CITY OF
LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
M2002-R-14
CITY COUNCIL
CHAMBERS
1110
HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS
78040
JULY
15, 2002
5:30
P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
With
a quorum present, Mayor Pro Tempore Alfredo Agredano called the meeting to
order.
II. PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE
Mayor
Pro Tempore Agredano led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
In
attendance:
Alfredo
Agredano, Mayor
Pro Tempore, District I
Hector
Garcia, Council
Member, District II
John
C. Galo, Council
Member, District III
Johnny
Amaya, Council
Member, District IV
Eliseo
Valdez, Jr., Council
Member, District V
Gene
Belmares, Council
Member, District VI
Jose
Valdez, Jr., Council
Member, District VII
Juan
Ramirez, Council
Member, District VIII
Gustavo
Guevara, Jr., City
Secretary
Cynthia
Collazo, Assistant
City Manager
Jaime
Flores, City
Attorney
Motion
to excuse Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores.
Moved: Cm.
E. Valdez
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain:
0
Mayor
Pro Tempore Agredano was chairing the meeting.
IV. MINUTES
Approval of the minutes of
June 3, 2002.
Motion
to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. COMMUNICATIONS
AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
None
Invitations
None
Recognitions
None.
Communiqués
Cm. Garcia congratulated Jake Rathmell,
President of the Optimist League, for hosting the baseball/softball
tournament. He also congratulated the
children that participated in the All-Star games.
Cm. Galo acknowledged taking the lead for the
approval of amending the contract with Hawkins, Delafield & Wood. He apologized to the taxpayer for the
increase but assured them that the funds were well spent because the City will
save a substantial amount in the long run.
He also discussed the issue of having inspection stations at the City of
Laredo bridges. He pointed out that the
City and its entrepreneurs are very experienced on such issues and he feels
that TxDOT should listen to what the City is proposing as opposed to what they
are proposing. He feels that the City
has a much better grasp of what is needed at the bridges because of their
expertise on the issue.
Cm. Amaya noted that it was a pleasure and honor
to be selected to distribute trophies to the Little League District 34 Champs
from the American Little League 11 to 12 year olds. He wished the little leaguers the best of luck as they continue
to the state tournament. He also wanted
to thank Cynthia Collazo, Assistant City Manager; Erasmo Villarreal, Community
Development Director, and Tony Garcia from Traffic Department for assisting him
in attending a meeting with LISD Board of Trustee Jorge Beckelhymer and his
staff. The committee met to solve
traffic problems that LISD face in District IV.
Cm. Belmares congratulated the Parks and
Recreation staff for a fantastic 4th of July. He also thanked Cm. Ramirez for providing pie and ice cream for
the event.
VI. APPOINTMENTS TO
COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
None.
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002
annual budget
by appropriating current seized revenues and expenditures in the amount of
$156,000.00 in the Laredo Police Department Trust Fund. Funding will be used to purchase capital
outlay equipment. Items include the
mobile command center, inventory tracker, and the security system in all
substations and improvements to the Laredo Police Department Annex (Building
60) at the Laredo International Airport.
Motion to
open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no
public input.
Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
E. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
2. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002
annual budget
by appropriating current seized revenues and expenditures in the amount of
$122,000.00 in the Laredo Police Department Trust Fund. Funding will be used to pay for a detailed
study to improve overall radio communication city-wide and to ensure that this
system is compatible with the Mobile Data Terminals being acquired by the
Laredo Police Department. Funding is
available in the Laredo Police Department Trust Fund.
Motion to
open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
J. Valdez
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.
E. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
3. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending sections of the Laredo Land
Development
Code pertaining to Floodplain Management Standards, specifically Section 24-69,
Flood Hazard District; and Appendix A, Definitions. The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of
the proposed ordinance amendment.
Motion to
open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no
public input.
Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
4. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
authorizing the City Manager to accept and
execute all
documentation from the Texas Department of Health for the “Los Dos Laredos”
Binational Neural Tube Defects (NTD) Pilot Project of the City of Laredo Health
Department in the amount of $43,532.00 in additional funds for the period
beginning April 1, 2002 through March 31, 2003, and amending the City of Laredo
FY 2001-2002 budget in the same amount.
Motion to
open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Amaya
Second: Cm.
Galo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no
public input.
Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Amaya
Second: Cm.
Belmares
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
5. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002
annual budget
by appropriating additional funds in the amount of $5,394.00 from the Texas
Department of Health for the Comprehensive Public Health Services Program of
the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning September 1,
2001, through August 31, 2002; and authorizing the City Manager to amend the
City of Laredo’s full-time equivalent positions by creating one Clerk II
position.
Motion to
open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no
public input.
Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
J. Valdez
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
6. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
accepting a grant awarded by the South Texas
Development
Council in the amount of $27,100.00 and amending the City of Laredo FY
2001-2002 annual budget for the NPDES Fund by appropriating said grant revenue
to the appropriate expenditure accounts.
The grant monies will be used for the Used Oil Recycling Program.
Motion to
open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Belmares
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no
public input.
Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Amaya
Second: Cm.
Belmares
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
VIII. GENERAL COUNCIL
DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
7. A.
Request by Council Member Hector J. Garcia
1. Discussion with possible action on the
paving of the 100-800 blocks of South
Ejido Street and 3400 block of Pecan
Street.
Oscar Medina,
Assistant Director for Public Works, discussed several problems on the paving
of the 100-800 blocks of South Ejido.
He stated that engineers are reviewing the paving project because in
certain areas of the block there is only 15’ of right-of-way to work with. The second problem is funding the asphalt
and materials for the project which will cost $43,000. On Pecan he noted that staff is working to
obtain the right-of-way for that area.
He advised Council that staff would report back once they have a cost
estimate for paving Pecan Street.
Motion to
pave the 100-800 blocks of South Ejido Street with discretionary funds from
District II.
Moved:
Cm. Garcia
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
B. Request
by Council Member John C. Galo
1. Staff report on the
opening of Bartlett at Market, with possible action.
Rogelio
Rivera, City Engineer, reported that the preliminary information on the opening
of Bartlett and Market was received from the Utilities Committee and staff is
currently working on the engineering design which is 50% complete. He added that staff is also waiting for a
reply from Tex-Mex on the right-of-way and whether or not they will require
planking. Planking is expensive and
staff will need to identify funding.
Erasmo
Villarreal, Community Development Director, said that he has contacted Tex-Mex
on the item and they are working on the project.
2. Staff report on the progress of the code
enforcement effort in the Santa Rita
Subdivision, with possible action.
Erasmo
Villarreal, Community Development Director, reported that on Sunday, June 23rd Code staff had 22 volunteers travel through the
subdivision of Santa Rita. They were
able to collect 107 bags of litter, 113 tires, 3 large pieces of furniture, 4
large pieces of pipe and 30 pieces of lumber.
On June 30th, fifty volunteers removed graffiti from 12 residential properties in the Santa Rita
Subdivision. On that day, Code
Enforcement targeted residential subdivision and issued 72 notices of
violations, 52 maintenance citations, 20 inoperable vehicles, and staff is
continuing to address violations. The
investigation will be complete once the police department, environmental and
engineering departments submit their report on citations issued in the Santa
Rita Subdivision. He went on to say
that staff is working on upgrading the subdivision.
3. Staff report on all City owned properties on
the former Air Force Base including
properties
for rent, properties rented, lease terms, improvements, parks and size of lots,
with possible action.
Jose Flores,
Airport Director, presented a color coded map which allowed Council Members to view
the Air Force Base properties. He gave
a comprehensive report on the Air Force Base properties that are for rent,
properties rented, lease terms, improvements, parks and size of lots. Efforts are underway to continue cleaning
the area. The original use for the base
was industrial; however, the use has shifted to be medical/institutional
related. He suggested for Council to
create an Ordinance allowing the City Manager to enter into short-term leases.
Cm. Galo agreed that allowing the City Manager
to execute short-term leases would be a solution to the problem of building
vacancies. He further noted the most
viable solution for utilizing the prime realty would be to create a property
list and submit it to all interested realtors so they can offer the realty to
interested clients and at the same time receive compensation .
4. Staff report on traffic plans through the
former Air Force Base, with possible
action.
Keith Selman,
City Planner, advised that in 1997 staff created an in-house comprehensive Land
Use Plan for the Air Force Base properties.
He gave a detailed report on all changes that have taken place on the
base and explained that staff’s main goal was based on saving the City money.
He went on to say that staff will be updating the Land Use Plan and report back
to Council.
C. Request
by Council Member Gene Belmares
1. Status report on the
speed hump study for Orange Blossom, with possible action.
Tony Garcia,
from the Traffic Department, reported that an application was submitted and a
study was executed but the area did not warrant a speed hump on Orange
Blossom. He noted that the applicant
has the right to appeal the decision.
2. Status report on the widening of Del Mar
Boulevard, with possible action.
Rogelio
Rivera, City Engineer, advised that the project of widening Del Mar Boulevard
is on target and is 70% complete. He
noted that they have encountered some problems with the rain but completion of
the project will be in September.
Cm. Belmares stressed his desire to expedite the
Del Mar projects including the installation of a sidewalk along Merlin. He emphasized the importance of assuring
absolute safety for school children. He
wants all projects completed before school starts.
Cynthia Collazo,
Assistant City Manager, noted that staff needs to identify the funds for the
sidewalk.
3. Status report on
truck traffic enforcement by Police Department on Del Mar
Boulevard.
Chief Perez
reported that from January to July there were 35 traffic truck/route
violations, 114 speeding tickets and 56 other violations.
D. Request by Council Member Jose A. Valdez,
Jr.
1. Discussion with possible action regarding
changes to the Priority Procedures for
the Mayor and City Council.
Cm. Valdez encouraged the public to submit
recommendations or suggestions to the committee for consideration.
E. Request
by Council Member Juan Ramirez
1. Discussion with possible action on
establishing an ordinance or franchise fee on
the export of vehicles to Mexico.
Tony Garcia,
Traffic Safety, reported that staff is working on a solution for the export of
vehicles to Mexico. A report is being
compiled which will be submitted to the Director for suggestions.
Cynthia
Collazo, Assistant City Manager, said that the Traffic Department will
re-assess the installation of meters and place additional meters. She also said that she would ask the
department to take a look at the reinforcement issues.
2. Discussion with possible action on placing a
storm sewer on the corner of Lee
and Garcia Street.
Rogelio
Rivera, City Engineer, said that the inlet does not have the capacity to take
in all the flow during rain fall so staff is looking at adding an addition
inlet. The cost for upgrading the storm sewer inlet is $5,000.
Motion to
approve the project with monies from Cm.
Rmairez discretionary fund.
Moved: Cm.
Ramirez
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
3. Discussion with possible action on the
flooding situation at the intersection of
Vidaurri and Sanchez.
Rogelio
Rivera, City Engineer, stated the flow is currently on Park and it needs to be
on the right-of-way on Santa Rita which will need to be excavated. The item will need to be submitted to the
Utilities Coordination Committee for approval then staff can proceed.
4. Status report on the sidewalks in the San
Francisco neighborhood.
Rogelio
Rivera, City Engineer, reported that Project 19C is 33% complete and will be
finished in August of 2002. He added
that Projects 19A and 19B are in route for signatures so construction will
begin next week.
IX. INTRODUCTORY
ORDINANCES
8. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a
lease with SER Jobs for Progress Southwest
Texas, Inc.,
for approximately 6,102 square feet of office space constituting Suites 9 and
10 in Building No. 134 located at 4603 Maher Avenue at the Laredo International
Airport. Lease term is for two (2)
years commencing on December 1, 2001 and ending on November 30, 2003, and lease
may be terminated by either party upon giving a ninety (90) day written notice
from the party terminating to the other.
Monthly rent shall be $5,800.00 commencing on December 1, 2001 and
ending on November 30, 2002 and monthly rent shall be $6,245.00 commencing on
December 1, 2002 and ending on November 30, 2003; providing for an effective
date.
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
9. Amending Chapter XI, Truck Traffic Division
2, Truck Routes, Section 19-410 Truck
Routes
Designated, of Chapter 19, of the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances by deleting
Jefferson Street (Westbound only) as a truck route between IH 35 and Santa
Isabel Avenue and providing for publication and effective date.
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
10. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all
necessary documents to effectively convey
title to the
State of Texas, the “Surface Only” of 0.33 of an acre, more or less, parcel of
land, and 0.48 of an acre, more or less, parcel of land, both for the
construction of an acceleration lane to and a deceleration lane from Loop 20
onto and from Jacaman Road. Said land
parcels being generally described below and more particularly described by metes
and bounds on attached Exhibits “A” & “B” and providing for an effective
date.
Parcel 1-
Being a tract of land containing 0.33 acres, more or less, a part of Survey
1022, Abstract 654, R.S. Ramsey Original Grantee, in Webb County, Texas; being
a part of that certain tract called to contain 1,342.47 acres, described in
Warranty Deed dated July 10, 1992, and recorded in Volume 47, Pages 418-42, of
the Official Public Records of Webb County, out of a 9.37 acre tract dedicated
to the City of Laredo, Texas on September 6, 2001 recorded in Vol. 1099, Pgs.
633-643, of the Deed Records of Webb County, Texas.
Parcel
2-Being a tract of land containing 0.48 acres, more or less, a part of Survey
1022, Abstract 654, R.S. Original Grantee, in Webb County, Texas; being a part
of that certain tract called to contain 1,342.47 acres, described in Warranty
Deed dated July 10, 1992, and recorded in Volume 47, Pages 418-42 of the
Official Public Records of Webb County, out of a 9.37 acre tract dedicated to
the City of Laredo, Texas on September 6, 2001, recorded in Vol. 1099, Pgs,
633-643 of the Deed Records of Webb County, Texas.
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
X. FINAL READING OF
ORDINANCES
Motion to
waive the final readings of Ordinance # 2002-O-132, #2002-O-142, # 2002-O-143,
# 2002-O-144, # 2002-O-145, # 2002-O-146, # 2002-O-147, # 2002-O-148, #
2002-O-149, # 2002-O-150, # 2002-O-151, # 2002-O-152, # 2002-O-153, #
2002-O-154, # 2002-O-155, # 2002-O-156, # 2002-O-157, # 2002-O-158, #
2002-O-159, # 2002-O-160, # 2002-O-161.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
11. 2002-O-132
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 30 of the Code of Ordinance of the City
Of Laredo,
Texas to include Section 30-4 Credit Card Payment Processing Fee to establish a
credit card payment-processing fee for the payment of property taxes. The fee will be based on the amount of the
payment processed and will be equal to 1.8% of the amount of the transaction;
providing for publication and effective date.
(As Amended)
Motion to
adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-132.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-142 Amending the
Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a
Special Use Permit to East Country Limited for a mini-storage
facility on 3.8955 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in
attached Exhibit “A”, located at the 3500 Block of Del Mar Blvd.; providing for
publication and effective date.
Motion to
adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-142.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-143 Amending the
City of Laredo Code of Ordinances, Chapter 15, Health and Sanitation, Article
VI, Tattoo and Body Piercing, providing definitions, establishing a tattoo and body piercing permit program; providing
for exemption from requirements, terms of permits, terms of renewal, terms of
denial, and terms of suspension or revocation; providing for injunctive relief
and severability; authorizing fee of $100.00 for tattoo or body piercing
permits; and $200.00 for a combined studio permit for issuance or annual
renewal of permits, and a $10.00 fee for replacement; authorizing a penalty for
violation of this Ordinance; providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to
adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-143.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-144 Amending Ordinance No. 97-O-114 authorizing
the City of Laredo Health Department to increase the fee from $10.00 to $20.00
per person not registered in a clinic as Health Department patients for
phlebotomy services at the Health Department Laboratory; and providing for publication
and effective date.
Motion to
adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-144.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-145
Amending Chapter 15, Health and Sanitation, of the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances by amending Article VII,
Swimming Pool Permit,
providing definitions; establishing a
swimming pool permit, terms of swimming pool permit, establishing
authority to inspect swimming pools, authorizing a fee of $100 for issuance or
renewal of a swimming pool permit, authorizing a fee of $10 for
issuance of duplicate permits; terms of renewal, terms of denial, and terms of
suspension or revocation; providing a waiver of permit fee to the City of
Laredo Parks and Recreation Department; providing for injunctive
relief and severability; authorizing a penalty for violation of this Ordinance;
and providing for publication and effective date. (As amended)
Motion to
adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-145.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-146
Amending the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002 annual budget by
appropriating additional funds in the
amount of $212,470.00 from the Texas Department of Health for the
HIV/AIDS Ryan White Project of the City of Laredo Health Department and
extending the grant period from April 1, 2002 through August 31, 2002 to
April 1, 2002 through March 31, 2003.
Motion to
adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-146.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-147
Amending the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002 annual budget by
appropriating revenues in the amount of
$39,337.00 in additional funds for the HIV/AIDS Housing Opportunities
for Persons with AIDS Project of the City of Laredo Health Department
to extend the program period from February 1, 2002, through August 31,
2002, to February 1, 2002, through January 31, 2003.
Motion to
adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-147.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-148
Amending Section 13-21
definitions, Article II (Food Products
Establishments) Division 1 (Generally) of
Chapter 13 (Food and Food Products) of the Code of Ordinances to
revise the definition of a food products establishment, providing for
publication and effective date.
Motion to
adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-148.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-149
Amending Section 13-39, (Fees) of Division 2, License of Article II
(Food Products Establishments) of Chapter 13
(Food and Food Products) of the City of Laredo
Code of Ordinances to increase the annual license fee to be paid by a food establishment, which will
continue to be based on the number of employees per
establishment. Establishing a fee of
$50.00 for a new food establishment application and
fee of $25.00 for request for inspection services, providing for
publication and effective date.
Motion to
adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-149.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-150
Amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances, Section 13-81 (Fees) of Article IV, Permitting of Food Service
Operator, Chapter 13, Food and Food Products to raise the fee of ten
($10.00) to thirty ($30.00) for a Food Service Operator Permit; providing for
publication and effective date.
Motion to
adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-150.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-151
Authorizing the City Manager to accept a reimbursement from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the amount of $19,717.00
for overtime expenses and amend the City of Laredo’s FY
2001-2002 annual budget in the amount of $19,717.00 to fund the
Laredo Border Region Violent Crime Task Force (LBRVCTF). The Laredo Police Department will assign one Investigator and
one Police Officer to the Task Force. Reimbursement of overtime expenses will
commence on October 1, 2001 through September 30, 2002.
Motion to
adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-151.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-152
Amending Ordinance No. 90-O-177 by increasing the fee of $8.00 to
$15.00 per sample for the bacteriological
analysis of water and allowing for a waiver of the fee to the Health
Department; and providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to
adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-152.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-153
Amending the Laredo Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2 (Administration)
Article I (In General) Section 2-3 (Fees
for City Services) Subsection (b), increasing the fee for certified birth
certificates from $11.00 to $13.00 to include an administrative fee; providing
for severability; and providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to
adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-153.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-154
The Laredo Code of Ordinances, Section 13-58(e) (Issuance of Food
Handler’s Certificates) of
Division 3 (Employees) of Article II (Food Products Establishments) of Chapter 13,
Food and Food Products to raise the annual fee of $8.50 to $20.00 for a
Food Handler Certificate, and establish a fee of five dollars ($5.00)
for a duplicate Food Handler Certificate, and extend the effective
period from one (1) year to two (2) years, providing for publication and
effective date.
Motion to
adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-154.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-155
Authorizing the City Manager to accept and execute all documentation from the Texas Department of Health for
the Bio-Terrorism Preparedness Program of the City of Laredo Health
Department in the amount of $411,076.00 in additional funds for the
period beginning June 1, 2002, through August 31, 2003, and amending
the City of Laredo FY 2001- 2002 budget in the same amount; and
authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo’s full-time
equivalent positions by creating 1 – Senior Epidemiologist; 1 – Public Health Technician; 2 –
Registered Nurse II; 1.25 – Sanitarians; and 1 –
Health Educator, which will be funded by this grant, and will serve
Webb, Duval, Zapata and Jim Hogg Counties.
Motion to
adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-155.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-156
Amending the City of Laredo’s FY 2001-2002 annual budget in the Capital Improvements Fund by
appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $80,000.00 which are
being donated by Paul Young Properties, LTD., to fund the
installation and activation of a traffic signal on U.S. Highway 59 at Casa Blanca Road and the entrance to
Paul Young Auto Mall, and authorizing the City
Manager to implement said budget.
Motion to
adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-156.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-157
Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Webb County for approximately 380 square feet of office
space constituting Suite No. 9 of Building No. S-1 located at 1718 E. Calton Road at the Laredo International Airport. Lease term is for one (1) year commencing on
March 1, 2002 and ending on February 28,
2003 and may be extended for one (1) year ending February 29,
2004. Monthly rent shall be $494.00 and will be adjusted annually during the
primary and extension term of this lease according to changes in the
Consumer Price Index; providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to adopt
Ordinance # 2002-O-157.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second:Belmares
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 1
Cm. Amaya
2002-O-158
Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease between the City of
Laredo Airport Fund, as Lessor, and the
City of Laredo Environmental Department, as Lessee, for approximately
400 square feet constituting Suite No. 8 of Building No. S-1 located at 1718 E. Calton Road at the Laredo International Airport. Lease term is for six (6) months commencing on April 1, 2002 and ending on
September 30, 2002. Monthly rent shall be $520.00; providing
for an effective date.
Motion to
adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-158.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-159
Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to
effectively convey a 3,382.41 sq. ft.
parcel of land to AEP/Central Power and Light Company, as an easement, for
the installation of certain underground electric service facilities
to serve the premises at 6415 Sinatra Parkway in Laredo, Texas. Said 3,382.41 square foot parcel being out of and a part of Lot 4, Block
2, Jacaman Ranch, Unit 3, Laredo Entertainment Center Subdivision, City of
Laredo, Webb County, Texas; being generally described below, and more
particularly described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A”,
and providing for an effective date.
Being a CP&L Easement containing 3,382.41sq. ft. (0.0776 of an acre) of land, more or less, being out of and a part of Lot
No. 4, Block No. 2, Jacaman Ranch, Unit 3, Laredo
Entertainment Center Subdivision, recorded in Volume 21, Page 68, Plat Records of Webb County,
Texas.
Motion to
adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-159.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-160
Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to
effectively convey fee simple title to
Mary Furrh Gomez, Rafael Gomez and Molly E. Gomez, for the “Surface
Only” of certain City property being generally described as those former
street sections being Mendiola Avenue between Palo Blanco & Bayard
Streets excluding the intersections and that former street
section being Thurman Street between Tapeyste & Mendiola Avenues, provided
that the City of Laredo retains a 40 foot-wide Sanitary Sewer Easement on
that section of Mendiola Avenue between Palo Blanco & Thurman
Streets. All said former street sections situated in the Eastern
Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas; being generally described on the
attached excerpt of a City plat and providing for an effective date.
Motion to
adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-160.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-161
Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease renewal with United
Exports Trading Association (U.E.T.A.) of
Texas, Inc. for approximately 2,526 square feet out of Lot 10, Block
22, in the Western Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, lying
Northeast of the concrete pavement connecting Salinas Street with
Water Street.
1.
Lease term is for one (1) year commencing on April 1, 2002 and ending March 31, 2003.
2.
Monthly rent will be $720.00
3.
City of Laredo may terminate this lease within ninety (90) days written notice.
Motion to
postpone. Staff should place the
property out for bid/proposals or contact other agencies. Staff will review the contract and work with
the legal on the item.
Motion to
postpone.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
J. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XI. RESOLUTIONS
12. 2002-R-060
Appointing John C. Galo, Council Member for District III of the City of Laredo to serve as a director for the
Southwest Texas Rain Enhancement Association Board of Directors.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2002-R-060.
Moved:
Cm. Garcia
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
13. 2002-R-061
Ratifying the City Manager’s submittal of a grant proposal to the
Environmental Protection Agency in the
amount of $115,000.00 to provide for a Vulnerability Assessment of
the water and wastewater infrastructure security.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2002-R-061.
Moved:
Cm. Garcia
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
14. 2002-R-062
Authorizing the use of surplus proceeds from the City of Laredo - Contractual Obligations, Series 97-B
Certificate of Obligation, in the amount of $12,210.00, for the purchase of
additional security system equipment for the City Hall building; and
authorizing change order no. 1 to AET, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for the
purchase and installation of this security equipment at the City Hall
building.
Motion to approve Resolution #
2002-R-062.
Moved: Cm.
Garcia
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
15. 2002-R-063
Authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement between the City
of Laredo Fire Department Emergency
Medical Services and Laredo Community College to provide a program of
clinical education or field work experience at the agency for its
Health Science students.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2002-R-063.
Moved: Cm.
Garcia
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
16. 2002-R-064
Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for
consideration of the Texas Recreation and Parks Account Grant Program for the
development of the Northwest Recreation Center in the estimated project
amount of $1,550,000.00 with the maximum grant amount of $750,000.00
and local matching funds of $800,000.00 dedicated for permanent public
park and recreation use and certifying that the City of Laredo is
eligible to receive program assistance and further authorize the City Manager to
execute any and all documents pertaining to and resulting from this
submission.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2002-R-064.
Moved: Cm.
Garcia
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XII. MOTIONS
17. Authorizing the award of a contract in the
amount of $40,983.00 to A & R Consulting for the ADA Paratransit Plan Update for
Laredo, TX. Funding for this project is
available in the Metropolitan Planning
Organization (MPO) account from Federal Planning Grant (PL112) funds.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
18. Consideration for approval to place the
Laredo Entertainment Center Marquee in the
public right-of-way.
The location will be the southwest corner clip at Jacaman Road and Bob Bullock Loop.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
19. Consideration for approval of amendment no.
1 an increase of $35,700.00 to the
professional services contract with
Design Group International, Laredo, Texas, for the roofing
improvements for the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge Toll Plaza Facility and for the design of interior improvements to the Bridge II
building. Funding is available in the Toll Plaza Improvements.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
20. Consideration for approval to award a
professional services contract to Arcadis,
Laredo, Texas, for an amount not to exceed $20,000.00 for a
feasibility study to include a Phase I market study and user
forecast for a water park. Funding is
available in the Capital Improvements Fund- Water Park
Study Project.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
21. Consideration to authorize the City Manager
to sell two (2) surplus ambulances to our
Sister City Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, in the amount of $7,000.00
each and to donate two (2) unsalvageable vehicles.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Garcia
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
22. Approving the submission of the 2002
Consolidated Plan to the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development in
request for funding through the 28th Action Year Community
Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)
in the amount of $4,367,000.00; the 2002 HOME Investment
Partnership Program in the amount of $1,500,000.00; and the 2002 Emergency
Shelter Grant Program (ESG) in the amount of $153,000.00 and authorizing the City
Manager to execute all documents as a result of the Plan’s
submission.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Garcia
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
23. Consideration to award contract number FY
02-112, a twelve-month office supply
contract to the low bidders, Executive
Office Supply, Laredo, Texas, and Patria Office Supply, Laredo,
TX, for providing general office supplies for all City departments. The term of this contract is for a
twelve-month period with an option to extend for one additional
year. This contract is based on the
lowest cost format utilizing a published price for City orders. Departments will be able to order from the
vendor’s general catalogues. Funding is
available in the office supply line item budgets for the respective departments.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Garcia
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
24. Refund of property tax to
the following taxpayers and companies:
a.
A refund in the amount of $536.83 payable
to Ronny Salamon due to an over-payment for the 1999 taxes. Account #923-00015-286 (A02-0315 GF)
b.
A refund in the amount of $554.08 payable
to Lawrence Phillip Wildenborg & Antonieta due to an overpayment for the
1998 taxes. (A02-0315 GF) Account
#923-00015-282.
c. A refund in the amount of $545.35 payable to
Transamerica Refunds Dept. due to a double payment for the 2000 taxes. Account #969-30009-280. (A02-0319 GF)
d.
A refund in the amount of $670.05 payable
to Aladar Deutsch due to a double payment for the 1998 tax. Account #965-10010-002. (A02-0319 FG).
Account #965-10010-002.
(A02-0319 GF).
e. A refund in the amount of $621.83 payable to
Countrywide Home Loans due to a double payment for the 2001 tax year. Account #965-20006-032.
f. A refund in the amount of $1,004.94 payable
to IBOC-McAllen due to a double payment by the mortgage bank and the
homeowner. Account #437-00697-010.
g. A refund in the amount of $3,903.42 payable
to IBOC-McAllen due to a quadruple over payment on account #551-01362-090 by
homeowner and mortgage bank.
h. A refund in the amount of $1,398.50 payable
to IBOC-McAllen due to an over payment on account #660-01812-100 by homeowner
and mortgage bank.
i. A refund in the amount of $525.35 payable to
Laura M. Rodriguez due to a double payment by the mortgage & title
companies on account #909-00024-465.
j. A refund in the amount of $995.88 payable to
Washington Mutual. Account
#969-30003-050 was paid in error.
k. A refund in the amount of $2,639.65 payable
to Marcela Canales due to an over payment on account #909-00046-330 by mortgage
company and homeowner.
l. A refund in the amount of $1,339.40 payable
to IBOC-McAllen due to a double payment on account #970-50006-080 by the
mortgage bank.
m. A refund in the amount of $743.27 payable to
Washington Mutual due to an over payment on account #989-30001-010 by two
mortgage companies.
n. A refund in the amount of $553.71 payable to
Laredo Teacher's Credit Union due to a double over payment by two mortgage
banks on acct. #970-10005-200.
o. A refund in the amount of $614.46 payable to
IBOC-McAllen due to an over payment on account #970-00004-097 by homeowner and
mortgage bank.
p. A refund in the amount of $668.79 payable to
Midland Mortgage Co., due to a triple over payment by homeowner and mortgage
company. Account #553-01474-020.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Garcia
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
25. Approving monthly adjustments to the tax
roll. The amount to be adjusted for the month of June 2002 represents an
increase in levy of $24,048.05. These
adjustments are determined
by Webb County Appraisal District and court orders.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
26. Consideration to authorize the purchase of
two, diesel engine driven electric generators through the Houston Galveston
Area Council of Governments (HGAC) –ooperative Purchasing Program in the total amount
of $42,025.80. These backup power
generators will be installed at Fire Stations no. 1 and no. 8. Funding is available from 2002 PPFCO contractual obligation bond proceeds.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
27. Consideration to award contract number FY
02-121, to the SOLE BIDDER, Zertuche Construction, LLC, Laredo, Texas, in
the amount of $56,625.00, for roof repairs to
Building 60 on the Laredo International Airport
property. With the recent rains, the roof has collapsed and immediate
repairs are needed to prevent any interior damage.
This building is being leased by the Police
Department. Funding is available in the
Police Trust Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
28. Consideration to approve an agreement with
Graphitiks Advertising Design, Inc.
Laredo, Texas, to design, produce, sell
advertising and print the 2003 Laredo/Nuevo
Laredo Official Visitors Guide.
Graphitiks will print, at no cost to the City of Laredo, 120,000 copies of the guide which is a 76-page full color
magazine featuring “Los Dos Laredos.” The Guide will be produced
under the direction of the Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau
relative to style, design and editorial content.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XIII. STAFF REPORTS
29. Status report on the selection process of
the Associate Municipal Court Judge.
Jaime Flores,
City Attorney, pointed out that the City Charter gives appointment authority to
the Council for two positions which are the City Manager and the Associate
Municipal Court Judge. The City Manager
is an advertised position and he is a contract employee. The Associate Municipal Court Judge is a temporary
City employee paid at an hourly rate for hours worked as determined by the
Municipal Court Judge. Because of those
factors, staff recommended that the position for Association Judge be
advertised and filled by a licensed attorney.
He discussed the prohibitions for an Associate Judge if he is a Criminal
Offense Attorney.
The Council
was polled for the purpose of calling a special meeting to be held on Friday,
July 29, 2002 at 5:30 p.m.
Tommy Ochoa,
Municipal Court Clerk, informed Council that the present budget allots 395
hours for the Associate Court Judges. The ordinance states that the Council
should appoint two associates.
Cm. Galo suggested naming more than two
Associate judges and rotate them similar to selecting a substitute
teacher.
Cm. Galo and Cm. E. Valdez suggested
limiting the position by the budget.
Cm. Ramirez stated that it would send a wrong
message to citizens if the Municipal Court Judge could not choose his own
assistants.
Alfonso
“Boyer” Ornelas, Municipal Court Judge, mentioned that he has not been
approached by staff about appointments for the associate position. He said the most important factor would not
be that the applicant is a licensed attorney but would be his/her judicial
temperament. He noted that he needed an
individual that would be sensitive to the defendants. He said he was in agreement with the current list of applicants;
however, he requested adding the names of Cristobal Rodriguez, Juan Cabello and
Mario Castillo to the current list.
Sergio “Keko”
Martinez encouraged Council to allow Alfonso Ornelas the right to select his
own associate. He asked Council to keep
back room politics out of City Council.
Belinda
Mendez, applicant, mentioned that she had a resume to submit for the position
of Associate Court Judge. She
encouraged Council to make sure the selected associate judges were licensed
attorneys.
Armando
Trevino, local attorney, noted that the position of associate judge should be
held by a person that is knowledgeable, willing to learn and one who has common
sense. He indicated that the
recommendations of the City Attorney is geared to control individuals to
appease the City. He went on to say the
position should be appointments from Alfonso Ornelas and they should not have
to answer to City administration.
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.
XV. RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MUNICIPAL
HOUSING CORPORATION
Motion to recess and convene as the Laredo Municipal Housing
Corporation.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
30. Consideration to enter into an agreement
with Ana Ochoa, Licensed Real Estate
Broker, to provide leasing services
under the Noise Abatement Program.
Commission will be based on one month’s rent of
the home rented. Funding is available
in the
Noise Abatement Program Fund.
Erasmo
Villarreal, Community Development Director, informed Council that they
published the request for qualifications and no one responded so they called
Ana Ochoa for assistance and she agreed to provide services.
Cm. Galo expressed his dissatisfaction with the
process and directed staff to bring the item back so they can send letters to
all realtors to see if they get a better response. He asked staff to bring the item back to Council.
Motion to postpone.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. J. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to adjourn as the
Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation and reconvene as the Laredo City Council.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XVI. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn. Time: 8:10 p.m.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
City of Laredo
City Council Meeting
M2002-S-05
City Council Chambers
1110 Houston
Laredo, Texaas 78040
SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA
I. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending sections of the
Laredo
Development Code pertaining to
allowable signage, specifically Section 24.82.3 Off-Premise Signs; Section
24.82.4 Permitted Sign Dimensions; Section 24.82.5.2 Supplementary Standards for all Districts; Appendix A; and
providing for publication and effective date.
The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the
proposed ordinance amendment.
Motion to
open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
J. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no
public input.
Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
II. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND
PRESENTAITONS
2. a.
Request by Council Member Eliseo Valdez, Jr.
Request to set up a sub-committee
made up from the Citizens Environmental Advisory Committee to monitor the
progress being made by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding testing of
the Vista Hermosa residential area and assure that the residents are property
informed of such testing. (Co sponsored
by Gene Belmares)
Cynthia Collazo, Assistant City
Manager, notified Council that the City Manager has already selected Dr. Gonzalez, Riazul Mia, Rogelio Rivera and
Jose Flores to serve on the committee.
She said that she would ask Riazul Mia to incorporate the sub-committee
to work hand-in-hand with the staff on this matter.
Jose Flores, Airport Director, said
the testing would begin in October.
III. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XVI. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn. Time: 8:10 p.m.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
I, Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary, do
hereby certify that the above minutes contained in pages 01 to 25 are true,
complete and correct proceedings of the City Council meeting held on July 15,
2002.
_____________________________________
Gustavo Guevara, Jr.
City
Secretary