public hearing and table to send to Planning and Zoning for review and
recommendation as a Conditional Use Permit.
Moved: Cm.
J. Valdez
Second: Cm.
Bruni
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain:
8.
Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo
by rezoning Lot 1, and the west varas of Lot 2, Block 48, Eastern Division,
located at 201 Market St., from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1
(Limited Commercial District). The Planning
and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lot 1, and the west varas of Lot 2, Block 48, Eastern Division,
located at 201 Market St., from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1
(Limited Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Agredano
Second: Cm.
E. Valdez
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Sylvia
Marie, property owner, spoke in favor to develop it as a possible day care or
doctor’s office or offices.
Motion
to close public hearing and introduce with an amendment to the Introduction of
the Ordinance to read “and the west three varas of Lot 2, Block 48, Eastern
Division.”
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm.
Bruni
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Galo
9.
Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo
by rezoning Lot 7, Block 1456, Eastern Division, located at 2510 Norton St.,
from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential
District). The Planning and Zoning
Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lot 7, Block 1456, Eastern Division, located at 2510 Norton St., from
R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential District);
providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Agredano
Second: Cm.
Bruni
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There
was no public input.
Motion
to close public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Agredano
Second: Cm.
Bruni
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Agredano
10. Public hearing amending the Zoning
Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 5 and 6, Block 2026,
Eastern Division, located at 3220 Ligarde St., from R-2 (Multi-Family
Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District). The Planning and Zoning Commission has
recommended denial of the proposed zone change, but recommended approval of a
Conditional Use Permit for a term of ten days.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lots 5 and 6, Block 2026, Eastern Division, located at 3220 Ligarde
St., from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial
District); providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Irma
Liendo, property owner, stated that she would like to table this item until she
is able to submit an updated plan to Planning and Zoning.
The
agenda should read ten years rather than ten days.
Motion
to close public hearing and table.
Moved: Cm.
Agredano
Second: Cm.
Bruni
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
11. Public hearing amending the Zoning
Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning the N1/2 of Lots 7 and 8,
Block 580, Eastern Division, located at 3204 McClelland Ave., from R-3 (Mixed
Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District). The Planning and Zoning Commission has
recommended denial of the proposed zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning the N1/2 of Lots 7 and 8, Block 580, Eastern Division, located at 3204
McClelland Ave., from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited
Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Amaya
Second: Cm.
Bruni
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Maria
Del Rosario Niño, property owner, spoke in favor of the zoning change for a
child daycare center.
Motion
to close public hearing and introduce as a Conditional Use Permit subject to
the eight parking spaces and all daycare requirements.
Moved:
Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm.
Galo
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Amaya
12. Public hearing amending the Zoning
Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 15.34 acres, as further
described by metes and bounds, located south of Clark Blvd. and east of Ejido
Ave., from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business
District). The Planning and Zoning
Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change, but recommended
approving a zone designation of B-3 (Community Business District) for the first
175 ft. from the south R.O.W. line of Clark Blvd. and a zone designation of R-2
(Multi-Family Residential District) for the remainder of the site.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning 15.34 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located south
of Clark Blvd. and east of Ejido Ave., from R-1 (Single Family Residential
District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and
effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Richard
Haynes, developer, spoke in favor of allowing an R-2 for the entire tract and
suggested that they come back to
Council at a later date to a zone change for a B-3 in the front section of the
tract.
Arturo
Martinez spoke against the zone change request. He added that he had a signature list of 17 individuals that were
against the zone change. They requested
that this property be developed as an R-1.
His other concern was flooding due to an existing creek and a drainage
problem.
Motion
to close public hearing and table and send back to Planning and Zoning for
further review.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
The
maker of the motion withdrew his motion to table.
Motion
to close the public hearing and introduce the 175 ft. north frontage as B-3 and
the rest as an R-2.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Galo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Bruni
13. Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning the S 1/3 of Lot 8 and the S 1/3 of the W 1/3 of Lot 7, Block
1606, Eastern Division, located at 2919 S. Louisiana Ave., from R-2
(Multi-Family Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District). The Planning and Zoning Commission has
recommended denial of the proposed zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning the S 1/3 of Lot 8 and the S 1/3 of the W 1/3 of Lot 7,
Block 1606, Eastern Division, located at 2919 S. Louisiana Ave., from R-2
(Multi-Family Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District);
providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Agredano
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Clara
Carrillo spoke in favor of the zone change for a day care. She stated that she will be moving out and
that the additional two parking spaces will not be required.
Motion
to close public hearing and introduce as a Conditional Use Permit subject to
them meeting the minimum of six parking spaces.
Moved: Cm.
Agredano
Second: Cm.
Bruni
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Agredano
14. Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning 1.527 acres, as further described by metes and bounds,
located east of McPherson Rd. and north of San Isidro Parkway, from AG
(Agricultural District) to B-3 (Community Business District). The Planning and Zoning Commission has
recommended approval of the proposed zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning 1.527 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located east of
McPherson Rd. and north of San Isidro Parkway, from AG (Agricultural District)
to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective
date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Henry
Mejia, Sherffey Engineering, stated they were in agreement with the zone
change.
Motion
to close public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra
15. Public hearing authorizing the amendment of the Special Use Permit
for a mini-storage warehouse on Lot 1, Block 1, Crown Ridge Subdivision, Unit
1, located at 602 Shiloh Dr. The
Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the amendment to the
Special Use Permit.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Authorizing the amendment of the Special Use Permit for a
mini-storage warehouse on Lot 1, Block 1, Crown Ridge Subdivision, Unit 1,
located at 602 Shiloh Dr.; providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Jerry
O’Brien, representing the owners, was present to answer any questions from the
Council.
Motion
to close public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
E. Valdez, Jr.
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra
16. Public hearing authorizing the amendment of the Special Use Permit
for a mini-storage warehouse, on Lot 1, Block 1, Lago Del Mar Subdivision, Unit
II, located at 7611 Bartlett Ave. The
Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the amendment to the
Special Use Permit.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Authorizing the amendment of the Special Use Permit for a
mini-storage warehouse, on Lot 1, Block 1, Lago Del Mar Subdivision, Unit II,
located at 7611 Bartlett Ave.; providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Bruni
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Roberto
Martinez, representing applicant, spoke in favor.
Motion
to close public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
E. Valdez
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
Cm. Bruni
17. Public hearing authorizing the temporary four (4) month extension of
fixed bus route services to Muller Memorial Blvd. serving La Bota Ranch/Indian
Sunset Subdivision and authorizing the City Manager to amend the Transit Budget
by transferring $26,000.00 from Fund 518 Transit Reserve to Fund 558 Transit
Operations to cover operational cost and salaries.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Authorizing the temporary four (4) month extension of fixed bus
route services to Muller Memorial Blvd. serving La Bota Ranch/Indian Sunset
Subdivision and authorizing the City Manager to amend the Transit Budget by
transferring $26,000.00 from Fund 518 Transit Reserve to Fund 558 Transit
Operations to cover operational cost and salaries.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Bruni
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There
was no public input.
Motion
to close public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
J. Valdez
Second: Cm.
Bruni
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
VIII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND
PRESENTATIONS
18. A. Request by Council
Member Johnny Amaya
1. Status report on the Street Recycling Project in District IV,
with possible action.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported that staff evaluates
streets by window windshield inspections.
The streets are evaluated and prioritized according to the damage. He informed Council that they work in
conjunction with Utilities and that coordination is very important. He advised Council Members to notify him of
any future concerns in reference to street deterioration.
2. Status report on the request for additional information by
TNRCC from the
Engineering Department,
on the plans for the Eistetter Park, with possible action.
Erasmo Villarreal, Community Development Director, reported that
TNRCC has received the layout of the proposed park, and they are currently
studying the waste limits. He added
that he expected progress on the project within ten days.
Cm. E. Valdez questioned
whether the City has complied with all requests from TNRCC. He stressed the importance of expediting the
project in order to receive additional funding from an interested source.
3. Status report on the TXDOT Grant awarded to the City of Laredo
for the
improvements and the
beautification of the Union Pacific Bridge, (conversion to a
pedestrian bridge), at
Zacate Creek, with possible action.
Keith Selman, City Planner, informed the Council that the contract
issues have been resolved and the contract has been signed and forwarded to
TxDOT. He noted that an RFP for the
design of the project would be issued as soon as TxDOT notifies staff that the
contract has been executed.
4. Discussion with possible action on a problem throughout some
areas of the City
with abandoned grocery
carts, and requesting staff to work with businesses to
address this problem.
Erasmo Villarreal, Community Development Director, stated that
abandoned grocery carts are an ongoing problem, and that Code Enforcement
Officers address merchants frequently to seek solutions.
C. Request by Council Member
Juan Ramirez
1. Discussion and possible action for the
use of San Ignacio St. as a truck route from
Jefferson St. South to Houston St.
Roberto Murrillo, Traffic Safety Director, stated that San Ignacio
Street is not adequate for heavy traffic.
He also stated that he would be concerned because the it is a
residential area and the City of Laredo Human Resource Center is located there.
Cm. Ramirez emphasized the
importance of creating a solution to alleviate traffic congestion in that
area.
Jaime Flores, City Attorney, recommended that Council entertain
the possibility of sending the issue to the Traffic Safety Committee to review
the study and report back to
Council.
2. Discussion and possible action on the traffic problem at
Zaragoza St. and Headen
Ave.
Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, stated that an analysis would
be completed at Zaragoza Street and Headen Avenue. He added that he would report back to Council once the report is
compiled.
Jaime Flores, City Attorney, recommended that staff send the issue
to the Traffic Safety Committee and report back to Council with
recommendations.
3. Status report on the conditions of the
parking lot at the former U.S. Customs
Export Lot with
regards to the light fixtures, with possible action.
Jose Escamilla, Superintendent of Bridge I & II,
stated that the
lighting problem has been
identified and will be completed within 24 hours.
Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, gave several options for Council to
consider.
He
mentioned installing parking meters for now until he has had the opportunity
to
meet with the City Manager to discuss other options.
4. Discussion on the make up of the Police Department (addition of
police officers),
with possible action.
Agustin Dovalina III, Police Chief, reported that there are 338
total authorized patrol officers that are assigned to 15 patrol precincts. The average number of officers assigned to
every precinct ranges from 10 to 12 depending on the size of the call volumes
received in the areas.
Cm. Ramirez expressed his concern in reference
to the funding for the
Community Oriented
Policing Services.
Agustin Dovalina III, Police Chief, assured Council that he was
informed from a recent trip to Washington that the Laredo Police Department
should be receiving additional funds.
He said that according to the FBI, the department should have 2.7
officers per 1000 residents and the City of Laredo is currently at 1.6 per
1000. He added that the department
needs 140 officers to meet FBI Standards.
IX.
FINAL READINGS OF ORDINANCES
Motion to waive final readings of Ordinance #2001-O-080.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
19.
2001-O-080 Amending the City of
Laredo Code of Ordinances Chapter 12, entitled Fire Protection and Prevention,
by amending Section 12-2, Fire Prevention Code-Adopted, and adopting the 2000
Edition of the International Fire Code; Section 12-3 same amendments, by
adopting four supplementations to the 2000 Edition of the International Fire
Code as adopted in Section 12-2; creating Section 12-6 Life Safety Code 101 and
Handbook-Adopted; providing for severability; publication and effective date.
Motion
to adopt Ordinance #2001-O-080.
Moved: Cm.
Agredano
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
X.
RESOLUTIONS
20.
2001-R-049 A resolution
supporting the current configuration of the 21st Texas Senatorial district as
it has historically been a strong bipartisan district equally representing 19
counties and communities of interest while achieving excellence in State
Government through unity of purpose.
Motion
to approve Resolution #2001-R-049.
Moved: Cm.
Agredano
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XI.
MOTIONS
21. Consideration to authorize
the City Manager to submit a grant proposal to the Texas Department of Health for the continuation of
the Immunization Action Plan Project of the City of Laredo Health Department in
the amount of $150,000.00 for the period beginning September 1, 2001, through
August 31, 2002.
Motion
to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Agredano
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XII. STAFF REPORT
22. Status report
regarding the signalization at Jacaman Road and McPherson Road, with
possible action.
Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, reported that he had conducted
the study at the intersection of Jacaman and McPherson, and it did satisfy one
of the warrants to install a traffic signal there. The cost for the signal with new equipment would be $65,000, and
the time frame would be six months. If
the department utilizes equipment, the City can save 8 to 10 thousand dollars,
and the time frame would be three months.
Motion to direct staff to utilize used equipment. Also, to report to Council at the next City
Council meeting to report estimated amount to expedite putting up the light.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. J.
Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
23. Status report
regarding the location of the COP's Station in the downtown area, with
possible action.
Police Chief Agustin Dovalina reported that the department is
considering the possibility of moving the downtown workstation to the
bridge. He is currently studying the
impact on the resources as far as funding is concerned. He affirmed that it would be very useful
given its proximity to the border and the traffic situation that occurs
there. Finally, he stated he would
submit a report to the City Manager and report back to Council with further
recommendations.
XIII. 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.
XIV. RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MASS
TRANSIT BOARD
Motion to recess as City Council and
convene as Laredo Mass Transit Board.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
24.
Consideration to propose a Summer Fun Bus Pass for people ages 6-18
years old and to approve a contract with Graphitiks, Inc. for production of
materials. Graphitiks would design and
print necessary materials at no cost to the City but would solicit advertising
to pay their costs. Pass users would
pay a special fare of $19.95 per person for unlimited rides on all El Metro
buses during the months of June, July, and August of 2001.
Motion
to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
25.
2001-RT-003 A resolution
supporting a biennium appropriation increase to small urban and rural public
transportation systems from the Texas Legislature and directing that a study be
conducted to find a permanent and adequate funding source for public
transportation in Texas.
Motion
to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion
to adjourn as Laredo Mass Transit Board and reconvene as City Council.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XV. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn. Time: 8:00 p.m.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
I hereby certify that the above minutes contained in pages 01 to
18 are true, complete, and correct proceedings of the City Council meeting held
on April 23, 2001.
_____________________________________
Gustavo
Guevara, Jr.
City
Secretary