CITY OF
LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
M2002-R-018
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON
STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS 78040
SEPTEMBER
16, 2002
5:30 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
With a quorum present, Mayor 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 August 5, 2002 and August 19, 2002.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
Second: Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
Cm.
Agredano thanked all Laredoans who participated at the candlelight vigil
held on
September 11, 2002, at the Firefighters Hall.
Cm. Garcia expressed his appreciation for all
those people who opened up their hearts and
attended
the candlelight vigil in memory of those who lost their lives on September 11th.
Cm. E.
Valdez, Jr. reminded his constituents of District V of an informational meeting
to
be
conducted by the Army Corps of Engineers to provide information to the public
over
their
concerns about soil testing taking place.
The meeting will be held on Tuesday,
September 17, 2002, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Newman
Elementary Cafeteria at
1300
Alta Vista Road. There will be a formal
presentation over the results of the
environmental studies conducted at six locations at the former air
base.
Cm.
Belmares thanked City Manager Larry Dovalina and city staff for the coordinated
response
to the rain event. He also thanked Public Works Director Joe
Guerra and crew
for their
assistance following the second rain event.
He also commended the City Manager
and the Legal Department for their quick
response in their handling the legal contracts.
Cm. J.
Valdez, Jr. thanked the Laredo Fire Department, the Laredo Police Department,
the
Public
Works crew and city staff for their quick response during the severe
weather
conditions. He stated that
his heart goes out to those folks who have been affected by the
rainstorms and looks
forward to resolving these problems.
Cm.
Ramirez thanked the Holiday Inn Civic Center and the Laredo National Bank for
the
special
event held on September 11th.
He also announced that the Laredo Bridge System
will be
having a Steak Sale on Saturday, September 21, 2002, at Wal-Mart. The proceeds
from
this steak sale will go to help United Way.
He also mentioned that he has seen a
huge
improvement on the sidewalk project at San Francisco Xavier neighborhood.
Mayor
Flores read a letter she wrote to the Laredo Morning Times:
“The
members of the City Council and I would like to thank everyone who joined us as
we closed Laredo’s commemoration of the September 11th events with a
candlelight vigil. All day long,
Laredoans remembered that tragic day and the unimaginable losses. We stood
together in our homes, churches and synagogues,
schools, fire stations, parks and buildings
to remember and to reaffirm our resolve to
defend our country and our loved ones.
It was fitting that we ended the day at a place
built by the men and women who are our rescuers. Whose brothers and sisters were taken while doing their job and
whose efforts will never be forgotten.
After that dreadful day last year, I remember the spirit of Laredo with
great pride. I remember the people that
lined up to give blood, to pray, to put money into the Firefighter’s Boot. I remember people that asked “what more can
we do?” I remember the spirit of
Laredo.
All year, people in cities all across America
wept together and prayed together. We
have felt great sorrow but we have emerged with great strength, and one purpose
– to defeat terrorism. Our freedom will
not be taken from us. The people who
died on September 11th did not die in vain. We shall remember and we shall
overcome. For after all, we live in
America. America – the land of the
Free, home of the Brave. Thank you,
Laredo.
With all my respect and love,
Betty G. Flores
Mayor of Laredo”
Invtations
a. Invitation by Andres S. Rodriguez author of
“Cien Poesias” to his autograph session on
October 3, 2002 at the Public Library.
Mayor Flores announced that Mr. Rodriguez became
ill and is unable to attend tonight’s
council meeting to formally invite the citizens
to his autograph session. She stated
that Mr. Rodriguez is personally inviting the Council Members and citizens to
his autograph session to be held on October 3, 2002, at the Main Public Library
on East Calton Road from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Recognitions
a. Recognition
of Henry Leal, Dan Olivas, Hector Chapa of Wendy's, Coastal Conservation
Association, Onyx Benavides, Danny Garcia and Laredo Coca-Cola Bottling
Company, Incorporated, for their sponsorship and assistance in the City of
Laredo Parks and Recreation Fishing Derby on August 3, 2002.
Horacio De Leon, Parks and Recreation Director, presented the
sponsors of this annual fishing derby with a plaque for their endeavors. He mentioned that the event would not be
possible without the dedication, resources, and time given by these fine
sponsors.
Communiqués
VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES
a. Announcement
by Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores of appointment of Arabella Peña to the Laredo Housing Authority.
b. Appointment by Council Member Johnny Amaya
of Adriana Ramos to the Laredo
Commission for Women.
c. Appointment by
Council Member Johnny Amaya of Sylvia Byrd to the Laredo
Commission for Women.
d. Appointment by Council Member Jose Valdez of
Blanca Nalaschi to the Laredo
Women’s Commission.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. 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 postpone.
Moved:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.
Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. 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 postpone.
Moved:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.
Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
3. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 1825,
Eastern Division, located at 2201 Lyon Street, from R-1 (Single Family
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. J. Valdez, Jr.
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ricardo Guardiola, property owner, requested
approval of a zone change to allow for use as a used car lot on the property.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce
as a Conditional Use Permit for one year with restrictions as stated in the
communication sheet.
Moved:
Cm. Amaya
Second:
Cm. Ramirez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm.
Amaya
4. Public
hearing and adoption of Resolution 2002-R-078 adopting the Comprehensive
Plan of the City of Laredo with amendment in
compliance with Article IX, Section 9.03 of the Charter of the City of Laredo.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
Second:
Cm. Belmares
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to close the public hearing and adopt Resolution
# 2002-R-078.
Moved:
Cm. Belmares
Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
5. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo,
Texas Subordinate Sewer System Revenue Bonds,
Series 2002, in the amount of $710,000.00; and awarding the sale for the bonds
to the Texas Water Development Board and making provisions for the security
thereof; and authorizing the amendment to the City’s budget to appropriate such
proceeds for the purpose authorized herein; and ordaining other matters
relating to the subject.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City
Council
6. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo,
Texas Subordinate Water System Revenue Bonds,
Series 2002, in the amount of $741,000.00; and awarding the sale of the bonds
to the Texas Water Development Board and making provisions for the security
thereof; and authorizing the amendment to the City’s budget to appropriate such
proceeds for the purpose authorized herein; and ordaining matters relating to
the subject.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
Second:
Cm. Garcia
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.
Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
Second:
Cm. Belmares
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
7. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year
2002 by appropriating revenues in the following
Funds: Certificates of Obligation
Series 1998 $40,754.00, DPW Infrastructure Development $46,800.00 and Capital
Improvements $399,533.00 and appropriating expenditures by the same amounts in
respective funds. The funds will be
appropriated to fund the Alexander Park Project.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.
Moved:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.
Second:
Cm. Belmares
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
8. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo’s FY 2001-02
General Fund annual budget by appropriating
revenues and expenditures in the amount of $100,000.00, $50,268.00 for August
2002 and $49,732.00 estimated for September 2002. Expenditures will only be incurred and disbursed if the revenue
is collected by the Tax Department.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore
Second:
Cm. Galo
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.
Moved:
Cm. Agredano
Second:
Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
9. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing an increase in the bridge toll
rate
schedule for southbound pedestrian traffic as
further described in exhibit “A” and hereby repealing all conflicting sections
in all ordinances currently in effect.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
Second:
Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.
Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
Second:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.
For:
5 Against: 3 Abstain: 0
Cm. Galo
Cm. Amaya
Cm. Ramirez
Ordinance Introduction: City Council except Cm. Galo, Cm.
Amaya and Cm. Ramirez
10. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to enter into a
contract with South Texas Development Council
(STDC) and amend the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002 annual budget by appropriating
the amount of $107,754.00 for the HIV/AIDS Health and Social Services Project
of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning September 1, 2002
through August 31, 2003.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
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
11. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2001-
2002 budget by appropriating additional funds in
the amount of $5,400.00 for the Bureau of Women’s Health, Breast and Cervical
Cancer Control Project (BCCCP) of the City of Laredo Health Department and
extending the contract period by one month from the period beginning September
1, 2001, through August 31, 2002 to
September 1, 2001, through September 30, 2002.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
Second:
Cm. Garcia
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
12. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002
annual budget
by appropriating additional funds in the amount of $70,000 from the
Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC), now known as the Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), to continue the operation of the
two continuous air monitoring stations (CAMS) by the City of Laredo Health
Department, and extending the contract period for one year from September 1,
2001, through August 31, 2002, to September 1, 2001, through August 31, 2003.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
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: Abstain:
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
13. Public
hearing and introduction of an ordinance amending the City of Laredo’s FY
2001-2002 annual budget in the General Fund by
appropriating revenues in the amount of $785,800.00, which were received in the
electric franchise settlement with Central Power & Light, and appropriating
expenditures in the amount of $785,800.00, which will be placed in a restricted
reserve, and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
VIII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND
PRESENTATIONS
14. A. Request
by Mayor Pro-Tempore Alfredo Agredano
1. Discussion
with possible action regarding the status of Newman Park behind
Perez
Elementary School.
Horacio De Leon, Parks and Recreation Director, reported that the
property was acquired last month. This
project is identified under the Capital Improvement Program for the year 2003
where the City has $200,000.00 for the design.
The park includes a recreation center and park amenities for a total of
$2,000,000.00.
2. Discussion with possible action regarding
abandoned homes in Century City.
Erasmo Villarreal, Community
Development Director, reported that on these particular properties, the Code
Enforcement staff sent notices to the owners advising that they were not in
compliance because of overgrown weeds and vegetation. He added that staff has proceeded to take these units forward as
a force clean due to fire hazards because of the accumulation of rubbish. He stated that his department has secured
the contractors bids and by Wednesday the units will be force cleaned.
B.
Request by Council Member Johnny Amaya
1.
Discussion with possible action
regarding the timeframe for installing a traffic
light at the intersection of Jefferson
and San Francisco.
Traffic Department Roberto Murillo reported that they will
begin with the design for the traffic light in mid-October. He mentioned that they plan to utilize some
of the used poles from other poles. He
anticipates that they will have the installation in place by February,
2003.
2. Discussion with possible action regarding
the McPherson Road widening project.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported that they are about 95%
complete with the project. There are
only two major areas pending which include the completion of Bustamante Street
and the intersection by Saunders. He
stated that they also have a water line to replace but they are still waiting
for a permit from TxDOT. The rest of
the area is complete; all they are pending are three handicap ramps to
complete.
C.
Request by Council Member Eliseo Valdez, Jr.
1. Status report on Casa Verde Road, with
possible action.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported that as of two weeks
ago, the City Manager received word from TxDOT that they would not be
completing the work on Loop 20 until December.
This has prompted the City Manager to look into an alternative roadway
to access the arena area which would be Casa Verde Road. The department has done some alignment for
utilities on the road and Public Works has already done some grading. His department is planning on paving the
road, but they have to install some crossings before they do this. The Utilities Department is providing them
with several stations where they will need the crossings so that the conduits
can be placed across the roadway. Once
that is done, then Public Works crew will take care of the paving within a
week.
2. Discussion with possible action regarding
Chaparral area flooding.
Mrs. Yolanda Garcia, resident of Chaparral Subdivision, stated
that they still
require more assistance from the City to prevent the flooding problems
that develop with the heaving rains.
She wants to make the council aware that it is very difficult for the
residents to cope with these flooding incidents in their neighborhood. They are constantly on a state of alert
whenever it rains.
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. mentioned that although the City has
increased the capacity to some of the outlets and inlets in the area, there is
still some more work that needs to be done to alleviate the concerns of the
residents.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported that the City has
restricted some of the post development flows.
Most of the developers have had to detain their post development flow as
a result of the new ordinances.
However, when the city receives rains like we have lately, there will be
problems as a result of the downpour in a short period of time. In the Chaparral area, the department has
widened the inlets and it has made improvements downstream. He added that Brown and Root made some
recommendations for additional improvements.
The study suggests building whatever ponds are necessary on the upstream
end. This would entail constructing
something similar to a detention pond in order to hold back the waters and give
the waters downstream a chance to recede.
Cm. Galo inquired as to what the language is in the ordinance
that explains to someone who is planning on building in a flood plain.
Keith Selman, City Planner, stated that construction is allowed
in a flood plain area, but there are a lot of things that need to take place
before construction can occur in the flood plain. In some of these instances, the flood plain was determined by an
engineer. The finished floor elevation
was determined to be eighteen inches and the elevation of the finished floor
showed up on the face of the plan as well.
Whether the contractor met that requirement or not is what is at
question. He added that the City has
passed an ordinance which physically requires the full documentation on that
flood plain determination but also requires prior to the pouring of the slab an
elevation certificate.
Cm. Agredano inquired whether the City has pinpointed the areas
that constantly flood every time it rains.
Keith Selman, City Planner, replied that City Council has been
very aggressive over the last ten years in doing drainage improvements to
mitigate flooding.
Rogelio Rivera stated that there are areas where nothing has
been done such as in those areas that stay in their natural state, but where
the City has development that is being controlled the City is making headway
along those lines.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that this was an unusual
rain event and people need to understand that.
There are some homeowners that got at least two feet of water in their
homes that were not in flood plains.
D. Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez
1. Discussion
with possible action regarding the residential parking permit pilot
program.
Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, reported that
this item was presented before the Transportation Committee in August. He stated that they will begin the program
in the Magnet School area and will meet with the residents in early
October. They will try to implement the
program some time in mid October. The
purpose of the program is to provide some parking for the residents where there
is limited parking. Eventually, he
plans to expand the program to other high school areas. He added that there would be no charge for
the permit since it is operating as a pilot program. The department will issue three permits per household and one
permit for a visitor.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that they
have a lot of issues around several of the high schools. He mentioned that staff would come back to
City Council with a report and try to localize another area for the pilot
program.
2. Discussion with possible action regarding
abandoned tires.
Hector Gonzalez, Health Director, reported that the department
has a budget to handle one tire collection per month. They are working with the Environmental Services and Public Works
crews for a routine collection of tires as well. He added that the current grant only allows for a monthly
collection and they had calculated about six hundred tires and they are
collecting between 800 to 1400 tires.
He stated that they can try to do one collection next week and then do
one final collection toward the end of the month.
Riazul Mia, Environmental Services Director, reported that
their next event would have been in November, but he has received a request to
assign those monies and schedule the tire collection now. The department will issue a public service
announcement to inform the public when they open the Recycling Center for
disposal of abandoned tires.
3. Discussion
with possible action on the paving of the south side of the 1000 block
of
Coke Street.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported that they have taken a
look at the area and have taken measurements of the south side of the
sidewalk. The cost for working on this
project would run about $5,525.00 for the one block. He has provided a copy of a proposed change order which includes
other items that have been requested on sidewalks. He stated that the grand total on that change order is $15,723.39
and is working on obtaining funding for it in order to assign it to the
contractor.
Motion to provide funding for the south side of the 1000 block
of Coke Street from District VIII discretionary funds.
Moved: Cm. Ramirez
Second: Cm. J. Valdez,
Jr.
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
4. Discussion with possible action regarding
traffic around San Agustin Plaza.
Traffic Director Roberto Murillo reported that a study was done
back in March, 2001 which was intended to monitor the traffic circulation in
that area. The results provided by
Alliance Engineering was that everything was operating properly at level
service A which is the best rating and, therefore, no action was taken at that
time. They did provide an alternative
solution which entailed reversing the traffic flow around San Agustin Plaza to
provide another way out of the area.
Their estimate at that time was for $60,000.00 to make that change. He added that the only option would be that every
time that someone schedules an event, Grant Street could be reversed during
special events where motorists would only be allowed to travel in the opposite
direction to get traffic flowing.
IX. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
15. Providing
for the adoption of a tax rate of $0.630537 per $100.00 value with a
Maintenance and Operation rate of $0.487580 per
$100.00 value and an Interest and Sinking Fund rate of $0.145776 per $100.00
value and of the levy and the collection of General and Special Ad Valorem and
Beverage Taxes for the City of Laredo for the tax year 2002 and the fiscal year
2002-2003.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council except for Cm. Galo, with corrections to the rate: $0.630534 and the maintenance and operations
rate: $0.484758
16. Authorizing
the City Manager to execute a lease renewal with Pinkerton’s Inc. and
Burns International Security Services Corporation
for two office spaces totaling approximately 500 square feet and located at
International Bridges I and II.
a. Lease term is for one (1) year commencing on
November 1, 2002 and ending on
October 31, 2003.
b. Monthly rent shall be $2,200.00 for both
properties.
c. City of Laredo may terminate this lease
within ninety (90) days written notice.
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
17. Closing
as public easements the following streets located in the area known as the
“Embargo Yard” of the Texas Mexican Railway
Company situated in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo, County of Webb, Texas
conveyed by the City of Laredo to said company, by Warranty Deed dated March
12, 1884 and recorded in Volume 13, Pages 11-14, Deed Records of Webb County
Texas.
a. Aldama Street between the West right-of-way
line of Tilden Avenue and the East
right-of-way line of Logan Avenue.
b. Aldama Street between the West right-of-way
line of Logan Avenue and the West
boundary line of the Texas Mexican
Railway Company’s “Embargo Yard” including
the intersections.
c. Willow Street between the West right-of-way
line of Logan Avenue and the West
boundary line of the Texas Mexican
Railway Company’s “Embargo Yard” including
the intersections.
d. Chacon Street between the West right-of-way
line of Tilden Avenue and the West
boundary line of the Texas Mexican
Railway Company’s “Embargo Yard” including
the intersections save and except the
East one-half section of Chacon Street between
Tilden and Logan Avenue.
e. Piedra China Street between the West
right-of-way line of Tilden Avenue and the
West boundary line of the Texas Mexican Railway Company’s “Embargo Yard”
including the intersections.
f. Green Street between the West right-of-way
line of Tilden Avenue and the West
boundary
line of the Texas Mexican Railway Company’s “Embargo Yard” including
the intersections.
g. Mercer Street between the West right-of-way
line of Tilden Avenue and the West
boundary line of the Texas Mexican Railway
Company’s “Embargo Yard” including
the intersections.
h. Wooster Street
between the West right-of-way line of Tilden Avenue and the West
boundary line of the Texas Mexican
Railway Company’s “Embargo Yard”
including the intersections.
i. Logan
Avenue between the South right-of- way line of Willow Street and the South
boundary line of the Texas Mexican
Railway Company’s “Embargo Yard”.
j. Cedar
Avenue between the South right-of- way line of Guatemozin Street and the South boundary line of the Texas Mexican
Railway Company’s “Embargo Yard”.
k. Lexington Avenue between the South right-of-way
line of Guatemozin Street and the
South boundary line of the Texas Mexican
Railway Company’s “Embargo Yard”.
l. Maryland
Avenue between the South right-of-way line of Guatemozin Street and the
South boundary line of the Texas Mexican
Railway Company’s “Embar2002-O-226,
go Yard”.
m. Springfield Avenue
between the South right-of- way line of Guatemozin Street to the
South boundary line of the Texas Mexican Railway Company’s
“Embargo Yard”.
n. Marcella Avenue between the North and South
boundary lines of the Texas Mexican
Railway Company’s “Embargo Yard”.
All said streets are situated in the Eastern
Division, City of Laredo, County of Webb, Texas; and providing for an effective
date.
Ordinance Introduction: Cm.
Galo
X. FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES
Motion to waive the final readings of Ordinance
# 2002-O-226, # 2002-O-227, # 2002-O-228, # 2002-O-229, # 2002-O-230, #
2002-O-231, # 2002-O-232, # 2002-O-233, # 2002-O-234, # 2002-O-235, #
2002-O-236, # 2002-O-237, # 2002-O-238, # 2002-O-239, # 2002-O-240, #2002-241
and # 2002-O-242.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
18.
2002-O-226 Amending Section
24.63.2, Permitted Land Uses of the Laredo Land
Development Code to designate Children’s
Amusement Services (Outdoors) as an allowable land use in a B-3 (Community
Business District), B-4 (Highway Commercial District), M-1 (Light Manufacturing
District), and MXD (Mixed Use Development District); and Appendix A,
Definitions; and providing for publication and effective date. (As amended)
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-227 Amending the
Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by
authorizing
the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit to A.E. Santos for
an
office on Lot 1 and the west ½ of Lot 2, Block 1141, Eastern Division,
located
at 2001 Clark Blvd.; providing for publication and effective date.
(As
amended)
Motion to approve with correction to add
Roberto Salinas.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-228 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of Laredo by
rezoning
21.62 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on
attached
Exhibit “A,” located south of Bob Bullock Loop, west of
Sandia
Drive and north of San Isidro Parkway, from AG (Agricultural
District)
to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective
date.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-229 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 1.83
acres, as further described by metes and bounds
on attached Exhibit “A,” located south of Emerald Hills Subdivision, Phase I
and southeast of Dorel Drive, from R-1MH (Single Family Manufactured Housing
District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for publication and effective
date.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-230 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into
and execute an Interlocal
Government Agreement between the City of Laredo
and Laredo Independent School District (LISD) for the participation of the City
of Laredo Police Department School Resource Officer Program and to accept
reimbursement in the amount of $367,000.00 from LISD and to amend the City of
Laredo’s FY 2001-2002 annual budget in the amount of $367,000.00. The Laredo Police Department will provide eight
(8) officers that will be assigned to various middle and high schools, and LISD
will reimburse the City of Laredo up to three hundred sixty seven thousand
dollars ($367,000.00) for the FY 2002-2003 school year.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-231 Amending the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002
Veterans Field Fund Annual
Budget by amending and appropriating revenues
and expenditures in the amount of $35,000.00 from the West Martin Ticket Sales
and amending and appropriating the expenditures for the Tecolotes de Los Dos Laredos
contract by $35,000.00. The transfer is
to fulfill contractual obligations regarding payment for services rendered
during playoff games.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-232 Amending
Chapter 19 Motor Vehicle and Traffic, Article VIII: Stopping,
Standing or Parking of the Code of Ordinances of
the City of Laredo; specifically amending Section 19-364(2) which establishes
no parking anytime/tow away zones in the area of the Riverfront Parking Lot
adjacent to Bridge I; providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-233 Accepting a grant by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency’s
US-Mexico Border Program in the amount of $25,000.00 with the City designating
$1,316.00 in matching funds for a total of $26,316.00 and amending the City of Laredo’s 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 to implement two Computer Electronic Collection Events. Matching funds are available in the NPDES
Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-234 Amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances
as follows: Chapter 2,
Article II, Division 6 (Pay Administration),
Section 2-87.7 (12)(a) except as
otherwise stated in any collective bargaining agreement and providing for an
effective of September 29, 2002.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-235 Adoption of the Annual Budget for Fiscal
Year 2002-2003; appropriating the
estimated revenues, expenditures and balances
reported therein for the year beginning October 1, 2002 and ending September 30, 2003, consistent with the financial
plan described in said annual budget; and authorizing the City Manager to
implement said annual budget.
Ronnie Castro, vice-Chair of VIDA and volunteer
organizer for the Central Labor Council of Webb County spoke before City
Council. He expressed his support for
the city workers of Laredo, in particular the sanitation workers.
Jose Angel Gonzalez, a sanitation worker, spoke
on the annual budget and added that he was not in favor of an across the board
wage increase.
Carlos Delgado, a sanitation worker, stated that
they are asking for City Council to look at other cities’ budgets to compare
the wages earned by other sanitation workers.
He stated that a 2.8% increase of the current wages earned by a
sanitation worker is not sufficient.
Mark Pitt stated that he had hoped there would
be some alternative proposals by the City Manager’s Office. He added that they continue to be opposed to
the general 2.8% increase. He stated
that the current wage system does not adequately compensate those individuals
at the lower end of the pay scale.
Dan Migura read a letter sent to City Council
highlighting some important points regarding the pay plan review:
The City of Laredo has been addressing pay
equity issues since 1992. In 1997, it
became apparent to the City that a 15% pay equity existed when comparing
average salaries of comparable positions and comparable cities. Since then, City Council and staff have
actively addressed this inequity.
Mr. Migura referred to the Cost of Living
Allowance chart that follows:
|
Date of Increase |
Cost
of Living Allowance |
Merit |
Adjustment |
|
Oct.
1, 1997 |
5.0% |
|
|
|
Apr.
1, 1998 |
3.5% |
|
|
|
May
31, 1998 |
1.5% |
|
|
|
Oct.
1, 1998 |
2.4% |
|
|
|
Oct.
3, 1999 |
1.6% |
0
– 4 % |
5% |
|
Oct.
1, 2000 |
2.2% |
0
– 4 % |
|
|
Sep.
30, 2001 |
3.0% |
0
– 4 % |
|
|
|
19.2% |
0-12% |
5% |
What does this mean to a Refuse Collector?
A refuse collector hired prior to October 1,
1997 has realized at least a 19.2% COLA plus a 5% salary adjustment given on October
3, 1999 and the potential to receive a 12% merit over the last three fiscal
years. Our records indicate that some
refuse collectors have received up to 35% pay increases since 1997. Our current starting wage for refuse
collectors is $7.25/hour. With the
recommended 2.8% COLA adjustment on October 1, 2002, the starting wage will be
$7.45/hour.
How do our wages compare to comparable cities?
We have conducted a quick survey of at least 17
cities for this position and of the 15 cities that responded, 6 cities
indicated that they have automated this function, 3 cities have contracted
these services to a private company, and of the remaining cities a salary range
low of $7.23/hour to a high of $17.42/hour has been reported.
How does our minimum starting wage compare to
other entities in the City of Laredo?
With the exception of the pending wage increase
proposed by Webb County of $8.25/hour, the City of Laredo’s wage of $6.89/hour
is higher than comparable starting rates at LCC, TAMIU, UISD, and LISD which
ranges from $5.59 to $6.35.
Are we having difficulty attracting and
retaining employees with our minimum-starting wage?
No.
Market indicators such as turnover, vacancy rates, and recruitment
efforts demonstrate that the City of Laredo has an ample applicant pool to fill
these positions at any given time.
Is the wage paid to our sanitation workers
equitable for the working conditions that they are exposed to?
I believe it is, however, a more comprehensive
study should be conducted to address wage equity issues for these as well as
other classifications.
What would be the cost to adjust our minimum
wage to $8.00 or $8.25 for all classifications?
Based on our initial analysis, this cost would
be approximately $378,352 or $545,459 for 290 or 345 employees. However, if you factor in the compaction
adjustment the cost would be approximately $3,235,989 or $3,860,009
respectively. This does not include a
30% benefit cost.
What is my recommendation?
Maintain our course. Propose a 2.8% COLA increase on October 1, 2002 and continue our
merit program. Monitor our budget and
do a comprehensive study of all positions in pay grades R-22 through R-25 to
determine if a need exists to adjust these wages. If funds are available, address equities in January, 2003 or
April, 2003.
Let me know if additional information is
required.”
Cynthia Collazo, Assistant City Manager, read a
letter from Dr. Michael Patrick, Director for the Texas Center for Border
Economic and Enterprise Development:
“Dear Ms. Collazo:
This note is a follow-up to our earlier
conversation. Normally, in a free
enterprise system such as ours (United States), wages are determined by market
conditions. Since market conditions can
vary from region to region and community to community, we would expect to see
wages to vary also.
It is not appropriate to compare average wages
between different communities, say Laredo and Pasadena or Grand Prairie, even
though they are roughly the same size (population), because the economic
structures of the communities are not similar.
Laredo’s economy is characterized by a labor-intensive service sector
that requires a semi-skilled labor force.
The economies of Pasadena and Grand Prairie, on the other hand, are
integral parts of the Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth metroplexes, where
manufacturing and high tech industries dominate and rely upon a highly skilled
labor force. When it comes to comparing
average wages, a fair comparison requires comparable conditions. That is, we need to compare apples to apples
and not apples to oranges.
Nor can one necessarily compare wages in the
same occupation across communities.
Take the duties of a secretary for example. A secretary responsible for the handling and filing of paper work
and interacting with the public for a top executive in a major corporation will
likely have higher skills and receive higher pay than a secretary in a small
freight forwarding company.
Other factors may cause wages to vary between
occupations and within occupations across communities, including relative
worker productivity and cost of living differentials.
Finally, an important factor in determining
wages is the supply and demand for workers in the marketplace. When there are more qualified workers than
available jobs, wages will be competed down.
On the other hand, when there are fewer qualified workers than available
jobs, wages will be competed up. The
Laredo labor market tends to be in the former category – more qualified workers
than available jobs, which works to hold average wages down.
Wage levels are influenced by many factors; I
have only touched on a few. I trust you
will find my comments useful.”
Sincerely,
J. Michael Patrick, PhD
Director
Larry Dovalina, City
Manager, stated that city staff would be proposing to take the following
actions:
He mentioned the discussion held over the issue
of these employees working on holidays.
He is proposing to eliminate working on those ten holidays and to take
the monies saved by not working those holidays and using that money to pay the
workers up to $8.00/hour. The total
monies saved would be approximately $49,000.00 and the 51 employees that would
be affected would cost somewhere in the range of $45,000.00. He is also looking at changing and improving
the work conditions and he will assign Elizabeth Martinez, Jessica Hein, and
Martin Aleman to conduct an operational audit of the Sanitation Division. In addition, Joe Guerra, Public Works
Director, is assigning Oscar Medina, Assistant Public Works Director, to
manage, control, and administer the day-to-day operations of the Sanitation Division. Also, staff is looking into an automation
pilot program in the City as well to attempt to relieve some of the additional
routes being impacted by the city’s growth.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
Second:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.
For:
6 Against: 2 Abstain: 0
Cm. Galo
Cm. Ramirez
2002-O-236 Authorizing the City Manager to accept funds
and amend the City of
Laredo FY 2001-2002 annual budget in the amount
of $20,000.00 from the Texas Department of Health-Office of Border of Health
for the Border Health Conference of the City of Laredo Health Department for
the period beginning July 1, 2002, through September 30, 2002. These funds were
awarded specifically for the “Los Dos Laredos” Bi- National Health Conference that will be held on September 18-19,
2002.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
Second:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-237 Amending
the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2001-2002 Bridge Fund annual
budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures
in the amount of $340,000.00 and authorizing the City Manager to implement said
budget amendment. Funds are available
from the collection of overweight penalty fees for Fiscal Year 2001-2002.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
Second:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-238 Amending
the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2001-2002 Airport Fund annual
budget to recognize additional revenues from a grant
received from the Federal Aviation Administration being grant project no.
3-48-0136-34-02 in the amount of $6,332,000.00
for the purpose of acquiring land for noise mitigation, constructing a portion
of the east side air cargo apron, complete construction of parallel Taxiway J,
acquire finger printing equipment and install CCTV monitoring cameras and
related security equipment at the Laredo International Airport. The City’s ten (10%) percent local match for
this project in the amount of $703,556.00 is available in the Airport Land
Reimbursement Account.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
Second:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-239 Amending the City of Laredo FY 01-02 Airport
Construction Fund Budget
by appropriating revenues & expenditures of $170,035.00
and transferring an additional amount of $563,130.00 from the Airport
Construction Fund to the Airport Operations Budget. The transfer consists of $400,000.00 from additional interest
earnings and $163,130.00 from Land Sale Proceeds.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
Second:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-240 Amending the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002
Airport Budget to recognize
additional revenues and expenditures resulting from
a Law Enforcement Personnel Agreement with the Transportation Security Administration
(TSA), in the amount of $250,098.00. The
purpose of the agreement is to reimburse the City of Laredo, for its costs in
providing a uniformed sworn and certified law enforcement officer at the passenger
security screening checkpoint at the Laredo International Airport until such
time as the TSA assumes responsibility for such functions; providing for an
effective date.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
Second:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-241 Authorizing
the City Manager to execute a lease with Comision Mexico-
Americano Para la Erradicacion Del Gusano
Barrenador (USDA) for approximately 19,765 square feet constituting Building
No. 1308 located at 4305 Maher Avenue at the Laredo International Airport. Lease term
is for five (5) years commencing on June 1, 2002 and ending on May 31, 2007.
Monthly rent shall be $6,901.00 and will be adjusted annually according
to changes in the Consumer Price Index; providing for an effective date.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
Second:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-242 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a
lease agreement between
Laredo Metro, Inc., and the City of Laredo
Department of Community Development for the lease of 6,628 sq. ft. of building
space at the Laredo Transit Center located at 1301 Farragut, second and third
floors (East) for a monthly sum of $4,088.15.
The monthly base rate will be amended annually according to consumer
price index.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
Second:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XI. RESOLUTIONS
19.
2002-R-079 Authorizing the City
Manager to submit a grant application to the Parks
and Wildlife Department for consideration of the
Community Outdoor Outreach Grant Reimbursement Program in the amount not to
exceed $30,000.00 for funding of Summer outdoor recreational and educational
programming for local school age children that participate in the Parks and
Recreation Summer Program and certify that the City of Laredo is eligible to
receive program assistance and that funding for this program is available
through the Department of Parks and Recreation and further authorize the City
Manager to execute any and all documents pertaining to and resulting from this
submission.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
20.
2002-R-080 A resolution of the
City of Laredo, Texas authorizing the City Manager or
his designee to execute an electric supply
agreement pursuant to the contract to be signed by South Texas Aggregation
Project, Inc. for deliveries of electricity effective January 1, 2003.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
21.
2002-R-081 Declaring the public
necessity to acquire the “Surface Only” of one parcel
of land from the Texas-Mexican Railway
Company. Said parcel known as the “Zacate
Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Lands”, and containing 7.84 acres, more or
less, and being located adjacent to the North of the Rio Grande River and on
the East side of the Zacate Creek, in the Eastern Division of the City of
Laredo, Webb County, Texas; and authorizing the City Attorney to initiate
condemnation proceedings to acquire said parcel if staff is unable to acquire
through negotiations due to inability to agree to a purchase price, conflict of
ownership, or refusal to sell.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
22.
2002-R-082 Authorizing the City
Manager to enter into an agreement between the
Laredo Community College on behalf of the
Workforce Education Division, Health and Sciences Division, Workforce
Development Division and the City of Laredo Fire Department Training Division
to define responsibilities for the instructional activities to be offered for
academic credit and/or workforce continuing education at the Laredo International
Fire and Law Enforcement Training Center.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
23.
2002-R-083 Authorizing the City
Manager to enter into an agreement between Laredo
Community College on behalf of the Workforce
Development Division to define responsibilities for both parties for the
no-credit workforce continuing educational instructional activities to be
offered to non-firefighter trainees and out of country first responders at the
Laredo International Fire and Law Enforcement Training Center.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XII. MOTIONS
24. Authorizing
the City Manager to execute professional services renewal contract with J
& A Pharmacy for $30,000.00 to provide
pharmaceutical services to La Familia Health Clinic clients of the City of
Laredo Health Department for the period beginning September 1, 2002, through
August 31, 2003. State grant funds are
utilized for these services.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
25. Authorizing
the City Manager to make a change order in the contract to C.W. Tenorio
Security, Laredo, Texas by increasing the amount
established for the City of Laredo Health Department from $21,645.00 per annum
to $44,265.00 per annum the two periods that the contract was awarded.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
26. Authorizing
the City Manager to prepare a service plan for the voluntary annexation of
six (6) tracts of land totaling 683.83 acres,
more or less, and the unilateral annexation of one (1) tract of land totaling
511.83 acres, more or less, for a total of 1,195.66 acres, more or less, as
shown on attachment “A” in accordance with Section 43.052 of the Texas Local
Government Code.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Belmares
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
7 Against: 1 Abstain: 0
Cm. Ramirez
27. Consideration
for approval of the acceptance of the Rehabilitation of Runway 17R-35L
and a portion of Runway 14-32 Laredo
International Airport AIP Project No. 3-48-0136-26-01 and release retainage in
the amount of $45,940.99 to Price Construction, Inc., Laredo, Texas. Final contract amount is $656,102.33. Funding is available in the Airport
Construction Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Belmares
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 1
Cm. Galo
28. Consideration
to award a design/build contract to United Construction Company,
Laredo, Texas, in the amount not to exceed
$135,000.00 for the Civic Center ballroom concession renovations (Design/Build
Project). Funding is available in the
Civic Center Buildings.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Belmares
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
29. Consideration
to authorize the City Manager to enter into a professional services
agreement with RWL Group, Inc., to provide
employee benefit services to the City of Laredo for a period of twelve months
to commence on October 1, 2002 and to conclude on September 30, 2003. Funding is subject to fiscal year 2002-2003
appropriation.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Belmares
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
30. Consideration
to renew the existing contract with RWL Group and the City of Laredo
for one year to provide Risk Management with
property and liability insurance consulting services and authorizing the City
Manager to execute all retainer documents.
Funding is subject to fiscal year 2002-2003 appropriation.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Belmares
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
31. Consideration
to vote for Administrative Services Department Director, Daniel E.
Migura, Jr., for the 2002 Board of Trustees
election for Region 7 of the TML Intergovernmental Employee Benefits Pool, with
possible action.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
Second:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
32. Consideration
to award contract number FY02-114 to the low bidder, Grant Brothers,
L.L.C., Laredo, Texas, in the amount of
$98,060.00 for the fabrication and installation of aluminum safety handrails for
the oxidation ditches and chlorine contact chamber at the Zacate Creek
Wastewater Plant. Funding is available
in the Utilities Department budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Belmares
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
33. Authorizing
the City Manager to execute a contract with THC, Utility Management
Specialists in the amount of $32,600.00 to
provide technical advice, assistance in developing a contract administration
manual, and staff support for transition to professional contract operations,
maintenance and management of the City’s water and wastewater operations, as
described in the contract for professional services.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Belmares
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
34. Extending
the existence of the Impact Fees Advisory Committee to August 7, 2003.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Belmares
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
35. Consideration
to rescind contract number FY02-134, awarded to the low bidder,
Shadeports, Inc., San Antonio, Texas, in the
amount of $41,000.00, for the installation of a shade structure at the Solid
Waste facility and award contract number FY02-145 to the sole bidder, Laredo
Discount Metals, Laredo, Texas in the amount of $32,995.00, for the purchase of
a pre-engineered metal roof structure.
A shade structure was going to be installed at the Solid Waste
facility’s maintenance area; however it is less expensive and more effective to
install a pre-engineered metal roof structure.
Funding is available in the Solid Waste fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Belmares
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
36. Consideration to extend the Rental Agreement
between the City of Laredo and the City
of
Rio Bravo for an additional three (3) months for the use of a sanitation truck.
Motion
to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Belmares
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
37. Approving
monthly adjustments to the tax roll.
The amount to be adjusted for the
month of August 2002, represents a decrease in
levy of $22,154.50. These adjustments are determined by Webb
County Appraisal District and by court orders.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
38. Refund
of property tax to the following taxpayers and companies:
a. A
refund in the amount of $882.52 payable to Leon O. Ramirez due to a double
payment
by the bank and the taxpayer. Account #900-90221-071.
b. A
refund in the amount of $1,532.07 payable to FARETS/ Attn: K. Purdon
ASC019
due to a double payment by mortgage company. Acct. #965-90001-070.
c. A
refund in the amount of $507.33 payable to Discount Windshield of Texas due
to a Webb County Appraisal District change of
value certified by the Appraisal Review Board. Did not exist on the 1st of the
year. Supp. 13 Cause #2001-6445,6444,6443,6442. Account #800-04095-196.
d. A
refund in the amount of $1,035.08 payable to Cat Sale Co. due to a Webb
County Appraisal District change of value
certified by the Webb County Appraisal Review Board. Did not exist on the 1st
of the year. Supp. 13 Cause #2001-6467.
Account #801-03020-133.
e. A
refund in the amount of $3,942.29 payable to General Motors Corporation c/o
Tax Staff due to a Webb County Appraisal
District change of value certified by the Webb County Appraisal Review Board.
Did not exist on the 1st of the year. Supp. 13, Cause #2001-6468. Account
#801-07021-113.
f. A
refund in the amount of $918.29 payable to Daniel G. Rodriguez & Wf., due
to
a Webb County Appraisal District change of value
certified by the Webb County Appraisal Review Board. Clerical Error 25.25.
Corrected Sq. ft. Supp. #13, Cause #2002-1186D, 1186C, 1186B, 1186A. Account
#909-40002-040.
g. A
refund in the amount of $997.90 payable to First American Real Estate Tax
Service/ Attn: Kelly Purdom-ASC-019-HP. This
account was erroneously paid. Account #938-20002-020.
h. A
refund in the amount of $971.57 payable to IBOC-McAllen/Attn: Cristina
Martinez
due to a double overpayment by the Title Co. and the Mortgage Bank.
Account
#988-10001-150.
i. A refund in the amount of $680.85 payable to
IBOC-McAllen/Attn: Cristina
Martinez due to a double overpayment by the
Title Co. and the Mortgage Bank. Account #946-42000-160.
j. A
refund in the amount of $533.86 payable to C & C Auto Center II due to an
overpayment
by the owner for several tax years. Account #804-03096-051.
k. A refund
in the amount of $691.05 payable to UETA Continental LLC due to a
Webb County Appraisal District change of value
certified by the Review Board. Did not exist on the 1st of the year. Supp. 14,
Cause #2001-6989. Account
#800-03097-700.
l. A
refund in the amount of $1,993.62 payable to L. A. Salomon Terminal, Inc.,
due to a Webb County Appraisal District change
of value certified by the Appraisal Review Board. Part of value did not exist
on the 1st of the year. Supp. 14, Cause
#2001-6998, 6997. Account #800-18000-236.
m. A
refund in the amount of $1,898.41 payable to Fleet Capital Leasing, Burr
Wolff due to a Webb County Appraisal District
change of value certified by the Appraisal Review Board. Did not exist on the
1st of the year. Supp. 14 Cause #2001-7002. Account #801-20002-260.
n. A
refund in the amount of $1,028.91 payable to Countrywide Tax Service/Attn:
P. Suniga due to a double overpayment by the
Title Co. and the Mortgage Co., account #985-30016-030.
o. A
refund in the amount of 5,833.89 payable to Mercy Hospital of Laredo due to
an overpayment by the company and the title
company for 1998. Account #900-90251-289.
p. A
refund in the amount of $799.23 payable to Transamerica Real Estate Tax
Service due to a double payment. Taxes were paid
in error by Transamerica. Account
#954-00002-072.
q. A
refund in the amount of $529.27 payable to Mark Dimarco due to a double
overpayment
by the homeowner and the mortgage co.
Acct. #969-30006-080.
r. A
refund in the amount of $1,388.71 payable to Jose Aranda Jr. and Violeta due
to
an overpayment by the mortgage and title company. Acct. #985-70001-080.
s. A
refund in the amount of $783.39 payable to Provident Funding due to a double
overpayment
by the title and mortgage company. Acct. #989-10002-120.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Belmares
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XIII. STAFF REPORTS
39. Presentation
by Daniel Hernandez Joseph, Mexican Consulate, on the use of the
matricula
consular identification system, with possible action.
Mexican Consulate Daniel Hernandez Joseph explained that the
matricula consular is an identification card that Mexican consulates and
embassies issue to Mexican citizens living outside of Mexico. It serves to prove to local authorities that
they are Mexican nationals. Since
September 11th, the matricula took on a higher importance especially
for their citizens who are living within the United States. They have been working on a high security
matricula project and they began issuing this matricula as soon as they
could. The goal is to ensure that
authorities can have the certainty that the person who is carrying this
identification is the person before them.
Motion to have a resolution brought before City Council
supporting the use of the matricula consular identification system.
Moved: Cm. J. Valdez,
Jr.
Second: Cm. Garcia
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
40. Update
report on the status of the Colonias Project.
Keith Kendall, Project
Manager with Turner, Collie, and Braden, reported that a
meeting was held earlier today. On State Highway 359 Work Order #1, they
received
the plans from the engineer today and
will be forwarded to the Laredo Water Development Board for review. They are scheduled for advertisement in
October. The City has reported that
they are completing negotiations with Tex-Mex Railway for the right-of way
permit.
Under Work Order #2, Foster Engineering is submitting final plans
this month although there are still ongoing issues with the right-of-way and
easements. They are scheduled for
advertisement in December pending the right-of-way and easements.
Under Work Order #3, is HNTB which is the remaining water
distribution and wastewater collection system.
They have stated that their plans are complete for most of the areas
except for the section of Old Milwaukee.
They are still coordinating with Tomas Rodriguez from Webb County and
Keith Selman, City Planner, on the proposed plat. They will be able to eliminate one of the lift stations which
will subsequently reduce the project cost.
Under Work Order #4, the 12-inch transmission line has been
oversized to a 16-inch water line for approximately 38,000 feet. They had a pre-bid meeting on September 4th
with 8 contractors. They have received 32
sets of plans go out and will be taking bids on the 12th; the
engineering bid is approximately $100,000.00 below the facility plan
estimate.
Under Work Order #5 represents the ground storage tank and the
booster pump station. They have now
located a site for the ground storage tank inside the City’s landfill
area. They can now begin with the
surveys and the geotechnical investigations.
Under Work Order #6 is the 250,000 gallon elevated storage
tank. Surveys and geotechnical
investigations are already under way at the site. They expect to have the design completed in January and
advertising in February for construction.
For the Mines Road area under Work Order #1 the water
distribution for the five colonias, they expect to have the final plans to be
submitted October 1st. They
are scheduled for advertisement to start late October or early November pending
the acquisition of the right-of-way and easements. They will continue to try and complete the plans and obtain
approval from the Water Development Board.
For the Mines Road area under Work Order #2, CH2MHill is doing
the booster pump station and the 8-inch and 10-inch water lines. They are still completing the TxDOT permit
application and are starting the modeling for the booster pump station and the
ground storage tank. They will try to
have final plans by late November or early December and will follow with
advertisement in early January.
The final item is the NADBank project. They have provided general agreements and
contracts to Crane Engineering that the City has selected for the 16-inch water
line. That agreement has been returned
to the City and is under review by the legal staff. The same is true for Arcadis Engineering for the Mines Road
wastewater collection and wastewater treatment plant.
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.
41. Request
for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code § 551.071 (1)(A)
to consult with City Attorney regarding
contemplated litigation, City of Laredo, Texas v. United States General
Services Administration; Administrator Stephen A. Perry, in his official and individual
capacities; United States Department of Transportation; Secretary Norman Y.
Mineta, in his official and individual capacities; Texas Transportation Commission; Commissioner of
Transportation, John W. Johnson, in his official and individual
capacities; Commission Member, Robert Nichols,
in his official and individual capacities; and Commission Member, Ric
Williamson, in his official and individual capacities; Texas Department of
Transportation, and Michael W. Behrens, Executive Director, in his official and
individual capacities, 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
contemplated litigation, City of Laredo, Texas v. United States General
Services Administration; Administrator Stephen A. Perry, in his official and individual
capacities; United States Department of Transportation; Secretary Norman Y.
Mineta, in his official and individual capacities; Texas Transportation
Commission; Commissioner of Transportation,
John W. Johnson, in his official
and individual capacities; Commission Member, Robert Nichols, in his official and individual capacities;
and Commission Member, Ric Williamson, in his official and individual capacities;
Texas Department of Transportation, and Michael W. Behrens, Executive Director,
in his official and individual capacities, and return to open session for possible
action.
Moved:
Cm. Garcia
Second:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
After Executive Session, Mayor Flores 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. Ramirez
Second: Cm. Garcia
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
42. Public
hearing and motion to modify the following El Metro routes in order to
increase
efficiency, productivity, and on-time performance.
*
* Eliminate 3rd Corpus bus and leave
bus #1 and #2
*
* Modify the San Eduardo route
*
* Modify San Bernardo route
*
* Re-route Santa Maria
*
* Extend Retama route
*
* Extend Convent route
*
* Split the Express bus to bus A and
bus B
Motion to postpone.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
Second: Cm.
Garcia
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
43. To
waive all bus fare collection Thursday, October 3, 2002 for Communities in
Motion Day (previously known as Try Transit
Week). This action will give El Metro
an opportunity to attract new customers and support the community event. The estimated revenue loss will be $7,500.00.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.
Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to adjourn as the Laredo Mass
Transit Board and reconvene as City Council.
Moved: Cm. Garcia
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XVI. ADJOURNMENT
CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
M-2002-S-09
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS 78040
SEPTEMBER 16, 2002
5:30 p.m.
SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA
I. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND
PRESENTATIONS
1.
A. Request by Council Member
Jose A. Valdez, Jr.
1. Discussion with possible action on
implementing a Resolution
declaring a local disaster due to the
severe weather impacts of
Hurricane Fay. (Co-sponsored by Council Member Johnny Amaya)
Motion to implement the resolution.
Moved:
Cm. Belmares
Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
II. RESOLUTION
2.
2002-R-084 Declaring a disaster within the City of
Laredo under Section
418.108
of the Texas Government Code, from flooding and
water damage to property from Tropical
Storm Fay on
Saturday
and Sunday, September 7 and 8, 2002.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second: Cm.
Garcia
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
III. MOTION
3. Authorizing the City Manager to execute an
Interlocal Cooperation Agreement Between
the City of Laredo and the County of Webb to
provide $150,000 of the requested $300,000.00 (25%) cash match from Webb County
for the submittal of an application in the amount of $900,000.00 to the U. S.
Fish and Wildlife Department through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
for the dredging of Lake Casa Blanca.
The City’s contribution would be utilized exclusively for the dredging
project.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. J.
Valdez, Jr.
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 1
Cm. Amaya
IV. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn. Time: 9:48 p.m.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
I, Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary, do
hereby certify that the above minutes contained in pages 01 through 33 are true, complete, and correct
proceedings of the City Council meeting held on September 16, 2002.
____________________
Gustavo
Guevara, Jr.
City
Secretary