CITY OF LAREDO
CITY
COUNCIL MEETING
M2001-R-15
CITY
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS 78040
JUNE 18,
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
John C. Galo, Council
Member, District III
Johnny Amaya, Council
Member, District IV
Eliseo Valdez, Jr., Mayor
Pro Tempore, District V
Joe A. Guerra, Council
Member, 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
Cynthia Collazo, Assistant
City Manager
Jaime Flores, City
Attorney
IV.
MINUTES
Approval of the minutes of April 23, 2001 and May 7,
2001.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Mayor
Pro Tempore E. Valdez, Jr.
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
Mayor Flores read a letter that appeared in the Laredo
Morning Times written by Rosalinda Perez:
“A couple of weeks ago, my truck received a hole from a
ricocheting bullet. Some unknown
subjects cruising Bartlett decided to show their machismo and shoot at each
other without regard for innocent bystanders or the surrounding homes. My parked vehicle received a huge bullet
hole to the front passenger door.
Fortunately it was the truck and not a person. My husband and I felt the inconveniences this was causing my
family – making a police report, insurance claim, calling an adjuster,
etc. Not to mention getting all kinds
of weird stares from other motorists when they saw us driving a truck that
looked like it came out straight out of a Godfather movie. However, I am writing to thank our garbage
collector for brightening my moods and teaching me how to see life with a new
perspective. My children and I got to
witness how this man picked up six very heavy garbage cans filled to capacity
and painstakingly loaded them unto the truck.
While waiting for the garbage to get compressed, he backed away from the
truck and started dancing in the middle of the street. A big smile on his face and didn’t seem to
mind his smelly, back-breaking job. I,
on the other hand, was dreading the many places I had to visit to have my truck
fixed. I want to thank my garbage
collector for teaching me that no matter how hard your day is going, it is the
attitude that you take that counts. To
the dancing, happy-go-lucky garbage collector on Montgomery St., whoever you
are, I say thank you.”
Cm. Bruni submitted the Southwest Texas Rain Enhancement
Association Report to City Council for Flights 23, 24, and 25 conducted on June
14, 2001; Flight 26 conducted on June 15; and Flight 27 conducted on June 16,
2001. The complete reports are
available at the City Secretary’s Office for review.
Cm. Galo mentioned he had received a petition, some
photographs, and letters from the student body at Daiches Elementary regarding
a pond problem on campus. He thanked
the teachers for engaging their students in this project.
Mayor Flores asked for a moment of silence for Mr. Joe
Azios and Mr. Alfonso Lozano who passed away this week.
Mayor Flores expressed her appreciation to the Catholic
War Veterans group for organizing the Flag Day Ceremony held on June 14,
2001. She wants to make next year’s
event an even larger ceremony with more attendance to actively involve the
community.
Invitations
None.
Recognitions
A.
Recognition of International Bank of Commerce 2001 recipient of the
Governor's Award for Volunteerism.
Mayor Flores presented the Seven Flags Certificate
of Recognition to IBC President Dennis Nixon and bank employee Ramiro Martinez
for their acts of volunteerism and outstanding work done on behalf of the
community.
Communiqués
A.
Presentation on the State of Texas Department of Licensing and
Regulation's
issuance of the State of Texas Architectural
Barriers Certificate of Substantial Compliance for the Passenger Airport
Terminal at the Laredo International Airport.
Jose Flores, Airport Director, reported that this
certificate confirms that the airport terminal meets or exceeds the new
construction and alteration requirements under Title III of the Americans with
Disabilities Act.
B.
Presentation on "Summer Arts Splash 2001" by the Laredo Public
Library and
the
Laredo Center for the Arts.
Martha Gonzalez, Executive Director of the Center for the Arts,
stated that the 4th session of the children’s summer art classes are
scheduled for this summer. She
mentioned that the Laredo Public Library has been an important force in this
collaboration by assisting in purchasing for the supplies and providing use of
the Multi-Purpose Room at the Public Library.
The children will be doing painting, sculpture, etc. and will spend quality
time at the library.
Janice Weber, Library Director, mentioned that she is pleased
to collaborate with the Laredo Center for the Arts. She stated that the art supplies being provided would be paid for
through the Canseco Interest funds.
VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES
A.
Appointment by Council Member Jose A. Valdez, Jr. of Jose A. Valdez to
the Vehicles
for Hire Ad Hoc Committee and Deborah L. Gonzalez -
Montemayor to the Library Advisory Committee.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public
hearing accepting a bequest by Sam H. Sullivan (deceased) and amending the
City of Laredo FY2000-2001 Annual Budget in the
amount of $26,408.46, providing for effective date.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Accepting a bequest by Sam H. Sullivan (deceased)
and amending the City of Laredo FY2000-2001 Annual Budget in the amount of
$26,408.46, providing for effective date.
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: Mayor
Pro Tempore E. Valdez, Jr.
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
2. Public
hearing authorizing the City Manager to amend the 2000-2001 annual budget in
the amount of $63,600.00 for the Laredo Multi-Agency
Narcotics Task Force. Funding is
available from the opening balance of the Narcotics Task Force Fund (224) and
will be used to pay overtime and benefits for the period of March 1, 2001
through May 31, 2001. The Governor's
Office, Criminal Justice Division approved this adjustment on May 29, 2001.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager to amend the 2000-2001
annual budget in the amount of $63,600.00 for the Laredo Multi-Agency Narcotics
Task Force. Funding is available from
the opening balance of the Narcotics Task Force Fund (224) and will be used to
pay overtime and benefits for the period of March 1, 2001 through May 31,
2001. The Governor's Office, Criminal
Justice Division approved this adjustment on May 29, 2001.
Motion to open the public
hearing.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public
hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
3. Public hearing
amending the City of Laredo's 2000-2001 annual budget in the amount of
$1,333,870.00 to fund the Laredo Multi-Agency
Narcotics Task Force. The Office of the
Governor, Criminal Justice Division will be designating $998,115.00, the City
of Laredo will designate $299,769.00, the Webb County Constable's Office will
designate $32,550.00 and the remaining $3,436.00 will be designated out of
opening fund balance. Funding will be
used to pay salaries, fringe benefits, direct operating expenses, and equipment
from June 1, 2001 through May 31, 2002.
(Approval of Resolution 2001-R-067 before the Public Hearing)
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the City of Laredo's 2000-2001 annual
budget in the amount of $1,333,870.00 to fund the Laredo Multi-Agency Narcotics
Task Force. The Office of the Governor,
Criminal Justice Division will be designating $998,115.00, the City of Laredo
will designate $299,769.00, the Webb County Constable's Office will designate
$32,550.00 and the remaining $3,436.00 will be designated out of opening fund
balance. Funding will be used to pay
salaries, fringe benefits, direct operating expenses, and equipment from June
1, 2001 through May 31, 2002.
Motion to open the public
hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public
hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
4. Public
hearing amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances, Chapter 31, Utilities,
Section 31-16, Definitions, by adding "Illegal
Connection", Section 31-133 by adding paragraph (e) to establish a
connection fee of $500.00 (Five Hundred dollars) for any person attempting to
establish an account for a property after an illegal connection has been
discovered and removed by the City at that same location; and paragraph (f)
written notification to City of an illegal connection; providing for an
effective date.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances,
Chapter 31, Utilities, Section 31-16, Definitions, by adding "Illegal
Connection", Section 31-133 by adding paragraph (e) to establish a
connection fee of $500.00 (Five Hundred dollars) for any person attempting to
establish an account for a property after an illegal connection has been
discovered and removed by the City at that same location; and paragraph (f)
written notification to City of an illegal connection; providing for an effective
date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain:
0
There was no public input.
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. inquired whether the person who
is found to be in violation turns around and sells the property where the
illegal tap is found, would the new owner residing on that property be
fined.
Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, made the
presentation before City Council. He
stated that the ordinance proposes that the property be designated as
ineligible for service for actions of the resident acquiring water without
establishing an account. He explained
that they have come across certain situations where individuals have had their
meters removed and they do some creative plumbing establishing a direct
connection from the system. They have
no way of establishing who is the individual responsible. His department disconnects these illegal
taps immediately upon detection. He
stated that the customer is required to pay a reconnection fee of $500.00 to
re-establish service.
Jaime Flores, City Attorney, stated that the
ordinance does not allow for imposing of a fine against that individual, it is
a fee that would be charged to the individual wishing to re-establish service
at the particular location. It would
not be applied to the incoming individual who would now be residing at that
location. He stated that the incoming
individual did not set up the illegal tap and, therefore, would not be charged
the $500.00.
Cm. Galo mentioned that the question was not
properly addressed. He wanted
clarification regarding responsibility for payment of the reconnection
fee. He also inquired as to how the
department would know whether the new resident was a tenant renting the
property or a new property owner. He
wanted to know whether the department was going to check the tax records to
determine who is the legal owner.
Mr. Roman stated that the department does have
access to property tax records and the Tax Appraisal District’s database.
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. inquired whether the department
could apply the same tactic for owner compliance that the City applies toward
the owners of empty lots that are vacant for years. He mentioned that the City is forced to clean these neglected
lots and a lien is then attached to the property whenever it goes up for
sale.
Mr. Roman reported that there is a companion piece
to the proposed would require a heavy public relations effort. He would like to encourage the landlords to
do the check on their respective tenants for compliance of ordinance
requirements.
Cm. Agredano inquired as to the longest span of time
between the time that a resident might
have an illegal connection and the time that service is terminated.
Mr. Roman reported that the normal time frame is one
month, but there are special circumstances in which the crews cannot locate the
meter and these individuals, therefore, have free service for several months
until an audit is conducted.
Cm. Guerra inquired as to how many illegal
connections we have throughout the city.
Mr. Roman stated that he did not have a total
number, but the department finds between three to ten violators per month.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
5. Public
hearing amending the FY 2000-2001 Annual Budget by transferring $8,000.00
from General Fund to the Veterans Field Fund and
appropriate revenues and expenditures in the amount of $8,000.00 in the
Veterans Field Fund to fund an amendment to Section 3, Sub-Section A, Item IV
of the contract between the City of Laredo and Grupo Vision Empresarial, Nuevo
Laredo, S.A. de C.V., a Mexican corporation operating the Tecolotes de Los Dos
Laredos of the professional "Triple-A" Mexican Baseball League, and
authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the FY 2000-2001 Annual Budget by
transferring $8,000.00 from General Fund to the Veterans Field Fund and
appropriate revenues and expenditures in the amount of $8,000.00 in the
Veterans Field Fund to fund an amendment to Section 3, Sub-Section A, Item IV
of the contract between the City of Laredo and Grupo Vision Empresarial, Nuevo
Laredo, S.A. de C.V., a Mexican corporation operating the Tecolotes de Los Dos
Laredos of the professional "Triple-A" Mexican Baseball League, and
authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget.
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.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
VIII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND
PRESENTATIONS
6. A. Request by Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores
1.
Presentation on the new Audix Voice Messaging System at City Hall and
the
training
plan for City Staff for this new system.
Robert Eads, Customer Service Coordinator, reported that City
Hall has set up this system to improve on customer service issues and quicker
response time to the constituents’
concerns. He stated that the messaging
system is a PC-based server connected to the City Hall’s phone system. The system was installed in April of this
year and the end users received 30-minute training sessions at that time. The instruction offered provided the users
with training on how to activate the phone system, how to retrieve messages,
etc.
Mayor Flores invites the public to assist City staff with
suggestions on how to improve the messaging system to meet their needs.
B. Request by Council Member Louis H. Bruni
1. Status
report on the proposed Hwy. 359 waterpoint, with possible action. (Also
included
as a Staff Report)
Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, stated that the department
has made contact with the landowners of the property directly across from the
landfill. The owners have agreed to set
up a waterpoint at the location provided that the department can ensure the
operation will not be impeded by technical issues. He believes that the City will have a successful site at the
location. He mentioned that the
necessary equipment has been ordered and the staff has a conceptual design
available so that as soon as they have the consent to enter the property in
question, his department will be able to get to it.
Cm. Bruni inquired as to the terms of the lease for the
landowners.
Mr. Roman stated that he does not have the details yet, but as
soon as the colonias obtain water in 2003, the City will not need it any longer
and the City would be able to clear the land.
Cm. Bruni inquired whether the department would consider setting
up two lines for trucks to pull up and have two vehicles load up at the same
time.
Mr. Roman stated that generally the space required to
accommodate two vehicles would be approximately 100 feet. The amount of space that the department can
currently make use of is approximately 75 feet to 100 feet lengthwise, but he
will look into this suggestion. He also
stated that the department would require two to three weeks of work to get the
site ready. He mentioned that if the
City decides to set up a second loading point, the department would order the necessary
materials.
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. inquired whether commercial trucks would be
allowed to use this waterpoint.
Mr. Roman stated that the facility is accessible to anyone with
quarters who can operate the machines.
Cm. Bruni mentioned that this posed a problem because there was
an eighteen-wheeler on one occasion that was clogging up the entire facility.
Mayor Flores stated that she wants to be assured that they work
with TxDOT to avoid creating hazards for those individuals driving in with their
tanks. She also stated that they should
post signs that read “For Personal Use Only” being that the water is not for
commercial use.
Mr. Roman agreed to have some signs posted at the site and
possibly add some height restrictions as well.
Cm. Guerra inquired about the water point that was set up at the
intersection of Hwy. 359 and Loop 20.
Mr. Roman mentioned that there was a water point at Loop 20
being privately operated.
Cm. Galo inquired as to the cost for the water.
Mr. Roman stated that the customers could purchase 150 gallons
for 25 cents.
Cm. Galo inquired what are the rates on commercial meters for
trucks.
Mr. Roman stated that the minimum is $200.00 per month for
125,000 gallons.
C. Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore Eliseo Valdez, Jr.
1.
Discussion with possible action on revisiting the Police precinct lines
and the
Council District boundary lines as a result of the
proposed redistricting with the intent to have the officers assigned at the
Police Substations to cover all parks within that same Council District.
Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez, Jr. mentioned that there
are some new COPS substations around the city and he would like to have the
coverage area for the substation under District V moved further south.
Police Chief Agustin Dovalina reported that they
have several police precincts that overlap some of the council districts. He stated that his department would be
looking into the existing boundaries and conducting a new study on crime
statistics to try to reconfigure the precinct boundaries. He mentioned he would welcome the
opportunity to sit down and work on this task together with the City Manager
and the Mayor Pro Tempore.
D. Request by Council Member Jose A. Valdez, Jr.
1. Discussion
with possible action regarding trash pick up along the Union Pacific
Railroad
Line in District VII.
Cm. Valdez, Jr. mentioned that he had brought up this concern
with Community Development.
Erasmo Villarreal, Community Development Director, reported that
Code Enforcement officers have been working with Union Pacific Railroad. He stated that the railroad company has
begun the cleanup process. He mentioned
that the company was taken to court in April of this year at which time the
court fined the company $2,000.00 and, shortly after that, their staff started
working with the City’s Code Enforcement staff. The railroad company began cleanup on the southernmost part of
their line and they are now cleaning northbound. The Code Enforcement staff has seen good progress from the
company’s end in its cleanup efforts.
Mr. Villarreal stated that he has also been in communication with the
company’s attorney, Bob Burns, and they have discussed working in close coordination
with Ned Ruiz and Carlos Mata to address any future concerns.
2.
Discussion with possible action to add a basketball court with benches
to the
Canizales Park.
Horacio De Leon, Parks and Recreation Director, reported that
this item is included in the department’s Capital Improvement Program and is an
item being recommended for the Community Development’s Block Grant funds.
3.
Discussion with possible action of having a summer youth program in the
Mines
Road
Area.
Horacio De Leon, Parks and Recreation Director, reported
that when this project was in the planning stages, the department worked to
have a fair distribution of sites throughout the City. He stated that the department relies on the
recreational centers to provide these sites and it also relies on the school
districts to provide additional sites throughout the City. Both United Independent School District and
Laredo Independent School District were contacted and the department depends on
the sites available. United Independent
School District had some schools under construction in the Mines Road area, and
that is why the site was not available.
Since then, he has been in contact with Roberto Santos from the school
district and he has sent a letter to Dr. Jerry Barber, Superintendent, to see
if they would reconsider making a site available on the Mines Road.
E. Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez
1.
Discussion with possible action on the relocation of Police Substation
No. 5
(HEB) and the former Police Substation at the Civic
Center to Bridge No. 1 and the feasibility of supplying pylons to police
officers to help control traffic.
Cm. Ramirez stated that he would like to have police
officers equipped with pylons in order to allow them to control traffic more
effectively.
Police Chief Agustin Dovalina mentioned that the
pylons are useful items for the officers to have and would consider purchasing
some with funds available in the new budget.
On the relocation of Substation No. 5 (HEB), Police
Chief Dovalina stated that he had provided a staff report to City Council back
in April and submitted his recommendation in relocating the substation over to
the bridge area. He reported that the
department has looked at the building being considered and the facility would
be inadequate to house 9 to 12 officers.
Chief Dovalina mentioned that he would like to recommend an alternative
site for the substation. He proposed
looking at the weigh station as a viable alternative.
Motion to go ahead and open a new police substation
at Bridge #1 and to instruct staff to submit a cost plan.
Moved: Cm.
Ramirez
Second: Cm.
Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2.
Discussion with possible action on the garbage charge for those who do
not use
the
whole building as a business.
Jaime Flores, City Attorney, reported that the ordinance
language is very clear and there is no rate adjustment allowable for temporary
non-use.
Joe Guerra, Public Works Director, reported that the merchants
sometimes do not place the garbage outside the business ready for pickup. He stated that it also depends on the type
of trash that the business owners have collected.
3.
Discussion with possible action regarding the nepotism guidelines for
the City of
Laredo.
Motion to table.
Moved: Cm. Ramirez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
4.
Discussion with possible action regarding the creation of a water park
for the
City of Laredo.
Horacio De Leon reported that he has been able to trace back
the challenge over the creation of a water park. He mentioned that Erasmo Villarreal, Community Director, had
worked back in 1993 with a local prospect that was interested in building a
water park. The challenge facing the
City is to be able to make it economically feasible. He stated that the typical entry fee for these parks is between
$13.00 to $20.00. He mentioned that a
feasibility study would show that it takes approximately 200 to 300 people on a
daily basis to make it operate at a profit.
Having the guarantee of 200 to 300 people at a water park on a daily
basis poses a challenge. He suggested
inviting a partner from the private sector to make the investment in order to
remove the risk from the City. He
reported that in 1999, the Parks and Recreation staff had done a cost estimate
on a smaller scale water park and the costs for that park were $1,000,000.00.
Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez, Jr. inquired as to how aggressive is
the incentive package being offered by the City in order to attract a partner from
the private sector.
City Manager Larry Dovalina stated that the City could attempt
to contact some private investors and look at the particulars behind the water
park in Edinburg, Texas, and learn from that experience.
Motion to instruct staff to provide an in-house
feasibility study for the creation of a water park.
Moved: Cm.
Ramirez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IX. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
7. An
ordinance closing as a public easement that section of the 2900 block of South
Buena Vista Avenue between Norton and the East
right-of-way line of U. S. Highway 83, situated in the Eastern Division, City
of Laredo, County of Webb, Texas; and providing for an 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-115, 2001-O-116, 2001-O-117, 2001-O-118, 2001-O-119, 2001-O-120,
2001-O-121, 2001-O-122, 2001-O-123 and 2001-O-124.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
8.
2001-O-115 Amending the City of
Laredo FY 2000-2001 Airport Budget to recognize
additional revenues from a grant received from the
Federal Aviation Administration being grant project no. 3-48-0136-28-01 in the
amount of $2,500,000.00 for the purpose of implementing Laredo's FAR Part 150
Airport Noise Compatibility Program and appropriating said grant revenue and
local match to the appropriate expenditure accounts and authorizing the City
Manager to implement said budget amendment. (City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-115.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-116 Amending the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001
Airport Budget to recognize
additional revenues from a grant received from the
Federal Aviation Administration being grant project no. 3-48-0136-29-01 in the
amount of $1,919,379.00 for the purpose of updating the Airport Master Plan,
updating the FAR Part 150 noise study, rehabilitate taxiways, acquire land for
approaches and construct a portion of service road and appropriating said grant
revenue and local match to the appropriate expenditure accounts and authorizing
the City Manager to implement said budget amendment. (City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-116.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-117 Amending
Ordinance 2000-O-065, Section 2-3(b) of Chapter 2 of the Code
of
Ordinance of the City of Laredo providing for an additional charge of
$1.00 for
death certificates, $1.00 for death records (additional copy), and
$8.00 for
birth or death records for genealogy purposes; deleting (6)
Laminations and (7)
Relaminations; and including (6) Plastic Covers;
providing
severability, publication, and effective date.
(City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-117
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-118 Amending the
Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
the W1/2
of Lot 2, Block 248, Western Division, located at 918 Coke St.
from R-2
(Multi-Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business
District);
providing for publication and effective date.
(Council Member
Juan
Ramirez)
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-118.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-119 Amending the
Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
Lot 7, Block 1578, Eastern Division, located at 2620
Bismark St., from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential
District); providing for publication and effective date. (Council Member Alfredo Agredano)
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-119.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-120 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning
Lot 7, Block 7, Moreno Addition, located at 3420
Galveston St., from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-3 (Mixed
Residential District); providing for publication and effective date. (Council Member Louis H. Bruni)
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-120.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-121 Amending the
Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
authorizing the issuance of Conditional Use Permit
for a child daycare center on Lot 4,
Block 1597, Located at 2619 Bayard St.; providing for publication and effective
date. (As Amended) (Council Member
Alfredo Agredano)
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-121.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-122 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning
16.95 acres, as further described by metes and
bounds, located at 10852 Bob Bullock Lp., from R-1 (Single Family Residential
District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and
effective date. (Council Member Joe A.
Guerra)
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-122.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-123 Amending Ordinance No. 99-O-156 authorizing
the extension of a
Conditional Use Permit for storage incidental to the
transportation of used batteries on Lots 1, 2, 6, and 7, Block 12, McPherson
Acres Subdivision, Unit IV, located at 802 Gale St.; providing for publication
and effective date. (Council Member
Louis H. Bruni)
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-123.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-124 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning
Lots 1, 2, 11, and 12, Block 99, Western Division,
located at 619 Farragut St., from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3
(Community Business District); providing for publication and effective
date. (Council Member Juan Ramirez)
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-124.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XI. RESOLUTIONS
9.
2001-R-066 The City Council of
the City of Laredo authorizes approval of the issuance
of Revenue Bonds by the Health and Educational
Facilities Authority of the State of Missouri to provide funds to finance
Health Care Facilities located in the City of Laredo operated by Mercy Health
System of Texas, Inc., an affiliate of Sisters of Mercy Health System, St.
Louis, Inc.
Motion to
approve Resolution # 2001-R-066.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
10. 2001-R-067 A resolution
authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant from the
Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division in
the amount of $998,115.00 to fund the Laredo Multi-Agency Narcotics Task
Force. The Office of the Governor,
Criminal Justice Division will be designating $998,115.00 and the City of
Laredo and the Webb County Constable's Office will designate the remaining
$335,755.00 for a total of $1,333,870.00.
The City of Laredo will designate $299,769.00, the Webb County
Constable's Office will designate $32,550.00, and the remaining $3,436.00 will
be designated from the opening fund balance.
Funding will be used to pay salaries, direct operating expenses, and the
purchase of equipment from June 1, 2001 through May 31, 2002.
Motion to
approve Resolution # 2001-R-067.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
11.
2001-R-070 A resolution
authorizing and approving the creation of the Laredo Water
Corporation; approving the articles of incorporation
and bylaws thereof; and confirming the appointment of initial Directors.
Motion to
approve Resolution # 2001-R-070.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
12.
2001-R-071 A resolution
accepting the donation of a 1,968.72 sq. ft., more or less,
Drainage Easement from the Iglesia Metodista Libre,
for the South Seymour Drainage Project.
Said 1,968.72 sq. ft. Drainage Easement being out of Lots 7 &8,
Block 806, Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas; being
generally described below, and more particularly described by metes and bounds
on attached Exhibit "A".
Motion to
approve Resolution # 2001-R-071.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XII. MOTIONS
13.
Consideration to approve monthly adjustments to the tax roll. The amount to be
adjusted for the month of May 2001, which represents
an increase in levy is $2,577.39. These
adjustments are determined by the Webb County Appraisal District and by Court
Orders.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Mayor
Pro Tempore E. Valdez, Jr.
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
14.
Consideration to refund property tax to the following taxpayers and
companies:
a. A refund
in the amount of $797.01 payable to Reynaldo Gutierrez, Jr. due to a
change
of value by the Webb County Appraisal District.
b. A refund
in the amount of $2,475.86 payable to First American Real Estate Tax
Service,
account paid in error.
c. A refund
in the amount of $823.50 payable to First American Real Estate Tax
Service,
account paid in error.
d. A refund
in the amount of $863.67 payable to First American Real Estate Tax
Service,
account paid in error.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Mayor
Pro Tempore E. Valdez, Jr.
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
15.
Consideration to rescind the authorization granted to purchase one, full
size utility
vehicle from Padre Ford, Corpus Christi, Texas, in
the amount of $28,401.00, and authorizing the purchase of one, full size
Suburban from Brown Chevrolet, Devine, Texas in the amount of $30,100.00. The bid from Padre Ford was for the smaller
Expedition model and not the Excursion model being requested. The City is now requesting authorization to
purchase this vehicle from the FY01-105 contract pricing submitted by Brown
Chevrolet Delivery is expected within
ninety days. Funding is available in
the Community Development Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
16.
Consideration to rescind contract FY01-105 awarded to Sames Motor Co.,
Laredo,
Texas, in the amount of $212,600.00, for the
purchase of ten vehicles, and authorizing the purchase of six additional
vehicles in the amount of $140,292.00 from Paul Young Co., Laredo, Texas, and
four additional vehicles in the amount of $74,380.00 from Brown Chevrolet,
Devine, Texas. These vehicles will be
purchased for the Police Department and include General Motors and Chrysler
models. Sames Motor Co. recently
informed the City that they could not deliver the vehicles as per the bid
submitted. The Ford factory is no
longer accepting orders for the 2001 models. The Police Department has selected
other General Motors and Chrysler models in lieu of the Ford vehicles. Funding is available in the Police Trust
Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
17.
Consideration to award annual supply contracts (FY01-108) to the LOW
BIDDERS
MEETING SPECIFICATIONS, Firestone Store, Laredo,
Texas, in the estimated amount of $58,423.18 and Tire Factory Outlet, Laredo,
Texas, in the estimated amount of
$150,755.00 to supply tires and tubes for all City vehicles. With the closing of our contract vendor,
Goodyear Auto Service, Laredo, Texas, new bids where solicited for the tires
under contract. All tires are purchased
on an as needed basis. Funding is available in the Fleet Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
18.
Consideration to award contract FY01-109, to Avaya Inc., Laredo, Texas,
in the
amount of $36,407.00, for the purchase and
installation of a voice mail system for the Police Department. This system will service all personnel
stationed at the Police Station and all substations. Funding for the purchase of this system is available in the
Police Trust Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
19.
Consideration award contract number FY01-114, to the LOWEST BIDDER
MEETING SPECIFICATIONS, Cascade Engineering, Grand
Rapids, MI., in the amount of $136,850.00, for the purchase of 3,400 roll out
waste containers for the Public Works Department. These containers are designed
to be mechanically lifted onto the sanitation trucks. Funding for these items is budgeted in the Solid Waste Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
20. Consideration
to amend Section 2.8 of the contract dated October 23, 2000 between the
Laredo Veteran's Coalition and the City of Laredo
for Fiscal Year 2000-2001; to allow the City of Laredo access to the applicant
files; to require the social security number of the applicant only and to
require certification of applicant's eligibility as part of the monthly
report.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Agredano
Second: Cm.
Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
21.
Consideration to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with
Mike Personett
and Associates for an amount not to exceed
$30,000.00 to pursue the development of innovative water rights acquisition
alternatives. Mr. Personett has
previously conducted a study for the City identifying possible opportunities.
This contract will be focused in targeting those opportunities with the
greatest potential for the City.
Funding is available in the Water Availability Fund.
Motion to revisit this item in September.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Guerra
For: 6 Against: 2 Abstain: 0
Cm.
Galo
Mayor
Pro Tem E. Valdez, Jr.
22.
Consideration for approval of Change Order No. 1 a decrease of
$29,967.00 for the `
balance of quantities actually constructed in place,
acceptance of the San Isidro and Highland Booster Stations Project and approval
of the final payment in the amount of $44,760.70 to Lambda Construction Co.,
New Braunfels, Texas. Final contract
amount is $895,214.00. Funding is
available in the Waterworks Issue - 2000 Certificates of Obligation.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Agredano
Second: Cm.
Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
23.
Consideration for approval of Change Order No. 5 a decrease of
$23,402.50 for the
balance of quantities actually constructed in place,
acceptance of the South Laredo Interceptor Project and approval of final
payment in the amount of $95,104.36 to Pate & Pate Enterprises, Inc., The
Woodlands, Texas. Final contract amount
is $9,510,435.62. Funding is available
in the 1998-A Bond Issue Chacon Interceptor.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Agredano
Second: Cm.
Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
24.
Consideration for approval of Change Order No. 2, a decrease of
$23,726.00 for the
deletion of J-14 Walkway at Gate 1 Passenger Loading
Bridge and deletion of Maintenance Contract from Construction Contract,
acceptance of the Passenger Loading Bridges Package for the New Airport
Passenger Terminal and approval of final payment in the amount of $94,753.00 to
FMC Corporation Jetway Systems, Ogden, Utah.
Final contract amount is $1,618,838.00.
Funding is available in the Airport Construction Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Agredano
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
25.
Consideration for approval of the selection of consultant Parsons
Brinckerhoff, Austin,
Texas, for the Environmental Assessment for the City
of Laredo International Bridge No. 5 and Border Facilities and authorization to
negotiate a professional services contract.
Funding is available in the Bridge - Fifth Bridge Purchased Professional
Services.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Agredano
Second: Cm.
Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
26. Consideration
for acceptance of the Railroad Overpass with Retaining Walls and
Approach Road to Unitec Industrial Center Phase 7,
EDA Project No. 08-01-03264; approval to retain $20,000.00 for the completion
of pending punch list items and approval to release partial retainage in the
amount of $35,499.76 to Ramos Industries, Inc., Pasadena, Texas. Final contract amount is $941,275.15. Funding is available in the EDA - Unitec Overpass
Improvements Other Than Buildings.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
27.
Consideration to award a construction contract to the SOLE BIDDER
Marshall
Company, Corpus Christi, Texas, in the base bid
amount of $7,193,598.04 for the Fire Fighting Training Facility and approval of
Change Order No. 1 a decrease of $2,031,938.22 for street and storm sewer
system, ARRF, waste water treatment plant, emergency vehicle operative course
and four sheds and benches for net award of $5,161,659.82. Funding is available in the Fire Training
Facility Buildings.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
28.
Consideration for approval of Change Order No. 15 an increase of
$3,142.00 for
repairs to fence gates at bridge entrance, and for
reinstallation of glass windows at City Toll Booth Doors; acceptance of the
World Trade Bridge Border Facilities Project; approval to retain $50,000.00 for
the completion of pending punch list items; and approval to release partial
retainage in the amount of $342,078.08 to MW Builders, Inc., Temple,
Texas. Current construction contract
amount is $31,560,585.13. Funding is
available in the Bridge System - Taxable Bond - Improvements Other Than
Buildings - SIB Loan.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
29.
Consideration to award an engineering contract to Rosin Group, Inc.,
Laredo, Texas,
for an amount not to exceed $135,700.00 for design
and preparation of plans and specifications for the Centro Iturbide Project EDA
Project No. 80-01-03534 which includes improvements along Iturbide Street from
Flores to Juarez Avenues, a three block area.
Funding is available through CDBG and EDA Grants.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
30.
Consideration for acceptance of the Bridge Toll System Upgrade project
and approval
of final
payment in the amount of $841,625.67 to Transcore. Final contract amount is $9,172,946.00. Funding is available in
the Bridge Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
31.
Consideration to amend the contract between the City of Laredo and Grupo
Vision
Empresarial, Nuevo Laredo, S.A. de C.V., a Mexican
corporation operating the Tecolotes de Los Dos Laredos of the professional
"Triple-A" Mexican Baseball League from the current amount of
$128,000.00 to a minimum of $138,000.00 and a maximum of $150,000.00 as a
result of increased fees for bridge crossings charged by the Immigration and
Naturalization Service. Funding is
available in the Veterans Field Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
32.
Consideration to authorize the City Manager to terminate the existing
contract with
Texas
Department of Transportation for maintenance of traffic signals on IH35.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
33.
Consideration to authorize the City Manager to submit a grant
application in the
amount of $2,266,908.00 from the U.S. Department of
Justice COPS Office for the funding of the COPS In Schools program. The Funding
will be used to hire fourteen (14) new police officers to work as school
resource officers for the Laredo Independent School District. The total grant
award for this program from the U.S. Department of Justice is $1,750,000.00
(77%) with the City designating $516,908.00 in matching funds. This is a
three-year grant that requires the City to fully fund the program for at least
one additional budget cycle after federal funding has ended.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
34. Consideration
to approve a request from the Department of the Treasury U. S. Customs
Service to photograph and engrave the Friendship
Campfire scene located at the Laredo International Airport on a medallion
commemorating the opening of the new federal office building located at 109
Shiloh Drive.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
35.
Consideration of confirmation of the City Manager's appointee to the
position of Fire
Chief for the City of Laredo pursuant to Texas Local
Government Code, Section 143.013 (a)(1).
City Manager Larry Dovalina announced his
appointment of Luis Sosa, Jr. as the new Fire Chief.
Motion to confirm the appointment of Luis Sosa, Jr.
as Fire Chief for the City of Laredo.
Moved: Cm.
Guerra
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XIII. STAFF REPORT
36. Report
on the establishment of a water point on Highway 359 in the eastern most part
of the
existing 16" water line, with possible action.
This item was combined with the Item 6(B) status
report.
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.
City of Laredo
M2001-S-15
Supplemental Agenda
I. MOTIONS
1.
Consideration to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with
Competitive
Government Strategies in the amount of $40,000.00
for Phase II of the Utilities Department privatization to present an evaluation
matrix, conduct site tours and reference checks, and resolve internal City
issues. Funding is available in water
and sewer reserves.
Motion to table this item for next week’s council
meeting.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XV. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn. Time: 8:00 p.m.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
I hereby certify that the above minutes contained in
pages 01 through 23 are true, complete, and correct proceedings of the City
Council Meeting held on June 18, 2001.
_______________________________
Gustavo
Guevara, Jr.,
City
Secretary