CITY OF
LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
M2001-R-12
CITY
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS 78040
MAY 7,
2001
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
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
Larry Dovalina, City Manager
Valeria Gutierrez, Assistant
City Attorney
Motion to excuse Cm. Galo.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra
Second: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IV. MINUTES
None
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
a. Recognizing the
affiliation between the City of Laredo, Texas USA and the City of
Chenzhou, Hunan
Providence, China as sister cities.
Mayor Flores and the Council recognized the affiliation between
the City of Laredo and the City of Chenzhou, Hunan Providence, China as a
sister city. The following officials
from China were present:
Liu Zhenghua Vice Mayor
Chenzhou People’s Government
Yang Zhongmou Secretary-general
Ghenzhou People’s Government
Pan Wangsheng Director Chenzhou
Foreign Affairs Office
Li Xuefei Translator
Chenzhou Foreign Affairs Office
Invitations
The Mayor invited Council and the public to attend a special
proclamation in honor of the Jewish Community at the City Council Chambers at
9:30 a.m the next day. She added that
the Jewish Community would be joining her in remembrance of all the victims of
the Holocaust.
Recognitions
a. Recognizing the Health
Department's Children's Health Insurance Outreach Program
staff for being awarded the "High Hurdle Champion" Gold
Award for counties with a population of 100,000 to 200,000; for exceeding the
county challenge goal of having 67 percent of uninsured children in their
county apply for the TexCare Partnership Program.
Roger Garcia, Interim Health Director, recognized the following
employees from the Health Department:
Rosario Rocha, Margarita Janhunen,
Martha Vela, Diana Flores and
Eduardo Barrera. He congratulated staff
for their hard work and diligence in assisting 7,900 children in the CHIP
program, plus and additional 2000 in Medicaid and 1000 in the Healthy Kid
Program.
b. Recognition of Nye
Elementary School for winning the $10,000.00 "Make a Difference
Day" award for
adopting the Casa Hogar Elim Orphanage in Nuevo Laredo.
Mayor Flores and Council recognized the students from Nye
Elementary School for winning the $10,000.00 “Make a Difference Day”
award.
c. Recognition of Laredo
Development Foundation's Small Business Development Center
and the Small Business Administration San Antonio District to
announce the following winners:
Araceli Lozano, Director for the Laredo Development Foundation
Small Business Development Center, thanked the Mayor and the Council for their
support. She recognized the following
individuals for winning the following awards:
1.
Eloy Rodriguez, CPA
Accountant Advocate of the Year
SBA San Antonio District
2.
Gilberto Sanchez
Falcon National Bank
Financial Services Advocate of the Year
3.
Charles W. Owen
Laredo Morning Times
Small Business Journalist of the Year
4.
Susana V. Garcia
Friends Association, LLC "Skating
Palace"
Small Business Person of the Year
d. Recognition of the
Laredo Fire Department and the U.S. Border Patrol on their
certification as Emergency Medical Technicians by the State of
Texas. This training provided by the
Fire Department initiated a partnership with the Border Area Rescue Team
Program provided by the U.S. Border
Patrol as First Responders.
The Mayor and City Council presented a Seven Flag Certificate to
the following individuals for obtaining their certification as Emergency
Medical Technicians:
Laredo Fire Department Border
Patrol
Ricardo Cedillo Joseph
Borowski
Jesus Flores Mark Dawson
Bino Z. Gonzalez Craig
Lackey
David Gonzalez Dane
Rasmussen
Pedro Gonzalez Andres
Rodriguez
Jesus J. Guerra Mario
A. Rodriguez
Juan Hinojosa Jesus Hernandez
Adrian Huizar Meredith
David
Henry Jolomna
Edgar Martinez
Armando Martinez
Jose Monez
Beltazar Ramirez
Ramon Rojas
Communiqués
a. Presentation by
representatives of Sony on their Sony Global Volunteer Day scheduled
for May 9, 2001, which will include tree planting by over 100 Sony
employees in City parks.
Salvador Ortiz, representing Sony Corporation, informed the
Council that Sony would be celebrating their Sony Global Volunteer Day by
planting over 50 trees in City Parks.
Cm. Agredano informed the
Mayor that while she was in New York, he represented her by reading a
proclamation at the HOST Program. He
added that they presented her the Mil Gracias Award for their appreciation of
her support and generosity at the U. I. S. D. Host Program for the year 2000 –
2001.
Cm. Bruni submitted the
South West Texas Rain Enhancement Association reports for the record. A complete report can be viewed at the City
Secretary’s Office.
Cm. Valdez congratulated
Larry Dovalina, City Manager; Beto Ramirez, Budget Director; and Rosario
Cabello, Finance Director, for their hard work and diligence in preparation for
the comprehensive presentations given in New York for the bond payment. He added that their efforts contributed as
much as a $400,000 savings on the bond payment each year.
Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra also congratulated the Mayor for her
extra efforts on the presentations.
Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra congratulated Captain Steve Landin of the
Fire Department for completion of his Bachelor Degree in Fire
Administration. Also, he recognized
Captain Landin for his efforts in assisting Webb County’s Quad Cities in
obtaining their new fire truck. He submitted
two newspaper clippings that can be seen at the City Secretary’s Office.
Mayor Flores
acknowledged Teachers’ Appreciation Week.
Mayor Flores
congratulated all mothers for Mother’s Day.
Mayor Flores thanked A. J.’s
1st Grade Class at San Augustine for asking her to read
a book to his class.
Mayor Flores mentioned a press release that was sent on May 7th
about Congressman Henry Bonilla in reference to a grant from the Federal
Aviation Administration in the amount of $2,500,000 to be used for the City’s
FAR Part 150 Airport Noise Compatibility Program.
Mayor Flores announced that Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse
would be coming to Laredo. She stated
that they will employ 175 people.
VI. APPOINTMENTS
TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
a. Appointment by Council
Member Jose A. Valdez, Jr. of Albert Muller to the
Transportation Traffic
Safety and Advisory Committee.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
b. Appointment by Mayor
Pro-Tempore Joe A. Guerra of Richard Perez and Fernando
Cantu to the
Redistricting Advisory Committee.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public hearing amending
the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 Annual budget and
appropriate revenue and expenditure upon the acceptance of a
donation of $3,000.00 from Clark Hardware, Inc. for sponsorship of the Famous
Chicken and $1,270.00 from Conoco for the sponsorship as well as purchase of
Tecolotes logo baseballs to be given away at the park for promotional purposes.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001
Annual budget and appropriate revenue
and expenditure upon the acceptance of a donation of $3,000.00
from Clark Hardware, Inc. for sponsorship of the Famous Chicken and $1,270.00
from Conoco for the sponsorship as well as purchase of Tecolotes logo baseballs
to be given away at the park for promotional purposes.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Gregoria Lopez, Program Coordinator for Parks & Recreation,
thanked the private sector for supporting the Tecolotes.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore
Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
2. Public hearing amending
the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 annual budget by creating
the following positions: one (1) Parks & Recreation Assistant
Director, and one (1) Administrative
Assistant II at a cost of $40,000.00 including fringe benefits and a one-time
capital outlay request of $7,450.00 for a total of $47,450.00 which will be
funded by anticipated salary line item savings from the Parks & Recreations
Department, and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 annual budget by creating
the following positions: one (1) Parks & Recreation Assistant Director, and
one (1) Administrative Assistant II at a cost of $40,000.00 including fringe
benefits and a one-time capital outlay request of $7,450.00 for a total of
$47,450.00 which will be funded by anticipated salary line item savings from
the Parks & Recreations Department, and authorizing the City Manager to
implement said budget.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. J.
Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. J.
Valdez
Second: Cm. E.
Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
VIII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND
PRESENTATIONS
3. A. Request by Council Member Alfredo Agredano
1. Status report on five
parks in District I, (Los Obispos Park,
Sta. Rita Park,
Century City Park,
South Laredo Park, George Washington Park)
Horacio De Leon, Interim Park and Recreation Director, informed
the Council on the status of the following parks:
Los Obispos Park, which is also known as El Eden Park, is located
next to Perez Elementary. The ownership
of the property has not been conveyed and the funding is not in place.
Santa Rita Park consists of 22.14 acres in the Santa Rita
Subdivision. The ownership of the
park property was deeded over on April
3, 2001, and the funding source for the park is through CBDG 25th
action year. Three responses were
received for the request for qualifications and they will seek approval from
the Council in the first meeting of June.
Century City Park consists of 2.6 acres in Century City Phase
IV. The ownership has been deeded over
to the City and the funding source is recognized in the Capital Improvement
Plan for $300,000 for the years 2002, 2003, and 2004.
South Laredo Park consists of two blocks adjacent to the Housing
Authority. Funding is through CDBG 26l
action year. He reported that they are
currently out of RFQ’s.
George Washington Park consists of .5 acres in the George
Washington Subdivision. Funding is
through the Council Members discretionary funds in the amount of $47,000. The improvements will include a basketball
court, walking trail, irrigation system and landscaping.
2. Status report with
possible action on the paving of Zacatecas St. and Hwy. 359
on the east and west
side, with possible action.
Cm. Agredano stated that there was an error on
the agenda. It should read Hwy.
83 and not Hwy. 359.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, stated that the property is on the
TxDOT right-of-way and their short term goal is to patch up the pot holes and
their long term goal is to create a
turning radius that would be safer for vehicular traffic.
3.
Status report on the Cops Station at Los Angeles and Los Obispos
Subdivision.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, read the following letter from the
Class One Builders, Contractor for the Cops Station at Los Angeles:
“This is to inform you that the above project was vandalized at
night before May 7, 2001. It is very
sad that we encountered this response from certain members of the
community. It is my opinion that the
investigating officers that the vandalism and the attempted arson was directed
to this construction company but to the institution which is the Police
Department.
Among the damage was the destruction of the electrical temporary
pole, water faucets, electrical fixtures and sheet rock damage. No structural damage was done to the
building. We had scheduled to have some
sites substantial completion on May 30 but since the vandalism is beyond our
control we foresee a delay of approximately 20 working days to June 29 , 2001.
We will reactivate construction as soon as the investigation is complete and
recognition of the electrical service.”
Agustin Dovalina, Chief of Police, stated that there is an ongoing
investigation and his department is following up on some very positive
leads. He stated that the Grand Opening
would be cancelled do to the vandalism.
Mayor Flores encouraged the Police Department to continue to hold
a celebration for the COPS Station to celebrate the commitment and support that
the Council has made to the neighborhood.
B. Request by Council Member Louis H. Bruni
1.
Status report on the Eastwoods Subdivision Park, with possible action.
Horacio de Leon, Interim Parks and Recreation Director, stated the
department is negotiating with the Architect/Engineering Contract because the
proposals that were received were too high.
He expressed his desire to complete the project in-house. He added that the area for the gate will be
graded with the assistance of Public Works and the design would take an
additional 30 days.
Cm. Bruni stressed his
desire to expedite the project.
C. Request by Council Member Johnny Amaya
1. Status report on the
Albert Ochoa Park with possible action to appropriate
$30,000.00 for
proposed improvements.
Horacio De Leon, Interim Parks and Recreation Director, explained
that there was a request for a playground structure and improvements to the
walk-way. He added that the project
needed $30,000 for completion.
Motion to appropriate $30,000 for proposed improvements from
Cm. Amaya’s discretionary funds.
Moved:
Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm.
Galo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
D. Request by Council Member Jose A. Valdez,
Jr.
1. Discussion with
possible action regarding access by residents living on properties
between the Union
Pacific Railroad tracks in District VII.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, commented that the City has hired
several attorneys from Austin and they are reviewing deeds of particular tracts
and the problem will be resolved.
Cm. J. Valdez questioned the time line needed for
solutions.
Cm. E. Valdez recommended for staff to search for
ordinances in other cities that will assist the City in creating a stringent
ordinance that will force the railway companies to comply.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, explained that the City would
continue to enforce the issues and look at different methods of taking care of
the problems that have existed for years.
Mayor Flores stated that she would submit a resolution about the
railroad and their lack of cooperation with the City at the U. S. Conference of
Mayors. She added that there must be a
balance reached between the railroad companies and cities.
2.
Discussion with possible action regarding improvements to parks in
District VII.
Horacio De Leon, Interim Parks and Recreation Director, stated that the department is pending the
estimate from Engineering on the ADA Compliance; however, the estimated value
will be $30,000.
Motion to approve the appropriation of $30,000 from the
discretionary fund of Cm. J. Valdez.
Moved:
Cm. J. Valdez
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
E. Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez
1. Discussion and possible
action in reference to the May 26th Tecolotes game to
honor the Veterans by allowing them and the general public to
enter the game at 1/2 price and children under 12 free of charge when
accompanied by an adult for the remainder of the season starting with the game
of May 26, 2001.
Motion to allow children of 12 and under that are accompanied by
an adult free admission to all Tecolotes games; that the general public be allowed to enter the game at ½ price
and that Veterans will pay no admission
fee for the game of May 26, 2001.
Moved: Cm. Ramirez
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Discussion and possible
action regarding the applications for the Fire Chief
position.
Dan Migura stated that the position was posted March 5, 2001, and
the position is still open. The City
has received 17 applications (15 are local residents). He stated the committee will be screening
the applications for minimal qualifications and submit five applications to the
management review committee. He added
that the committee met last week and went over the definition of the
qualifications and will meet again this week to screen the applicants and will
have an idea of which applicants they
will bring in to interview. Finally, he
stated that the interview process will be completed in two weeks.
3. Discussion and possible
action regarding the Ad Hoc Committee dealing with
taxi transportation.
Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, informed City Council of the
committee which was formed back in 1997.
He mentioned that the former City Manager had requested to have ten
members from different backgrounds as part of the original committee. The Ad Hoc Committee was composed of three
taxi cab permit holders along with a representative from the Laredo Police
Department, the Terminal Manager from Greyhound Bus Lines, a representative
from the Hotel-Motel Association, the Airport, the Convention and Visitors
Bureau, and then two staff members from the Traffic Safety Department. This group was taken before the
Transportation Advisory Committee and the members approved the composition of
the committee at that time. In January
2001, there were additional requests by committee members to make additional
changes. There have been several
meetings held, some changes are approved as requested by a permit holder, but
they still need to go before the Transportation Advisory Committee to get
approval.
Cm. Ramirez inquired as to
who is the current Chairman of the Committee.
Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, responded that the new Chairman
is Mr. Juan Morales.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that the reason this
committee was formed was because there was an urgent need to have regulations
in place. He mentioned that the City
wanted members from the entire industry being served to provide input in the
decision making process, and that explains the rationale behind the committee’s
make up. He emphasized that if there
are any more committee meetings that need to be held, they should be held
within the committee structure.
Cm. J. Valdez mentioned that it would be best to
have people that are neutral and not part of the industry on board.
Cm. Ramirez suggested that
the members should be composed of people that are impartial and not part of the
service industry. He stated that the makeup
of the committee should change to replace those sitting members that are part
of city administration.
Motion to make a change to the makeup of the existing Ad Hoc
Committee.
Cm. Bruni inquired whether
they would be keeping the same committee members that are currently on the Ad
Hoc Committee and would be forming a sub-committee.
Mayor Flores responded that this motion would do away with the Ad
Hoc Committee’s membership, as it exists today. She stated that the City Council would be allowed to appoint
someone that has been serving on the committee.
Moved: Cm. Ramirez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mayor Flores requested that Roberto Murillo provide City Council
with a follow up report and to allow City Council some time to come up with
names for consideration on the new Ad Hoc Committee.
4. Discussion and possible
action on the progress report of the parking lot at the
former U.S. Customs
Export Lot.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that he instructed Roberto
Murillo to temporarily install parking meters.
Cm. Ramirez disagreed with
the recommendation of parking meters because of the current City Ordinance
which states that the City can only charge from Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m.
to 5 p.m. He wants the parking lot to
be manned.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that Council would need to
amend the Ordinance; however, it would be and additional 30 to 60 days before
they could actually collect a fee.
Motion to obtain the equipment to have the parking lot manned and
to amend the Ordinance which will allow the City to collect parking fees 24
hours a day at the U. S. Customs Export
Lot.
Moved: Cm. Ramirez
Second: Cm. J.
Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IX. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
4. An ordinance
authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to
effectively convey fee simple title to the "Surface
Only", at its adjusted market value of $19,576.00, for certain property
described as a 13,890.00 sq.ft., more or less, tract of land out of that former
section of Poggenpohl Street between Vidaurri and Sta. Isabel Avenues to Hector
Zuniga; provided that the City of Laredo retains a 12 foot wide utility
easement; said tract being situated in the Western Division, City of Laredo,
Webb County, Texas; and hereby approving the submitted Improvement Plans, and
in compliance with Section 10 of the Street Closing/Sales Policy Handbook, as
approved as per Resolution No. 97-R-140; and providing for effective date.
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
5. An ordinance
authorizing the City Manager to execute a Lease Agreement with Webb
County, Texas, for and on behalf of the City of Laredo for
approximately 1,820 sq. ft. of building space situated at La Ladrillera Elderly
Center, 2100 Pinder, block 684, Western Division, City of Laredo, Webb County,
Texas, for the purpose of operating the Elderly Nutrition Program and any other
social service that will benefit low and moderate income people for a term of
one (1) year with annual rent of $500.00 per month and the payment of 25% of
all utility costs including electricity, gas and the monthly charge of an alarm
monitoring service.
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
Cynthia Mares, Executive Director of the Webb County Community
Action Agency, spoke on the lease agreement between the City Of Laredo and the
Webb County Community Agency. She urged
the Council to give consideration to possible further negotiations of the amount
that is being stated in the lease agreement as the monthly rent payment.
Motion to execute a lease agreement with an amendment allowing the
Elderly Nutrition Program to lease the building at no charge and the payment of
25% of all utility cost until December 31, 2001. Beginning January 1, 2002 the lease should be $300.00 a month and
utilities according to the square footage of the building.
Moved: Cm. Ramirez
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 4 Against: Abstain: 3
Cm. Bruni Cm. Amaya
Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra Cm. E.
Valdez
Cm. J.
Valdez
6. An ordinance closing as
a public easement that section of the 1700 block of South
Malinche Avenue between Pecan and San Salvador Street situated in
the Eastern Division, City of Laredo, County of Webb, and providing for an
effective date.
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
7. An ordinance
authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Border City Rods, a
non-profit organization, for the El Metro Park & Ride Lot,
located at 4600 Daugherty for the purpose of holding an auto show. The lease term is for two days, beginning
8:00 a.m. on September 1, 2001, and ending at 3:00 p.m. on September 2,
2001. Rental fee shall be $1.00.
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
8. An ordinance
designating as a one-way northbound that section of Ejido Avenue, block
numbers 900, 1000 and 1100, between Market Street on the south and
Guadalupe Street on the north; providing for installation of appropriate signs
to indicate one-way traffic in the designated direction and providing for
publication and effective date.
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
X. FINAL READINGS OF ORDINANCES
Internet availability:
http: www.ci.laredo.tx.us
Motion to waive the final readings of ordinance # 2001-O-081,
2001-O-082, 2001-O-083, 2001-O-084, 2001-O-085, 2001-O-086, 2001-O-087,
2001-O-088, 2001-O-089, 2001-O-090, 2001-O-091, 2001-O-092, 2001-O-093,
2001-O-094 and 2001-O-095.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
9. 2001-O-081 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.
(Council Member Louis H. Bruni)
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-081.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-082 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.
(Council Member Louis H. Bruni)
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-082.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-083 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. (Council Member Louis H. Bruni)
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-083.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-084 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. (Council Member Louis H. Bruni)
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-084.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-085 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. (Council Member John C. Galo)
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-085.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-086 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. (Council Member Louis H. Bruni)
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-086.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-087 Amending the
Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
Lot 1, and the west 3
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. (As
Amended) (Council Member
John C. Galo)
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-087.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-088 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. (Council Member
Alfredo Agredano)
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-088.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-089 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for a child
daycare center on the north 1/2 of Lots 7 and 8, Block 580, Eastern Division,
located at 3204 McClelland Ave.; providing for publication and effective
date. (As Amended) (Council Member Johnny Amaya)
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-089.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-091 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for a child
daycare center on the south 1/3 of Lot 8 and the south 1/3 of the west 1/3 of
Lot 7, Block 1606, Eastern Division, located at 2919 S. Louisiana Ave.;
providing for publication and effective date.
(As Amended) (Council Member Alfredo Agredano)
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-091.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-092 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. (Mayor Pro-tempore Joe A. Guerra)
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-092.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-093 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. (Mayor
Pro-tempore Joe A. Guerra)
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-093.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-094 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.
(Council Member Louis H. Bruni)
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-094.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-095 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 adopt Ordinance 2001-O-095.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XI. RESOLUTIONS
10. 2001-R-046 A
resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept fund distributions of
$18,194.00 for Fiscal Year 2001 provided by Senate Bill-102
EMS/Trauma Systems Care Fund. These
funds will be used toward continuing implementation of our Regional Trauma
System Plan, training, education, and purchases of equipment.
Motion to approve Resolution 2001-R-046.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
11. 2001-R-048 A resolution expressing the support of the
City Council of the City of
Laredo for the
development of relief routes in rural communities along
Phase I High Priority
Corridors.
Motion to approve
Resolution 2001-R-048.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
12. 2001-R-050 A resolution authorizing the City Manager to
name the four newly
constructed Community-Oriented Police Workstations located at
Farias Elementary School, Los Obispos Subdivision, Springfield Ave., and D.D.
Hachar Elementary School after Victor Pablo Serna, Pablo Albidrez, Jr., Susano
Castillo and Eugenio Luna all of whom lost their lives in the line of duty as
Laredo Police Officers.
Motion to approve Resolution 2001-R-050.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
13. 2001-R-051 A resolution authorizing the City of Laredo
to enter into an interlocal
participation agreement with the Texas Local Government Purchasing
Cooperative and authorizing the City Manager to execute the interlocal
participation agreement. The purpose of
this agreement is to facilitate compliance with State of Texas bidding
requirements, to identify qualified vendors of commodities, goods, and
services, and to realize potential cost savings for the City.
Motion to approve Resolution 2001-R-051.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
14. 2001-R-052 A resolution authorizing the City of Laredo
to enter into an interlocal
participation agreement with the Texas Cooperative Purchasing
Network (TCPN) sponsored by the Region IV Education Service Center providing
for a cooperative purchasing program for goods and services and authorizing the
City Manager to execute the interlocal agreement.
Motion to approve Resolution 2001-R-052.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
15. 2001-R-054 A resolution authorizing the City Manager to
submit a grant application to
the Governor's Automobile Theft Prevention Authority to fund the
Laredo Auto Theft Task Force for the period of September 1, 2001 through August
31, 2002.
Motion to approve Resolution 2001-R-054.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
16. 2001-R-055 A resolution authorizing the City Manager to
execute all related
documents in order to join the South Texas Aggregation Project,
Inc., a non-profit political subdivision corporation organized under Chapter
303, Texas Local Government Code, entitled, "Energy Aggregation Measures
for Local Governments" as amended and authorizing payment of $15,000.00 to
the South Texas Aggregation Project, Inc., as membership fees in order to
become a member of said corporation.
Motion to approve Resolution 2001-R-055.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
17. 2001-R-056 A resolution approving the creation of a
sister city affiliation between the
City of Laredo, Texas, USA and the City of Chenzhou, Hunan
Province, China.
Motion to approve
Resolution 2001-R-055.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XII. MOTIONS
18. Consideration to
authorize the purchase of a specialized software application from
HTE, Inc., Lake Mary, Fl., in the amount of $33,925.00, for use by
the Police Department. HTE's Crackdown
software application is used as an investigative tool by Police Departments to
track gang activity. Funds for the
purchase of this software have been made available in the Juvenile Incentive
Block Grant.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
19. Consideration to award
contract number FY01-081, to the LOW BIDDER, Holt
Company of Texas, Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $45,133.00, for
the purchase of one, 50 ton folding gooseneck semi-trailer, for transporting
heavy equipment to job sites. Funding
for the purchase of this trailer is available in the Utilities and CIP Public
Works Street Improvement budgets.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
20. Consideration to award
an annual service contract number FY01-082, to R. Aguero
Trucking, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $25,000.00,
for providing hauling services for the Utilities Department. The contract vendor will be hauling
approximately 600 tons of dry sludge per month from the Water Treatment Plant
to the City landfill. Funding is
available in the Water Treatment budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
21. Consideration to award
contract number FY01-084, to EPI Environmental Products,
Inc., Conroe, Texas, in the amount of $43,595.00, for providing
all equipment, labor, and materials required to implement a pilot program for
an alternate daily cover for the City landfill. Funding is available in the Solid Waste budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
22. Consideration to award
contract number FY01-090, to the LOW BIDDER, Royal Treat
Car Wash, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $36,000.00,
for furnishing car wash services for the City's automotive fleet. Bids were requested on car wash service with
and without inside vacuum. All services
are secured on an as needed basis. The
bid pricing decreased approximately 8% from the previous contract period. Funding is available in the Fleet Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
23. Consideration to award
contract FY01-091, to the LOW BIDDER, Executive Office
Supply, Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $17,605.20, for the
purchase of office furniture for the Police Department. This furniture is needed for the four new
police substations. Delivery is
anticipated within thirty days. Funds
for the purchase of this furniture are available in the Police Trust Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
24. Consideration to award
contract number FY01-092, to the LOW BIDDER, Al and Rob
Sales, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $42,699.00, for
the purchase of uniforms of the Bridge System personnel. The contract pricing will be valid for a
period of six months. The uniforms will
be delivered thirty days after measurements have been completed. Funding is available in the Bridge Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
25. Consideration to enter
into contract with Atlas Enterprises for the purpose of a
pyrotechnic show immediately following a regularly scheduled
Tecolotes baseball game on July 4, 2001 at Veterans Field.
Motion to table.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
26. Consideration to
authorize the City Manager to submit a grant application to the Texas
Department of Health in the amount of $17,139.00 for the Hepatitis
C Study Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period
beginning September 1, 2001 through August 31, 2002.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
27. Consideration to
authorize the City Manager to submit a grant application for
$95,483.00 to the Texas Department of Health for renewal of the
HIV/AIDS Health and Social Services Project of the City of Laredo Health
Department for the period beginning September 1, 2001 through August 31, 2002.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
28. Consideration to
authorize the City Manager to submit a grant application in the
amount of $150,000.00 to the Office of Public Health and Science,
Office of Minority Health, HHS, for a Health Status Improvement Demonstration
Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning July
1, 2001, through June 30, 2002.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
29. Consideration to
authorize the City Manager to enter into a professional services
agreement with RWL Group, Inc. to provide employee benefit
services to the City of Laredo for a period of seventeen months to commence on
May 1, 2001 and to conclude on September 30, 2002. Funds are available in the Administrative Services Department
budget. For October 1, 2001 through
September 30, 2002 funding is subject to appropriation in the 2002 FY
budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
30. Consideration to
authorize the City Manager to approve Amendment No. 1 to increase
the professional services fee in the amount of $14,950.00 to
Carter & Burgess, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, to provide additional work by
re-mapping the flood plain of Chacon Creek.
The total contract for the project was $437,120.00 and with the
amendment the project cost will be $452,070.00. The re-mapping will be provided to FEMA to update a portion of
the model currently under review. The
revised model will update the main stem of Chacon Creek from the Rio Grande to
Lake Casablanca spillway. Funding for
the project is available in the NPDES Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
31. Consideration for
acceptance of the Police Substation located at Springfield Ave. at
Ryan Street, approval of final payment in the amount of $12,718.50
to Laredo Class One Builders, Inc., Laredo, Texas, and approval of the project
plaque. Final contract amount is $114,000.00. Funding is available in the Capital
Improvement Fund NE Hillside COPS Station.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
32. Consideration for
approval of Change Order No. 1 an increase of $17,420.58 to the
construction contract with III PG Enterprises, Inc., Laredo,
Texas, for the demolition of buildings 1450 and 1451 Laredo International
Airport for labor and materials and corresponding costs for breaking of the
drilled pier caps from the foundation and to add an additional 20 working days
to the construction contract time.
Funding is available in Airport Budget.
Motion to approve with the amendment of
changing “additional 20 working days” to 55
working days.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
33. Consideration for
approval to award an engineering contract to Paul Garza &
Associates, Consulting Engineers, Laredo, Texas, for an amount not
to exceed $145,500.00 for preliminary studies on siting and traffic studies in
conjunction with the proposed Laredo International Bridge No. 5, City Toll
Plaza and Federal Border Station Facilities and Access Roadways. Funding is available in the Bridge System
Purchased Professional Services.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
34. Consideration for
approval of final Change Order No. 6 an increase of $24,458.70 for
the balance of quantities actually constructed in place,
acceptance of 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, and approval of final payment in the amount of
$127,262.73 to Ramos Industries, Inc., Pasadena, Texas. Final contract amount is $1,219,926.70. Funding is available in the 1998 CO Issue
Calton Road Improvements.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
35. Consideration to
authorize the award of a contract in the amount of $39,000.00 to
Government Relations, Inc. (GRI) for intergovernmental,
informational and advocacy services to, and for the benefit of the City of
Laredo. The contract period will be
from May 1, 2001 through October 31, 2001.
Funding is available through General Fund Salary Savings in the Planning
Department.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
36. Consideration to
cancel the May 28, 2001 Special City Council Meeting of the
Planning and Zoning
agenda items due to the Memorial Day Holiday.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
37. Consideration to
authorize the City Manager to retain the services of Infrastructure
Solutions, Inc., Austin, Texas for professional consulting
services related to the City's proposed Laredo International Bridge No. 5. Funding is available in the Bridge Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XIII. STAFF REPORT
38. Presentation of
Quarterly report on the Down payment Assistance Program under
the HOME Investment Partnership Program.
Erasmo Villarreal, Community Development Director, stated that the
Department
of Community Development HOME Program provides down payment
assistance to first-time homebuyers who fall at 80% and below the area median
income level. The purpose of the program is to provide an opportunity to make
housing more affordable by providing first time, low-income homebuyers with
down payment assistance loans.
Assistance up to $9,000 is available to persons who fall at 60% or below
of median income and up to $6,000 for persons who fall at or below 80% of area
median income. These loans bear 0%
interest and are due on sale or paid back after the first lien is paid (usually
30 years). A minimum investment of
$1,000 is recommended from the first time homebuyer and a homebuyer, education
course is mandatory. Currently, there
is approximately $483,781.00 available for down payment assistance.
39. Staff report on the
signalization at Jacaman and McPherson regarding the total cost of
the project and
consideration for using available equipment.
Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, explained that a traffic
analysis was conducted at the intersection of Jacaman and McPherson, and he is
recommending a signal. The signal
design is 95% complete. The cost
estimate is currently $58,900, and the time frame is five months.
Cm. Bruni requested a
swifter resolution.
Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, informed Council that there was
no equipment available, and they would have to order it. He said that if they used wood and cable
that a temporary signal could be install in six to eight weeks.
Cm. Bruni agreed to use
his discretionary funds for purchase of a temporary signal.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated he would search for
additional funds for the signal light.
40. Update on the
privatization of the Utilities Department.
Motion to table.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
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 the City Council
and convene as the Laredo Mass Transit Board.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain:
0
41. Consideration to award
the contract to Sefact Lift & Equipment for the purchase of a
mobile wheel contract lifting system to elevate large trucks,
buses, and other vehicles at a bid price of $20,380.00.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
42. Consideration to award
Security Guard Services contract number FY01-065, to the
LOWEST BIDDER, C.W. Tenorio Security, Laredo Texas, at the rate of
$7.00 per hour. Security Guard Services
will be provided for the Operations & Maintenance at 401 Scott St. and the
Transit Center at 1301 Farragut St.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to adjourn as Mass Transit
and reconvene as City Council.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
City of Laredo
City Council Meeting
M2001-S-012
Supplemental Agenda
XI. Motions
1. Consideration to
authorize a change order No. 1 to the annual contract FY00-108,
awarded to Skaggs Public Safety Uniforms and Equipment, San
Antonio, Texas, in the amount of $24,500.00, for the purchase of an additional
2,450 trousers and amending the contract price of these trousers from $48.89 to
$58.89. The original contract was for
1,200 trousers, which were purchased by the City. The contract vendor acknowledged a price error in the original
contract and honored the pricing for the original order of 1,200 trousers. Skaggs has agreed to provide an additional
2,450 trousers. Skaggs has agreed to
provide an additional 2,450 trousers at a unit cost of $58.98. This is approximately 25% less than the
City’s contract price from other vendors.
Funding is available in the Police Departments budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Consideration to
authorize a Public Fireworks Display at Unitec Industrial Park at the
intersection of Carrier and Port Drive to Alpha Lee Enterprises
Inc. (Pyrotechnics), on May 18, 2001
for the grand opening ceremony for Werner Enterprises. Permit authorization is subject to obtaining
a Public Display of Fireworks Permits issued by the Texas Commission on Fire
Protection, State Fire Marshall’s Office.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XVI. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn. Time:
8:00 p.m.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
I hereby certify that the above minute contained in pages 01 to 25
are true, complete, and correct proceedings of the City Council meeting held on
May 7, 2001.
_______________________________
Gustavo
Guevara, Jr.
City
Secretary