CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
M2002-R-015
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON
STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS 78040
AUGUST
5, 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:
Elizabeth G. Flores, Mayor
Alfredo Agredano, Mayor
Pro Tempore, District I
Hector J. 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 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
Jaime Flores, City
Attorney
IV. MINUTES
Approval of the minutes of June 17,
2002, July 1, 2002, and July 19, 2002.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
Cm. Ramirez announced that the Tecolotes are in
the playoffs and will be playing here on Wednesday, August 7, 2002. He is asking that the community support the
team.
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. also encouraged the general
public to attend the upcoming Tecolotes playoff game at Veterans Field.
Cm. Belmares thanked City Manager Larry Dovalina
and city staff for their assistance in trying to resolve the traffic concerns
at the new Borchers Elementary school.
Cm. Amaya thanked City Manager Larry Dovalina,
Assistant City Manager Cindy Collazo, Traffic Director Roberto Murillo, and
Community Development Director Erasmo Villarreal for their assistance in
eliminating the traffic problems at Ryan Elementary.
Cm. Garcia reminded the citizens that school
starts in two weeks and asked everyone to be mindful of the speed limits around
school zones.
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano thanked everyone who
participated in the school supplies drive held at Veterans Field. He mentioned that many children benefit
from this event held every year.
Invitations
None.
Recognitions
a.
Recognition of Humberto Sanchez, Jr., and Graciela Sanchez for their
heroic actions at Lake Casa Blanca on July 13, 2002.
Mayor Flores presented Humberto Sanchez, Jr. and
Graciela Sanchez with a Seven Flags Certificate of Recognition for their swift
action which saved the life of young Alejandra Martinez. Mayor Flores added that there was another
individual, Reynol Cortez, of the Public Works Department, who was recognized
for his heroic actions as well.
b.
Recognition of the Lifeguard
Team from the City’s Parks and Recreation Department
for winning first place in
the overall team category at a competition held in Uvalde,
Texas, on Sunday, July 28, 2002.
Mayor Flores recognized the following team
members for their achievements and their contribution to the department:
Selina Arreguin
Agustin Contreras
Edgar Perez
Cristina Sanchez
Communiqués
VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES
a. Appointment
by Council Member Johnny Amaya of Sammy Moreno to the
Vehicles
for Hire Ad Hoc Committee.
Motion to approve the appointment.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain:
0
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance accepting and appropriating a grant awarded
by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in
the amount of $138,767.00 with the City of Laredo designating $46,192.00 as a
local match and amending the City of Laredo’s FY 2001-2002 NPDES Fund annual
budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures. The grant monies will be used for the Chacon Creek Restoration
Project from HWY 359 South to the Rio Grande River.
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. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
2. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept a
grant in the amount of $1,000,000.00 from the
U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) for the
Calle Iturbide Project, also known as the Streets of Laredo Urban Mall, to
execute all related documentation and to amend the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002
annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of
$1,450,000.00, which includes previously budgeted CDBG funds of $450,000.00
used as program match.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved:
Cm. Garcia
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.
Moved:
Cm. Garcia
Second:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
3. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year
2001-2002 Recreation Fund annual budget by
appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $5,800.00 for the
administration of recreation programs and authorizing the City Manager to
implement said budget amendment. Excess
funds are available from the collection of fees from classes and lessons over
Fiscal Year 2001-2002 budgeted revenues.
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. J. Valdez, Jr.
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
4. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept and
execute all documentation by increasing revenues
and expenditures in the amount of
$1,350,586.00 in direct funds and $227,690.00 in program income from the Texas
Department of Health for nine grants:
La Familia Health Care Program, Tuberculosis Elimination Program,
Immunization Action Plan Project, Office of Public Health Practice, Hepatitis C
Screening Project, Maternal and Child (and Dental) Health Program, Family
Planning Services, and the Laredo
Obesity Prevention and Control Project of the City of Laredo Health Department
for the period beginning September 1, 2002, through September 30, 2003, and
amending the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002 budget in the amount of $112,548.00
for the period beginning September 1, 2002 through September 30, 2002. The remaining grant award in the amount of
$1,238,037.00 will be executed in Fiscal Year 2002-2003.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved:
Cm. Garcia
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.
Moved:
Cm. Agredano
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
5. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend and
appropriate the FY 2001-2002 annual operating
budget by accepting the donation of $2,350.00 from State Farm Insurance Company
for the purchase of one (1) 911 bilingual emergency simulator. This 911 bilingual emergency simulator will
be used to train school children in fire safety, an educational program that
the Laredo Fire department promotes in the Laredo community.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved:
Cm. Garcia
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.
Moved:
Cm. Belmares
Second:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
6. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo’s Fiscal Year
2001-2002 Colonias Fund annual budget by
appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $6,231.450.00. The Border Environmental Infrastructure Fund
through the North American Development Bank is granting said amount to the City
of Laredo for construction in support of improvements to water and wastewater
services to 15 colonias in the City of Laredo and Webb County.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved:
Cm. Garcia
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.
Moved:
Cm. Belmares
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
7. Public
hearing and Final Reading of Ordinance 2002-O-164 amending sections of the
Laredo Land Development Code pertaining to
Floodplain Management Standards, specifically Section 24-69, Flood Hazard
District; and Appendix A, Definitions; and providing for publication and
effective date. (As amended)
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved:
Cm. Agredano
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and adopt
Ordinance #2002-O-164.
Moved:
Cm. Belmares
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
8. Public
hearing and Final Reading of Ordinance 2002-O-172 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; and Appendix A; and providing for publication and effective
date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved:
Cm. Garcia
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Chris Stokes from Lamar Advertising appeared in
support of the ordinance. He mentioned
that he has met with Keith Selman, City Planner, and has worked out a
compromise where they will only allow a few more signs in certain areas of the
city with restrictive spacing, height, and face requirements.
Motion to close the public hearing and adopt
Ordinance #2002-O-172.
Moved:
Cm. Agredano
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
9. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 9.9237 acres, as
further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A” located west of
McPherson Road and south of Ranchway Drive from R-1 (Single Family Residential
District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District); providing for publication
and effective date. The Planning and
Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mr. Edward Garza on behalf of Vaquillas Development,
owner and applicant, stated that he is in support of the zone change.
Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.
Moved:
Cm. Belmares
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm.
Belmares
10. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 13 and 14, Block
2, Jacaman Ranch Subdivision, Unit 6, Jacaman Commercial Park, located
northeast of Rosson Lane, from B-4 (Highway Commercial District) to B-3
(Community Business 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:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ron Whitehawk, on behalf of De La Grange
Development, spoke in favor of the zone change request. He stated that the two platted lots are part
of a much larger development proposal.
He mentioned that the original zoning for the entire tract has a B-4
designation which does not allow for residential development. He provided information to City Council
related to the noise abatement requirements.
This property is currently platted and is located half a mile from the
nearest noise contours so it is nowhere near close to the noise zone contour
area. He stated that allowing some
higher density residential property in the area would seem to make good sense
in the overall scheme of things. He
asked that City Council allow the possibility for this 3-acre tract to be considered
for a down zoning change to a B-3 designation so this project can move
forward.
Keith Selman, City Planner, stated that if the
property were situated within the noise contours, then the ordinance would
require that an avigational easement be obtained. He stated that questions regarding future requirements are
difficult to answer at this point being that the City is currently going
through the FAR Part 150 study so city staff does not know what the
recommendations from the study will be.
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. wants this concern over avigational
easements to be addressed now because the Federal Aviation Administration has
always looked favorably at the City’s requests for monies. He wants to make sure that the City is
following FAA requirements to prevent the encroachment of residential development
in the area.
Jose L. Flores, Airport Director, stated that
there are several matters to be concerned about. He mentioned the update being conducted on the noise study which
will make certain recommendations to the City.
He stated that the noise contours as they exist today may very well be
expanded. Another concern is that, upon
completion, the noise study could recommend a lesser noise contour such as a 60
DNL or lower. If the noise study
recommends a 60 DNL or lower, then that gets expanded half a mile or greater to
protect the airport and the residents located near the airport. He
mentioned that the airport’s noise study should be completed within the next 12
months.
Ron Whitehawk stated that prior to the final
reading of this ordinance, he would be willing to have the applicant submit an
avigational easement for the Legal Department’s review should that become
necessary in the future. He further stated that they were only going
to construct a two-story type of dwelling.
Mayor Flores inquired as to how close this tract
is to the area that was pointed out to the City by the FAA administrator.
Jose L. Flores replied that the land to be
developed is very close to the area. He
mentioned that not only does one have noise from an aircraft flying over or
adjacent to that property but there is also the ground noise that an aircraft
makes while it is taxiing.
Cm. Galo emphasized that the City Council should
be consistent with the decision being made regarding this issue in order to place
future applicants on notice.
Motion to close the public hearing and postpone
for one month.
Moved:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.
Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 1
Cm. Garcia
11. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of
the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 1 and 2,
Block 408, Eastern Division, located at 519 East Saunders Street from B-3
(Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial 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. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ron Whitehawk asked for postponement for 30 days
being that they are trying to meet with some of the adjoining property owners
to address some of the neighborhood concerns.
Motion to close the public hearing and postpone
for 30 days.
Moved:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.
Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
12. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the issuance of a Special Use
Permit to Kenneth Smartt for a sexually oriented
business on 4.4493 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached
Exhibit “A”, located west of Hwy 35 and north of the Anzon Plat; providing for
publication and effective date. The
Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed Special
Use Permit.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Emilio “Chito” Davila, Jr., attorney for Kenneth
Smartt, stated that he requests the issuance of the special use permit. He commented that Mr. Smartt has operated
this business on the east side of IH-35 for over eight years now. He stated that there has been considerable
expansion of residential development in the area and it has been recommended to
the owner that he move the location of his business. In an effort to attempt to do that, Mr. Smartt has purchased a
total of 23 acres which includes the 4.4493 acres being considered for the new
location. For purposes of constructing
on the 23 acres, Mr. Smartt submits to City Council that the area is much more
appropriate for this type of business.
The acreage is bordered by Manadas Creek on one side and IH-35 on the
other side. He stated that Mr. Smartt
is willing to work out some type of agreement with city staff and the Legal
Department rather than appeal an unsatisfactory decision. He asked that City Council honor the Board
of Adjustment’s approval of the variance for the setback requirements at the
January 27, 2000 meeting.
Keith Selman, Planning Department Director,
stated that the current recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission is
based strictly on the provision of whether it meets the 1000’ requirement.
Motion to close the public hearing, deny the
special use permit, and go with the recommendation of staff.
Moved:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
13. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 806,
Eastern Division, located at 402 South Meadow Avenue, from B-1 (Limited
Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for
publication and effective date. The
Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone
change and approval of a Conditional Use Permit with conditions.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Galo inquired whether this business is going
to be strictly a tire sale and repair shop.
Keith Selman, City Planner, reported that the
applicant has stated that the business will be strictly a tire business.
Mr. Luis Lopez stated he agrees with the
conditions imposed under the conditional use permit.
Motion to close the public hearing, deny the
zone change, and approve the conditional use permit subject to the conditions
as listed.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm.
Galo
14. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 2.5537 acres, known
as the Tex West Plat, located at 1830 Tex-Mex Drive, 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 change
and approval of a Conditional Use Permit with conditions.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ron Whitehawk, representing Mone Forwarding,
stated he favors the request for issuance of the conditional use permit. He mentioned that the applicant has reviewed
the conditions as imposed by the Planning and Zoning Commission and is willing
to abide by the conditions. He
requested that City Council approve the conditional use permit to allow for the
used batteries at this location.
Motion to close the public hearing, deny the
zone change, and approve the conditional use permit.
Moved:
Cm. Garcia
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm.
Garcia
15. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 0.528 acres, as
further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located east of
Mines Road and south of San Lorenzo Drive from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential
District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District); providing for publication and
effective date. The Planning and Zoning
Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved:
Cm. Belmares
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Rodolfo Torres, representing the landowner,
appeared before City Council to answer any questions.
Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.
Moved:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
Second:
Cm. Ramirez
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
16. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 3.7748 acres as
further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located south of
Masterson Road and west of Hwy 83, from AG (Agricultural District) to R-1MH
(Single Family Manufactured Housing District); providing for publication and
effective date. The Planning and Zoning
Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.
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. Galo
Second:
Cm. Garcia
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm.
Galo
17. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 3.5976 acres, as
further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located north of
Santa Martha Blvd. and west of Hwy 83 from AG (Agricultural District) to R-1MH
(Single Family Manufactured Housing District); providing for publication and
effective date. The Planning and Zoning
Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved:
Cm. Garcia
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: Cm.
Galo
18. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 10.4024 acres,
located west of Hwy 83 and north of Santa Fe Subdivision Unit V, from AG
(Agricultural District) and R-3 (Mixed Family Residential District) to B-3
(Community Business District); providing for publication and effective
date. The Planning and Zoning
Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved:
Cm. Belmares
Second:
Cm. Galo
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm.
Galo
19. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 5, Block 1950,
Eastern Division, located at 3113 Clark Blvd., from R-3 (Mixed Residential
District) to B-3 (Community Business 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. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ron Whitehawk spoke on behalf of the property
owner. He stated that the property in
question is a lot located on the south side of Clark Blvd. The applicant is asking City Council to
consider a conditional use permit and leave the zoning intact. He stated that the owner will place a berm
to drain any car fluids and prevent them from draining into the creek. He added that there are spaces for nine
vehicles and two spaces for parking.
Motion to close the public hearing and follow staff’s
recommendation to deny the zone change.
Moved:
Cm. Garcia
Second:
Cm. Galo
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
20. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 9.1078 acres, located
west of Hwy 83 and south of Cielito Lindo Blvd., from B-1 (Limited Commercial
District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and
effective date. The Planning and Zoning
Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change with the
exception of Lots 1-8, Block 1, as identified by the attached site plan, which
the Commission recommends remain B-1.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ron Whitehawk, representing Porras Engineering,
spoke in favor the zone change request to a B-3 designation for all of the
property, including Lots 1 – 8, Block 1.
Motion to close the public hearing and allow a
B-3 designation for all the property.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm.
Galo
21. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend
Ordinance 99-O-242 dated August 23, 1999,
Establishing and Adopting Commercial Aircraft Landing Fees and Landing Fee
Rates for the Laredo International Airport as follows: Section 2 is amended to include a
non-signatory airline category and non-signatory landing fee of $0.90 (ninety
cents) per thousand pounds; Section 5 is deleted; Section 6 is amended to
delete the requirement that the Airport shall first invoice the Airline to
receive landing fee payments; Section 7 is amended so as to not exempt
commercial airlines from paying a landing fee; providing for an effective date.
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. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
22. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo’s FY 2001-02
General Fund annual budget by appropriating
expenditures in the amount of $133,347.00, from the Building Security Fee
collected by Municipal Court and 2000A CO annual budget by appropriating
revenues and expenditures in the amount of $133,347.00, to provide underground
electrical power to the new Municipal Court Building and re-route existing
overhead primaries away from the new building, and authorizing the City Manager
to implement said budget.
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. Belmares
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
23. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo,
Texas, International Toll Bridge System Revenue
Bonds, Series 2002, in the principal amount of $12,890,00.00 for the renovation
and improvements of Bridge No. 1 with pedestrian way improvements and
construction of a duty free export building attached to an administration building,
and other improvements in connection therewith, approving an official
statement, authorizing the execution of a purchase contract, and other matters
related thereto and authorizing amendment to the City’s budget to appropriate
such proceeds for purposes authorized herein.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved:
Cm. Garcia
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: Abstain:
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.
Moved:
Cm. Belmares
Second:
Cm. Galo
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
24. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo,
Texas, Combination Tax and Revenue Certificates
of Obligation, Series 2002, in the principal amount of $9,965,000.00 for paying
all or a portion of the City’s contractual obligations for the purpose of
acquisition of downtown property to be used for future municipal offices;
acquisition of the Slaughter Farm land to be used for municipal park space,
including sports fields, nature trails and other park recreational uses;
acquisition of land Northeast of Laredo, to be used for a municipal solid waste
landfill; acquisition of land for the fire and law enforcement training center;
acquisition of downtown property, including improvements for surface municipal
parking lot, and of the payment of legal, fiscal, architectural and engineering
fees in connection with such projects and authorizing amendment to the City’s
budget to appropriate such proceeds for purposes authorized herein; and
approving an official statement and authorizing the execution of a purchase
contract; and ordaining other matters related to the subject.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved:
Cm. Garcia
Second:
Cm. Galo
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Ramirez
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
25. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance approving an amendment to Ordinance 91-
O-032 authorizing the issuance of City of
Laredo, Texas, Subordinate Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Series 1991 and other
matters related thereto.
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. Galo
Second:
Cm. Belmares
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
26. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo,
Texas, Public Property Finance Contractual
Obligations, Series 2002, in the principal amount of $2,285,000.00, for the
purchase of vehicle equipment, trucks, fire department equipment, trailers, EMS
equipment, sweepers, mowers, street equipment, computers and ordaining other
matters relating to the subject and authorizing amendment to the City’s budget
to appropriate such proceeds for purposes authorized herein; and approving an
official statement and authorizing the execution of a purchase contract; and
ordaining other matters related to the subject.
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. J. Valdez, Jr.
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
27.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the issuance of
City of Laredo,
Texas, Sewer System Revenue Refunding Bonds,
Series 2002A, approving an official statement, authorizing the execution of a
purchase contract and the execution of an escrow agreement, and making
provisions for the security thereof, and authorizing amendment to the City’s
budget to appropriate such proceeds for purposes authorized herein, and
ordaining other matters related to the subject.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Garcia
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.
Moved:
Cm. Amaya
Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
28. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo,
Texas, Sewer System Revenue Refunding Bonds,
Taxable Series 2002B, approving an official statement, authorizing the
execution of a purchase contract and the execution of an escrow agreement, and
making provisions for the security thereof, and authorizing amendment to the
City’s budget to appropriate such proceeds for purposes authorized herein, and
ordaining other matters related to the subject.
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
VIII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND
PRESENTATIONS
29.
A. Request by Council Member
John C. Galo
1. Staff
report on the lack of railroad gate crossing arms at Chihuahua and
Guadalupe
Streets.
Keith Selman, City Planner, reported that those are state
highways and that the gate crossing is state property. He stated that they have gotten in touch
with TxDOT and have been told that the installation is about 90% complete. He added that the mechanisms are in place
and they also have all of the equipment.
Tex-Mex Railway is working on some of the circuitry on their tracks and
once that was in place they would be putting the gate arms up. He stated that Tex-Mex Railway will have the
crossing arms up within the next month.
2. Status report on the clean up of Chacon
Creek, with possible action.
Erasmo Villarreal, Community Development Director, reported
that they had ordered Foster Engineering to conduct a survey. The survey is approximately 90% complete to
the point where they have marked for the City the properties that have been
bought. He mentioned that the action
taken by City Council tonight approving acceptance of the grant monies from the
Environmental Protection Agency will be used for this cleanup project. He reported that the grant for the hiking
trail is also in place. What he is
waiting on is to get the actual survey to determine what property was actually
bought. He is scheduling a meeting with
Foster Engineering this week so that department staff will learn where the
block designations are of what has been acquired within the boundaries.
3. Staff
report on what measures the City and Council can take to get out the votes
for
the November election.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, reported that he
has instructed the City’s Public Information Officer and Public Access Manager
to target more voters and try to exceed 40,000 votes in the General
Election. They have been working for
two months on setting up different public service announcements which will be
running consistently in September to encourage people to cast their vote. The other issue being looked at is a
national program called “Kids Vote” which works by ingraining the idea of voting
in children. Hopefully, this will embed
the tradition of voting at an early age even if it is for a mock election.
Mayor Flores mentioned that the media has been
very helpful in generating interest in their publications for Election
2002. She stated that what the City is
looking into is setting up a voting fair by having a place where people can go
out and vote.
Cm. Galo suggested that the City could make a
change to hold city elections in odd-numbered years.
Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary, replied
that state election law does not prohibit a city from conducting elections in
odd-numbered years.
4. Status
report on the extra signage requested for the intersection of Malinche and
Chacon,
with possible action.
Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, reported that
at this particular location they did notice more traffic on Chacon Street. He is recommending a four-way stop and will
be increasing the size of the stop signs on Chacon Street. The order for the signs has been placed and
as soon as the equipment is received, they will install the stop signs.
B. Request by Council Member Johnny Amaya
1. Discussion with possible action on the brick
pavers project on Clark Blvd.
Joe Guerra, Public Works Director, reported that they have
already completed one block. By the end
of next week, the department will have all four blocks completed.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, reported that there are some
shrubs and vegetation that had been planted years ago on one of those
blocks. He stated that the area is now overgrown
and should be weeded out but not necessarily removed. The area holds some rare species of plants and he is suggesting
that the crew save the vegetation and brick around it to make it look nicer. He wants to make the median look as
aesthetically pleasing as possible.
C. Request by Council Member Gene Belmares
1. Discussion
with possible action regarding the strengthening of the soliciting
ordinance.
Cm. Belmares stated that he is looking for some
guidance from staff for street solicitation campaigns in order to avoid a
potential tragedy associated from an accident on the streets.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that
although there is an ordinance in place it is not being adequately enforced.
Jaime Flores, City Attorney, addressed a few
points from the ordinance regulating soliciting campaigns.
Solicitation for public information is defined
as: the immediate donation of money or
any thing of value regardless of the solicitor’s purpose or intended use.
There is a provision that serves to regulate
constitutionally time, place, and manner.
Under time, it is unlawful to solicit after sunset or before
sunrise. Under place, it is
unlawful for a person to solicit in any of the following places; one may not solicit at a bus stop, in any
public transportation vehicle or
facility,
on private property (unless given permission by
the owner), within 20 feet of any entrance way into or exit for any public building,
within 40 feet of any outdoor ATM; while seated or leaning against any public
bench, plant, or monument or any public property. Under manner, it is unlawful for any person to solicit
in the following manner: by coming
within five feet of the person solicited until that person has indicated that
he/she wishes to make a donation; by blocking the path of a person or
pedestrian along the sidewalk; by following a person who walks away from the
solicitor or require any person to take evasive action or physical contact; by
using profane language or abusive language during the solicitation or following
refusal. It shall be unlawful for a
person to solicit to occupants in vehicles or to fail to wear high visibility
traffic vests; solicit only at intersections controlled by traffic lights;
solicit only while the solicitor is located at a curbed traffic island; solicit
only when traffic has come to a full stop; solicitor must be at least 18 years
of age; a person may not stand in a roadway except solicitors may enter the
roadway to collect the funds. With
regards to the process of non-commercial street solicitation campaigns,
registration is required and a fee must be
paid.
Mayor Flores inquired whether people are
provided a copy of these rules that they must follow.
Jaime Flores replied that at the time when the
person applies for a permit itself, the registration process requires that the
person sign that he or she has received this information.
Agustin Dovalina, Police Chief, stated that any
time an organization is going to do some solicitation within the city limits,
they are supposed to go to the police department. There they are given a copy of the ordinance where it is
explained to them what they can and cannot do.
Aside from that, the person who is registering these persons for
solicitation is also explaining to each individual organization what can and
cannot be done. He mentioned that the
groups that register for solicitation also have to submit an “after donation”
report where they document how much money has been collected.
Cm. Belmares concurred with the memo issued by
city staff that enforcement of this ordinance is necessary. He added that the prohibition of minors
should be included as part of the ordinance.
Chief Dovalina stated that his department will
begin to enforce the full force of the ordinance immediately.
2. Discussion,
with possible action, on Charlie Borchers Elementary traffic
situation.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that city
staff has introduced for the August 8, 2002 council agenda an ordinance that
allows for the one-way traffic both at Charles Borchers Elementary and Ryan
Elementary. This would be followed by
a final reading of the ordinance on August 12, 2002. Once this is done, a publication notice will run in the
newspaper, and this will occur prior to the start of the school year. He recognized that this is a short term
measure and stated that there are other items to be addressed that will resolve
this issue. The City is looking at
making sure that one particular roadway extends to the school at least a four-lane
road to make sure that the problem can be eliminated once the development is
done completely.
D. Request
by Council Member Jose A. Valdez, Jr.
1. Discussion
with possible action regarding the road conditions of the intersection
of
Santa Maria Avenue and Del Mar Blvd.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported that due
to the heavy truck traffic in the area of Santa Maria Avenue between Del Mar
Boulevard and International Boulevard, and the hot weather conditions, the
asphalt wearing surface is experiencing extreme distress. He stated that this type of asphalt distress
is typical where the roadway is subjected to a high frequency of heavy loading,
and can be cured temporally by overlaying the roadway with black base. A permanent cure would be to reconstruct the
road with concrete from Del Mar Boulevard to Industrial Boulevard,
approximately 1000 L.F., at a preliminary cost of $375,000.00. He mentioned that the short term solution
would be to go there and scrape the asphalt and fill it with black base and
hopefully it will wear better.
2. Status report on the CPL Road project, with
possible action.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, stated that he submitted a
report to City Council that Crane Engineering had submitted to the
department.
Edward Garza of Crane Engineering reported that this project is
encompassing approximately 300 acres of undeveloped land. The surveying work done has allowed them to find
another small landfill site that they are trying to avoid. They have recently identified four possible
routes and have been meeting with the Engineering Department staff and have
revised it down to two possible alignments.
The sub-consultant is performing an environmental site assessment of a
portion of land from the CPL tract to Flecha Lane. Their findings will allow them to pinpoint a final
alignment. He mentioned that this
project is a challenge from the standpoint of dealing with a lot of tracts of
land and trying to develop a project that is cost effective at the same
time.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, reported that they have had a
meeting with the CPL Board. He stated
that although this was previously approved through the Central and Southwest
Board, they have now changed their assets to AEP and require that all of the
donations go again through the AEP Board.
3. Discussion
with possible action regarding the identification of non-wetland areas
around
Indian Sunset Park.
Riazul Mia, Environmental Director, reported
that he has been working with Dr. James Earhart. He mentioned that they have identified three acres of usable
land in the area. He stated the other
area is good for a hike and bike trail.
E. Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez
1. Discussion with possible action on the
improvements of the 1400 block of
Vidaurri.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported that
this project along Vidaurri extends 14 blocks from Scott Street to Jefferson
Street and it is still on hold pending utilities clearance. He added that the project is still under
review with the Utilities Coordination Committee. This one block has part of the street that is already paved. The rest of the area is a parking lot for
the warehouses which is where the gravel is.
He stated that what the department could do is work with the 55-foot
right-of- way but not with the rest of the area.
2. Discussion
with possible action regarding security surveillance in the downtown
area.
Agustin Dovalina, Police Chief, reported that there is a
uniformed presence in the area, including two police precincts with about 12 to
15 officers. These officers are
divided into three shifts which includes the bike patrol. He also mentioned that the department is
actively recruiting officers right now to fill 50 vacancies. He is planning
to schedule an academy for them some time in September.
3. Discussion with possible action on the
proposed 2002-2003 annual budget.
Cm. Ramirez stated that he would leave this item for the budget
hearings.
IX. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
30. Authorizing
the City Manager to execute a lease with Border Sporting Goods, Inc., for
approximately 6,583 square feet constituting
Building No. 190 located at 5207 Maher Avenue at the Laredo International
Airport. Lease term is for five (5)
years commencing on July 1, 2002 and ending on June 30, 2007. Monthly rent shall be $2,107.00 and will be
adjusted annually according to changes in the Consumer Price Index; providing
for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
31. Authorizing
the City Manager to execute a lease with International Total Services
(I.T.S.) for approximately 198 square feet
constituting Suite No. 208 located on the second (2nd) floor of the Airport
Passenger Terminal Building at 5210 Bob Bullock Loop at the Laredo
International Airport. Lease term is
for one (1) year commencing on July 1, 2002 and ending on June 30, 2003. Monthly rent shall be $300.00; providing for
effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
32. Authorizing
the City Manager to execute a lease with Nextel WIP Lease Corporation
d/b/a Nextel Partners for approximately 12,713
square feet of land located at 1820 Pappas Street for the purpose of locating
an antenna tower at the Laredo International Airport. Lease term is for five (5) years commencing on September 1, 2002
and ending on August 31, 2007 and maybe be extended for four (4) terms of five
(5) years each ending on August 31, 2012; August 31, 2017; August 31, 2022; and
August 31, 2027. Annual base rent shall
be $8,400.00, payable in advance. The
base rent shall be increased annually according to changes in the Consumer
Price Index and further adjusted by fair market value appraisal on the 10th and
20th anniversaries; providing for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
33. Approving
a Foreign Trade Zone Operations Agreement with South Texas Traffic
Company as zone site operator covering 97,032
square feet of activated space, which includes 71,432 square feet of warehouse
space and 25,600 square feet of trailer parking area located at 8501 Killam
Industrial Blvd., Foreign Trade Zone Site 3 and authorizing the City Manager to
execute said agreement. Providing
activation, administrative, and transaction fees to the City and providing for
an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
34. Authorizing
the City Manager to execute an amendment to the lease agreement
between the City of Laredo, as Lessor, and
Laredo Guardian Volunteers, Inc., as Lessee, authorized by Ordinance No.
2001-O-141 dated July 16, 2001, for the purpose of relocating Lessee to a
larger office space effective September 1, 2002. Said amendment will amend, specifically, Section 1.01 titled
“Leased Area,” relocating Lessee from Suite No. 23 to Suite No. 26, and
respectively increasing the leased area from 300 square feet to 480 square
feet. Amending Section 1.04 titled
“Rental Obligation,” in order to increase the monthly rent from $388.58 to
$624.00. Amending Section 4.08 titled
“Notices” in order to change the mailing address. All other terms and conditions remain unchanged and in effect;
providing for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
35. Establishing
and adopting an Ordinance granting the City Manager authority to enter
into short term (not to exceed sixty (60) days)
lease agreements with interested parties for use of Airport property and
facilities located at the Laredo International Airport and authorizing the City
Manager to implement said Ordinance; providing for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
36. Authorizing
the City Manager to execute a lease between the City of Laredo Airport, as
Lessor, and City of Laredo Municipal Court, as
Lessee, for approximately 184,956 square feet of land located on Lot No. 1,
Block No. 6 at the Laredo International Airport. Lease term is for forty (40) years commencing on October 1, 2002
and ending on September 30, 2042.
Monthly rent shall be $3,750.00 and will be adjusted annually according
to changes in the Consumer Price Index and further adjusted by Fair Market
Value Appraisal on the 10th, 20th, and 30th anniversaries; providing for an
effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
37. Authorizing
the City Manager to execute an amendment to the Lease Agreement
between the City of Laredo, as Lessor, and
Laredo Candle Company, L.P., as Lessee, authorized by Ordinance No. 2002-O-118
dated June 3, 2002 for the purpose of extending the lease term for an
additional ninety (90) days effective July 19, 2002. Said Amendment will amend, specifically, Section 1.02 titled
“Term”, adding ninety (90) days commencing on July 19, 2002 and ending on
October 18, 2002. Section 1.03 titled
“Rental Obligation” is amended to reflect the rent obligation in the amount of
$11,500.00 per month commencing on July 19, 2002 and ending on October 18,
2002. All other terms and conditions remain unchanged and in effect; providing
for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
38. Amending
Ordinance 99-O-363 dated December 20, 1999 to include authorization for
payment of monetary commission to Real Estate
Agents whose efforts result in leasing airport office space and/or buildings;
providing for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
X. FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES
Motion to waive the final readings of Ordinance
# 2002-O-162, # 2002-O-163, # 2002-O-165, # 2002-O-166, # 2002-O-167, # 2002-O-168,
# 2002-O-169, # 2002-O-170, # 2002-O-173 and # 2002-O-174.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
39.
2002-O-162 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 adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-162.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-163 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 adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-163.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-165 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 adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-165.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-166 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 adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-166.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-167 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 adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-167.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-168 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.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-168.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O- 169 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.
Mayor Flores read the following letter stating
objections to the Jefferson Street closing:
1. Jefferson is the “front door” to the
warehouse park established over
30 years ago. Out of town trucks arriving need the most direct route
into this area. Jefferson westbound lane provides that. Proposed
ordinance eliminates completely 1900 and
2000 block Jefferson.
2. Real estate values are reduced in cases
where access is reduced.
There are between 25-30 warehouses along
the Jefferson corridor.
The impact to property values may be
directly related to this city
action.
3. The perception that warehouse operators are
moving out of Jefferson
area to northside parks is not
valid. This park has one property for
sale, none for rent. Many northside parks have high vacancy rates
(e.g., Tejas Industrial Park).
4. The city’s staff does not recommend closing
Jefferson because of
impact on Calton Road and Scott Street
as the only alternatives to
the Santa Isabel / Anna truck route.
5. Several years and 100’s of thousands of
dollars were spent to create a second entrance to the Unitec park at exit 13,
because of the negative impact one entrance with a train involved had on that
area. Why would anyone eliminate an
entrance to a warehouse park intentionally?
6. The Jefferson whse. District already deals
with two Union Pacific tracks running north and south only 3 blocks apart. Both trucks and passenger vehicles need two
ways to enter or exit this area when trains are parked, blocking Jefferson on
either set of tracks.
7. The elimination of eastbound truck traffic
on Jefferson failed because of very poor signage (One sign only 40” x 24” is
inside the area that is out of bounds for trucks to drive. Once
a truck sees that sign, the driver is two blocks beyond avoiding the eastbound
violation.
8. Currently, there are no pedestrian crossing
signs, no school crossing signs, and no indication to westbound trucks that
they are not allowed to return to Interstate 35 the way they entered this
warehouse area. Anna Truck route now
has more residential zoning, what’s next?
9. The most equitable solution is to properly
warn eastbound drivers in advance of the Santa Rita street railroad crossing
that trucks must not return to Interstate 35 on Jefferson. This would better be done by using red and white signs similar to “WRONG WAY”
signs seen on exit ramps of freeways and of course periodic presence of the
Laredo Police also.
Thank you.”
Mike McBain
Laredo Cotton Transfer, Inc.
Ms. Marcia Alexander, of International Transfer
Company, spoke against the closing of Jefferson Street to commercial trucks
until an overpass can be constructed along the truck route to avoid the trains.
Mr. Frank Averill spoke against the closing of
Jefferson Street. He mentioned that the
existing truck route has been there for many years.
Ms. Elia Caballero de Castillo, representing the
property at 1902 Jefferson spoke against the closing. She stated that eliminating Jefferson Street as a truck route
would have a tremendous financial impact on her business.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-169.
Moved:
Cm. Ramirez
Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
The main motion was not adopted because a motion
was made to postpone.
Motion to postpone.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Garcia
For:
5 Against: 3 Abstain: 0
Cm. Amaya
Cm. J.
Valdez, Jr.
Cm. Ramirez
2002-O- 170 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.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-170.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-173 Amending the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002
budget in the amount of
$16,544.00 by increasing the Texas
Department of Health’s share of
program
income and expenditures for the Immunization Action Plan
Project
budget of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period of
September
1, 2001, through August 31, 2002.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-173.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-174 Amending the City of Laredo 2001-2002 budget
in the amount of
$1,000.00
by increasing the Texas Department of Health’s share of
program
income and expenditures for the Tuberculosis Elimination
Program
budget of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period
of
September 1, 2001, through August 31, 2002.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-174.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XI. RESOLUTIONS
40.
2002-R-066 Authorizing the City
Manager to execute a Clinical Affiliation Agreement
between the City of Laredo Fire Department
Emergency Management Service and Texas A&M International University Canseco
School of Nursing.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2002-R-066.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
41.
2002-R-067 Authorizing the City
Manager to accept the donation of a 30,000 gallon
Chlorine Rail Tank Car from WRG Training
Simulation System with an estimated value of $22,000.00. This equipment will be used as a training
prop at the Laredo International Fire and Law Enforcement Training Center.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2002-R-067.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
42.
2002-R-068 Authorizing the City
Manager to accept the donation of a 10,000 gallon
propane tank from the National Guard with an
estimated value of $7,000.00 and services donated by Orozco’s Wrecker Recovery
and Crane Services with an estimated value of $3,000.00 to relocate the tank to
the Training Center. This equipment
will be used as a training prop at the Laredo International Fire and Law
Enforcement Training Center.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2002-R-068.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
43. 2002-R-069 Authorizing the City Manager to accept the
donation of one (1) used 1980
single type dwelling two (2) bedroom mobile home
from Juan Narvaez Manufactured Mobile Homes with an estimated value of
$5,000.00. This used mobile home will
be used as a training prop at the Laredo International Fire and Law Enforcement
Training Center.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2002-R-069.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
44.
2002-R-070 A resolution
accepting a grant from the United States Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) 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-070.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
45.
2002-R-072 Accepting a grant
awarded from the Governor’s Automobile Theft
Prevention Authority in the amount of
$399,292.00 to fund the Laredo Auto Theft Task Force. The Governor’s Automobile Theft Prevention Authority will be designating
$399,292.00, the City will be designating $78,858.00 in matching funds, and
Webb County will be designating $31,464.00 in matching funds for a total of
$509,614.00 for a one year funding period beginning September 1, 2002 through
August 31, 2003.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2002-R-072.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XII. MOTIONS
46. Consideration
to award contract number FY 02-136 to the low bidders, Precision Delta
Corporation, Ruleville, MS, in the amount of
$29,775.34 and C & G Wholesale, Dallas, TX, in the amount of $18,096.00 for
the purchase of duty and practice ammunition for the Police Department. Bids were requested on the following
ammunition types: .45 ACP, 9mm, 308, 00
Buck, rifle slug, and .223 cal. Funding
is available in the Police Department budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
47. Consideration
to award contract number FY 02-132 to the sole bidder, LDV, Inc.,
Burlington, Wisconsin, in the amount of
$360,984.00 for the purchase of a mobile command center for the Police
Department. Funding is available in the
Police Trust Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
48. Consideration
to award contract number FY 02-125 to the sole bidder, Audio
Intelligence Devices, Inc., Deerfield Beach,
Florida, in the amount of $129,310.00 for the purchase of a specialized law
enforcement vehicle. Funding is
available in the Police Trust Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
49. Consideration
to award annual supply contracts FY 02-120 to the low bidders meeting
specifications: Wingfoot Commercial Tire
Systems, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $160,586.00; Firestone
Store, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $70,656.94; and A to Z Tire
and Battery, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $28,552.00 for the
purchase of tires and tubes for all City vehicles. All tires are purchased on an as needed basis. Funding is available in the Fleet Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
50. Consideration
for approval of change order no. 2 a decrease of $3,472.17 for the
balance of quantities actually constructed in
place, acceptance for the rehabilitation of concrete bridge deck, repairs,
structural evaluation and assessment of load carrying capacity, and
strengthening of Laredo International Bridge I and approval of final payment in
the amount of $39,279.78 to C.F. Jordan, L.P., Laredo, Texas. Final contract amount is $392,797.83. Funding is available in the Bridge System
Toll Plaza Improvements.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
51. Consideration
to award a construction contract to the lowest bidder R. Aguero
Trucking, Laredo, Texas, for the South Laredo
Park in the vicinity of Kawas Elementary School in the bid amount of
$182,963.30. Funding is available in
the Community Development 26th Action Year/2000 Grant South Laredo Park.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
52. Consideration
to approve amendment no. 2 for a feasibility study and preparation of
plans and specifications to widen Bridge II
through the removal of the sidewalk areas and relocation of utilities for an
increased amount of $62,000.00 as additional professional services to the
engineering contract of Halliburton KBR, Houston, Texas, (formerly Brown &
Root, Inc.) for the Laredo International Bridge I Strengthening Project. Funding is available in the Bridge Improvements
account.
Motion to approve
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
53. Consideration
to amend the City’s contract with Parsons, Brinckerhoff, Quade and
Douglas for the preparation of an environmental
assessment (EA) for the City of Laredo International Bridge No. 5 and border
facilities to include the preparation of a detailed traffic analysis in the
amount not to exceed $49,415.00. The
contract amount will increase from $158,788.00 to $208,203.00.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
54. Consideration
for approval of change order no. 3 an increase of $50,646.80 to the
construction contract with MTZ Construction,
Inc., Laredo, Texas, for the widening of Del Mar from Fenwick Drive to
McPherson Road for over excavation of the sub-grade and placement of caliche to
correct ground water conditions between Eden and McPherson. Funding is available in the Del Mar
Widening-Phase I Project.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
55. Consideration
to renew the Occupational Health Clinic Physician contract number FY
01-124 between the City of Laredo and David
Cruz, M.D., to provide medical services as the City of Laredo designated
physician for the Occupational Health Clinic located at 5512 Thomas and
authorizing the City Manager to execute all contract documents.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
56. Consideration
to renew professional service contract number FY 01-135 between the
City of Laredo and Deer Oaks Mental Health
Associates for the Employee Assistance Program and to authorize the City
Manager to execute all contract documents.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
57. Consideration
to authorize the City Manager to enter into a renewed interlocal
agreement for FY 2001-2002 between the City of
Laredo and the County of Webb in the amount of $133,600.00 for locally
supported public health services to non-Laredo residents of Webb County for the
period beginning October 21, 2001 through September 30, 2002.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 1
Cm.
Amaya
58. Consideration
to award a construction contract to the lowest bidder, Universal
Sprinkler Corporation, Houston, Texas, for the
Fire Sprinkler System for the Colombia Solidarity Bridge Toll Plaza Facility in
the bid amount of $50,206.00. Funding
is available in the Bridge System Toll Plaza Improvements.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
59. Consideration
to authorize the City Manager to opt out of the Federal Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act of 1996
(HIPAA), effective October 1, 2002 through September 30, 2003, as a result of
the City currently meeting or exceeding minimum HIPAA benefit provisions.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
60. Consideration
to authorize the nomination of Daniel E. Migura, Jr., Administrative
Services Department Director for the 2002 Board
of Trustees election for Region 7 of the Texas Municipal League
Intergovernmental Employee Benefits Pool.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
61. Consideration
to award annual contract FY 02-129 to the low bidder, JJJ International
& Safety, Inc., Laredo, Texas, in the
estimated amount of $116,141.20 for providing traffic marking paint for the
Traffic Department Safety Division and Airport Department. This contract establishes the unit pricing
for traffic paint and glass beads used for street and runway/taxiway striping
for a one-year period. All items will
be purchased on an as needed basis.
Funding is available in the Traffic Safety and Airport Ground Maintenance
budgets.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
62. Consideration
to reject the sole bid FY 02-127 by Carl Turner Equipment, San Antonio,
Texas, in the amount of $33,500.00 for the purchase
and installation of fleet service equipment at the Solid Waste Facility. The bid pricing exceeded the budgeted amount
and new bids will be secured for the equipment only. City crews will install the equipment. Funding is available in the Fleet Management Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
63. Consideration
to award contract number FY 02-115 to the low bidder JVA’s
Investigation & Security Company, Oilton,
Texas, for providing airport security guard services for the Laredo
International Airport. The term of this
contract will be from the contract award date to December 31, 2003 and subject
to continued appropriation of funds by the City Council or the Federal Aviation
Agency (FAA). The contract is for an
estimated amount of 126 hours per week ($822.00/wk). Funding is available in the Airport Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
64. Consideration
to award contract number FY 02-137 to the low bidder, Bullen Pump
and Equipment, Inc., Houston, Texas, in the
amount of $72,138.00 for the purchase of two replacement progressive cavity
pumps and one grinder for the Zacate Creek Wastewater Plant. Funds for the purchase of this equipment are
available in the Utilities Department budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
65. Consideration
to award contract number FY02-134 to the Low Bidder, Shadeports,
Inc., San Antonio, Texas, in the amount of
$48,900.00 for the installation of shade structures at the Solid Waste Facility
and Tarver Recreation Center. Funding
is available in the Solid Waste Fund and the Parks and Recreation Department
budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XIII. STAFF REPORTS
66. Update
report on the status of the Colonias Project.
Keith Kendall, Project
Manager, reported that a meeting was held on July 15, 2002, to
discuss several issues which have now
been resolved. Another meeting was held
earlier today in which TxDOT
representatives were present. On State
Highway 359 Work Order #1, they were
able to get Tex-Mex Railway’s permission to do the geotechnical investigations
and that permit is in the process of being completed at this time. The final design plans are due this
month. They expect to go out for
advertisement in September and receive bids in October with construction starting
in November.
The next work order is State Highway 359 Work
Order #2, which is being performed by Foster Engineering. This involves the Pueblo Nuevo Water
Distribution and Wastewater Collection System.
What they are waiting for this fall is the right-of-way acquisition by
the County. They are scheduled to
complete that this fall; and if that is the case, they will be ready to go out
for bids at the first of the year.
The State Highway 359 Work Order #3 is HNTB
which is the remaining water distribution and wastewater collection system for
the nine other colonias. They are about
75% plans; they are working with the County to identify those easements and
right-of-way that will be necessary that the County is not getting. They expect that to probably go out on the
first of the year. The County is
currently on schedule to obtain the right-of-way and easements this fall. If that is the case, they expect to begin
construction at the first of the year.
The State Highway 359 Work Order #4 is the 16”
transmission line going along 359 for all colonias. They will have an item on the agenda for the August 19, 2002
City Council meeting requesting approval for advertisement of bids on said
project. They will begin advertisement
the following week, receive bids in September, award the project in October,
and expect to begin with construction toward the end of October.
In regards to State Highway 359 Work Orders #5
and #6, those are the ground storage tank and the booster pump station that are
being completed by NRS Engineering.
They were the ones that were greatly impacted by the oversizing. They have had meetings with them and have advised
that they have already gotten the site location for the elevated storage
tank. The investigations and surveys are
under way, and they are currently determining a site location for the ground
storage tank. They are scheduled to finalize
plans by the first of the year and go out for advertisement in February,
2003.
67. Status
report by El Metro on the improvements on Lyon and Meadow and Meadow and
Stewart
Streets in District IV.
Joe
Guerra, Public Works Director, reported that all the concrete has been poured
on
the
intersection of Lyon and Meadow.
Tomorrow, they will cut down Lyon Street and
will put
in the black base this Friday. As soon
as they get through with that black base,
they
will start on Stewart and get both streets ready for paving at the same
time.
68. Status
of the contract for the privatization of the City’s water and wastewater
operations.
Beto
Ramirez, Interim Utilities Director, reported that they have had the
employee
orientation meetings and employee interviews. The employees have submitted job
applications and the offers have been made to the Utilities Department
employees. He
mentioned that drug tests were conducted on July 23rd
and 24th. Out of 189
employees
tested,
one employee failed and there are three more tests to be administered. He
expects
to have those results by the end of this week.
He
stated that United Water and the City have also agreed on the allocation of
space.
They
will be carving out the middle section of the building which the Utilities
Department
will keep and United Water will keep the water pollution division, the
water
distribution and water collection. He
reported that they have contacted architect
Robert Sepulveda
and he will be providing some designs in order to go forward with all
the
closures that are anticipated. In
addition, the department will be needing a design
for circulation
of the traffic pattern. They are
proposing to do the entrance to the
Utilities
Department on the south side rather than on the north side. They will also be
allocating
additional parking space to the facility.
In addition to that, they have met
with
Rick Johnson who will be the new
Operations Director. He further stated
that he
has finalized
the benefits plan which had been pending for some time. Employees will
have a
choice of two plans: United Services
Health plan and Mercy Health Care plan.
Cm. Gene
Belmares asked for an explanation as to how the new health benefits
package
compares to what the employees are leaving behind under the City plan.
Dan
Migura, Administrative Services Director, stated that the City’s plan is a
total plan
in which
an employee can go to either hospital and can access a broad number of
doctors. Logistically, it is difficult for someone
from the outside to do what the City of
Laredo
does for its employees through the Texas Municipal League. He stated that
United
Water, nevertheless, negotiated with Mercy Health Care Systems to come up
with a
plan that in some aspects, is better than what the City offers its
employees. He
added
that when looking at the complete package, the plan being offered is a
comparable
plan with comparable choices.
Mayor
Flores inquired as to the reason why seven employees did not seek to go with
United
Water’s offer.
Beto
Ramirez replied that these employees are 65 years or older and they have
elected
not to
return to work with the new company.
Cm.
Amaya inquired whether the number of authorized personnel was 191 or 216.
Beto
Ramirez stated that 216 out of the 233 city employees are part of the
privatization
effort. He further stated
that there would be 191 employees that would be offered
employment
with United Water assuming that no other employees are lost in route.
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.
69. Request
for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code § 551.071 (1)(A)
to consult with City Attorney regarding pending
litigation, Gilbert L. Leyendecker, and wife, June G. Leyendecker, and
Leyendecker Properties, Ltd. vs. The City of Laredo, Texas, Alfredo Agredano,
City Council Member District I, Johnny Amaya, City Council Member District IV,
Eliseo Valdez, Jr., City Council Member, District V, Joe A. Guerra, City Council
Member District VI, Jose Alberto Valdez, Jr., City Council Member District VII,
Juan Ramirez, City Council Member District VIII, in their individual and
official capacities, Cause No. 2001CVQ001635-D1, in the District Court, 49th
Judicial District, Webb County, Texas, and return to open session for possible
action.
Motion to go into executive session pursuant to
Texas Government Code § 551.071 (1)(A) to consult with City Attorney regarding
pending litigation, Gilbert L. Leyendecker, and wife, June G. Leyendecker, and
Leyendecker Properties, Ltd. vs. The City of Laredo, Texas, Alfredo Agredano,
City Council Member District I, Johnny Amaya, City Council Member District IV,
Eliseo Valdez, Jr., City Council Member, District V, Joe A. Guerra, City
Council Member District VI, Jose Alberto Valdez, Jr., City Council Member
District VII, Juan Ramirez, City Council Member District VIII, in their
individual and official capacities, Cause No. 2001CVQ001635-D1, in the District
Court, 49th Judicial District, Webb County, Texas, and return to open session
for possible action.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
After executive session, the Mayor announced
that no formal action was taken.
XV. RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MASS
TRANSIT BOARD
Motion to recess as City Council and
convene as the Laredo Mass Transit Board.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
70.
2002-RT-004 Authorizing the City
Manager to accept and execute the FY 2003
Section 5307 Urban Transportation Grant/Contract
No. 51322F1013 from the Texas Department of Transportation in the total amount
of $500,000.00 and providing for grant/contract funds to be deposited in the
City of Laredo Transit Fund.
Motion to approve # 2002-RT-004.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
71. Consideration
to award a three (3) year contract to Goodyear Tire and Rubber
Company, Akron, Ohio, in the estimated amount of
$152,610.00 for providing tires to be used for Laredo Metro, Inc., (44) buses
and (25) para-transit vehicles.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
72. Consideration
of award of contracts FY 02-109 for two-year service agreements with
Andy’s Auto Repair and Supply and Thermo King of
Laredo for providing bus and van fleet air conditioning service for the City of
Laredo’s Transit Department. Funding is available in the Transit budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
73. Consideration
to award contract number FY 02-134 to the low bidder Shadeports, Inc.,
San Antonio, Texas, in the amount of $36,176.00
for the installation of twenty-seven bus stop shade structures for the Transit
System. Funding is available in the
Transit System budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
74. Consideration
to authorize the City Manager to implement a new Loop 20 route for a 3-
month trial basis and report back to City
Council with ridership information and recommendations. The Loop 20 route will initiate service from
August 24, 2002 through November 22, 2002
and will consist of sixteen bus hours per day. The total net operating costs for the Loop 20 route is estimated
at $53,064.00 of which $22,404.80 will be expensed in FY 2001-2002 Transit
operating budget and $30,659.20 will be expensed in FY 2002-2003 Transit
operating budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
75. Authorizing
an additional public service contract between Texas A & M International
University and Laredo Metro, Inc., in
consideration of which TAMIU agrees to pay $55.14 per hour to subsidize the
operating costs for the additional bus services.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to adjourn as the Laredo Mass Transit board
and reconvene as City Council
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XVI. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn. Time: 9:50 p.m.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
I, Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary, do
hereby certify that the above minutes contained in pages 01 to 40 are true,
complete and correct proceedings of the City Council meeting held on August 5,
2002.
____________________________________
Gustavo
Guevara, Jr.
City
Secretary