CITY OF LAREDO
CITY
COUNCIL MEETING
M2002-R-08
CITY
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO,
TEXAS 78040
APRIL 15, 2002
5:30 P.M.
I. CALL
TO ORDER
With a quorum present, Mayor
Elizabeth G. Flores called the meeting
to order.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
In attendance:
Alfredo Agredano, Council
Member, District I
Louis H. Bruni, Council
Member, District II
John C. Galo, Council
Member, District III
Johnny Amaya, Council Member, District IV
Eliseo Valdez, Jr., Mayor
Pro Tempore, District V
Joe A. Guerra, Council
Member, District VI
Jose A. Valdez, Jr., Council
Member, District VII
Juan Ramirez, Council
Member, District VIII
Cynthia Collazo, Assistant
City Manager
Jaime Flores, City
Attorney
Motion to excuse Mayor Elizabeth
G. Flores.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IV. MINUTES
None.
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
a.
Alexandra Ortiz and Alexia Quintero, 7th grade students from United
Middle School,
will sing National Anthem.
Alexandria Ortiz and Alexia Quintero gave a rendition of our
National Anthem. They also presented
the Mayor and City Council with a photograph.
Cm. Ramirez announced that Martin High School will be holding a
Project Grad program on May 1, 2002.
They will also be holding a rally that same day from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00
p.m. in the school cafeteria. On May 4,
2002, parents, teachers, and students will visit 187 homes of Christen Middle
School 8th graders who are expected to
attend Martin High School in order to meet with their parents.
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. publicly thanked Conrado Cruz of Rio Grande
Little League for the invitation extended to attend the inauguration of the
league's new season. He mentioned that
the organization had a tremendous turnout.
Cm. Amaya congratulated Blanca Castro for being named as
Chairperson of the Telecommunications Advisory Committee.
Cm. Galo thanked Webb County for conducting an arrest on the
illegal dumping violations. He
mentioned that he trusts they will continue the good work and that the City of
Laredo will continue to be more active in that area.
Cm. Bruni submitted the Southwest Texas Rain Enhancement
Association's report for Flights No. 5 and No. 6 conducted April 14, 2002, for
the record.
Cm. Agredano spoke about his thoughts for naming the new
Firefighters Training Facility. After
speaking to former Chief Mike Perez, he agreed that the training facility
should not carry the name of any one in particular but should be named the
Firefighters Training Facility to honor all firefighters.
b.
Presentation and demonstration of the Hercules Robot by the United
Engineering and
Technology Magnet staff and
students.
David Canales, Magnet School Engineering Program Director, stated
that a group of the United Engineering and Technology Magnet School students
recently competed at the state and national level with other magnet schools
throughout the country. The group
garnered the Rookie All-Star award at the competition and their entry advanced all the way to the quarter finals. He expects the students will submit another
entry next year.
Invitations
None.
Recognitions
None.
Communiqués
a.
Friends of the Library donation in the amount of $23,000.00 to the
Laredo Public
Library.
The Friends of the Library presented the public library a check
for $23,000.00 from funds collected through sales from the Book of Knowledge.
John Castro, student at United High School, spoke about the
advantages in passing a Living Wage Ordinance for local employees.
VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES
None.
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1.
Public hearing granting Reliant Energy Entex, a division of Reliant
Energy Resources
Corp., and its
successors, the right, privilege and franchise to construct, lay, maintain and
operate pipelines and gas mains in, under, over, across and along, and to usepresent
and future streets, alleys, public thoroughfares and grounds of the City of
Laredo, for the purpose of transporting, distributing and selling gas (natural,
artificial or mixed) for all
purposes for which gas is or may be used
to the municipality and inhabitants of said City of Laredo, Texas, and to any
other person or persons, for a term of twenty years;
providing for the manner of acceptance of
this franchise by Entex; providing for payment by Entex to City for the rights
and privileges granted by this franchise; and
making miscellaneous provisions in
connection therewith.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Nelda Juarez, District Manager from Reliant Energy Entex, spoke in
favor of renewing the franchise.
Motion to close the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Fiscal Year
2001-2002 budget of the City of Laredo in the amount of $10,000.00 in additional
funds from the Texas Department of Health for the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Education
Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning
January 1, 2002, through
December 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. J.
Valdez, Jr.
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
3.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager
to amend the
City of Laredo FY 2001-2002 annual budget
by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $30,000.00 for Project
Alcance. This program will support
outreach and educational services of the Promotora
Program. Driscoll Children's Health
Plans of Corpus Christi has awarded a $30,000.00 grant to 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. Guerra
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
4.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance repealing Ordinance Number
2001-O-279 and authorizing the issuance of 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. On September 20, 2001, the
Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the originally
proposed B-1 zone change.
Motion to open the
public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Gloria Tellez,
representing the applicant, spoke in favor of the Conditional Use Permit.
Mario Gutierrez, applicant, requested that City Council approve
the issuance of a Conditional
Use Permit.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce as a Conditional
Use Permit for three years on the condition that applicant encloses the exposed
water heater.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm.
Ramirez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm.
Bruni
5. Public hearing and
introductory 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 Street and Cedar Avenue which were previous public
right-of-ways, located at 420 Logan Avenue, from M-1 (Light Manufacturing
District) to M-2 (Heavy Manufacturing District); providing for publication and
effective date. The Planning and Zoning
Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change.
Motion to open the
public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ron Whitehawk, representing Tex-Mex Railway, stated that they have
subleased this location to Frontier Logistics.
He mentioned that City Council had heard of this request for a zone
change before, but it was placed in the context of the Tex-Mex ownership. There were some issues that had to be
settled between the City and Tex-Mex which have now been resolved. He is requesting that the user be allowed to
continue operating his business at this location.
Motion to close the public hearing, deny the zone change but allow
a Conditional Use Permit for a period of 10 years with the following
conditions:
1. The C. U. P. is restricted to the storage and handling of
the polystyrene beads.
2. The applicant shall
have the existing wet sprinkler system monitored, and install
water-flow alarms.
3. All areas used by
vehicles for access or maneuvering shall have a level paved surface.
4. Gate arms shall be
placed at the railroad crossing on Logan Ave.
5. All parking shall
comply with the Laredo Land Development Code.
6. The applicant shall
comply with all conditions imposed by the Conditional Use
Permit within six
months of approval date, providing for publication and effective
date.
7. The Conditional Use
Permit is granted to the Texas Mexican Railroad Company and
is
nontransferable.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm.
Galo
6. Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 2.6479 acres, as further described by
metes and bounds in attached Exhibit "A", located north of
International Blvd. and east of Bazan Subdivision, from R-3 (Mixed Residential
District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District); providing for publication and
effective date. The Planning and Zoning
Commission has recommended denial of the proposed M-1 designation and approval
of a B-3 zone change which will require the applicant to apply separately for a
Special Use Permit for a mini-storage warehouse.
Motion to open the
public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Fred Guerra, of G. G. Salinas Engineering, spoke in favor of the B-3
zone change.
Jane Connelly, resident, stated that she was opposed to the M-1 zone
change.
Jesus Longoria stated that he was opposed to the M-1 zone change.
Motion to close the
public hearing and deny the M-1 and support a B-3 zone change.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 1
Cm. Guerra
Ordinance Introduction: Cm.
Bruni
7. Public hearing and
introductory 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 Avenue, Piedra China Street, and Logan Avenue which
were previous public right-of-ways, located at 301 Logan Avenue, from M-1 (Light
Manufacturing District) to M-2 (Heavy Manufacturing District); providing for
publication and effective date. The
Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone
change.
Motion to open the
public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ron Whitehawk, representing Tex-Mex Railway, stated that this was
a companion piece to the item discussed under Public Hearing No. 5. He stated that the land use, the applicant,
and the conditions are exactly the same as Item No. 5 and requests that the
user be allowed to continue operating his business at this location.
Motion to close the public
hearing, deny the zone change but allow a Conditional Use
Permit for 10 years with
the following conditions:
1. The Conditonal Use
Permit is restricted to the storage and handling of the polystyrene
beads.
2. The applicant shall
provide a monitored, wet sprinkler system throughout the entire
facility.
3. All areas used by
vehicles for access or maneuvering shall have a level paved surface.
4. Gate arms shall be
placed at the railroad crossing on Logan Ave.
5. All parking shall
comply with the Laredo Land Development Code.
6. The applicant shall
comply with all conditions imposed by the Conditional Use
Permit within six
months of approval date, providing for publication and effective
date.
7. The Conditional Use
Permit is granted to the Texas Mexican Railroad Company and
is nontransferable
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm.
Galo
8. Public hearing and
introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept and
execute the Vehicle Capital Replacement (VCR) grant 0201 (22)
contract no. 51222F6007 with the Texas Department of Transportation in the
total dollar amount of $773,126.00; consisting of federal funds of $773,126.00
and providing for a soft match of $193,282.00 state toll credits and amending
the FY 2001-2002 budget by appropriating all grant funds in the total amount of
$773,126.00; and providing for grant/contract funds to be deposited in the City
of Laredo Transit Fund.
Motion to open the
public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
VIII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND
PRESENTATIONS
9. A. Request by Council Member Louis H. Bruni
1.
Status report on the brick pavers on Clark Blvd.
Rogelio
Rivera, City Engineer, reported that the material is out for bid, and the bid
should be awarded by May 6, 2002. He
stated that a Public Works crew will install the brick pavers once the material
is received.
2.
Status report on Eastwoods Park.
This item was tabled for the next City Council meeting.
3.
Discussion with possible action on the intersection of Saunders and
Milmo.
Roberto
Murillo, Traffic Director, noted that back in 1998 there was a request for a
traffic signal in the area. One of the
studies completed was funded by the HEB store and their recommendation was to
install a traffic light at that corner.
Said information was forwarded to TxDOT for them for consideration by
them. At that time, the City received a
letter stating that they wanted to wait for all the improvements to be
completed on that street. They would
have to wait until all the improvements were in place and then follow up with a
study. He mentioned that they never did
get consent from any property owners that they would be donating property to
the City.
Motion
to contact the new owners and put them on notice of the City's request to have
them donate property for street widening project.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm.
Ramirez not present.
4.
Status report on the empty lot on Los Ebanos Subdivision.
Erasmo
Villarreal, Community Development Director, stated that the individual was
cited back in September. The department
has again contacted the owner regarding overgrown weeds and a junked vehicle
and they will once again address this issue with the property owner.
B. Request by Council Member Joe A. Guerra
1. Request by Chris Notzon
to discuss the possibility of a moratorium on sexually
oriented businesses in
the City of Laredo, with possible action.
Cordelia
Flores, resident of District VI, spoke about preserving and protecting our
community values. She urged City
Council to implement and enforce the strictest ordinance possible to raise the
standards for issuance of permits for these types of businesses.
Dallas
Moore spoke in favor of a moratorium on sexually oriented businesses.
Marcia
Jovel spoke about the immorality perpetuated by these types of businesses.
Father
Richard Voight mentioned that humankind has a particular dignity and value
which must be maintained. He stated
that he supports Chris Notzon and his proposal that Laredo should make a
statement to the world that we protect the individual's dignity.
Chris
Notzon submitted petitions from members of the community in support of a
moratorium on sexually oriented businesses.
He mentioned that there are cities that have taken it upon themselves to
conduct sexually oriented businesses land use studies. He stated that the City should avoid the
proliferation of sexually oriented businesses in the community. He would like for the City to look at what
other cities have done as far as the formulation of land use studies,
implementation of these land use studies, and then be able to make educated
recommendations from those findings.
Motion
to instruct staff to put together a focus group and see how staff can implement
this type of action in the City of Laredo, and at the same time look into what
restrictions are applicable under the county's jurisdiction to reduce the
possibility of these businesses obtaining a permit through them.
Moved: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm.
Galo mentioned how the entire City Council voted against the first application
made by one of these businesses, the City was involved in litigation and lost
the lawsuit. He does not want to have
the City involved in another lawsuit and waste taxpayers money to fight a
battle that cannot be won. He mentioned
that everyone has to abide by federal statutes and this particular issue falls
under federal law. If citizens want to
make changes, they have to work aggressively for changes to come about and also
go out and vote.
C. Request by Council
Member Jose A. Valdez, Jr.
1. Discussion with
possible action on resurfacing Markley Lane between Santa
Maria and the furthest
railroad line west of Markley Lane.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, stated that due to safety concerns,
the department has in the past done paving over the railroad tracks.
Motion to resurface and level off the area on Markley Lane between
Santa Maria
and the furthest railroad line west of Markley Lane.
Moved: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
Second: Cm. Ramirez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cynthia
Collazo, Assistant City Manager, mentioned that staff would review the projects
that the City has and look into cost savings
in order to fund this project.
2. Discussion with
possible action on widening the entrance to Rancho Viejo to
include a left turn
lane.
Rogelio
Rivera, City Engineer, stated that they will remove the island out in the
middle of the street and that would allow for addition of another lane to
provide a smoother flow of traffic.
Motion
to look into available cost savings in order to fund this project.
Moved: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
3. Discussion with
possible action regarding sidewalk requirements for new home
construction
throughout the City of Laredo.
Keith
Selman, City Planner, stated that the revised ordinance provides for the
construction of the sidewalk to be coordinated with the construction of a home
in a new subdivision. He mentioned that
this new provision under the 1995 ordinance provides some exemptions as well
for subdivisions that had been adopted under the previous ordinance. So, if there was a subdivision that had been
approved prior to 1995, then the
sidewalk would have been done during the development process. He also stated that sidewalks are now
required on both sides of a street as per the ordinance. Under the current ordinance, any individual
being issued a building permit in a commercially zoned area, whether it pre-dates
that 1995 period or not, has to put a sidewalk in. However, if someone were to go through a replat that exceeds a
quarter of a block, then the sidewalks would be required in the replatting
process. There are circumstances where
the sidewalks have to go in at the development process such as in double
furnished lots.
Cm.
Agredano inquired whether a property owner
would have to obtain a permit if he starts building a home in a
subdivision and then wants to include a
driveway where they have existing sidewalks.
Keith
Selman replied that the owner would have to obtain a permit through the
Engineering Department.
4.
Discussion with possible action to approve skate park equipment in
District VII.
Horacio
De Leon, Parks and Recreation Director, reported that on April 3, 2002, city
staff reviewed bids and requested information from the low bidder. City staff also requested an inspection of
the low bidder's product. On April 11,
2002, the low bidder exhibited the product for inspection and evaluation. He mentioned that he met with
representatives of the high bidder earlier today where several questions were
raised concerning compliance. He
requested additional time to make a recommendation to City Council. He proposed that a motion be considered at
the next regularly scheduled meeting for approval of the lowest qualified
bidder.
Motion
to place this item for the next City Council meeting.
Moved: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Dan Garner, representing Skateway, stated that many of these skate
park companies are building modular skate parks without meeting the
specifications required by a municipality.
For example, the systems must be ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified. He mentioned that Skateway is one of the few
companies that meets these manufacturer requirements.
Ramon R. Garza, representating American Ramp Company, stated that
this company was the low bidder. He
wanted to dispel some of the misrepresentations made regarding the quality of
the product being manufactured by this company. He mentioned that all the ramps are prefabricated, everything is
laser cut and laser welded. He also
stated that everything is assembled on site by certified technicians.
Cm. Valdez inquired about the difference in costs between the
earlier bid and the current bid for the skate park.
Horacio De Leon, Parks and Recreation Director, stated that the
cost for the current bid has increased by approximately $10,000.00 for the same
unit.
Francisco Meza, Purchasing Agent, reported that these
specifications were the same ones used for the first purchase of the skate
park. He mentioned that there is not
sufficient information out there to develop a quality specification. He also stated that any vendor is welcome to
question a requirement that the City has on its Request for Proposals.
D. Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez
1. Discussion with
possible action regarding suspension of Taxi permit #047 issued
to Nora Madrid.
Jaime
Flores, City Attorney, mentioned that he has discussed the suspension with the
applicant's legal counsel, Homero Martinez, and he has agreed to present the
appeal to City Council at the next meeting.
He stated that Homero Martinez has submitted a written appeal as
required by city ordinance and this protects the applicant's 10-day period of
appeal. City Council can hear and
discuss the appeal and either grant or deny the revocation at that time.
Motion
to allow Nora Madrid to operate her taxicab pending the decision to be made by
City Council at the next council meeting.
Moved: Cm. Ramirez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 6 Against: 1 Abstain: 0
Cm.
Galo
2. Discussion with
possible action regarding a public access program for City
Council to inform their district of current developments.
Blasita Lopez, Public Information Officer, suggested doing
televised segments and recording interviews with each Council Member to
highlight the issues of importance in each one's particular district. She mentioned that the office does prepare
and distribute public service announcements to local media entities regarding
the projects initiated by different city departments.
Cm. Ramirez mentioned that he would like to work on a 30-minute
televised program that would air once a month to inform the general public of
certain events taking place such as groundbreaking ceremonies.
Cynthia Collazo, Assistant City Manager, mentioned that Blasita
Lopez provides a calendar of events in the weekly packet prepared for City
Council and these events are scheduled around Council Members'
availability. She mentioned that staff
will work with individual Council Members in order to address any particular
event quickly if it is coming up in the near future. She further stated that producing a televised program is very
time consuming for staff, but she and staff will be willing to work with all
Council Members to ensure that their constituents are informed of upcoming
events and projects.
Motion to reinstate the public access program.
Moved: Cm. Ramirez
Second: Cm. J. Valdez,
Jr.
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm.
Bruni not present
3. Discussion with
possible action regarding improving San Bernardo Avenue to
include resurfacing, removing of telephone poles and possibly
adding traffic lights.
Cynthia Collazo, Assistant City Manager, stated that staff would
study the area in order to prepare a cost estimate and place it on the Capital
Improvement Program.
4. Discussion with
possible action regarding the increase of Council Member
requests to 6 six
items per council member.
Cynthia
Collazo, Assistant City Manager, mentioned that staff is available to meet and
discuss particular concerns that the Council Members want addressed. She stated that the Customer Service
Representative Eddie Zavala meets on a weekly basis with the other
representatives, monitors the issues that come about, and provides updates to
City Council. She also mentioned that
Jessica Hein, Assistant to the City Manager, is also available to accept and go
over any administrative requests the Council Members may have.
Motion
to increase the number of items brought before City Council to six.
Motion
was made by Cm. Ramirez, no second was made; motion dies for lack of a second.
IX. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
10. Setting the maximum
speed limit within the city limits of Laredo, Webb County,
Texas, as 50 miles per hour from mile post 1.100 to mile point
7.008 of Loop 20 as defined in the Texas Department of Transportation control
section map 0086-14 to be in effect during the reconstruction of Loop 20.
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
11. Authorizing the City
Manager to execute a Lease Amendment to the lease agreement
authorized by Ordinance No. 2001-0-138 dated July 16, 2001,
between the City of Laredo and South Texas Development Council for
approximately 2,048 square feet constituting Suite Numbers 12, 14, 16 and 18 of
Building No. S-1 located at 1718 E. Calton Road. Said Amendment will decrease the leased area from 2,048 square
feet to 1,376 square feet by deleting Suite No. 16 and decrease the monthly
rent accordingly from $2,580.50 to $1,733.78, effective October 1, 2001. All other terms and conditions remain in
effect and unchanged; providing for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
12. Authorizing the City
Manager to execute a Lease Agreement with South Texas
Development Council for approximately 300 square feet constituting
Suite Number 22 of Building S-1 located at 1718 E. Calton Road at the Laredo
International Airport. Lease term is
for one-year (1) year commencing on April 1, 2002 and ending on March 31, 2003
and may be extended for two (2) terms of one year (1) each ending on March 31,
2004 and March 31, 2005. Monthly rent
shall be $375.00 and will be adjusted annually during the primary and extension
terms of this lease according to changes in the Consumer Price Index; providing
for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
X. FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES
Internet Availability: www.ci.laredo.tx.us.
Motion to waive the final readings
of Ordinance # 2002-O-065 and 2002-O-079.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
13. 2002-O-065 Amending Chapter XI, Truck Traffic, Division
2, Truck Routes, Section
19-410 Truck Routes Designated and Section 19-415 Departure from
and Return to a Designated Truck Route, of Chapter 19, the City of Laredo Code
of Ordinances by deleting Lafayette Street westbound only from IH 35 to Santa
Isabel Avenue, clarifying U.S. 83 to include Houston and Matamoros, designating
all of Loop 20 to the World Trade Bridge and eliminating the restrictive
location for services and repairs off the truck route; providing for publication
and effective date. (As amended)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-065.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-079 An ordinance establishing a 15% penalty on
the 2001 delinquent
tax accounts as of
July 1, 2002 to defray costs of collection pursuant to
Section 33.07 (a) of
the Texas State Property Tax Code; providing for
publication and
effective date.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-079.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XI. RESOLUTIONS
14. 2002-R-036 Repealing Resolution Numbers 96-R-108,
96-R-109, 96-R-110, 97-R-
028, 97-R-029, 99-R-024, 2000-R-039, 2000-R-072, 2000-R-133,
2000-R-134, and resolving that the City Manager is authorized to execute a new
Subordination, Non-Disturbance and Attornment Agreement between the City of
Laredo, as Lessor, L.A. Ventures, Inc., as Lessee, and International Bank of
Commerce, as Lender, thereby encumbering the leasehold interest regarding Lot
Numbers, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 and consolidating the existing debt
in the amount of $3,225,000.00 and reducing the interest rates on the ten (10)
cargo buildings constructed by Lessee on the referenced lots located in Block No.
1 at the Laredo International Airpark Subdivision at the Laredo International
Airport. The term of the Subordination,
Non-Disturbance and Attornment Agreement is to March 31, 2016; providing for an
effective date.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2002-R-036.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
15. 2002-R-037 Authorizing the City Manager to apply for a
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) Fire Grant for the
acquisition of an Emergency
Vehicle in the amount of
$597,587.00 in which the City of Laredo has to
provide thirty percent ($179,276.00) of this amount and FEMA seventy
percent ($418,311.00). This
grant is to be used to purchase a Hazmat
Response Unit for the Laredo Fire Department.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2002-R-037.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
16. 2002-R-038 Confirming the appointment for a member of
the Fire Fighter's & Police
Officer's Civil Service Commission of the City of Laredo to be
determined by the City Manager.
Conrado Hein will be the appointee for the Fire Fighter's &
Police Officer's Civil Service Commission.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2002-R-038.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XII. MOTIONS
17. Consideration to award
contract number FY 02-084 to the Low Bidder, Roberto Lopez,
DBA Al & Rob Sales, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of
$47,650.00 for the purchase of uniforms for Bridge Department personnel. The contract pricing will be valid for a
period of six (6) months. The uniforms
will be delivered thirty days after measurements have been completed. Funding is available in the Bridge Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. and
Cm. Guerra were not present.
18. Consideration to award
contract number FY 02-083, a thirty-six month rental contract
to Office Communication System, Inc., San Antonio, Texas in the
base amount of $35,640.00 for providing a color copier for use by all City
departments. The copier is assigned to
the City Secretary's Office. The cost
per copy is $0.37, which is approximately 44% less than the current rate. Each user department is charged for their
actual usage. Funding is available in
the respective departmental budgets.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. and Cm.
Guerra were not present.
19. Refund of property tax
to the following taxpayers and companies:
a. A refund in the amount
of $610.36 payable to Rogelio and Anna Eliza Martinez
due to double payment by Neel Title Corporation and Alliance
Mortgage. Account # 923-00026-527.
b. A refund in the amount
of $590.36 payable to Ricardo Rendon and Veronica
Rodriguez due to a double payment by Webb County Title Company and
the mortgage company. Account
#985-83003-190.
c. A refund in the amount
of $598.43 payable to Armando Diaz Cortez due to a
double payment on behalf of Border Abstract and the mortgage
company. Account #980-60003-130.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. and Cm.
Guerra were not present.
20. Approving monthly
adjustments to the tax roll. The amount
to be adjusted for the
month of March 2002 represents an increase in levy of
$3,506.10. These adjustments are
determined by the Webb County Appraisal District and court orders.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. and
Cm. Guerra were not present.
21. Consideration to award
a contract for collection of delinquent taxes with the firm of
Ricardo de Anda, Attorney at Law, to be renewed for the period of
July 1, 2002 to September 30, 2005.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. and
Cm. Guerra were not present.
22. Consideration for
approval of change order no. 1, a decrease of $37,524.06 for the
balance of quantities actually constructed in place, acceptance of
the 2001-2002 Street Recycling Project (133.5 Blocks-Revised) and approval of
final payment in the amount of $42,013.23 to Cutler Repaving, Inc., Lawrence,
Kansas. Final contract amount is
$315,269.94. Funding is available in
the Infrastructure Maintenance Street Materials/Cutler Paving.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. and
Cm. Guerra were not present.
23. Consideration to
authorize the purchase of one (1) four-door truck and one sports utility
vehicle (SUV) through the Houston Galveston Area Council of
Governments (HGAC)-Cooperative Purchasing Program in the total amount of
$52,690.58. These vehicles will be
assigned to the Fire Department's Training Division. Delivery is expected within 90-100 days. Funding is available in the Fire Department
Capital Outlay budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. and Cm. Guerra were not present.
24. Consideration to
authorize the purchase of one (1), regenerative air sweeper mounted
on a Freightliner Cab and Chassis through Houston Galveston Area
Council of Governments (HGAC) - Cooperative Purchasing Program, in the total
amount of $109,669.00. This sweeper
will be assigned to the Public Works Department. Delivery is expected within 90-100 days. Funding is available in the 2002-A PPFCO
Contractual Obligation bond proceeds.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. and
Cm. Guerra were not present.
25. Consideration to award
contract number FY 01-034 to the Low Bidder, The Newman
Group, Dexter, Michigan, in the amount of $70,077.00 for providing
an annual maintenance contract for the City's Institutional Network (I-Net)
switching equipment. This contract
includes technical support, equipment replacement for defective parts, and
software upgrades for all I-Net equipment purchased by the City. Funding is available in the respective user
departmental budgets.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. and
Cm. Guerra were not present.
26. Amending a contract
with Harry Jewett Associates, Inc., Laredo, Texas for $15,610.00
to include aerial photography surveys and additional surveying
services required to acquire easements for the water distribution lines on
Mines Road Area. The amendment brings
the total contract amount to $220,780.00.
Funding is available in the Colonias Fund Project Engineer Fees.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. and
Cm. Guerra were not present.
27. Amending a contract
with Crane Engineering Corporation, Laredo, Texas for $8,645.34
to include additional surveying services required to acquire
easements for the water transmission line on Hwy 359. The amendment brings the total contract amount to
$160,145.34. Funding is available in
Colonias Fund Project Engineer Fees.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. and
Cm. Guerra were not present.
28. Consideration to award
a professional service contract to Trott Communications Group,
Irving, Texas, in the estimated amount of $98,000.00, for
conducting a study and analysis of the current public safety radio
communication system and the preparation of a communication plan. This contract calls for the design of a
Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) system and possible upgrade of the existing public
safety radio system. The contract vendor
will be responsible for the preparation of Request for Proposal (RFP) documents
and for oversight responsibility regarding the design and implementation of any
new systems. Funding is available in
the Special Police Program-COPS MORE MDT Grant.
Motion to approve with clarification that the funding will be
through the City of Laredo Police Department Trust Fund rather than through the
MDT grant.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XIII. STAFF REPORTS
29. Presentation on the
Interior Color Scheme for the Laredo Entertainment Center.
Frank Rotnofsky, of Frank Architects, provided an overview of the
interior material selection for the
Laredo Entertainment Center. He covered
the color selection for areas within the arena including the countertops, back
area walls, ceiling, and flooring.
30. Staff Report on the
Laredo Corridors & Intersections Analysis-Phase II.
Robert Boyd from Carter & Burgess made a presentation before
City Council on the prioritized
recommendations for key intersections in north and south Laredo. He
explained that certain methodology developed and evaluation tools applied in
Phase I were again used in Phase II.
He mentioned that projected traffic volumes were projected five years
into the future, and the observations and recommendations made were based on
those traffic volumes. A complete copy
of the presentation is available at the City Secretary's Office for
review.
Cm. Galo mentioned a concern that the costs for the right-of-way
acquisition may be excessive. He
mentioned that it appears that only one or two of their proposals could
possibly be considered for construction.
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. inquired whether the firm would be providing
the City with an approximation as to construction costs for each
intersection.
Keith Selman, City Planner, explained that the firm has provided
the benefit side in its analysis but the cost is something that could
fluctuate.
XIV. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The City Council hereby reserves the right to go into executive
session at any time during this public meeting, if such is requested by the
City Attorney or other legal counsel for the City, pursuant to his or her duty
under Section 551.071(2) of the Government Code, to consult privately with his
or her client on an item on the agenda, or on a matter arising out of such
item.
31. Request for Executive
Session pursuant to 551.071 (1) (A) & (B) of the Texas
Government Code to discuss a settlement offer in pending
litigation, Jose Luis Ramos vs. City of Laredo presently pending before the
Fire Fighters and Police Officers Civil Service Commission.
Motion to go into
Executive Session pursuant to 551.071 (1) (A) & (B) of the Texas
Government Code to discuss a settlement offer in pending
litigation, Jose Luis Ramos vs. City of Laredo presently pending before the
Fire Fighters and Police Officers Civil Service Commission.
Motion to postpone item.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Ramirez not present.
XV. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn.
CITY OF
LAREDO
CITY
COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL
15, 2002
5:30
P.M.
SUPPLEMENTAL
AGENDA
I. Request by
Council Member Louis H. Bruni
1. Status report on the privatization of the
Utilities Department (Water/Wastewater), with
possible
action. (Co-Sponsored by Council Member
Joe. A. Guerra.)
Beto Ramirez, Interim Utilities
Director, reported that a meeting was held earlier this afternoon by the
Privatization Oversight Committee and the Water Issues Committee to review the
issues that had changed on the original contract. They provided the committee members with a briefing of the
changes that had occurred as well as the new timeline set for bringing this
contract forward. Both firms submitted
the final clarifications to the City for review. The staff and consultants will spend some time reviewing those
clarifications and preparing a proposal for City Council and the City
Manager. At that point, a follow-up
meeting will be scheduled of the Privatization Oversight Committee and the
Water Issues Committee to review any report needed. A date has been set for April 22, 2002, to hold a Special City
Council meeting. They are planning to
discuss the recommendation and the selection of the proposers. From that point, they will schedule another
meeting on May 2, 2002, to negotiate the final aspects of the contract in order
to submit the contract for approval.
At that time, city staff will
schedule another Special City Council meeting if City Council votes for
approval of one of the firms.
Cm. Galo stated that he expects
City Council will receive the updates provided to staff by the vendors
tomorrow. He mentioned that the
Privatization Oversight Committee will meet again on April 22, 2002.
Motion that the action the
Committee took at the meetings to firm up those dates is what City Council
wants.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Galo requested that it be
written into the contract that the firms have to guarantee 18% water produced
versus water invoiced.
Motion to have 100% of the cost
savings go toward the secondary source of water.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Ramirez
For: 6 Against: 1 Abstain: 0
Cm.
Galo
II. Adjournment
Motion to
adjourn. Time: 9:50 p.m.
Moved: Cm.
Agredano
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Bruni and Cm. Ramirez were not present.
I, Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City
Secretary, do hereby certify that the above minutes contained in pages 01
through 21 are true, complete and correct proceedings of the City Council
meeting held on April 15, 2002.
_____________________________________
Gustavo
Guevara, Jr.
City
Secretary