CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
M2001-R-21
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS 78040
AUGUST 20, 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
Jaime Flores, City
Attorney
IV. MINUTES
None
V. COMMUNICATIONS
AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez announced
the upcoming District V College Bound Scholarship Fundraiser. He stated that the committee has been in
existence for over ten years, and he thanked individuals and businesses that
make the annual fundraiser a success.
Cm. Guerra stated that he had received two letters opposing a
proposed ordinance on the Council agenda.
He also received a letter of thanks from the doctors that are proposing
to build a new hospital called Providence Surgical and Medical Center.
Cm. J. Valdez thanked Oscar
Medina and his staff from Public Works for working diligently in his district
to cease the flooding problem that occurred the night before.
Cm. Ramirez reminded drivers that school is in session after the
summer break and he stressed the importance of drivers observing the speed
limits around school zones.
Mayor Flores read the following
media advisory:
“Laredo International Airport
receives notification of a two million-dollar grant from the U. S. Department
of Transportation (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (Federal Aviation
Administration) today.
“The hard work of the airport
director, his staff and the advisory committee continue to pay off for the
City. I am glad that, together with
staff and Council Member Eliseo Valdez, that I had the opportunity to travel to
Washington D. C. and make the final
presentation that helped bring these grants to fruition,” says Mayor Betty
Flores.
It has been a long-standing
precedence with City officials, an annual trip to Washington D. C. is often an
influential factor with some federal agencies to making determinations on grant
decisions. The City aggressively
pursues federal funds that benefit the citizens of Laredo.
U. S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta made the announcement about several Texas communities on
the new federal funds at the Texas 2001 Transportation Summit ion Dallas. In his statement, Secretary Mineta said the
funds would be used for the construction of a service road.
A total of $6,754,379 million
dollars has come into Laredo from the Federal Aviation Administration this
fiscal year, of which $1,419,437 is Entitlement Funds and $5,334,942 are
Discretionary Funds.
The
Secretary also announced grants for the following airports:
§
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport - -
$2.5 million to construct taxiways, and an additional $1.4 million to reduce
the impacts of airport noise in nearby communities.
§
Abilene Regional Airport - - $2.35 million to extend a taxiway, improve
a runway safety area and expand the terminal building.
§
Midland International Airport - - $ 1.9
million to construct an aircraft rescue and firefighting building.
In addition, the state of Texas
was awarded $937,000 to install weather-reporting equipment at 12 automated
weather-observing stations in the state.
The funds for the projects come from the Airport Improvement Program of
the U. S. Department of
Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration. The total amount of awards announced today equal $11.1 million
dollars.”
Mayor Flores said that the
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs has awarded 160 low-income
housing tax credit units to Clarks Crossing Apartments, which will be located
at 3300 Clark Blvd.
Mayor Flores expressed her
concern in reference to the 2001 Low-income Housing Tax Credit Commitment
Recommendations Factor list. The list
summarized the agencies’ review, analysis, and reasons why applications were
either not recommended or approved for a funding commitment.
Invitations
Recognitions
Communiqués
A. El
Metro is introducing their new Rapid Transit System Bus Line.
The Mayor, Council and staff
went outside to view the news bus.
B. Luis Diaz De Leon voiced his concern about
the funding for the Congressional
Medal of Honor Recipients Monument. He spoke in favor of the monument.
Mrs. J. Martinez spoke in favor of the
monument.
Jesus Hernandez spoke in favor of the monument.
VI. APPOINTMENTS TO
COMMISSION, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
A. Appointment
by Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores to the Vehicles for Hire Ad Hoc Committee.
Motion to postpone.
Moved: Cm.
Agredano
Second: Cm.
Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
B. Appointment by Council Member John C. Galo
of Toni Ingle to the Vehicles for Hire
Ad Hoc Committee.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 1 Abstain: 0
Cm. Ramirez
B. Appointment
by Council Member Juan Ramirez of Carlos R. Rendon to the Parks & Recreation
Advisory Committee.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm.
Bruni
For: 7 Against: 1 Abstain: 0
Cm. Galo
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo
FY 2000-2001 Annual Budget in the
amount of $10,000.00 realized in the
retainage settlement with Ramex Construction Company regarding the Laredo Main
Library Project, providing for effective date.
INTRODUCTION
OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the City of Laredo FY
2000-2001 Annual Budget in the amount of $10,000.00 realized in the retainage
settlement with Ramex Construction Company regarding the Laredo Main Library
Project, providing for effective date.
Motion to open the public
hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: Abstain:
Cm. Bruni expressed his concern about Ramex and the quality of their
work on projects that had been awarded to them.
Motion to close the public
hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: Abstain:
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
2. Public hearing amending Chapter 12 of the Code of Ordinances,
City of Laredo, Texas
to include Article IV to
establish fees for Fire Inspection Services and Life Safety Inspections, within
the corporate limits of the City of Laredo, Texas.
INTRODUCTION
OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending Chapter 12 of the Code
of Ordinances, City of Laredo, Texas to include Article IV to establish fees
for Fire Inspection Services and Life Safety Inspections, within the corporate
limits of the City of Laredo, Texas.
Motion to open the public
hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
The Mayor read the following
letter from Edward Van Es:
“Dear Mayor and Council Members:
“I do not agree with the proposed
ordinance to establish fire department inspections. In so far as McDonalds Restaurants are concerned, we are in total
compliance with all fire codes. We
receive regular inspections from McDonalds Corporation to check our ansul fire
depressant systems by factory license inspectors every three months. I feel this ordinance is redundant in so far
as Mc Donald’s Restaurants are concerned and is an unnecessary expense to our
business since we already pay for our own inspections. Furthermore, McDonalds Corporation
authorizes only a select group of insurance carriers for our restaurants. We would loose our coverage if the ansul
system were not inspected by factory license inspectors.”
Chief Sosa stated the
importance of establishing a fee for Fire Inspection Services. He assured the Council that the fee is
needed to restructure the Fire Department and assist funding for the manpower
that they need to comply with National Fire Protection Association. Finally, he stated that businesses must
comply with the National Fire Protection Association Code book, and the Fire
Department must inspect each business on a yearly basis to ensure safety.
Mr. Felix Nunez, City Inspector, stated that the fire prevention code
gives the department the authority to go into the buildings and inspect
equipment.
Cm. Galo asked if the inspections could be farmed out to individuals
in order to assist with the 12,000 businesses each year and avoid the owners
having to pay their private insurance and the City for the same inspection.
Chief Sosa stated that only the
City Fire Department could inspect the businesses according to the National
Fire Protection Association Code. He
mentioned the importance of the inspection and that the issue could be a
liability to the City if not done properly.
Tom Wade, Emerson Motors
Manager, spoke against the approval of a fee for the fire inspection
services. He added that these fees are
included in their payment of property taxes on their warehouse.
Miguel Conchas, Chamber of
Commerce Manager, spoke in opposition to the new inspection fees.
Larry Norton spoke in
opposition of the new fees by the Fire Department.
David Newman, business owner,
spoke against an initial fee for inspection, but was in favor of a fee if they
have to come back for non-compliance.
Mike McBain from Laredo Cotton
Transfer spoke against the fee.
Motion to close the public
hearing and create an Ad Hoc Committee that will work with the Fire Chief and
return to Council in 30 days for recommendations. The Ad Hoc Committee will be as follows:
Miguel
Conchas
David
Newman
Mike
McBain
Chief
Sosa
3
Additional City Firefighters
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
3. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2001
General Fund Annual
Budget for the Cemetery by
appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $46,320.00 for the
purpose of acquiring a Backhoe 416D BFP Caterpillar, through a Lease Purchase
Agreement and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget amendment.
INTRODUCTION
OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the City of Laredo
Fiscal Year 2001 General Fund Annual Budget for the Cemetery by appropriating
revenues and expenditures in the amount of $46,320.00 for the purpose of
acquiring a Backhoe 416D BFP Caterpillar, through a Lease Purchase Agreement
and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget amendment.
Motion to open the public
hearing and introduce.
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.
Guerra
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez, Jr.
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
4. Public hearing authorizing the City Manager to accept and execute
all documentation for
a grant from the Texas
Department of Health in the amount of $39,000.00 for the Chronic Disease
Prevention Program, Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Project (BCCCP), of the
City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning September 1, 2001,
through August 31, 2002, and amending the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 budget in
the amount of $39,000.00.
INTRODUCTION
OF AN ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager to
accept and execute all documentation for a grant from the Texas Department of
Health in the amount of $39,000.00 for the Chronic Disease Prevention Program,
Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Project (BCCCP), of the City of Laredo
Health Department for the period beginning September 1, 2001, through August
31, 2002, and amending the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 budget in the amount of
$39,000.00.
Motion to open the public
hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Guerra
Second: Cm.
Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public
hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
5. Public hearing and Second Reading to authorize the granting to
Jerry Resendez
Enterprises, Inc., a Texas
Corporation, a non-exclusive franchise to construct, maintain and operate a
commercial container refuse gathering and disposing services in the City of
Laredo, Texas and providing the terms, conditions, obligations, and limitations
upon and under which franchise shall be exercised; providing indemnity to the
City; City retains authority to regulate rates except for rate increase
resulting from increased landfill fee which are passed on to the customer; providing
for increased service rates; providing for franchise payments; and providing
for severability.
INTRODUCTION
OF AN ORDINANCE
Authorizing the granting to
Jerry Resendez Enterprises, Inc., a Texas Corporation, a non-exclusive
franchise to construct, maintain and operate a commercial container refuse
gathering and disposing services in the City of Laredo, Texas and providing the
terms, conditions, obligations, and limitations upon and under which franchise
shall be exercised; providing indemnity to the City; City retains authority to
regulate rates except for rate increase resulting from increased landfill fee
which are passed on to the customer; providing for increased service rates;
providing for franchise payments; and providing for severability.
Motion to open the public
hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City
Secretary, announced that this franchise needs two more readings prior to the
final reading. The first reading was
not in compliance because there was no publication effected, therefore, the
City Council is treating this reading as a first reading.
Marcel Notzon III, representing
Southern Sanitation, Inc., is asking that the same conditions that apply to
Southern Sanitation would apply to any new applicants that came in. He stated that at the previous City Council
meeting there was an application, which was to be approved and submitted to the
City Attorney. He mentioned having
spoken with Ray Rodriguez, attorney for Jerry Resendez Enterprises, Inc., and
they will be complying with the application and submitting the required
information to the City Attorney’s office for review. He asked that this first reading be postponed until the
application is submitted to the City Attorney’s Office. He also asked that the applicant not collect
garbage until such time as it obtains a franchise permit.
Ray Rodriguez, representing
Jerry Resendez, Enterprises, Inc., mentioned that he has supplied the Articles
of Incorporation and the corporate insurance in the amount of
$1,000,000.00. He wants to
differentiate that the operation that his firm is running is a type of
construction clean-up on an on-call basis.
He stated that his client is willing to comply with all the requirements
imposed. He further stated that the
correction on the fee from a 3% to a 4% fee delayed publication. Also, the rates that were provided to his
client were not the current rates.
Jaime Flores, City Attorney,
announced that based on Mr. Rodriguez’ representations, that Mr. Notzon’s
request not be entertained with regards to postponing the first reading.
His recommendation is that this
second reading, as explained by the City Secretary, be treated as the first
reading of the ordinance.
Pepe Trevino, on behalf of
Southern Sanitation, Inc., requested that the new applicant be required to
provide background on the business and its financial standing. He also requested from City Council, since
Jerry Resendez Enterprises, Inc. is being allowed to conduct business of refuse
collection without a franchise, that the franchise fee for Southern Sanitation,
Inc. be suspended until theirs is granted and they start paying a franchise
fee.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, mentioned that he wants to ensure that everyone concerned understands that between now and the time the franchise goes into effect, the company is not providing container service within the city.
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr., inquired whether they agreed to postpone all operations until this ordinance was passed.
Ray Rodriguez stated that they are not allowed to send the rollover containers to the landfill. The only thing the company is doing is construction cleanup without any roll-over container pickup.
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr., reminded them that this operation needed to comply with the same terms that Mr. Trevino’s company was asked by the City to comply with.
Ray Rodriguez
stated that they would be providing all of the documents required.
Cm. Bruni inquired as to who the principals are for Jerry Resendez Enterprises, Inc.
Ray Rodriguez replied that it was Jerry Resendez and his wife.
Cm. Galo inquired whether they have any rollover containers being utilized at a given construction site.
Ray Rodriguez replied that he would have to check with his client about that.
Jaime Flores, City Attorney, replied that any collection service that would require a franchise would not be allowed to be handled by Jerry Resendez Enterprises, Inc.
Motion to close the public
hearing and introduce as a first reading.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Ramirez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
6. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2001
Recreation Fund annual
budget by appropriating
revenues and expenditures in the amount of $27,061.00 for the administration of
recreation programs and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget
amendment.
INTRODUCTION
OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the City of Laredo
Fiscal Year 2001 Recreation Fund annual budget by appropriating revenues and
expenditures in the amount of $27,061.00 for the administration of recreation
programs and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget amendment.
Motion to open the public
hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm.
Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public
hearing and introduce.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain:
0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
VIII. GENERAL COUNCIL
DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
7. A. Request by Mayor
Elizabeth G. Flores
1. Status on the submittal of Semi-Annual Reports submitted by the
Council
Appointed Committees.
Mayor Flores publicly thanked
individuals that donate their time to serve on the committees. She thanked the department heads for
listening to the citizens of Laredo through the committee appointees.
Each Council Member took the
time to thank their committee members for their commitment and dedication in
serving on committees. They thanked
their committee members for their time and expertise.
B. Request by Council Member Louis H. Bruni
1. Consideration to assist the City of Rio Bravo Fire Department with
surplus fire
Equipment/gear to address
emergencies specifically relating to United D.D. Hachar Elementary,
Juarez-Lincoln Elementary, and Kennedy-Zapata Elementary Schools, with possible
action.
Jerry Arizola, Rio Bravo Fire
Chief, asked for an Interlocal Agreement that will assist the department in Rio
Bravo. He submitted the following
letter:
“The City of Rio Bravo Fire
Department is in great need of equipment and manpower. The fire department consists of six EMS
personnel and one firefighter and one fire chief. At the moment the department runs with one basic life support
ambulance with two men on board 24 hours shifts seven days a week. The fire truck operates with only one
firefighter Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In case of an accident or fire after 5:00
p.m. one crewmember from the ambulance will drive to the scene. Hopefully one of our two volunteers will
respond. There have been cases that the
ambulance is at the hospital delivering a patient when other emergency call comes
in. In those situations we call the
Webb County Sheriff’s office to take the patient to Hwy. 83 south at the entrance of Rio Bravo for
Laredo Fire Department to respond and pick up patient. At this time we count with very minimal
equipment for fire and EMS service.
1. Ambulance 98 Wheelcoach Ford 350 diesel
2. Fire truck 99 Pierce with 1000 gallons of
water capacity
3. Brush truck 90 Chevy 2500 with 300 gallons water capacity, which
does
not have reverse.
The fire department does not have
any extrication equipment for any type of accidents. At the moment we rely on one crowbar. We also have a shortage of fire hydrants in the City of Rio Bravo
and El Cenizo. The United Independent
School District has four schools in our area.
Which in case of an emergency our response time would be two to three
minutes. (D. D. Hachar, Juarez Lincoln,
Kennedy Zapata and the middle school Salvador Garcia). The schools have over 2000 students and over
280 employees. We are concerned for the
safety of the students because we believe that we will not be able to do much
in case of a man made or natural disaster.
The County of Webb has two Community Centers, which provide different
services to the community. The
buildings have over 150 people a day.
The County also has Headstart programs with over 90 children. One of the Headstart schools is about 2000
feet away from the water plant. Let’s
not forget that the water plant stores chemicals that can cause a major
accident.
We are willing to work hand in
hand with the Laredo Fire Department in assisting in accidents on HWY. 83 south and grass fires in the area. We
believe that Rio Bravo Fire Department and the Laredo Fire Department are in
the same business of saving lives and protecting property.”
Cm. Bruni informed the Council that there are 2,000 children and 280
staffers that attend United Independent School District in the El Cenizo /Rio
Bravo area. He expressed his concern
for their safety should a disaster occur.
He encouraged Council to assist the Fire Department.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager,
mentioned that he has been working with United Independent School District on
the issue. He noted that the schools
are in the Extra Territorial Jurisdiction for the City. He informed the Council of several ways that
the City has been assisting the Rio Bravo Fire Department. He noted that staff would compile more
information and report back to Council.
2. Discussion with possible action regarding the Ordinance
requirement for a
tarp/covering over debris
carried into the City's landfill, and the $10 surcharge for violation of same.
Cm. Bruni expressed a concern about citizens that are turned away
from the landfill for not complying with the City ordinance.
Randall Kippenbrock, Landfill
Manager, showed the Council photographs of secured loads and unsecured
loads. He informed Council that the
landfill is regulated by TNRCC and a City ordinance, which states that all
vehicles should be covered, or be subject to a $10 surcharge. If they do not pay the surcharge they will
be turned away. He gave the Council
Members examples of charges that surrounding cities have.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager,
stated that the problem could be solved administratively. He stated that staff would report back to
Council at a later date with recommendations.
3. Discussion with possible action regarding the construction of a
pedestrian bridge
over a drainage easement
connecting Gateway Academy to the Public Library grounds.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer,
stated that a sidewalk would need to be constructed along with the pedestrian
bridge. He noted there are no funds for
the project. He stated that he would research all aspects, which include
talking with the private sector, and will report back to Council.
Cm. Bruni agreed to use his remaining discretionary funds for the
project.
C. Request by Council Member
John C. Galo
1. Status report on all on going and proposed 2001-2002 TX DOT
projects, with
possible action.
Carlos Rodriguez, Area Engineer
for Texas Department of Transportation, gave a status report on all on going
and proposed 2001-2002 TxDOT projects.
He said that the Meadow Bridge
would be completed by October 1, 2001.
He stated that Price
Construction is in the process of laying out the bridge on Hwy. 83 South. Presently the traffic is in the west side,
which allows TxDOT to do the bridge work and the embankments in the
middle. He added that traffic passes
through and you see partial embankment being constructed. By switching the traffic it will allow TxDOT
to construct full width and do the bridge work also. Once that the bridge work is done we can change the traffic. Additional traffic changes will occur in a
couple of months and that will facilitate the construction of the east side at
the south region of the project.
Cm. Agredano asked about the space between Hwy 83 and the access
road.
Carlos Rodriguez replied that
the area is outside the project limits.
He said that it is a tie end to Cielito Lindo. He added that prior construction was not done correct or was not
completed. He stated that the
developer’s engineering company has been working on the information for the
Department of Transportation and the Department and they will finish out that
part of the project. Finally, he stated
that it would take three to four weeks to do a turn around that in that type of
operation.
On 35 East Frontage Road to San
Dario, Carlos Rodriguez said that the project is 95% complete. TxDOT will be encountering traffic delays
because of finalization of hot mix in that area.
The Milo Interchange has the
direct connector but TxDOT is waiting for the subcontractor. TxDOT needs two more high masses to be
collected. CP & L did their hook up
but the sub has not come back to do their tie in. He mentioned working with the general contractors in an
expedient manner. He said that the
project is 70% complete.
Cm. J. Valdez asked Carlos
Rodriguez to notify him of the meetings that are held for his district concerning
the grade crossings for Mines Road.
At the San Isidro Subdivision
Exit the developer has to comply with an impact study, which is being compiled
by their consultants. They must adhere
to federal guidelines because they are dealing with the interstate.
Cm. Guerra asked Larry Dovalina to follow up with staff as soon as
they are notified. He encouraged TxDOT
and staff to expedite the project.
Keith Selman, City Planner,
stated that the issue would be resolved between the developer and TxDOT. He added that from the City’s stand point
the project would not present a problem for our system roadways. He continued to say the primary issue would
be at the state level and the freeway.
Carlos Rodriguez assured
Council that he had spoke to the developer and the consultant was in the
process of finalizing the report.
Cm. Guerra asked for a
preliminary report to be included in the next Council packet.
Mayor Flores asked the City
Manager to give Council and update as soon as possible.
Keith Selman, City Planner,
informed Council that he would submit the Master Plan that has been considered,
reviewed and approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Unitec and 359 projects are
basically all complete.
Three points will be included in
the fiscal year of 2003. As far as the
land acquisition for that project there is 28 or 29 take-ins that we have to do
both residential and businesses.
The Guadalupe and Chihuahua
Overpass is in the beginning stages.
TxDOT recently sent the public a mail out to inform them they may have a
possible effects when construction begins.
The consultant is scheduled to meet with the TxDOT Friday, which will be
the key for the First State Holder’s Meeting.
Cm. Galo asked to be notified of the information of Friday’s meeting
and any information pertaining to the overpass.
Keith Selman, City Planner,
stated that the primary element of the design is making a determination as to
retaining the grade elements.
Upcoming projects include
1472/IH 35 Grade Separation, San Gabriel & San Lorenzo Realignments @ 1472
Mines Road, FM 3338 Widening Project, Extension from Milo to Uniroyal Widening,
International Bridge V Outer Loop connecting to Guadalupe/Chihuahua separation,
Eljido to Life Downs.
The Eljido to life downs
project will basically be the loop 20 and 59 overpass and TxDOT has two schematics and both require
different takings. It is a package deal
for 2003.
Mayor Flores expressed her
concern about the flooding that occurs on the two access roads.
Carlos Rodriguez mentioned the
problem originates from a design in which property was not paved or
concreted.
Larry Dovalina stated that the
problem there is a huge capacity coming in from the east from Canel that turns
around there and the stream is blocked from empting out so the water starts
backing up.
Carlos Rodriguez stated that
the possibility of widening the exiting ditch is not possible so he recommended
enclosing the ditch with boxes.
Larry Dovalina, City Manger,
mentioned the problems are addressed in the Brown and Root study.
Mayor Flores asked Carlos Rodriguez to search for a solution for the
flooding problem at the access roads and to asked TxDOT what they have been
doing to keep Mall Del Norte debris out
of the creek area .
Carlos Rodriguez stated that
TxDOT cleans the debris two times a week to no avail. He stated that an alternative would be to add another cycle or a
small bearer to keep the trash within the mall property.
Cm. Bruni questioned the entrance to East Fiesta Loop and West Fiesta
Loop.
Carlos Rodriguez stated that
would be addressed on the schematics for the Loop 20 Hwy 59 project
Cm. Agredano asked about Quatro Vientos Road.
Carlos Rodriguez stated that
the Quatro Vientos Road project is in the preliminary design stage.
Cm. Agredano asked about the corner of Zacatecas and Hiway 83.
Carlos Rodriguez stated that
the engineering staff is looking into the solution for the area.
Cm. Ramirez questioned about the lighting between Santa Ursula and
San Dario.
Carlos Rodriguez stated his
concern would be the impact of continuous lighting and safety lighting. He would report back to Council.
2. Discussion on staff solution to fixing the drainage ditch at
Market St. and Jarvis
Ave., with possible action.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager,
stated that staff sent a letter to Tex-Mex because the drainage ditch is
entirely within the Tex-Mex right-of-way.
Staff will be following up on the issue.
D. Request by Council Member Johnny Amaya
1. Status report on the upgrading of the street lighting at Villa
San Luis as first
requested on June 4, 2001.
Roberto Murrillo, Traffic
Director, reported that CP&L has identified the lights and has upgraded the
lighting from 16,000 lumen to 27,000 lumens.
E. Request by Council Member Jose A. Valdez,
Jr.
1. Request for update on initiating Flag
Football at Father McNaboe Park.
Horacio De Leon, Parks and
Recreation Director, informed the Council that Public Works is grading the
additional phase of Father McNaboe to accommodate flag football. He stated that the rain has delayed the
project. He mentioned striping the
field for flag football and placing goals for football and or soccer.
Finally, he stated that the park is in need of infrastructure, which is
in the vicinity of $210,000. Finally, he presented pictures of the
removable shades in the Father McNaboe Park.
F. Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez
1. Status report on the citation given to people on the corner
parking lot on Farragut
and San Dario, and also on
Victoria and San Dario regarding the "Chocolates", with possible
action.
Agustin Dovalina, Chief of
Police, stated that two citations were issued today.
Tommy Ochoa, Municipal Court
Clerk, said that the Building Department also cited Chocolates, and they will
be going before the judge.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager,
reported that staff is in the process of amending the parking ordinance to
eliminate all of the parking meters on San Dario and Santa Ursula. He said they would be bringing that
ordinance to Council in the first meeting in September.
2. Status report on the Water Park, with
possible action.
Horacio De Leon, Parks and
Recreation Director, mentioned that staff is continuing to work on the
feasibility study of the water park.
Staff has a confirmed meeting with the City Manager to obtain
information on their water park. He
read the following excerpts from an article that came out in the LMT Business
Journal on August 13, 2001:
“For example: Edinburg officials had high hopes for the
35-acre SuperSplash Adventure Park but it closed after only two troubled
seasons.
The SuperSplash water park was
supposed to provide 200 to 250 seasonal jobs in Edinburg. The park was constructed with $21.3 million
from private investors, but he city spent $600,000 trying to keep it
solvent. The park closed after two
seasons.
I guess the patrons from the
Mexican side (of the border) did not materialize as projected in the
feasibility study,” said City Manager John Milford.
Now investors are hoping to
recoup a fraction of their losses by selling the park for reportedly $5
million.”
3. Status report on the black topping for the 800 and 900 Block of
Hidalgo St., with
possible action.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer,
stated contractors will be replacing water pipes at Hidalgo Street and other areas downtown and they cannot patch the
areas until they are finished working on the pipes. He said that he would report back to Council with a comprehensive
report.
4. Review of the appointees to the Vehicles for Hire Ad Hoc
Committee, with
possible action.
Motion to postpone.
Moved: Cm. Ramirez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IX. INTRODUCTORY
ORDINANCES
8. An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to grant a
Right-of-Entry Permit to the U. S.
Department of the Army Corps of
Engineers, in order to delineate the extent of a former landfill adjacent to the
Los Presidentes Subdivision, and to characterize its waste. Said former landfill being out of an 11.081
acre tract situated in Porcion 32, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, as
described on attached Exhibit "A"; and providing for an effective
date.
Ordinance Introduction: City
Council
9. An
ordinance authorizing the City Manager to grant a Right-of-Entry Permit to the
U. S.
Department of the Army Corps of
Engineers, in order to check for surface soil contamination at an abandoned
railroad spur on Vidaurri Avenue. Said
railroad spur extending on Vidaurri Avenue from Moctezuma to Jefferson Streets,
as described on attached Exhibit "B"; and providing for an effective
date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
10. An ordinance amending Chapter 19, Motor Vehicle and Traffic,
Article VIII, Stopping,
standing or parking, of the
Code of Ordinances, City of Laredo: specifically creating Section 19-364;
restricted parking areas, establishing certain tow-away areas within the
Central Business District and providing for effective date and publication.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
11. An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend Chapter 14,
Garbage, Trash &
Refuse, Article I, Section
14-1, Definitions; also Article II, Section 14-9, Rates, subsection (c) by
deleting subparagraph (c)(4); adding subsection (d) Special Event Fee; deleting
portions of subsection (e) garbage and mandate fees schedule, by changing the
square footages and adjusting the rates for garbage collection; adding subsection
(f) commercial establishments exclusions; adding subsection (g) Appeals
Process; and amending subsections h to m to alphabetize each subsection
correctly; providing for severability, effective date and publication.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
12. An ordinance adopting Section I, Article 102.075, Texas Code of
Criminal Procedure,
by amending subsection (m) and
adding subsection (n) as amended by Senate Bill 1421. "Court Cost; Juvenile Crime and Delinquency Fund and
Criminal Justice Center Fund; and amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 20,
Section 20-37 by adding Subsection (E); and providing for severability,
effective date and publication.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
13. An ordinance adopting Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article
102.014(c), Court
Costs for Child Safety Fund in
Municipalities as amended by House Bill 374 and adopting Article 102.014(g)
Court Costs for Child Safety fund in Municipalities and Amending the Code of
Ordinances, Chapter 20, Section 20-37, by adding subsection (d); providing for
severability, effective date and publication.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
X. FINAL READINGS OF
ORDINANCES
Internet
Availability: //www.ci.laredo.tx.us
Motion to approve the final
readings of Ordinance # 2001-O-163, # 2001-O-164,
# 2001-O-165, # 2001-O-166, #
2001-O-168, # 2001-O-169, # 2001-O-171, # 2001-O-172, # 2001-O-173, #
2001-O-174, # 2001-O-175, # 2001-O-176, # 2001-O-177, # 2001-O-179, #
2001-O-180, # 2001-O-181, # 2001-O-182, # 2001-O-183, # 2001-O-184, #
2001-O-185, # 2001-O-186 and 2001-O-187.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain:
0
14. 2001-O-163 Airport Budget
to recognize additional revenues from a grant received
from the Federal Aviation Administration
being grant project no. 3-48-0136-30-01 in the amount of $335,000.00 for the
purpose of constructing a fuel farm to be located on the east side of the
Laredo International Airport 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-163.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-164
Amending Chapter 19, Motor Vehicle and Traffic, Article VIII, Stopping,
Standing or Parking, Section 19-361, Secured Controlled Access
Parking
Lots and Section 19-362, Parking Lot Rates and Hours of
Operation, of
Code of Ordinances, City of Laredo: Authorizing the
establishment of
parking rates, enforcement regulations, and hours of operation
at the
Riverfront Parking Lot located on Pedregal Road; and
authorizing the
establishment of enforcement regulations for the Bridge I parking
lot,
providing for effective date and publication. (City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2001-O-163.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-165 Authorizing the City Manager to execute the contract with the
Texas
Department of Health in the
amount of $208,140.00 in additional funds for the HIV/AIDS Ryan White Title II
Project of the City of Laredo Health Department and extend the contract period
from April 1, 2001, through August 31, 2001, to April 1, 2001, through March
31, 2002; and amending the City of Laredo FY2000-2001 Budget by 1/2 of the
budget amount. (City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2001-O-165.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-166 Amending the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001
budget in the amount of
$500,000.00 by allocating funds
from the surplus fund balance to further the activities and scope of work of
the Women, Infants and Children's Program of the City of Laredo Health funded
by the Texas Department of Health for the period beginning October 1, 2000,
through September 30, 2001. (City
Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2001-O-166.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-167 Authorizing the City Manager to accept and
execute all documentation for
grants from the Texas
Department of Health in the amount of $1,088,298.00 in direct funds and
$188,976.00 in program income for seven grants as described below for the City
of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning September 1, 2001, through
August 31, 2002; and amending the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 budget in the
amount of $1,277,274.00. (City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2001-O-167.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-168 Amending the City of Laredo's 2000-2001
annual budget in the amount of
$95,000.00 to adjust the City
match for the Governor's Automobile Theft Prevention Authority Program. The City of Laredo requested that A.T.P.A.
consider reducing the cash match for grant number (SA-1-T01-09358) this fiscal
year. Funding will be used to pay for
operative expenditures within the Laredo Police Department in General
Fund. (City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2001-O-168.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-169 Amending the City of Laredo's 2000-2001
Annual Budget in the amount
of $490,069.00 for the
Governor's Automobile Theft Prevention Authority Grant. A.T.P.A. is contributing $390,714.00, the
City is designating $54,355.00 in matching funds, and Webb County is
designating $45,000.00 in matching funds for a total of $490,069.00 to fund the
Laredo Auto Theft Task Force for the period of September 1, 2001 through August
31, 2002. (City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2001-O-169.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-171 Repealing Ordinance 99-O-85 and amending
Chapter 7-1 of the Code of
Ordinances of the City of
Laredo by adopting the 2000 Edition of the International Building Code,
amending Section 7-4 adopted, by adopting the 2000 Edition of the International
Mechanical Code, and amending Section 7-7 Dwelling Code by adopting the
International Residential Code for One and Two Family Dwellings (2000 Ed.);
providing for the issuance of permits, and collection of fees, and repealing
all ordinances and/or parts of ordinances in conflict therewith; providing for
publication and effective date. (City
Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2001-O-171.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-172
Amending Section 24.63.2, Permitted Land Uses; and Appendix A,
Definitions, of the Laredo Land Development Code to allow the
location
of an International Bridge Facility on B-4 (Highway Commercial
District),
M-1 (Light Manufacturing District), and M-2 (Heavy
Manufacturing
District) Zoning Districts.
The Planning and Zoning Commission has
recommended approval of the proposed ordinance amendment. (City
Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2001-O-172.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-173
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
Lot 4 and the north 19.78 ft.
of Lot 5, Block 815, Eastern Division, located at 605 N. Seymour Ave., from R-3
(Mixed Residential District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for
publication and effective date. (As
Amended) (Council Member John C. Galo)
Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2001-O-173.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-174 Amending the City of Laredo's 2000-2001 Annual
Budget to reflect an
appropriation in Transportation
Planning Funds. The appropriation of
$21,589.00 comes from the release of 1999-2000 Unified Planning Work Program
(UPWP) Unexpended Funds. (City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2001-O-174.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-175
Amending the City of Laredo's FY 2001 Annual Budget in the 2000A
Certificate of Obligation Fund
by appropriating current available interest earnings in the amount of
$325,000.00 and appropriating expenditures in the amount of $325,000.00 for the
Bartlett Street Extension Project from Hillside to Gale Street, and authorizing
the City Manager to implement said budget.
(City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2001-O-175.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-176 An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to
execute a lease with Webb
County for approximately 1.0128
acres which includes Building Nos. 1228 and 1229 consisting of approximately
4,378 square feet located at 4704 Naranjo Street at the Laredo International
Airport. Lease term is for one (1) year
commencing on May 1, 2001 and ending on April 30, 2002 and may be extended for
one (1) term of one (1) year ending on April 30, 2003. Monthly rent shall be $1,776.00 and will be
adjusted annually during the primary and extension term of this lease according
to changes in the Consumer Price Index; providing for an effective date. (City Council with the exception of Council
Member Johnny Amaya and Mayor Pro-Tempore Eliseo Valdez, Jr.)
Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2001-O-176.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 2
Cm. Amaya
Mayor
Pro Tempore Valdez
2001-O-177 An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to
execute a lease with
Roberto Hernandez d/b/a Ocean
Structures for approximately 289 square of office space constituting Suite No.
8 of Building No. S-1 located at 1718 E. Calton Road. Lease term is for one (1) year commencing May 1, 2001, and ending
April 30, 2002, and may be extended for one (1) term of one (1) year ending
April 30, 2003. Monthly rent shall be $400.00 and will be adjusted annually
during the primary and extension term of this lease according to changes in the
Consumer Price Index; providing for an effective date. (City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2001-O-177.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-179 An ordinance rescinding Ordinance No.
96-O-177, which authorized the
City Manager to execute a Lease
Agreement with the Laredo-Webb County Community Action Agency for the rental of
ground space on that parcel of land legally described as: Lots 1, 2, 3, &
4, Block 321, Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas; for a term
of two (2) years, with an annual rental payment of $1.00, and authorizing the
City Manager to execute a new Lease Agreement with Webb County, as described on
attached Exhibit "A", for and on behalf of the City of Laredo, for
rental of the same parcel of land, for the purpose of operating the Headstart
Program, for a term of two (2) years, with monthly rental payments of $575.00;
and providing for an effective date.
(City Council with the exception of Council Member Johnny Amaya and
Mayor Pro-Tempore Eliseo Valdez, Jr.)
Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2001-O-179.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 2
Cm. Amaya
Mayor
Pro Tempore Valdez
2001-O-180
An ordinance rescinding Ordinance No. 99-O-012, which authorized the
City Manager to execute a Lease Agreement with Webb County for the
rental of ground space on that parcel of land legally described as: Lots 6, 8,
the West one-half of Lots 5 & 7, the North fifty-six feet of Lot 4, &
the West one-half of Lot 3, Block 912, Western Division, City of Laredo, Webb
County, Texas; for a term of one (1) year, with an annual rental payment of
$1.00, and authorizing the City Manager to execute a new Lease Agreement with
Webb County, as described on attached Exhibit "A"; for and on behalf
of the City of Laredo, for rental of the same parcel of land, for the purpose
of operating the Headstart Program, for a term of two (2) years, with monthly
rental payments of $625.00; and providing for an effective date. (City Council
with the exception of Council Member Johnny Amaya and Mayor Pro-Tempore Eliseo
Valdez, Jr.)
Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2001-O-180.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 2
Cm. Amaya
Mayor
Pro Tempore Valdez
2001-O-181
An ordinance rescinding Ordinance No. 95-O-024, which authorized the
City Manager to execute a Lease
Agreement with the Laredo-Webb County Community Action Agency, for the rental
of ground space on that parcel of land legally described as: Portions of Lots
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, & 12, Block 1302, Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb
County, Texas; for a term of twenty-eight (28) months, with monthly rental
payments of $525.00, and authorizing the City Manager to execute a new Lease
Agreement with Webb County, as described on attached Exhibit "A", for
and on behalf of the City of Laredo, for rental of the same parcel of land, for
the purpose of operating the Headstart Program, for a term of two (2) years,
with monthly rental payments of $525.00; and providing for an effective date
. (City Council with the exception of
Council Member Johnny Amaya and Mayor Pro-Tempore Eliseo Valdez, Jr.)
Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2001-O-181.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 2
Cm. Amaya
Mayor
Pro Tempore Valdez
2001-O-182 An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to
enter into a "Contract,
Easement, and Use
Restriction" Agreement with AEP Central Power and Light Company, as
described on attached Exhibit "A", for the installation of certain
underground electric service facilities to serve the dwelling units to be
constructed on the individual lots of the "Three Points Affordable Housing
Project". Said lots being
delineated on attached copy of City Plat; and providing for an effective
date. (City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2001-O-182.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-183 An ordinance closing as a public easement
those sections of the 1100
block of South Buena Vista
Avenue between Barrios Street and the east right-of-way line of S. Meadow Ave.
and the west one half section of the 1100 block of South Buena Vista Avenue
between Boulanger Street and the west right-of-way line of S. Meadow Avenue
situated in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo, County of Webb, Texas; and
providing for an effective date.
(Council Member Alfredo Agredano)
Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2001-O-183.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-184 An ordinance amending Ordinance #99-O-317 by
authorizing the City
Manager to execute a Site
Ground Lease Agreement Addendum to that certain Ground Lease between the City
of Laredo and American Tower L.P., a Delaware Limited Partnership, dated
October 25, 1999, for the purposes of which is to describe the ground space
area of the Lease Premises to be used by Tenant. All terms and conditions of
the lease remain in full force and effect.
(City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2001-O-184.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-185 An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to
execute a lease with Texas
#20 Rural Cellular, Inc., a
corporation, for space on the top surface of the McPherson Water Tower located
at 8711 McPherson Road, Laredo, Webb County, Texas and being more fully described in Exhibit "A" of
lease agreement to locate antennas on the Water Tower and construct a 10' x
12" equipment building for use in connection with its communications
business. Term of the lease is ten (10)
years commencing August 20, 2001 and ending August 19, 2011 with three (3)
successive renewal terms of five (5) years.
Annual base rent shall be $7,700.00 each year during the term of the
lease and will be adjusted by three percent (3%) on each anniversary of the
commencement date, providing for effective date. (City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2001-O-185.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-186 An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to
execute a lease with Texas
#20 Rural Cellular, Inc., a
corporation, for a 50" x 40" ground space at the La Bota Water Tower
Complex located at 14100 FM 1472 Laredo, Webb County, Texas and being more
fully described in Exhibit "A" of lease agreement to construct on
such premises a 120 ft. high self-supporting tower and related equipment
building for use with its communications business. Term of the lease is ten (10) years commencing August 20, 2001
and ending August 19, 2011 with three (3) successive renewal terms of five (5)
years. Annual base rent shall be
$7,700.00 each year during the term of the lease and will be adjusted by three
percent (3%) on each anniversary of the commencement date, providing for
effective date. (City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2001-O-186.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-187 An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to
execute all necessary
documents to effectively convey
twenty (20) City-owned lots to the Metro Affordable Housing Corporation for a
Lease-Purchase Program for residents of public housing. Said twenty lots being Lots 16, 17, 18, 19,
20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, & 35; all being
situated in the Los Obispos Subdivision, Unit 5, Block 3, City of Laredo, Webb
County, Texas; being delineated on attached copy of City Plat, and providing
for an effective date. (City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2001-O-187.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XI. MOTIONS
15. Consideration to re-schedule the regularly scheduled City Council
Meeting from
Monday, September 3, 2001 to
Tuesday, September 4, 2001, due to the Labor Day Holiday.
Moved: Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
16. Consideration to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract
with E. G. Ranch,
Ltd. to acquire an easement for
the use of land for a period of two years to establish a water point for any
citizen to obtain potable water.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
17. Consideration to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract
for the purchase of
20.27 acre-feet of Class
"A" water rights from Joyce E. Wilson, for the sum of
$13,682.25. The water rights convert to
10.135 acre-feet of municipal water rights.
Funding is available in the Water Availability Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
18. Consideration to award contract number FY01-151, to the Lowest
Proposer, Office
Communication Systems (OCS),
San Antonio, Texas, in the amount of $29,160.00, for a thirty-six month rental
contract for a color copier. The
monthly cost includes the use of the copier, fiery controller, toner supplies,
and a full maintenance contract.
Funding is available in the Bridge Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
19. Consideration
to award contract number FY01-154, to the LOW BIDDER N.E.S.
Trench Shoring, San Antonio,
Texas, in the amount of $39,725.00, for the purchase of a horizontal boring
machine for the Utilities Department.
Funding is available in the Utilities Department - Water Distribution
Division, Capital Outlay budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
20. Consideration to award of contract number FY01-155, to the LOW
BIDDER
MEETING SPECIFICATIONS,
Exerplay, Inc., Cedar Crest, N.M., in the amount of $64,650.00, for furnishing
all labor and material needed to install a modular skate park
system at the Northeast
Hillside Park. Funding is available in
the Capital Improvement Project budget (City Council Districts 5 and 6
projects).
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
21. Consideration to award contract number FY01-159, to the LOW
BIDDER, for
furnishing all labor and
material needed for the trench less installation of approximately 120 feet of
casing and 16 inch water line under Highway 359 in the vicinity of the
municipal landfill. The low bidder will
be announced at the City Council meeting. Funding is available in the Capital
Improvement Project - City Council District 2.
Motion to approve and award to
low bidder Ellis & Ellis for $20,300.
Moved: Cm.
Agredano
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
22. Consideration to modify the City's Procurement Policy, effective
September 1, 2001, to
allow the City Manager to approve
all contracts and change orders not exceeding $25,000.00 in accordance to
provisions of the State of Texas - Local Government Code. The City's current policy sets a limit of
$15,000.00. This change will mirror the
provisions of Section 252.021, as amended, of the Local Government Code -
Competitive Bidding and Competitive Proposal Requirements.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Agredano
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
23. Consideration to approve monthly adjustments to the tax
roll. The amount to be
adjusted for the month of July
2001, which represents an increase in levy, is $659.06. These adjustments are determined by the Webb
County Appraisal District and by Court Orders.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Agredano
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
24. Consideration to refund property tax to the following taxpayers
and company:
A. A refund in the amount of $1,649.76 payable to Francisco A. Leal,
MD PA due
to a change of value certified
by the Appraisal Review Board. This
personal property did not exist on the 1st of the year 1997, 1998, and 1999.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Agredano
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
25. Consideration to authorize the installation of streetlights on
Calton Road in front of the
Main Public Library and to
utilize funds in the estimated amount of $30,000.00 from Capital Improvement
Project - City Council District 2.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Agredano
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
26. Consideration to authorize the installation of Speed Humps on the
1000 and 1100
Block of Reagan Drive in
accordance with the Speed Hump Installation Policy under the Special Provision
for Installation; project costs are estimated at $6,000.00. Funding will be made available from Capital
Improvement Project - City Council District I.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Agredano
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
27. Consideration for approval of Amendment No. 1 an increase of
$295,000.00 to the
architectural/engineering
contract with Frank Architects, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for the Gateway to the
Americas Bridge (Bridge I) Access, Export Lot & Parking Lot Modifications
for architectural/engineering design.
Funding is available in the Bridge System - Bridge Improvements.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Agredano
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
28. Consideration to award a construction contract to the LOW BIDDER,
SER
Construction Partners, LTD.,
Houston, Texas, in the bid amount of $632,719.00 for the Bartlett Avenue
Extension (Hillside Road to Gale Street).
Funding is available in the 2000 C.O. Issue Bartlett/Hillside to Gale.
Motion to postpone for next
meeting.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Ramirez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 1
Cm. Guerra
29. Consideration for acceptance of the New Main Library Sign and
approval of final
payment in the amount of
$19,725.00 to L & M Construction Company, Laredo, Texas. Final contract amount is $19,725.00. Funding is available in the New Public
Library Improvements Other Than Buildings.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
30. Consideration to award a professional services contract to Crane
Engineering
Corporation, Laredo, Texas, for
an amount not to exceed $58,500.00 for design and preparation of plans and
specifications for the Santa Rita Park Improvements. Funding is available in the Community Development 25th Action
Year Santa Rita Park (Phase I).
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
31. Consideration to award a construction contract to the LOWEST
BIDDER, A/P
Resources, Inc., San Antonio,
Texas, in the bid amount of $38,214.00 to include the bid and alternative no. 1
for the Pre-Demolition Asbestos Abatement at Laredo International Airport
Buildings 1326, 1335, 1336, and Abandoned Slab. Funding is available in the Airport Construction Fund FAA
Ineligible Demolition and Airport Demolition Services.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
32. Consideration to formally accept a donation consisting of
one-treadmill by Weslow and
one-cardio-vascular fit cycle
by Lifestyler donated by Mr. And Mrs. Louis H. Weber in memory of Julia A. and
Doris G. Foster to be used at the La Ladrillera Elderly Recreation Center.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
33. Consideration to enter into an interlocal agreement with South
Texas Development
Council and the City of Laredo
under Chapter 791 of the Government code and authorizing the City Manager to
execute said contract relating to the planning, development, operation and
provisions of 9-1-1-service. The term
of this agreement shall be for two years beginning on the 1st day of September
2001, and ending on the 31st day of August 2003.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XII. STAFF REPORT
34. Status report on the installation of bus shelters Citywide.
Peter Behrman, General Manager
from El Metro, gave a weekly update on the bus shelters. He stated that twenty-four of the
twenty-five Sun Shade Shelter are under construction. He added that there is continuing conflict with Lamar Advertising
Shelters but staff is working on reasonable solutions. He stated that fifteen are under
construction and twenty-seven have been identified.
35. Status report and possible action on the progress of the
Secondary Water Supply
Project.
Fernando Roman, Water Utilities
Director, stated that only one company (United Water) out of the three
proponents responded to the RFP. The
other two companies withdrew their participation in the project citing
insufficient time to prepare the response or inability to prepare it. The response by United Water was prepared in
a form that did not conform to the requirements of the RFP reportedly also due
to time constraints. Council asked
staff to find out from the firm what the time allowance for preparing response
should be.
United Water responded that it
would take 90 to 120 days to prepare the response but that they would like to
meet with staff first to discuss the format and express some mutually
beneficial ideas. U. S. Filter
expressed their desire to be selected outside the current procurement procedure
and stating that they probably would not respond to the current RFP fearing
that the “open ended” question of the water source and the possibility of
submittals with exceptions would bring about an inconclusive result. H. B. Zachry responded that they have
scheduled a meeting with the San Lorenzo partners (water source) to revisit the
project, but that they could not comment before September 15.
Staff will meet with the
parties as needed to look at the RFP issue.
If the RFP must be changed substantially, staff will recommend that the
Council meet in a workshop to come up with a final procurement method and
selection criteria. This workshop will
be scheduled as soon as staff can determine the need for it.
36. Presentation by the Traffic Safety Department regarding an appeal
by Manuel Riojas
on revocation of his taxicab permit for failure to maintain
liability insurance.
Juan Morales, Traffic Safety
Department, stated that in January 23, 2001, our department was notified that
the taxi cab belonging to Mr. Manuel
Riojas was involved in an accident.
Staff completed a formal investigation and it was determined that Manual
Riojas’ insurance had expired two months prior to the accident. On March 6th a formal hearing was
held in accordance with the ordinance and a recommendation was made to the City
Manager to revoke the permit for not complying with the Ordinance.
Mr. Riojas, taxicab driver, asked Council to reinstate his permit.
Motion to reinstate the permit
and be placed on for a six months probation period.
Moved: Cm.
Guerra
Second: Cm.
Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The City Council hereby
reserves the right to go into executive session at any time during this public
meeting, when it deems it necessary to consult privately with its attorney
about any item upon this agenda, pursuant to the provisions of Section
551.071(2) of the Texas Government Code.
XIV. RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MUNICIPAL
HOUSING CORPORATION
Motion to recess as City
Council and convene as the Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
37. 2001-RMH-001 A resolution
authorizing the Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation
(LMHC) to charge 80% of the
updated Fair Market Rents (FMR), equivalent to $393.00 for a 2-bedroom, $492.00
for a 3-bedroom and $553.00 for a 4-bedroom, on all rental units that become
vacant and are renovated; and 71% of the updated Fair Market Rents (FMR),
equivalent to $349.00 for a 2-bedroom, $436.00 for a 3-bedroom and $491.00 for
a 4-bedroom, on all occupied rental units that have not been completely
renovated at the Jose A. Flores Apartments, effective October 1, 2001. Fair Market Rents are updated annually by
the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD).
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Agredano
Second: Cm.
Ramirez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
38. 2001-RMH-002 A resolution
authorizing the Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation
(LMHC) to charge 71% of the updated
Fair Market Rents (FMR), equivalent to $349.00 for a 2-bedroom and $436.00 for
a 3-bedroom, on all rental units under the Fair Market Rent Program and $255.00
for a 2-bedroom and $280.00 for a 3-bedroom for rental units under the Low
Income Program at the Tomas Flores Apartments, effective October 1, 2001.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Agredano
Second: Cm.
Ramirez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
39. 2001-RMH-003 A resolution
authorizing the adoption of the Laredo Municipal
Housing Corporation (LMHC)
Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2001-2002 by the LMHC Board of Directors,
appropriating the estimated revenues of $1,386,706.00 and expenses in the
amount of $1,219,049.00 reported therein for the year beginning October 1, 2001
and ending September 30, 2002 and authorizing the LMHC Director to implement
the LMHC Annual Budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm.
Ramirez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to adjourn as the Laredo
Municipal Housing Corporation and reconvene as City Council.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XV. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to
adjourn. Time: 9:40 p.m.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain:
0
I, Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City
Secretary, do hereby certify that the above minutes contained in pages 01 to 43
are true, complete, and correct proceedings of the City Council Meeting held on
August 6, 2001.
___________________________________
Gustavo
Guevara, Jr.
City
Secretary