CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2001-R-31

PLANNING AND ZONING MEETING

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

DECEMBER 3, 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

            John C.  Galo,                                                                          Council Member, District III

            Johnny Amaya,                                                                         Council Member, District IV

            Eliseo Valdez, Jr.,                                                                     Mayor Pro Tempore, District V

            Jose 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

            Valeria Acevedo,                                                                      Assistant City Attorney

 

IV.       MINUTES

 

            None.

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

            Announcements

 

            The Mayor read the following letter:

 

"I would again like to thank you and the City of Laredo for the most positive experience we had with the Texas DEM WMD/Terrorism Incident Preparedness Exercise you hosted in Laredo, July 17 - 19, 2001.  From the early coordination stages through the training periods, the professionalism and dedication of you and the public servants of your city was superb.  Your personal participation through a challenging exercise was an inspiration to your staff and was commented on by our observers and controllers in a most favorable manner. 

 

The objectives of the Texas DEM WMD/Terrorism Incident Preparedness Exercise Program are designed to challenge the city and cause the city to "raise the bar" as far as their ability to respond to a complex incident.  Laredo was faced with challenges that stressed all the systems and agencies in order for you to see how each operated in the response to simulated WMD/terrorism incident.  At the time of the exercise, these fictitious events may have appeared incomprehensible; however, we now see that they are a harsh reality.  Your personal leadership through the scenario and close cooperation with your fire chief, police chief, public health staff, emergency responders, and emergency management staff enabled your city to maximize the training benefits from this exercise.  We are confident that your plans were well tested and that you will sustain and reinforce the strengths you and your staff identified.  We are equally confident that area your leadership and management team identified for improvement will be redesigned based on your observations.  No one knows the strengths and proper solutions for Laredo better than those who are charged with the response efforts to protect the citizens of Laredo. 

 

The events of the past two months have energized communities across this state and in the nation to take a concerted look at their response capabilities and changed many priorities.  The safety and welfare of our citizens remain our foremost task even as the threat has changed.  Your city was in the vanguard of preparing to meet those challenges even before the threat was clear to many others.  Your foresight to request an exercise provided you and Laredo with a unique opportunity to enhance your preparedness capability.

 

We are pleased that our efforts were able to support your city and support the foresight you showed in hosting this exercise.  We look forward to providing any further assistance you may desire.

 

Sincerely,

 

Douglas Rape

Exercise Program Coordinator" 

 

The Mayor read the following letter:

 

"Dear Mayor Flores,

 

Thank you for submitting a resolution in support of the President regarding the acts of war committed against the United Stated on September 11.  In the face of this evil, our country remains strong and united, a beacon of freedom and opportunity to the rest of the world. 

 

Our Government continues to function without interruption.  Our intelligence, military, and law enforcement communities are working non-stop to find those responsible for these acts.  We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who help or harbor them. 

 

We must remember that our Arab and Muslim American citizens love our Nation and must be treated with dignity and respect.  Americans of every creed, ethnicity, and national origin must unite against our common enemies.

 

Since these terrible tragedies occurred, our citizens have been generous, kind, resourceful, and brave.  The President encourages all Americans to find a way to help.  Web sites like LiberyUnites.org, can serve as a resource for those wanting to participate in the relief efforts.

 

The President deeply appreciates the support and prayers of so many Americans.

 

Sincerely,

 

Ruben Barrales

Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs."

 

The Mayor read the following letter:

 

"On behalf of the administration, staff, and children of A. T. Dovalina Elementary School, I wish to thank you for helping to provide the beautiful presentation by the Austin Women's Symphony League which was brought to our school on Friday, November 9, 2001.

 

The Fine Arts is an area which needs to be developed in ALL children, It is a part of what makes a whole, balanced human being.  It is never too early to expose our children to the beauty of music and the wonders which it can open to them.

 

Again, THANK YOU!  The time which you devoted to bring the Symphony to Laredo and to perform for our students is greatly appreciated.  Io know that our children will remember what they saw and the music that they heard.  The notes may have died out in our cafeteria, but they will sound for a very long time in their hearts. 

 

Respectfully yours,

 

Cordelia T.  Cantu, Principal

A. T.  Dovalina Elementary School"

           

            Invitations

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez invited the public to attend the National Day of Reconciliation at the Church of the Crossroads from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on December 4, 2001.   

 

            Recognitions

 

            Communiqués

 

Cm.  Bruni thanked the Police Department for their quick response to a report of a car theft at Mall del Norte. 

 

Cm.  Galo thanked J. L. Gomez, and Juan Johnson, Fire Department employees,  for their quick response time and excellent service administered to a family member. 

 

Cm.  Guerra thanked staff for pruning the palm trees on Del Mar Blvd.  He expressed that he was appreciative to staff for all the assistance in District VI.

 

Cm.  J.  Valdez thanked the Mayor for allowing his daughter to assist in lighting the City Christmas Tree.   He also thanked the Laredo Jaycees for allowing him to be a judge for the Christmas Parade. 

 

Cm.  Ramirez expressed his concern for an elderly women that lost her pet during the Christmas Parade.  

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

            None

 

VII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

            1.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002             annual budget by creating five new full-time teller positions and one new full-time                   supervisor position to operate the City of Laredo Riverfront Parking Lot Facility at the               cost of $147,228.00 and amending the Parking Meters budget to include the revenue                              projected from parking lot fees of $300,000.00 and providing for effective date and                        publication.

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Galo

                 Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

                 Second:  Cm.  Galo

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

           

            2.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend the                             City of Laredo's FY 2001-2002 annual budget in the amount of $1,750,000.00 to fund a               program under U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing                    Service (COPS).  The U.S. Department of Justice will be designating $1,750,000.00 and               the City of Laredo will be designating $516,950.00 in matching funds within the three                              year life of the grant.  Funding will be used to hire 14 additional School Resource                       Officers (SRO).  The funding period for this grant will be from September 1, 2001                      through August 31, 2004.

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

                 Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Galo

                 Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

            3.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002             annual budget in the amount of $3,865.00 for grant year 2001 and $78,129.00 for grant          year 2000 for a total of $81,994.00 to fund the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area                              (HIDTA) Public Corruption Task Force at no cost to the City.  Funding will be used to          pay personnel salaries, overtime, travel and operating expenses from January 1, 2001                     through December 31, 2001.

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Galo

                 Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

                 Second:  Cm.  Galo

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

4.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance altering and extending the boundary limits of

the City of Laredo, annexing additional territory of 10.00 acres beginning at the existing city limits, located out of Porcion 36, as further described by metes and bounds in Attachment "A", specifically, the UISD Tract, providing for the effective date and publication of this ordinance, authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and establishing the initial zoning of R-1 (Single-Family Residential District). 

 

     Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

                 Second:  Cm.  Galo

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

                 Second:  Cm.  Galo

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Agredano

 

5.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance altering and extending the boundary limits of

the City of Laredo, annexing additional territory of 0.34 acres beginning at the existing city limits, located out of Porcion 28, as further described by metes and bounds in Attachment "A", specifically, the Mejia Tract, providing for the effective date and publication of this ordinance, authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and establishing the initial zoning of B-4 (Highway Commercial District). 

 

     Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

                 Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce as B-3 zoning.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Galo

                 Second:  Cm.  Bruni

                 For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Galo

 

6.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance altering and extending the boundary limits of

the City of Laredo, annexing additional territory of 13.67 acres beginning at the existing city limits, located out of Porcion 30, as further described by metes and bounds in Attachment "A", specifically, the Heirloom Tract, providing for the effective date and publication of this ordinance, authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and establishing the initial zoning of M-1 (Light Manufacturing District). 

 

     Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Galo

                 Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

                 Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Bruni

 

7.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance altering and extending the boundary limits of

the City of Laredo, annexing additional territory of 66.126 acres beginning at the existing city limits, located out of Porcion 30, as further described by metes and bounds in Attachment "A", specifically, the Fesco Tract, providing for the effective date and publication of this ordinance, authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and establishing the initial zoning of M-1 (Light Manufacturing District). 

 

     Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

                 Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Guerra

                 Second:  Cm.  Bruni

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  1

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Bruni

 

8.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance altering and extending the boundary limits of

the City of Laredo, annexing additional territory of 0.96 acres beginning at the existing city limits, located out of Porcion 10, as further described by metes and bounds in Attachment "A", specifically, the Flores Tract, providing for the effective date and publication of this ordinance, authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and establishing the initial zoning of M-1 (Light Manufacturing District). 

 

     Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Galo

                 Second:  Cm.  Bruni

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

                 Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

 

9.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance altering and extending the boundary limits of

the City of Laredo, annexing additional territory of 228.6075 acres beginning at the existing city limits, located out of Porcion 31, as further described by metes and bounds in Attachment "A", specifically, the Tex-Mex Railway Tract, providing for the effective date and publication of this ordinance, adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and establishing the initial zoning of M-2 (Heavy Manufacturing District). 

 

     Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Galo

                 Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ray Rodriguez, Attorney for Tex Mex, asked Council to follow the recommendations of Planning and Zoning not to annex the property.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce as M1.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Galo

                 Second:  Cm.  Bruni

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Bruni

 

10.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance altering and extending the boundary limits of

the City of Laredo, annexing additional territory of 642.55 acres beginning at the existing city limits, located out of Porciones 27 and 28, as further described by metes and bounds in Attachment "A", specifically, the Lake/ Life Downs Tract, providing for the effective date and publication of this ordinance, adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and establishing the initial zoning of AG (Agricultural District). 

 

       Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                   Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

                   Second:  Cm.  Galo

                   For:    6                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  2

                                                                                                            Cm.  Amaya

                                                                                                            Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez

 

Pete Morales, Assistant Planning Director for Webb County, asked Council to follow the recommendations from the Planning and Zoning Commission and to deny the annexation of the tract.  He noted that the alternative is a M-2 initial zoning.   

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce; however, take out Life Downs 128 acres and go in as agriculture.

 

                   Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

                   Second:  Cm.  Galo

                   For:     6                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  2

                                                                                                            Cm.  Amaya

                                                                                                            Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez

                   Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Bruni

 

11.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance altering and extending the boundary limits of

the City of Laredo, annexing additional territory of 36.2584 acres beginning at the existing city limits, located out of Porciones 31 and 32, as further described by metes and bounds in Attachment "A", specifically, the Larga Vista Tract, providing for the effective date and publication of this ordinance, adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and establishing the initial zoning of B-1 (Limited Commercial District) for Lots 1, 2 and 37 of Block 1 and Lots 1 and 2 of Block 4 of Larga Vista Subdivision, and R-3 (Mixed Residential District) for the remainder of the tract.

 

       Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                   Moved:  Cm.  Galo

                   Second:  Cm.  Bruni

                   For:     6                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  2

                                                                                                            Cm.  Amaya

                                                                                                            Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez

 

Pete Morales, Assistant Planning Director, spoke in favor of the ordinance. 

 

                   Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                   Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

                   Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                   For:     6                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  2

                                                                                                            Cm.  Amaya

                                                                                                            Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez

                   Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Bruni

 

12.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance altering and extending the boundary limits of

the City of Laredo, annexing additional territory of 137.8539 acres beginning at the existing city limits, located out of Webb County school survey no. 1462, as further described by metes and bounds in Attachment "A", specifically, the Colombia Bridge Tract, providing for the effective date and publication of this ordinance, adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and establishing the initial zoning of M-1 (Light Manufacturing District).

 

       Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                   Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

                   Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                   For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                   There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce as AG with an amendment at the first reading.              

 

Moved:  Cm.  J. Valdez 

                   Second:  Cm.  Bruni

                   For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                   Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

 

VIII.    GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

           

13.  A.  Request by Council Member Louis H. Bruni

 

1.  Status report on Council directive to overlay the 2200, 2300, and 2400 blocks of

     O'Kane.

 

Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported that the plans for blocks 2200, 2300 and 2400 of O'Kane were submitted to the Utilities Committee which will be meeting next week.  He will report back to Council with the results.  

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, reiterated that staff needs to consult with the Utilities Committee before the overlay is done.  He noted that the project will be included in the Recycling Program. 

 

Cm.  Bruni asked staff to expedite the project. 

 

2.  Status report on the street lighting on Jacaman Street and McPherson Avenue.

 

Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, reported that the project is now in the bidding stages, and the lights will be installed in the later part of Summer 2002.

 

3.  Status report on the City of Laredo's secondary water source with possible action.

 

Mike Ingle, from CH2MHill stated that the City is scheduled to receive proposals from opponents on the 19th of December 2001.  Once the proposals are received the company will review them and report back to the City Manager with their evaluation the later part of January.  He noted that legal review will be done by external and internal consultants.  If Council decides to proceed further with one of the proponents, then the next step would be to develop a letter of intent. 

 

Cm.  Galo suggested that Council authorize the City Manager to go directly into negotiations instead of working through a process of developing a letter of intent.

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, noted that once the report is complete that Council can give directions on how to proceed.

 

IX.       INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

 

14.  Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to effectively convey

title to the State of Texas, to the "Surface Only" of two corner clips acquired in fee simple, as right-of-way for the Bob Bullock Loop also known as Loop 20, as per Resolution No. 2001-R-101, as approved by City Council.  Said corner clips being delineated in attached Exhibit "A", and providing for an effective date.

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

X.        FINAL READINGS OF ORDINANCES 

 

Motion to waive final readings of Ordinances # 2001-O-279, # 2001-O-280, # 2001-O-281 and # 2001-O-282.

                       

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

Second:  Cm.  Galo

For:     8                                               Against:  0                                            Against:  0

 

15.  2001-O-279  Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by

authorizing the issuance a Conditional Use Permit for a   portrait studio on Lots 4, 5, and the East 1/2 of Lot 3, Block 1268, Eastern Division, located at 2219 Clark Blvd; providing for publication and effective date.  (As amended)

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2001-O-279.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                              Against:  0                                Abstain:  0                   

 2001-O-280  Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning

    12.8447 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached 

    Exhibit "A", located south of Avenida Los Presidentes and east of United

    South High School, from AG (Agricultural District) to R-1A (Single

    Family Reduced Area District); providing for publication and effective  

    date. 

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2001-O-280.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

     For:     8                              Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

  2001-O-281  Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning

Lot 2, Block 1456, Eastern Division, located at 2505 Thurman St., from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential District); providing for publication and effective date. 

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2001-O-279.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

     For:     8                              Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

2001-O-282  Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Texas #20 Rural

Cellular, Inc., d/b/a "US Cellular", for a 30' x 30' ground space at the Scott Street Park located at 302 Scott Street, Laredo, Webb County, Texas and being more fully described in Exhibit "A" of lease agreement to construct on such premises a 70 ft. high self supporting tower and related equipment building for use with its communication business. Term of the lease is five (5) years commencing December 3, 2001 and ending December 2, 2006 with four (4) successive renewal terms of five (5) years.  Annual base rate rent shall be $8,400.00 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.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2001-O-282.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

     For:     8                              Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

XI.       RESOLUTIONS

 

16.  2001-R-138  Accepting the donation of the "Surface Only" of one parcel of land from

San Isidro Southwest Ltd., for the construction of a public park.  Said parcel of land being Lot 2, Block 1, San Isidro Divine Mercy Church Subdivision, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas.

 

Motion to approve Resolution # 2001-R-138.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Bruni

For:     8                               Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

17.  2001-R-139  Accepting the donation of the "Surface Only" of a 9.0117 acre tract of

land, or less, from Capital P, Ltd., for the construction of a public park.  Said tract of land being situated in Porcion No. 28, Abstract No. 241, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2001-R-139.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Bruni

For:     8                               Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

18.  2001-R-140  Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant with the Office of the

Governor, Criminal Justice Division. The Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division will be funding 90% of the Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grant and the City of Laredo will be designating 10% in matching funds.  Funding will be used to pay for the salaries of an Administrative Assistant II position and to purchase the necessary equipment to establish a database for the juvenile program.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2001-R-140.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Bruni

For:     8                               Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

XII.     MOTIONS

 

19.  Consideration to award a three-year lease purchase contract (FY 02-032) to the Low

Bidder, Philpott Motors, Port Neches, Texas, in the total amount of $751,943.90, for the acquisition of thirty (30) replacement police sedans; and authorizing the City Manager to sign any and all lease purchase documents.  Financing will be secured through Ford Municipal Lease Corporation.  The City is requesting that these vehicles be delivered fully equipped with light bars, sirens, decals, and other accessories normally installed by the Fleet Maintenance Division.  Only the radios will be installed after the vehicles have been delivered to the City.  This will expedite the process to activate units for patrol duty.  The lease purchase payments have been allocated in the Police Trust Fund.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

           

20.  Consideration to award contract FY 02-029 to Outdoor Systems Mexico, S.A. de C.V.,

Monterrey, N.L. for outdoor billboard advertising in Mexico, in the amount of $71,667.84 and authorizing the City Manager to sign any and all contract documents.  The term of the contract will be for one year with an option to renew for two additional one-year terms.  Billboards are contracted for the following cities:  Monterrey (4), Guadalajara (2), Monclova (1), Torreon (1), San Luis Potosi (1), and Saltillo (2).  Funding is available in the Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau Billboard advertising account.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

           

21.  Consideration to approve one (1) monthly Third Party Funding contract.  The contract

is for the Fiscal Year October 1, 2001 through September 30, 2002 for the Laredo Webb County Child Welfare Board in the amount of $4,500.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

22.  Consideration to authorize the City Manager to donate and/or sell surplus equipment to

       our Sister City of San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato.

 

       The total salvage value was $11,000 @ 25% - $2,750.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

XIII.    STAFF REPORT

 

23.  Presentation by Fire Chief Luis Sosa, Jr. regarding the possibility of creating a Fourth

       (4th) Fire District for the Laredo Fire Department.

 

Sandy Gibson, an employee of the Laredo Fire Department, expressed his dissatisfaction of creating a Fourth Fire District.  

 

Fire Chief Luis F. Sosa gave the following presentation:

 

Proposed Fourth Fire District

 

Current Structure per Shift

 

·        Three (3) District Chief's per Shift

·        Thirteen (13) Fire Stations supervised by Sixteen (16) Suppression Captains: Four (4) Man fire Units (includes airport ARFF rescue vehicle)

·        Two (2) EMS Supervisors/Safety Officers

·        Seven (7) EMS (Ambulance) Units:  Two (2) Man Ambulance Units

·        Two (2) Additional Ambulance Unites and One (1) Aerial Truck Unit on line by May 2003

 

Proposed Five Year Plan

 

·        Four (4) District Chief's per shift

·        Sixteen (16) Fire Stations Supervised by Twenty-One (21) Suppressions Captains: Four (4) Man Fire Unites

·        Four (4) EMS Supervisors/Safety Officer

·        Eleven (11) EMS (Ambulance) Unites:  Two (2) Man Ambulance Units

 

Fire Station Locations

 

Station # 1

Guadalupe

Station # 2

Zacatecas

Station # 3

San Bernardo

Station # 4

Houston

Station # 5

Bartlett

Station # 6

Maher

Station # 7

Calton

Station # 8

Del Mar

Station # 9

Mines Road

Station # 10

Mcpherson

Station # 11

Hwy 359

Station # 12

TAMIU

Station # 13

TRN Field

Station # 14

Ceilito Lindo

Station # 15

HWY 59

Station # 16

IH-35

 

Span of Control

 

National Standards recommend a span of Control from five (5) to seven (7) unites per command officer

 

Currently we comply with the recommended and accepted number of supervisory personnel

 

My recommendation is to implement the fourth fire district upon reaching the completeion of fire station sixteen (16)

 

Budgetary Cost Analysis

 

One (1) District Chief including all Benefits $91,000 per year

 

Three (3) District Chief's $273,000 per year

 

One (1) Emergency Response Vehicle @ $35,000 (fully equipped)

 

Total Estimated Budgetary Impact $308,000

 

These are new positions that are intended to be fully funded in the upcoming fiscal year.

 

Motion to go implement the Fourth Fire District upon reaching the completion of the station # 14.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Ramirez

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, noted that according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement that the City has with the Association, all the authority for the organizational  structure is determined by the Fire Chief.  He added that the presentation given by the Fire Chief is a presentation to inform Council what staff anticipates in the future and there is no need for a motion.  He also stated that four ambulances have been ordered and will be arriving in the later part of February. 

           

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

 

      Motion to adjourn.                                                                                            Time:  7:30 p.m.

 

            Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

            Second:  Cm.  Amaya

            For:     8                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

City of Laredo

Supplemental Agenda

 

I.          General Council Discussions and Presentations

 

            1.  Request by Council Member John C.  Galo

 

1.  Discussion with possible action for City to initiate a dumpster system to pick-up and

     remove yard debris and branches.

 

Oscar Medina, Assistant Public Works Director, said that based on prior experiences he does not recommend initiating a dumpster system because it creates problems.  He noted that people dump hazardous materials, and people continue to use the site as a dump site even when the dumpster is removed.  He gave a comprehensive report on the efforts that the department is taking to alleviate the problems of yard debris and branches.

 

II.        ADJOURNMENT

 

      Motion to adjourn.                                                                                            Time:  7:30 p.m.

 

            Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

            Second:  Cm.  Amaya

            For:     8                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

I, Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary, do hereby certify that the above minutes contained in pages 01 to 16 are true, complete, and correct proceedings of the City Council meeting held on December 03, 2002.

 

                                                                                               

                                                                                                _______________________________

                                                                                                Gustavo Guevara, Jr.

                                                                                                City Secretary