CITY
OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
M2001-R-24
LAREDO, TEXAS
78040
SEPTEMBER 17, 2001
5:30 PM
I. CALL TO ORDER
With
a quorum present, Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores called the meeting to order.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor
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
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, Asst.
City Manager
Jaime
Flores, City
Attorney
IV. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
Cm. Agredano expressed his condolences to the
firefighters in New York City and their families for the countless lives lost
during the tragic events of September 11th.
Cm. Bruni explained the symbolism behind the Ribbon
of Prayer which has been distributed as a prayer for the entire nation in this
time of great sadness. He mentioned that
the ribbon colors symbolize unity, courage, peace, and purity of heart. The ribbon campaign has been adopted at the
request of the Aleman Family and is being displayed around the city as a symbol
of unity and strength for all Americans during the recovery effort.
Cm. Galo expressed his sympathy and offered
condolences to all families who have lost loved ones during this tragic event.
Cm. Amaya expressed his condolences to all those who
have lost family members and trusts that whoever is responsible for this
tragedy is brought to justice.
Mayor Pro Tempore E. Valdez, Jr. stated that as
citizens and fellow Americans the best thing that we can do is to keep these
families in our prayers to help them through this sadness.
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. offered his prayers and
condolences to all those who lost loved ones during this tragedy.
Cm. Ramirez stated that the only other times he has
felt this great sorrow and shock was on hearing the news of President Kennedy’s
assassination and the Oklahoma City bombing.
He expressed his condolences to all those families who have suffered a
loss.
Mayor Flores stated that on Friday, she called Mayor
Giuliani of New York City in response to an invitation to attend a conference
to be held on October 22nd and 23rd at the World Trade Center. The topics were to include: bioterrorism, business-media relations,
interagency coordination, and building collapses to name a few.
Mayor Flores read a letter from the City of Santiago
de Queretaro:
“Por medio de la presente y en nombre de los
habitantes de la ciudad de Santiago de Queretaro, nos permitimos expresar
nuestras condolencias por los atentados terroristas susitados el dia de hoy en
various puntos de la union Americana.
Asi mismo expresamos nuestro apoyo al pueblo de los Estado Unidos de
Norte America y condenamos energicamente la violencia de estos actos.”
Mayor Flores read a letter from the Mayor of San
Miguel de Allende:
“Dear Mayor Flores:
By this, we let you know that this municipality of
San Miguel de Allende and my government, in this moment, join our American
brothers and categorically disapprove these terrorist acts. We express to you our solidarity and express
our deepest condolences. We are in your
order at any time you need and made votes for the peace coming to the world.”
Mayor Flores added that all Laredoans are stunned by
these tragic and cowardly acts of terrorism.
She empathizes with all the families of those victims whose lives were
tragically taken from them who are now grieving. She mentioned that mayors across the country have moved quickly
to increase security and ensure the safety of the people in their cities. She stated that everyone applauds the
heroism of the numerous rescue workers and volunteers across the country. She especially thanked the local
firefighters for mobilizing quickly to collect donations and the health
department for contacting the blood banks to mobilize the local blood drive in
the community. She also thanked our
friends across the border for their show of sympathy and support.
Invitations
None.
Recognitions
A.
Recognition of the Honorable Judith Zaffirini for her continued support
of
Texas
Libraries.
Mayor Flores announced that Senator Zaffirini was not able to
attend but wanted to publicly thank her for her continued support of Texas
Libraries.
B. Recognition and appreciation of Laredo’s Media and the Public
Information Officers in the community
for their cooperative efforts in handling the September 11th tragedy
in the United States.
Mayor Flores presented a Certificate of Appreciation
and Recognition to the following media representatives for their remarkable
proficiency in providing accurate and informative news accounts.
KLDO Univision 27 Terry
Elena Ordaz – General Manager
KVTV Channel 13 Larry Sanchez – General Manager
KGNS Pro 8 News Mary
Nell Sanchez – General Manager
Laredo Morning Times Bill
Green – Publisher
El Mañana Juan Reynaldo Lucio – Coordinator
for
Section
E (Laredo)
San Antonio Express-News Bonnie Pfister
(Border Bureau Office)
Rodriguez Communications Ruben Villarreal –
Operations Manager
(KQUR/KLNT/KNEXT)
Guerra Communciations Roberto Estrada – General Manager
Catholic Radio KHOY Bennet
McBridge – General Manager
Radio Manantial KBNL Pablo
Bell – General Manager
La M – KBDR Victor
Alvarez – General Manager
Laredo Police Department Juan Rivera; Tony
Reyes
City of Laredo Blasita
Lopez
United ISD Susan Carlson – Communications
Director
Laredo ISD Marco
Alvarado
C. Recognition of Rafael Garcia and Jennifer Ortiz for participating
and completing the Internship Program with the City of Laredo in conjunction
with Texas A&M International University.
Mayor Flores and the City Council presented Certificates of
Recognition to TAMIU students Rafael Garcia and Jennifer C. Ortiz for their
participation in the City’s internship program.
D. Recognition of Julian Mendoza, Jr., a United South High School
athlete, selected to be a member of the United States People to People Sports
Ambassadors Program.
Mayor Flores presented Julian Mendoza, Jr. with a Certificate
of Recognition for his accomplishments in track and field oversees and for
winning the Gold Medal in the 800 and 1500-meter race at the Dutch Challenge in
August.
Communiqués
None.
V. PUBLIC
HEARINGS
1. Public Hearing amending the City of Laredo Code of
Ordinances as follows: Chapter 2
Article II, Division 3, Section 2-58 (a), Holidays, of the Code of Ordinances
of the City of Laredo by adding one additional holiday, a personal holiday, for
all City of Laredo employees, except as otherwise stated in a collective
bargaining agreement.
INTRODUCTION
OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances as
follows: Chapter 2 Article II, Division
3, Section 2-58 (a), Holidays, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Laredo
by adding one additional holiday, a personal holiday, for all City of Laredo
employees, except as otherwise stated in a collective bargaining agreement.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Guerra was not present.
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
2. Public hearing amending the
zoning ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Blocks 14, 46, and 75,
Eastern Division and those portions of Willow St. and Cedar Ave. which were
previous public right -of-ways, located at 420 Logan Ave., from M-1 (Light
Manufacturing District) to M-2 (Heavy Manufacturing District). The Planning and Zoning Commission has
recommended denial of the proposed zone change.
INTRODUCTION
OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Blocks 14, 46, and 75, Eastern Division and those portions
of Willow St. and Cedar Ave. which were previous public right-of-ways, located
at 420 Logan Ave., from M-1 (Light Manufacturing District) to M-2 (Heavy Manufacturing
District); providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and postpone to
the 2nd meeting in October.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
3. Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Blocks 56, 67, and 68, Eastern Division and those portions
of Cedar Ave., Piedra China St., and Logan Ave. which were previous public
right-of-ways, located at 301 Logan Ave., from M-1 (Light Manufacturing
District) to M-2 (Heavy Manufacturing District). The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the
proposed zone change.
INTRODUCTION
OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Blocks 56, 67, and 68, Eastern Division and those portions
of Cedar Ave., Piedra China St., and Logan Ave., which were previous public
right-of-ways, located at 301 Logan Ave., from M-1 (Light Manufacturing
District) to M-2 (Heavy Manufacturing District); providing for publication and
effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and postpone.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
4. Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lot 5, Block 527, Western Division, located at 2615 San
Agustin Ave., from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial
District). The Planning and Zoning
Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change.
INTRODUCTION
OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lot 5, Block 527, Western Division, located at 2615 San
Agustin Ave., from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial
District); providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and follow
Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation to deny the proposed zone
change.
Moved: Cm.
J. Valdez, Jr.
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
5. Public hearing authorizing an increase in the bridge toll rate
schedule for southbound non-commercial vehicles as further described in Exhibit
“A”, and authorizing a u-turn violation fee for southbound commercial traffic
as further described in Exhibit “A” and hereby repealing all conflicting
sections in all ordinances currently in effect.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Authorizing an increase in the bridge toll rate
schedule for southbound non-commercial vehicles as further described in Exhibit
“A”, and authorizing a u-turn violation fee for southbound commercial traffic
as further described in Exhibit “A” and hereby repealing all conflicting
sections in all ordinances currently in effect.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Jesus Sanchez stated that he opposed the rate toll
increase.
Miguel Conchas, Chamber of Commerce President, asked
that City Council reconsider the $0.50 rate increase.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
J. Valdez, Jr.
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
6. Public Hearing adopting the Comprehensive Plan of the City of
Laredo without amendment in compliance with Article IX, Section 9.03 of the
Charter of the City of Laredo.
ADOPTION OF
RESOLUTION 2001-R-095
Adopting the Comprehensive Plan of the City of
Laredo without amendment in compliance with Article IX, Section 9.03 of the
Charter of the City of Laredo.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and adopt
resolution.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain:
0
7. Public hearing amending Ordinance #98-O-279 by adopting the City
of Laredo Investment Policy and amending the City of Laredo Investment Policy
to comply with Public Funds Investment Act Chapter 2256, Texas Government Code.
INTRODUCTION
OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending Ordinance #98-O-279 by adopting the City of
Laredo Investment Policy and amending the City of Laredo Investment Policy to
comply with Public Funds Investment Act Chapter 2256, Texas Government Code.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem E. Valdez, Jr.
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
8. Public hearing authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of
Laredo’s FY 2000-2001 annual budget in the amount $169,525 for the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant from the U.S.
Department of Justice. This grant funds
the salaries, fringe benefits, overtime, and equipment for support
personnel. The U.S. Department of
Justice will designate $119,525 and the City of Laredo will designate $50,000
to fund this grant from October 1, 2001 through September 30, 2003.
INTRODUCTION
OF AN ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of
Laredo’s FY 2000-2001 annual budget in the amount $169,525 for the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant from the U.S.
Department of Justice. This grant funds
the salaries, fringe benefits, overtime, and equipment for support
personnel. The U.S. Department of
Justice will designate $119,525 and the City of Laredo will designate $50,000
to fund this grant from October 1, 2001 through September 30, 2003.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
VI. GENERAL COUNCIL
DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
9. A.
Request by Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores
1. Adoption of
Resolution 2001-R-099
Pledging
the support and cooperation of the citizens of the City Of Laredo,
Texas to
United States President Bush George W. Bush, and for his call for
unity
and national resolve in the face of terroristic attacks upon the United
States,
and for other purposes.
Motion to adopt resolution.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
B.
Request by Council Member Louis Bruni
1. Discussion with possible action on the lack of water and
wastewater services on the intersection of Highway 359 and Loop 20.
Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, reported
that there are water and sewer services available in the subdivision. He stated that all customers needed to pay
for a line extension in order to get the services on to their property. He mentioned that this is a standard
procedure that is applied city-wide to all customers. He stated that the prices that they quote reflect the costs that
are in place under the ordinance.
2. Status report on the proposed extension of Guadalupe to New York
on the Tex-Mex right-of-way with possible action.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported that he had
submitted a report on this item and his department has the warranty deed in its
possession. He has submitted the
preliminary plans to the Utilities Coordinating Committee as required for any
new construction project. He stated
that they are already coordinating the layout on the ground.
Cm. Bruni stated that since there is no money in the
General Fund, he would like to use some of the $50,000.00 balance in his
discretionary funds toward this project.
3. Status report on all existing and projected parks
for District II with possible action.
Horacio De Leon, Parks and Recreation Director, reported on the
projected parks under the Capital Improvement Plan with their proposed fiscal
year.
Airport Recreational Complex FY
2003
Newman Neighborhood Park FY
2003
Spur 400 Recreational Center FY
2004
Eastwoods Park * FY
2000
* He mentioned that this park is under contract with Hickey
& Associates and
the conceptual design should be completed some time in
November. He
further stated that he expects it to be under construction
by January, 2002.
He made mention of the Chacon Creek Master Plan
which includes District II. This is a
linear park that traverses District II along the creek area with park
improvements including hike and bike trails, ecosystem restoration, flood
control, etc. for a total Capital Improvement Plan of $23 million over the next
ten years. He also mentioned the Fred
Bruni Park which is a 6-acre tract of land to be donated by the San Jose
Subdivision principals to be developed by the City of Laredo in partnership
with the Lamar Bruni-Vergara foundation.
4. Status report on the secondary water supply with possible action.
Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, reported
that pursuant to the instructions given to him, he has sent a letter to all
three companies asking them to submit a proposal by December 19, 2001. He mentioned that two of the three companies
are expected to respond. He stated
that once the proposals are in, he would evaluate them and then bring the
matter up before City Council in early January, 2002.
C. Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore Eliseo Valdez,
Jr.
1. Discussion with possible
action regarding the flooding situation in
the Chaparral area.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported
that they have done significant improvements to the Chaparral area. They are currently in the process of
acquiring the last section of a creek south of Calton Road where the City can
improve the ditch for drainage. As far
as other inlets, they have made improvements to them through the years except
for the one in Chaparral and Pita which is only five feet in length. There is also one facility that has not seen
construction of inlets and that has now been included in the Capital
Improvement Plan for 2003. This is at
the corner of Pita and Calton Road where the water overflows and sends water to
Chaparral and Pita. He mentioned that
he is awaiting the results of the studies from Brown and Root.
Mayor Pro Tempore E. Valdez, Jr. stated
that the citizens in that area are entitled to more peace of mind and an
assurance that these concerns are being addressed by City Council.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that
the City did not have a storm water management plan in place before the one
implemented in 1999. As a result, there
was water runoff that would occur. Now,
the City is doing stop gap measures to try to control what had occurred
earlier. All the new developments in
the northern part of the city fall within that storm water management plan and
they must all adhere to that plan.
2. Presentation by Jesus Hernandez regarding the needs that GI Forum
still has with possible action.
Luis Diaz De Leon stated that he came before City Council on
behalf of Jesus Hernandez who is in the hospital. He mentioned that he did get feedback from the City and he agreed
to have a committee meeting set up to include Larry Dovalina, City Manager, in
order to work out the details with the Food Bank staff and the Parks and
Recreation staff.
D. Request by Council Member Joe A. Guerra
1. Requesting to re-classify sixteen (16) positions within the Laredo
Police Department with possible action.
Motion to postpone this item.
Moved:
Cm. Amaya
Second:
Cm. Ramirez
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
E.
Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez
1. Status report on the condition
of fire engines and ambulances in the Fire
Department with possible action.
Luis Sosa, Fire Chief, reported that on Engine No. 3, there was
a defective fan clutch that required repairs.
The fire truck was repaired and it is back in service. As far as Engine No. 8, there was a
hydraulic booster that was damaged.
This fire truck was also repaired and it is back in service. He mentioned that all the fire trucks have
top of the line engines and he thanked City Council for it.
Cm. Ramirez mentioned that he has learned that the department
commonly experiences problems with the hydraulics on some ambulances.
EMS District Chief Rick Rangel reported that since
they do make a lot of runs, the wear and tear on some of these ambulances are
excessive. He stated that the
department has certified mechanics that provide maintenance to the units. He is expecting to receive the units that
were purchased last year by the City by October 1st at which time
they will be replacing two of the older units. For the new fiscal year, the department has received approval for
four more units and they will expedite these requests in order to bring them in
as soon as possible.
2. Discussion
with possible action regarding the 1100 Block of Zaragoza to
install a street light, clean-up area and remove the garbage dumpsters on the
weekend.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that
the City would address this issue of the dumpsters and street lights.
3. Discussion
with possible action regarding the flooding problems at
the
following intersections:
a. Callaghan St. and San Bernardo Ave.
b. Coke St. and Convent Ave.
c. Sanchez St. and Vidaurri Ave.
d. Garcia St. and Lee Ave.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported
that the drainage systems in these areas probably date back to the 1960’s or
1970’s and they do flood quickly when there are storm events. The only thing that could be done would be
to enlarge the inlets, but there would still be localized flooding because the
main lines do not carry great amounts of water that quickly.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that
all of the systems throughout the city are designed for ten-year floods and
there is no way to prevent the localized flooding during these brief storm
events.
Cm. Bruni stated that the Southwest Texas
Rain Enhancement Association stated that they are not allowed to seed over the
corporate city limits.
Cm. Ramirez mentioned that the pipe over
by Garcia Street that empties into Zacate Creek is always full of debris and
that is why the water flow is backed up.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, stated that
the system on Garcia Street goes on to Pinder and Coke streets and that system
empties into the river and not into Zacate Creek.
VII. INTRODUCTORY
ORDINANCES
10. Authorizing the City Manager to purchase from the Utilities
Department at fair market value, on lots number one (1) through four (4), block
number three hundred and eight (308) including improvements, in the Eastern
Division of the City of Laredo, also commonly known as the 600 block of
Reynolds in order to establish the centralized office for the Environmental
Services Department.
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
11. Providing for the adoption
of a tax rate of $0.576358/$100 value with a Maintenance Operation rate of
$0.435878/$100 and an Interest and Sinking Fund rate of $0.140480/$100 and for
the levy and the collection of General and Special Ad Valorem and Beverage
Taxes for the City of Laredo for the tax year 2001 and the fiscal year
2001-2002.
Mayor Flores publicly read the ordinance.
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
12. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to
effectively convey fee simple title to the “Surface Only”, at its adjusted
market value of $6,112.00, for certain property described as 6,945.00 sq. ft.
tract of land, out the north half of the Garden Street right-of-way between the
east right-of-way line of Sta. Isabel Avenue and the west right-of-way line of
Vidaurri Avenue to Felix J. Canales Treviño; provided that the City of Laredo
retains the entire north half of said former street as a utility easement; said
tract being situated in the Western Division, City of Laredo, Webb County,
Texas being described in Exhibit “A”; and providing for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
13. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents
to effectively convey fee simple title to the “Surface Only”, at its market
value of $9,920.00, for certain property described as a 2,479.88 sq. ft. tract
of land, more or less, out the southeast section of San Jose Street between
Milmo and Jarvis Avenues, dedicated as a public easement as per the McMillan
Park Subdivision Replat recorded in Volume 2, Page 156 of the Webb County Plat
Records; situated in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo, County of Webb,
Texas, being more particularly described
in the attached Exhibit “A” to Mario Gonzalez and Eleuterio Garza; and
providing for an effective date. (Action needed on Final Reading of
Ordinance #2001-O-207)
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
14. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents
to effectively convey fee simple title to the “Surface Only”, at its adjusted
market value of $11,874.00 of certain property described as a 10,640 sq. ft.
tract of land, more or less, out of that former section of Poggenpohl Street
between Sta. Rita and Vidaurri Avenues to Sergio Mares; provided that the City
of Laredo retains a 6,250 sq. ft. tract of land as a utility easement said
tracts being situated in the Western Division, City of Laredo, Webb County,
Texas being described in the attached Exhibit “A” and hereby approving the submitted
Improvement Plan, as described in Exhibit “B”, and which is in compliance with
Section 10 of the Street Closing/Sales Policy Handbook, as approved by
Resolution No. 97-R-140; and providing for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
15. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all
necessary documents to effectively convey fee simple title to the “Surface
Only”, at its combined market value of $15,063.00, for certain properties
described as follows to their respective abutting property owners and providing
for an effective date.
Parcels A & B – Consisting of 1,524.03 sq. ft., more or less, and
893.85 sq. ft., more or less; respectively, to
Juventino Gonzalez and wife Maria B. Gonzalez, at the total combined
market value of $5,803.00; said parcels being out of South Urbahn Avenue between Bismark Street and the east
right-of-way line of South Meadow Ave. situated in the Eastern Division, City
of Laredo, Webb County, Texas being described in attached Exhibits “A”,
and “B”; Parcel C – Consisting of 3,858.36 sq. ft., more or less, to
Domingo Hernandez at the market value of $9,260.00. Said parcel being out of
South Urbahn Avenue between Bismark Street and the east right-of-way line of
South Meadow Ave. situated in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb
County, Texas being described in attached Exhibit “C”.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
16. Authorizing the City Manager to grant a Right-of-Entry-Permit to
the Texas Department of Transportation in order for that agency to conduct
feasibility studies on certain City owned properties, for a proposed grade
separation of U.S. Highway 83 (Guadalupe and Chihuahua Streets) over the Texas
Mexican Railroad tracks. The area
encompassed by said City-owned properties, includes: All of block 88-A (except State R.O.W.), Lots 4A, 4B, 4C, 5 &
Parts of Lots 6 & B, Block 89A (except State R.O.W.), all being situated in
the Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, being delineated on
attached copies of City Plats; and providing for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
VIII. FINAL READINGS OF ORDINANCES
Internet available: www.ci.laredo.tx.us
Motion to waive final readings of Ordinances
2001-O-204; 2001-O-205; 2001-O-206; 2001-O-207; 2001-O-208; 2001-O-209;
2001-O-211; 2001-O-212; 2001-O- 213; 2001-O-214; 2001-O-215; and 2001-O-216.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
17. 2001-O-204 An
ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend Chapter 14, Garbage, Trash
& Refuse, Article II, Section 14-9, Rates, subsection (a) service fee for
individual residences, by changing the garbage collection fee from $7.00 per
month to $8.50 per month; amending subsection (e)(5) fees, by changing the fees
for any residences being utilized in whole or in part as a commercial
establishment or business; amending subsection (j) (4) landfill fees, by
changing the current landfill fees for all city vehicles from $13.50/ ton to
the current TNRCC solid waste fee of $1.25 per ton or as may be amended; providing for severability, effective date
and publication. (as amended)
Motion to adopt Ordinance #2001-O-204.
Moved:
Cm. Bruni
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-205 Amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances as
follows: Chapter 2, Article II, Division 6 (Pay Administration), Section 2-87.7
(12)(a) except as otherwise stated in any collective bargaining agreement and
providing for an effective date of September 30, 2001.
Motion to adopt Ordinance #2001-O-205.
Moved:
Cm. Bruni
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-206 Amending the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 Annual
Budget by reclassifying nine (9) firefighters to three (3) Captains, three (3)
drivers and three (3) assistant drivers to man Fire Station Number Twelve (12)
as authorized by City Council to be effective upon adoption and authorizing the
City Manager to implement said budget.
Motion to adopt Ordinance
#2001-O-206.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-207 An ordinance closing a
public easement a 2,479.88 sq. ft. tract of land, more or less, out of the
southeast section of San Jose Street between Milmo and Jarvis Avenues,
dedicated as a public easement as per the McMillan Park Subdivision Replat
recorded in Volume 2, Page 156 of the Webb County Plat Records, situated in the
Eastern Division, City of Laredo, County of Webb, Texas, being more
particularly described on the attached Exhibit “A”; and providing for an
effective date.
Motion to adopt Ordinance #2001-O-207.
Moved:
Cm. Bruni
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain:
0
2001-O-208 An ordinance authorizing the abandonment and
vacating of a 17.7 foot wide alley dedicated for public use in Block 631,
Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb County Texas; and providing for an
effective date.
Motion to adopt Ordinance #2001-O-208.
Moved:
Cm. Bruni
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain:
0
2001-O-209 Adopting the Annual Budget for fiscal year 2001-2002
appropriating the estimated revenues, expenditures and balances reported
therein for the year beginning October 1, 2001 and ending in September 30,
2002, consistent with the financial plan described in said Annual Budget; and
authorizing the City Manager to implement said Annual Budget.
Heberto Ramirez, Budget Director, reported to
City Council that on August 17, 2001, at the budget workshops, City Council had
directed staff to fund two new ambulances with the manpower for an EMS unit at
Fire Stations #9 and 12, plus the manpower for an aerial truck at Fire Station
#12. He mentioned that staff recommends
starting a Fire Academy in May, 2002.
Motion to create 29 new positions for the City
of Laredo FY2001-2002 annual budget consisting of:
§
two
EMS crews for Fire Stations No. 9 and No. 12
§
one
crew to operate the aerial truck housed at
Fire
Station No. 12
§
one
District Fire Chief
§
one
Deputy Fire Chief
§
one
Deputy Police Chief.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
Motion to approve funding of $150,000.00 to be
placed in a War Memorial Fund to cover costs for erection of a monument.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
Motion to adopt Ordinance #2001-O-209.
Moved:
Cm. Bruni
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain:
0
2001-O-211 Authorizing the City Manager to establish the
position of Sanitarian II in the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission
(TNRCC) Grant to continue the operation of the two Continuous Air Monitoring
Stations (CAMS) by the City of Laredo Health Department for the period
beginning September 1, 2001 through August 31, 2002.
Motion to adopt Ordinance #2001-O-211.
Moved:
Cm. Bruni
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain:
0
2001-O-212 Authorizing the City Manager to accept funds and amend the City
of Laredo FY 2000-2001 annual budget in the amount of $10,000 in additional
funds from the Texas Department of Health, Office of Border Health for the
Border Health Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period
beginning October 1, 2000, through September 30, 2001. These funds were awarded specifically for
the Binational Health Conference that will be held on September 6-7, 2001 at
Texas A&M International University.
Motion to adopt Ordinance
#2001-O-212.
Moved:
Cm. Bruni
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain:
0
2001-O-213 Authorizing the City Manager to accept and execute all
documentation for four grants from the Texas Department of Health in the amount
of $3,222,093 for the Community Health Education Program, Maternal and Child
Health (MCH-Title V), Women Infants and Children “WIC” Program, and Los Dos
Laredos of the Laredo Health Department for the period beginning September 1,
2001, through August 31, 2002, and October 1, 2001, through September 30, 2002,
respectively; and amending the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 budget in the amount
of $47,269.42.
Motion to adopt Ordinance #2001-O-213.
Moved:
Cm. Bruni
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-214 An ordinance amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2001 General
Fund Annual Budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of
$49,005.72 for the Lease Purchase Agreement to finance the acquisition of a
multimedia messaging system (phone voice mail) for the City Hall Phone System.
Motion to adopt Ordinance #2001-O-214.
Moved:
Cm. Bruni
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-215 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with
M & M Air Cargo and Delivery Service, Inc., for approximately 11,988 square
feet constituting Sections 2 and 3 of Building No. 170 located at 5103 Maher
Avenue at the Laredo International Airport.
Lease term is for five (5) years commencing on May 1, 2001 and ending on
April 30, 2006. However, it is agreed by the parties that the lease may be
terminated by either party on not less than ninety (90) days written notice
from the party terminating to the other. Monthly rent shall be $4,795.20 and
will be adjusted annually according to changes in the Consumer Price Index;
providing for an effective date.
Motion to adopt Ordinance #2001-O-215.
Moved:
Cm. Bruni
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-216 An ordinance designating one-way road sections to
include: Maher Avenue northbound from Bustamante Street to Hillside Road,
Thomas Avenue southbound between Hillside Road and Pappas Street, Pappas Street
westbound between Thomas Avenue and Daugherty Avenue, and Daugherty Avenue
southbound between Pappas Street and Bustamante Street; providing for the
installation of appropriate signs to indicate one-way traffic in the designated
direction and providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to adopt Ordinance #2001-O-216.
Moved:
Cm. Bruni
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IX. RESOLUTIONS
18. 2001-R-092 Declaring
the public necessity to acquire the “Surface
Only” of twenty-seven (27) corner clips for the
widening of McPherson Road, from Canal Bridge to Saunders Street. Said corner clips being: Tract I – Part of
Block 855-A, Tract II – Part of Lot 8, Block 854, Tract III – Part of Lot 1,
Block 663, Tract IV – Part of Lot 5, Block 662, Tract V – Part of Lot 8, Block
663, Tract VI – Part of Lot 4, Block 661, Tract VII – Part of Lot 1, Block 664,
Tract VIII – Part of Lot 5, Block 661, Tract IX – Part of Lot 8A, Block 664,
Tract X – Part of Lot 4, Block 660, Tract XI – Part of Lot 1, Block 665, Tract XII
– Part of Lot 5, Block 660, Tract XIII – Part of Lot 4, Block 659, Tract XIV –
Part of Lot 1, Block 666, Tract XV – Part of Lot 5, Block 659, Tract XVI – Part
of Lot 8, Block 666, Tract XVII – Part of Lot 4, Block 658, Tract XVIII – Part
of Lot 1, Block 667, Tract XIX – Part of Lot 5, Block 658, Tract XX – Part of
Lot 11, Block 657, Tract XXI – Part of Lot 8, Block 667, Tract XXII – Part of
Lot 1, Block 668, Tract XXIII – Part of Lot 11, Block 656, Tract XXIV – Part of
Lot 12, Block 657, Tract XXV – Part of Lot 8, Block 668, Tract XXVI – Part of
Lot 1, Block 669, and Tract XXVII – Part of Lot 12, Block 669, all blocks being
situated in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas; being
generally described below, and more particularly described by metes and bounds
on attached Exhibit “A”; and authorizing staff to negotiate with the owner for
the acquisition of said parcel by donation or purchase at a market value to be
established by a State Certified Real Estate Appraiser, and further authorizing
the City Attorney to initiate condemnation proceedings to acquire said parcel
if staff is unable to acquire through negotiations due to inability to agree to
a purchase price, conflict of ownership, owner refusal to sell, and/or
inability to locate the listed owner.
Motion to approve Resolution #2001-R-092.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Galo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
19. 2001-R-093 Declaring the public necessity to acquire the
“Surface
Only” of a parcel of land to be used as part of the
Airport Runway Protection Zone of Runway 35L. Said parcel of land being Lot 3A,
Block 1, William Bejarano, Subdivision, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas,
being delineated on attached copy of City Plat; and authorizing staff to
negotiate with the owner for the acquisition of said parcel by purchase at a
market value to be established by a State Certified Real Estate Appraiser, and
further authorizing the City Attorney to initiate condemnation proceedings to
acquire said parcel if staff is unable to acquire through negotiations due to
inability to agree to a purchase price, conflict of ownership, owner refusal to
sell, and/or inability to locate the listed owner.
Motion to approve Resolution #2001-R-093.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Galo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
20. 2001-R-094
Declaring
the public necessity to acquire the “Surface
Only” of a 2,032.82 square foot, more or less, tract
of land as a Drainage Easement from, Dean Sanditen. Said parcel of land being out of the Westgate Place Subdivision,
Survey 1019, Abstract 62, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas; being generally
described below, and more particularly described by metes and bounds in
attached Exhibit “A”.
Motion to approve Resolution #2001-R-094.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Galo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
21. 2001-R-096
Authorizing
the City Manager to enter into a non-financial
agreement between the City of Laredo, Laredo Public
Library and Webb County Head Start Program to coordinate services provided to
Head Start families.
Motion to approve Resolution #2001-R-096.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Galo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain:
0
22. 2001-R-097
Adopting a new health benefits rate structure by increasing
all medical contribution amounts by twenty (20%) for the City of Laredo and for all
persons covered under the City of Laredo’s Medical Plan unless otherwise
provided in a collective bargaining agreement and providing for an effective
date of October 1, 2001.
Motion to approve Resolution #2001-R-097.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Galo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
23.
2001-R-098 Authorizing
the City Manager to execute grant agreement CSJ
Number M222LREDO with the Texas Department of Transportation under the Routine Airport
Maintenance Program in the amount of $30,000.00 for the purpose of airport
maintenance at the Laredo International Airport. The City’s fifty (50%) percent local match for this project in
the amount of $30,000.00 is available in the Airport Land Sale Proceeds
Restricted Fund.
Motion to approve Resolution #2001-R-098.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Galo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
X. MOTIONS
24. Consideration to award contract number
FY01-163, to WalkerCom, in the amount of $27,000.00 for the purchase and
installation of an automatic call distribution system for the Utility Billing
Division. This system complements the
current phone system by distributing calls to available customer service personnel. Funding is available in the Utility
Department – Utility Billing Division Capital Outlay Budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
25. Consideration to authorize the purchase of
one cab and chassis truck, through the Houston Galveston Area Council of
Governments (HGAC) – Cooperative Purchasing Program, in the total amount of
$91,764.54 and will be assigned to the Utilities Department – Wastewater
Collection Division. A vacuum truck
unit will be mounted on this truck.
Funding is available in the Utilities Fund – Wastewater Collection
Division.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
26. Authorizing the City Manager to amend a contract with Camp,
Dresser, and Mckee, Inc. for an amount
of $120,000 under the Odor and Corrosion Control Project, for the design of the
rehabilitation and repair of the aerated grit chambers and primary clarifiers
of the Zacate Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. The total amended contract will be $169,800 to be funded from
Zacate Creek Waste Water Treatment Plant Corrosion Control budget in the Sewer
Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
27. Consideration to authorize the City Manager
to award a construction contract to the lowest bidder Lambda
Construction I, Ltd., New Braunfels, Texas in the amount of $2,418,000.00 for
the construction of the Jefferson Street Water Treatment Plant 60 MGD High
Service Pump Station. Funding is
available in the 94 and 97 Bond Issues.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
28. Consideration to award contract number
FY01-164, to the low bidder Philpott Motor Company, Nederland, Texas, in
the amount of $31,750.00, for the purchase of two trucks for the Health
Department’s WIC Program. The Texas
Department of Health has granted approval to use program funds for this
purchase.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
29. Consideration to award a six-month supply
contract (#FY01-162) for the purchase of safety footwear for city maintenance
personnel to Gateway Uniform, Laredo, Texas, in the base amount of
$25,589.50. Contract pricing has been
secured for boot styles approved for use by city maintenance personnel. Each department will have the option to
choose the type of boot best suited for the work environment and budget
allocation. All safety footwear is
purchased on an as needed basis from the respective departmental budgets.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
30. Consideration to approve an insurance
contract for the Airport Liability and Control Tower. The annual insurance premium will provide coverage from 10-01-01
to 09-30-02. The proposals will be
opened on Friday, September 14, 2001.
The insurance carrier selected by the City will be announced during the
City Council Meeting.
Motion to approve and increase insurance coverage for airport
liability
from $20,000,000.00 to $50,000,000.00 at a cost of
$20,267.00; and increase coverage on the airport control tower for a total of
$10,000,000.00 at a cost of $22,500.00.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Mayor Pro Tem
E. Valdez, Jr.
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
31. Consideration to authorize the City Manager
to execute a lease renewal with the State of Texas, General Services Commission
on behalf of the Texas Department of Health, Public Health Region 11, for 2,205
square feet of office space at the City of Laredo Health Department Complex
located at 2600 Cedar St. The term of
the lease renewal will be from September 1, 2001, through August 31, 2002. The lessee shall pay a sum in the amount of
$919.66 per month.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
32. Consideration to direct staff to prepare
a service plan for the voluntary annexation of five (5) tracts of land totaling
91.096 acres, more or less and the unilateral annexation of five (5) tracts of
land totaling 1,354.2455 acres, more or less, for a total of 1,445.3415 acres,
more or less, as shown on attachment “A”, in accordance with Section 43.052 of
the Texas Local Government Code.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
33. Consideration for acceptance of the East Hachar
Recreation Center, and approval of final payment in the amount of $61,154.70
less $21,000.00 for liquidated damages per original contract and as stated
under take over agreement for a net final payment of $40,154.70 to Evergreen
National Indemnity Company, Austin, Texas.
Final contract amount is $1,060,362.00.
Funding is available in the Community Development - 24th
Action Year - East Hachar Recreation Center -Retainage Payable.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
34. Consideration to award a construction
contract to the low bidder Ramos Industries, Inc., Pasadena, Texas, in the bid
amount of $631,955.68 for the McPherson Avenue Widening (Canal to Saunders
(U.S. Hwy 59). Funding is available in
the 2000A C.O. Issue McPherson Widening Phase I.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
35. Consideration to authorize the
purchase of one brush truck with a grapple (branch pickup crane) through the
Houston Galveston Area Council of Governments (HGAC) – Cooperative Purchasing
Program, in the total amount of $80,999.80.
This will be assigned to the Sanitation Department and
will be used for branch pickup. Funding
is available in the Solid Waste Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
36. Consideration to authorize the purchase
of one full size passenger van, through the Houston Galveston Area Council of
Governments (HGAC) – Cooperative Purchasing Program, in the total amount of
$24,342.34. This van will be available
for use by all City departments.
Funding is available in the Fleet Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
37. Consideration to approve monthly adjustments
to the tax roll. The amount to be
adjusted for the month of August 2001, represents a decrease in levy of
$65,516.96. These adjustments are
determined by the Webb County Appraisal District and by Court Orders.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
38. Refunds
of property tax to the following taxpayers and companies:
a. A refund in the amount of $609.10 payable to Luis E. & Anna
L. Chavez due to a change of value certified by the Webb County Appraisal
Review Board. The square footage for
the improvements was incorrect for the year 97, 98, 99 and 2000.
b. A refund in the amount of $2,758.97 payable to Castaneda Dump
Trucks, Inc. This business closed in
June of 1998 and therefore, did not exist nor was taxable for the 1999 and 2000
years.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
39. Motion to approve the agreement between the
City of Laredo and the International Association of Firefighters local 1390
through its president said agreement which was negotiated by the
representatives of the city and local 1390 I.A.F.F. in accordance with the
provisions of the Texas Local Government Code Section 174.01 (formerly Article
5154c-1 of the revised Civil Statutes of Texas), and authorizing the City
Manager to execute said agreement.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. J.
Valdez, Jr.
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XI. STAFF REPORT
40. Status report on the Colonias Project.
Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, reported that
his department has been working on three fronts. The engineers hired under the $16,000,000.00 grant are making
progress and are asking for a decision on the oversizing. The oversizing project entails making the
pipes larger than what the state will pay for in order to accommodate some
growth. He stated that he is scheduled
to receive the third round of modeling this week in order to make some
decisions. By the end of this month, he
expects to have a list of the individuals with their financial commitment. At that point, he will be able to give the
City Council an idea of how much money they will have between the private
contribution and the likely public contribution to enhance the capacity of this
project. The third avenue is the
NADBank grant in which he has received expressions of interest from 15
companies. He will be creating a short
list of three companies, submit them to the bank for approval, and then select
one firm from that list to begin work on the project design.
41. Status report on the
installation of bus shelters citywide.
R. J. Garza, El Metro Operations Manager,
reported that they have a total of 42 bus shelters installed throughout the
city. They also have 8 shelters pending
installation within one week. He
mentioned that they have other requests throughout the city, but they are
reviewing them to see whether these requests
meet their criteria for installation.
XII. RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE
LAREDO MASS TRANSIT BOARD
Motion to recess as the Laredo City Council and
convene as the Laredo MassTransit Board.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
42. Consideration
to award a contract to the lowest bidder, Washing Equipment of Texas (WET) for the sum of $93,000 for furnishing
all labor and materials needed to replace and install a new bus wash system to
include a spot free system at the Laredo Metro Operations Facility located at
401 Scott St. Funding is available from
line item 518-5196-565-9001, Machinery and Equipment, FTA Grant TX 90-X-438.
Motion to approve pending approval of the Laredo
Metro, Inc. Board.
Moved:
Cm. Agredano
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to adjourn as the Laredo Mass Transit
Board and reconvene as the Laredo City Council.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
TIME: 8:25 p.m.
Motion to adjourn.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
I, Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary, do hereby
certify that the above minutes contained in pages 01 to 28 are true, complete,
and correct proceedings of the City Council meeting held on September 17, 2001.
|
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Gustavo
Guevara, Jr.
City Secretary[fp1]