CITY OF LAREDO
CITY
COUNCIL MEETING
M2001-R-27
CITY
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110
HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS 78040
OCTOBER 22, 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 Flores led in the Pledge of
Allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
In attendance:
Elizabeth G. Flores, Mayor
Alfredo Agredano, Council
Member, District I
Louis H. Bruni, Council
Member, District II
Johnny Amaya, Council Member, District IV
Eliseo Valdez, Jr., Mayor
Pro Tempore, District V
Joe A. Guerra, Council Member, District VI
Jose A. Valdez, Jr., Council
Member, District VII
Juan Ramirez, Council
Member, District VIII
Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary
Larry Dovalina, City Manager
Cynthia Collazo, Assistant
City Manager
Jerry Cain, Assistant
City Attorney
Motion to excuse John C. Galo.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IV. MINUTES
Approval of the minutes of August 20, 2001 and September 4, 2001.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore
Valdez
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
Presentation of "Tribute to America" flag by the F. S.
Lara Annex students to the City of Laredo.
Alma Ramon, an instructor from F. S. Lara Annex, presented Council with a billboard size
United States Flag created from over 800 paper flowers by the following
participants: Gracie Venegas, Araceli
Venegas, Albert Munoz, students from F.
S. Lara Annex; Toby Rodriguez, Police Officer and Feliz Nunez, Firefighter. F. S. Lara Annex held a program entitled
“Tribute to America” in memory of those Americans that lost their lives on
September 11, 2001.
Invitations
Tony Gamboa invited the Council, the Mayor and the public to
attend the 1st Annual Veteran’s Banquet held on Friday, November 9,
2001 at 7 p.m. at the Christ Worship Center.
Cm. Guerra invited the
Council and the public to attend a Red Ribbon Parade at Trautman Elementary
School to be held on October 23, 2001, at 9:00 a.m.
Recognitions
David Cardwell, AEP Project Manager Economic Development, for his
33 1/2 years of exemplary service to our community.
The Mayor presented a Certificate of Recognition to David Cardwell
for his unyielding dedication and exemplary service to the community of Laredo.
The Mayor congratulated Cynthia Collazo, Assistant City Manager,
for graduating from the Leadership Texas Class. She stated that it is an honor to be selected for the class.
The Mayor thanked the following corporate sponsors who made Dia
del Rio possible:
A Frame 4-U, Robert Jacaman
Asplundh Tree Expert Company
City of Laredo
E. Q. Enterprises, Diana Esquivel
Garza, Martinez, & Company P. L. L. C.
Gentle Family Dentistry, Rolando Guerra,
DDS
Golden Coral, Manuel Canseco
H-E-B Food Stores, Gregorio Flores, III
Jeffery A. Jones, Investments
Laredo Community College
LareDos, Meg Guerra
LaredoSun.com, Vince Cantu
Leyendecker Oil Inc., Frank Leyendecker
& Rebecca Wise
Litho Business Forms Inc, Elias Mendiola
Managing Edge, R. Rodriguez
My Dentist, Sonia Garza Rodriguez, DDS
O’Boy Service Company
Pens by Danny Gunn
R. C. Cola Company – Memo Trevino
Southern Sanitation
Target Stores
Texas Environmental Consultants, Jorge
Dominguez
United States Army Reserve – Laredo
Mayor Flores presented the following individuals a plaque for
having the most volunteers at the Dia del Rio.
3rd place went to United High
School for having 62 volunteer.
2nd place went to Laredo
Community College with 75 volunteers.
1st place went to Texas A &
M Int'l. with 103 volunteers.
City Council Members received Certificates of Appreciation for his
residents participation in the Dia del Rio as follows:
Alfredo Agredano for the 90 residents from District I.
Louis H. Bruni for the 38
residents from District II.
John C. Galo for the 30
residents from District III.
Johnny Amaya for the 31 residents from District IV.
Mayor Pro Tempore Eliseo Valdez, Jr., the 37 residents from
District V.
Cm. J. Valdez for the 100 residents from District
VII.
Cm. Ramirez for the 61
residents from District VIII.
Mayor Flores presented Cm.
Joe A. Guerra a trophy for
having 155 residents that participated in the Dia del Rio. She explained that the trophy would be
awarded each year to the Council Member with the most participants.
Communiqués
Mike Lucci, owner of Hill Country Engineering, informed Council that the Leyendeckers main
concern is that the proposed alignment will interrupt the agricultural
purpose. He said that the daughter is a
veterinarian who raises horses and the prime grazing will be interrupted if the
City bisects their property. He
mentioned several alternatives. Finally,
he informed Council that the curves on the proposed alignment do not meet the
City's regulations in the Municipal Code book.
He recommended that the Council reconsider realigning the entire route
because of the alignment.
June Leyendecker read the following letter:
"I believe the City is fully responsible for allowing the
route of Springfield to be changed from it's original location in 1991, without
even the courtesy of discussing it with us.
In my opinion we have been treated most unfairly by the City over the
years in this Springfield matter as well as in many other matters which I am
not at liberty to discuss at this time.
In order to try to educate myself on how things at City Hall
worked, as well as to try to defend our property, there were many City Council
as well as Planning & Zoning Commissions meetings which I attended. I spoke at some of those meetings. Over the years, I also visited the Planning
Department many times. I changed my
position on the route of Springfield after talking to my attorney, Julio
Garcia, Esquire in 1997 ( I believe it was in August, 1997).
In a letter dated September 25, 1997 my attorney addressed a
letter, to then Mayor Saul Ramirez, objecting to the bisecting of our
property. Copies were sent to all Council
Persons, to Planning and Zoning Commissioners, & to the Planning
Department. All were sent certified mail.
There was no response. Later
Springfield was paved to our property line on the west.
I became very angry after reading a copy of the minutes of the P
& Z Commission meeting of March 21, 1991 which were given to me by Keith
Selman in September, 1997, the day after a City Council Meeting at which I
spoke and had been told I was mistake.
I knew I was right and those minutes were the proof I needed. Believe it or not, I was not aware of the
fact the minutes of these meetings could be made available to anyone who
asked. I was completely ignorant. My education in a B. S. in Nursing which
certainly did not prepare me at for this type of fight. I have always exercised my privilege to
vote, but have been extremely unwise about political goings on.
I want to again go on record that we strongly object to the
bisecting of our property by Springfield extension even though we are willing
to donate land for an alternate route.
The change, in 1991, of the route of Springfield was without our
knowledge, until after the fact. This
change was approved by Council in spite of denial by Mr. Dave Pasley, Planning Director at the
time. In late 1991, not realizing we
could actually dare to oppose the City, and knowing nothing of matters such as
this, I consulted with Carlos Mejia, P. E.
Engineering. He had been left
without access by the development of Salinas Key. Now that we are in our seventies, we only wish to continue to
live our remaining years on our property in peace.
I beg you not to be so unfair as to bisect our property. Our offer to donate property for Springfield
extension (if our property remains undivided) still stands."
Julio Garcia, an attorney representing the Leyendeckers, urged the
Council to table any action on Items 16 and 17 of the agenda. He stressed the importance of the Council
reviewing information before making a
decision.
Cm. Guerra read the
following letter from the Laredo Customs Brokers Association:
"The Laredo License Customs Brokers Association would like to
go on record in opposition of the proposed fees on commercial facilities. During this time of economic slowdown in the
Untied States we the Brokers Association fee that it would impair our community
to continue to impose additional financial burdens on the industry that has
been the back bone of Laredo.
The continuance of Laredo in burdening International companies
with increased fees and using them as a source additional funding thru fees and
taxes will assuredly encourage these companies to find other ports of entry
into the United States.
The Association feels that the city should look at what this trade
brings to Laredo instead of having this industry look at where else they can
go.
We the Laredo Brokers Association urge you
to cease all increases at this time."
Cm. Guerra submitted two
other letters for the record to be on file at the City Secretary's Office.
Cm. Agredano stated that
he was privileged to represent the Mayor at the October 19th Meadow/Chacon Bridge opening. He also
mentioned the success of the Las Palmas Clean-Up that was held on October
20th. Finally, he invited the public to
participate in the 4th Annual 5 K Run to be held on October 28th that will
provide scholarships to students in District I. He said the run would be dedicated to victims of the September
11th terrorist attack on the United States.
Cm. Bruni thanked staff
for their prompt response to complaints from his constituents.
Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez thanked his constituents that
participated in the Dia del Rio. He
also stated that he would be working on several issues concerning the skate
park.
Cm. Guerra mentioned that
he was honored to represent the Mayor and Council at a Red Ribbon Week Parade
at Nye Elementary School.
Cm. J. Valdez expressed his dissatisfaction about
an article that was printed about privatization. He mentioned that there are several issues that need to be
addressed before Council makes a decision.
Cm. Ramirez thanked all
the individuals that participated in the cleaning of Las Palmas Park.
Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez said that he represented the Mayor at a
Proclamation for National Bus Safety Week that will be held from October 22nd
to 27th. He expressed his appreciation
to all drivers.
Jessica Hein, Assistant to City Manager, invited the Council,
Mayor and City employees to attend Make A Difference Day to be held on October
27th at the Las Palmas Park.
Mayor Flores mentioned that she had received a letter from the
Laredo Philharmonic Chorale asking permission for patrons and chorale
participants to park at the El Metro Parking facility on October 29th and 30th
at no cost.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, noted that the ordinance does allow
for the City Manager to waive the fees for the Laredo Philharmonic
Chorale.
VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES
None.
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1.
Public
hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept funds
and amend the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002 annual budget in the
amount of $50,000 in funds from the Texas Department of Health for the Breast
and Cervical Cancer Project - Case Management of the City of Laredo Health
Department for the period beginning September 1, 2001, through August 31, 2002.
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 introduce.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore
Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
2. Public hearing and
introductory 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.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
David Newman, member Fire Inspection Ad Hoc Committee, gave a
brief overview of the issues that the committee addressed. He said the most important issue is safety
and working with the business owners to notify them of the annual
inspection.
Mike McBain, from Laredo Cotton Transfer, stressed the importance
of educating business owners about the new ordinance.
Tom Wade, manager of Emmerson Electric and a representative of the
Transportation Association, spoke
against the fee for fire inspection services.
Joseph Martinez, from Southwestern Motor Transport, spoke against
the fee.
Frank Vida, President of Brenco Inc., spoke against the fee.
Tom Garmen, Central Freight Line, spoke against the fee.
Ricardo Arredondo, from American Freightways, stated that the
ordinance needs to be researched more before the fee is implemented.
Fire Chief Luis Sosa reported that he agreed with the outcome of
the Ad-Hoc Committee. He added if the
business owners are in compliance with the ordinance that they would not pay a
penalty.
Chris Niles, from Fire Department, gave a small presentation on
the differences between the original ordinance and the new proposed
ordinance. He stated that the new
ordinance does not have a fee for the annual inspection; however, if a
re-inspection is required a fee will be charged. He noted that businesses will be given a blank fire inspection
form prior to the inspection.
Motion to close the
public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez
Second:
Cm. Valdez
For: 5 Against: 2 Abstain: 0
Cm. Agredano Cm. Guerra
Cm. Bruni Cm. Ramirez
Cm. Amaya
Mayor Pro Tempore
Valdez
Cm. Valdez
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council except
Cm. Guerra and Cm. Ramirez
3. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending Chapter 21, of
the Code of Ordinances of the City of Laredo by creating Article
VII, establishing a juvenile day-time and night-time curfew, defining terms,
creating offenses for minors, parent and guardians of minors, and business
establishments violating curfew regulations, providing defenses, providing for
enforcement by the Police Department, providing for a waiver by the Municipal
Court of jurisdiction over a minor when required under the Texas Family Code,
providing for a penalty not to exceed $500.00, providing for classification of
any offense listed herein as a Class "C" misdemeanor, providing for a
savings clause, providing for a severability clause, establishing an effective
date, and providing for publication in a
local newspaper.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Sylvia Hurd spoke in favor of the ordinance.
Ester Firova, United Independent School District representative,
stated that they are in favor of the 12 midnight curfew.
Jesus "Toro" Martinez, Program Director for Webb County
Coalition, spoke in favor of the ordinance.
He stated that he is totally against government going into private
lives; however, he said that the present ordinance has been successful in
assisting parent, and he feels that a more stringent ordinance is needed.
Motion to ask the City Attorney to research on whether the City can
mandate the Municipal Court Judge to issue community service to the youth that
violate the City Ordinance.
Moved: Cm. J.
Valdez
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
4. Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 4, 5, and the East 1/2 of Lot 3,
Block 1268, Eastern Division, located at 2219 Clark Blvd., from R-1 (Single
Family Residential District) to B-1 (Limited to Commercial District). The Planning and Zoning Commission has
recommended denial of the proposed zone change.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mr. Mario Gutierrez stated
that he is not interested in rezoning that area. He is interested in obtaining
a Conditional Use Permit which will allow him to operate a portrait studio from
his residence. He submitted a list of
names from surrounding neighbors agreeing to the business.
Motion to close the public hearing postpone until next meeting.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. J.
Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
5. Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the Zoning and Ordinance (Map) of
the City of Laredo by rezoning all of Blocks 954, Western
Division, located at the 2100 block of Pierce St., from R-3 (Mixed Residential
District) to R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District). The Planning and Zoning Committee has
recommended approval of the proposed zone change.
Motion to open the
public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Agredano
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public
input.
Motion to close the
public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
J. Valdez
Second: Cm.
Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. J.
Valdez
6. Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the Zoning and Ordinance (Map) of
the City of Laredo by rezoning All of Blocks 955, Western
Division, located at the 2200 block of Pierce St., from R-3 (Mixed Residential
District) to R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District). The Planning and Zoning Committee has
recommended approval of the proposed zone change.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm.
Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public
input.
Motion to close the
public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
J. Valdez
Second:
Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm.
J. Valdez
7. Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the Zoning and Ordinance (Map) of
the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 7 and 8, Block 529, Western
Division, located at 1604 and 1606 Park St., from R-3 (Mixed Residential District)
to B-1 (Limited Commercial District).
The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the
proposed zone change.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm.
Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ron Whitehawk, representing the Earles Family, asked for the zone
change to be amended to a Conditional Use Permit for a daycare center. Ivonne Earls submitted a petition which was
solicited from surrounding neighbors seeking their approval of the Conditional
Use Permit.
Mr. Martinez spoke against
changing the zone.
Motion to close the
public hearing and introduce as a Conditional Use Permit.
Moved: Cm.
J. Valdez
Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. J.
Valdez
8. Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending Ordinance No. 2000-O-306,
authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for mini-storage
warehouses on Lots 7, 8, 9, and 10, Block 431, Eastern Division, located at 202
W. Saunders St., such that the permit includes a revised site plan. The Planning and Zoning Commission has
recommended approval of the proposed Special Use Permit amendment.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm.
Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public
input.
Motion to close and postpone until the applicant complies with the
landscaping agreement.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez
Second:
Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
9. Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the Zoning and Ordinance (Map) of
the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 1-A and 1-B, Block 3, G &
M Apartment and Townhouse Project, Del Mar Hills Subdivision, located at 7019
Village Blvd. from R-O (Residential/Office District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial
District). The Planning and Zoning
Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ron Whitehawk, on behalf of the property owner, spoke in favor of
the zone change request.
Motion to close the
public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Guerra
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Guerra
10. Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the Zoning and Ordinance (Map)
of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 5-B and 5-C, Block 1, North
Creek Plaza Subdivision located east of Springfield Rd. and north of Del Mar
Blvd. from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) and B-4 (Highway Commercial
District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District). The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of
the proposed zone change.
Motion to open the public
hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Guerra
Second: Cm.
Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public
input.
Motion to close the
public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Guerra
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Guerra
VIII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND
PRESENTATIONS
11. A. Request by Council Member John C. Galo
1. Status report on
opening of Bartlett Avenue and closing of Jarvis Avenue at
Market Street, with
possible action.
Motion to postpone.
Moved: Cm.
J. Valdez
Second: Cm.
Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Status report on the
down payment assistance program including balance of
funds and
accountability, with possible action.
Motion to postpone.
Moved: Cm.
J. Valdez
Second: Cm.
Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
3. Discussion with
possible action to consider an exemption for those persons over
65 years of age with homestead exemptions for the basic charge for
residential water service of $7.50 per month for consumption of up to 4,000
gallons, in the event that the City proceeds with the privatization of the
Utilities Department.
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr., noted that he had the item on
the agenda over a year ago. He
requested staff to research the issue and come up with some
recommendations.
Motion to create guidelines and
recommendations from staff.
Moved:
Cm. J. Valdez
Second:
Cm. Bruni
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
B. Request by Mayor
Pro-Tempore Eliseo Valdez, Jr.
1.
Status report on the proposed park at Eistetter and San Francisco.
Miguel Pescador, Assistant
Parks & Recreation Director, reported that the project is out for
bids. He noted that the bids will be
opened on November 8th and will be awarded on November 19th. He said the project will be completed in
April or May of 2002.
2. Status report on the
conversion of the former Union Pacific Railroad Bridge at
Ryan Street across
Zacate Creek to a pedestrian bridge.
Keith Selman, City Planner, stated that TxDOT signed the agreement
which authorized the City to go out on Request for Proposals. He noted that staff is currently negotiating
with the consultant, and they will bring the item back to Council with
recommendations as soon as possible.
C. Request by Council
Member Jose A. Valdez, Jr.
1. Discussion with
possible action regarding constructing gazebos at Father
McNaboe Park for
rental purposes.
Miguel Pescador, Assistant Parks & Recreation Director, stated
that there are areas that staff may consider for construction of a gazebo that
would be above the flood plain. He
noted that staff would research the project and report back to Council.
2. Discussion with
possible action regarding the City of Laredo's official position in
reference to working relations with the County of Webb on the
Bridge V project and ensuring the City's official position is made clear during
presentations to be made at the XXX Meeting of the United States-Mexico
Binational Group on Bridges and Border Crossings in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, read the caption of Resolution #
2001-R-061:
"Opposing the construction of an International Bridge
Crossing that is not part of the Laredo Bridge System, that would compete
directly with the City's system, and further opposing any construction of an
International Bridge inside the City's corporate limits, including the extra
territorial jurisdiction, that is not constructed or sponsored by the City of
Laredo."
Cm. J. Valdez noted that
the City tried to work with the County but it is not feasible.
D. Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez
1.
Discussion with possible action regarding odor in La Azteca
neighborhood.
Heberto Ramirez, Interim Utilities Director, stated that the City
has contracted with Camp Dresser and McKee to assess odor and corrosion control
problems at the Zacate Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. He said
the scope of the work established under this project includes the design
a rehabilitation plant corrosion collection chemical injection study and the
design of ventilation and chemical scrubbing equipment. He went on to say that the project is still
under design and it is not expected to be complete until February of 2002. The project will go out for bids in April of
2002 and will be awarded in August of 2002.
He said the completion date is June of 2003.
Adrian Montemayor, Treatment Manager, gave a brief explanation as
to why the odor is worse in the winter than in the summer months.
2. Discussion with
possible action regarding installation of lights at Las Palmas
Park.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, informed Council that staff is
inquiring on installing lights at the Las Palmas Park.
Mayor Flores requested lighting that will enhance the tone for the
area.
Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, said that he talked to AEP/CPL,
and cannot install the lights or use their equipment to assist the City because the area is in a flood plain;
however, they will provide service.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that staff would come back
with a proposal.
3.
Discussion with possible action to open the proposed police substation
at
Bridge I.
Chief Granados, mentioned that the Police department will assign
several officers to the building after minor modifications are done.
4. Discussion with
possible action to create a half hour program on the Public
Access Channel to inform the public of ongoing projects in City
Council Member Districts.
Cm. Ramirez emphasized the
importance of informing the public about City projects.
Mayor Flores suggested contacting the local newspapers to announce
City projects.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, noted that he would work with the
Public Information Officer and the Public Access Director in formulating a
program that will run every two weeks.
IX. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
12. Authorizing the City
Manager to execute a contract by and on behalf of the City of
Laredo as Zone Grantee of Foreign-Trade Zone No. 94 for the
operation of a Zone Site 3 within said Foreign Trade Zone and specifically
authorizing the City Manager to enter into an operation agreement with Rafael
A. Morales, to operate an approximate 5,000 square foot designated area within
a 70,000 square foot facility at Foreign-Trade Zone No. 94-Site 3 located at
the Killam Industrial Park, in return for the services provided by the City as
a Foreign-Trade Zone Grantee and providing for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
13. Approving and adopting
the districting plan of the Redistricting Commission;
providing for the redistricting of the eight (8) City Council
Districts within the City of Laredo; providing for publication and effective
date.
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
X.
FINAL
READINGS OF ORDINANCES
Internet availability:
//www.ci.laredo.tx.us
Motion to waive the final reading of Ordinance # 2001-O-245, #
2001-O-246, # 2001-O-247, # 2001-O-248 and # 2001-O-249.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore
Valdez
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
14. 2001-O-245 Amending the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002
Airport Budget to recognize
additional revenues from a grant received from the Federal
Aviation Administration being grant project no 3-48-0136-32-01 in the amount of
$3,500,000.00 for the purpose of constructing a portion of an air cargo apron
at 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.
The local match is available in the Airport Land Acquisition
Reimbursement Account.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2001-O-245.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore
Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-246 Amending the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002
Airport Budget to recognize
additional revenues
from a grant received from the Federal Aviation
Administration being
grant project no. 3-48-0136-31-01 in the amount of
$2,000,000.00 for the
purpose of constructing a service road along the
inside perimeter 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.
The
local match is
available in the Airport Land Acquisition Reimbursement
Account.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2001-O-246.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore
Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-247 Amending the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002
Airport Budget to recognize
additional revenues from
a 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 adopt Ordinance # 2001-O-247.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore
Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-248 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a
budget amendment to
appropriate all funds
associated with the Texas Department of
Transportation State
Project Contract No. 511226041 as follows:
State
Funds in the amount of
$1,054,000; transit sales tax local match of
$40,000; and state toll
credits of $223,500 for a total of $1,317,500; and
providing for grant
funds to be deposited in the City of Laredo Transit
Fund Accounts.
Motion to adopt
Ordinance # 2001-O-247 with the amendment to change
"Contract No. 511226041 to Contract No. 51122f6041."
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore
Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-249 Introduction of an ordinance accepting and
adopting the City of Laredo's
Write-off Policy for Accounts Receivable as presented to
the Audit Committee on September 17, 2001.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2001-O-249.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore
Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XI. RESOLUTIONS
15. 2001-R-116 Approval of a resolution authorizing the
City Manager to submit an
application to the Texas Department of Public Department of Public
Safety, Governor's Division of Emergency Management for a grant in the amount
of $20,000.00 with the City designating $4,000.00 in matching funds and/or
in-kind services for a total of $24,000.00 to implement a public outreach
program in Spanish concerning hazardous materials transportation issues with an
emphasis on community protection.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2001-R-116.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
16.
2001-R-119 Declaring the public necessity to acquire
the "Surface Only" of a 3.2326
acre, more or less, parcel of land as right-of-way for the
extension of Springfield Avenue. Said
parcel of land being out of Porcion 24, Abstract 268, 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 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.
Being a 3.2326 acre tract of land, out of Porcion 24, Abstract
268, Toribio Rodriguez, Original Grantee, and being out of a 41.52 acre tract
of land conveyed to Gilbert R. Leyendecker, as per instruments recorded in
Volume 388, Pages 230-1 (10 acre tract), and Volume 390, Page 694, (31.5 acre
tract), Deed Records of Webb County, Texas; said 3.2326 acre tract being
situated in the City of Laredo, County of Webb, State of Texas.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2001-R-119.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
17. 2001-R-120 Declaring the public necessity to acquire
the "Surface Only" of a 1.2831
acre, more or less, parcel of land as a thirty-five-foot-wide
drainage easement along the proposed extension of Springfield Avenue. Said parcel of land being out of Porcion,
24, Abstract 268, 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 purchase at a set 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.
Being a 1.2831 acre tract of land, out of Porcion 24, Abstract
268, Toribio Rodriguez, Original Grantee, and being out of a 41.52 acre tract
of land conveyed to Gilbert R. Leyendecker, as per instruments recorded in
Volume 388, Pages 230.1 (10 acre tract), and Volume 390, Page 694, (31.52 acre
tract), Deed Records of Webb County, Texas; said 1.2831 acre tract being
situated in the City of Laredo, County of Webb, State of Texas.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2001-R-120.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
18. 2001-R-121 Authorizing
the City of Laredo to enter into an interlocal agreement with
the Dallas Area Transit
Authority-Dart, for the assignment of option rights
to the City for the
purchase of two, 40 ft. 102" compressed natural gas
(CNG) buses in the
amount not to exceed $325,000 each from Nova Bus,
Inc.
No action.
XII. MOTIONS
19. Consideration to
authorize the City Manager to award a professional services contract
to Carter Burgess, an engineering firm, for an amount not to
exceed $48,600 to amend the 1997 Master Plan by updating the community's needs
assessments and prioritizing those park activities.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore
Valdez
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
20. Consideration to
rescind the selection of Harry Jewett Associates, Laredo, Texas, as
consultants for the Inner City Park to be located on two City
blocks at Locust/Plum and Barcelona/McDonnell due to complete change in the
project scope of work and budget, and authorize staff to re-submit Request for
Qualifications for the project with the revised Scope of Work.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore
Valdez
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
21. Consideration to
approve an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Laredo and the
County of Webb-Central Welfare Agency for cemetery services. The Interlocal Agreement shall be in effect
from October 1, 2001 to September 30, 2002.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 2
Cm. Amaya
Mayor
Pro Tempore E. Valdez
22. Consideration to award
a contract for a Tennis Professional in the amount of
$26,400.00 for a twelve (12) month period from October 1, 2001 to
September 30, 2002, with Carlos Ortiz, individually and D.B.A. Tennis
Professional, to provide professional tennis lessons at the Market Street
Tennis Courts. Funding for FY 2001-2002
in an amount of $26,400.00 is available from Professional Services in the
Recreation Division.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore
Valdez
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XIII. STAFF REPORTS
23. Presentation by
Patrick McGarry (the City of Laredo arena consultant) of International
Facilities Group,
L.L.C. on the status of the Laredo Entertainment Center.
Patrick McGarry, with IFG, L. L. C, gave a summary report on the
Laredo Entertainment Center. He noted
that the project is performing positively in all measures including schedule,
cost, quality and design.
XIV. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The City Council hereby reserves the right to go into executive
session at any time during this public meeting, when it deems it necessary to
consult privately with its attorney about any item upon this agenda, pursuant
to the provisions of Section 551.071(2) of the Texas Government Code.
XV. ADJOURNMENT
M2001-S-27
City Council Chambers
October 22, 2001
Supplemental Agenda
I. RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MASS
TRANSIT BOARD.
Motion to recess as the Laredo City Council and reconvene as the
Laredo Mass Transit Board.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
1. 2001-RT-006 Authorizing the City of Laredo to enter into
an Interlocal Agreement with
the Dallas Area Transit Authority-Dart, for the assignment of
option rights to the City for the purchase of two 40 ft. 102” compressed natural gas (CNG) buses in
the amount not to exceed $325,000 each from Nova Bus, Inc.
Larry we are waiting for a letter from the Dallas area Rapid
Transit System that spells out the interlocal agreement and we would like you
to make the motion contingent upon our receiving that letter.
Motion contingent on receiving a letter from Dallas Area Rapid
Transit System.
Moved: Cm. J.
Valdez
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to adjourn as the Laredo Mass Transit Board and reconvene
at the Laredo City Council.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore
Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
II. Adjourn
Motion to adjourn.
Moved: Cm. J. Valdez
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 20 are true, complete, and correct
proceedings of the City Council meeting held on October 22, 2001.
_______________________________
Gustavo
Guevara, Jr.
City
Secretary