CITY OF
LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
M-2002-R-024
LAREDO,
TEXAS 78040
DECEMBER 16, 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
Flores led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
In
attendance:
Elizabeth
G. Flores, Mayor
Alfredo
Agredano, Mayor
Pro Tempore, District I
Hector
Garcia, Council
Member, District II
John
C. Galo, Council
Member, District III
Johnny
Amaya, Council Member, District IV
Eliseo
Valdez, Jr., Council
Member, District V
Gene
Belmares, Council
Member, District VI
Jose
A. Valdez, Jr., Council
Member, District VII
Gustavo
Guevara, Jr., City
Secretary
Larry
Dovalina, City
Manager
Cynthia
Collazo, Assistant
City Manager
Jaime
Flores, City
Attorney
Motion to
excuse Cm. Ramirez.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IV. MINUTES
Approval
of the minutes of October 7, 2002, October 21, 2002 and November 4, 2002.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
Mayor
Flores mentioned an excellent performance by the three Mexican Tenors who were
in town for a show at the Laredo Civic Center.
She stated that they met with the crowd in the lobby after the
performance and signed autographs for everyone.
She
also presented a drawing from the University of Texas Health Science Center –
Laredo Extension that was given to the citizens of Laredo. She commented that the Ribbon Cutting/
Dedication Ceremony was held this morning and the City Council was proud to be
a part of this project. She also
thanked Jose Flores, Airport Director; Larry Dovalina, City Manager; and those
sitting Council Members back from 1999 who voted to pass the resolution to
donate this land. She stated that the
total value of the donation was over $10 million. She mentioned that the City is very proud to have participated in
this way for the future health needs of Laredo.
Invitations
None.
Recognitions
a. Recognition of Maria
G. Soliz, Assistant Library Director for Outstanding Service as the Volunteer Tax Assistance (VITA), Site
Coordinator 1998 - 2003, by IRS AREA 5, Territory Manager, Mr. Billy Hubbard.
Maria
G. Soliz was presented with a plaque by Billy Hubbard, Territory Manager for
Internal Revenue Service, Area 5, for her outstanding service as a Volunteer
Tax Assistant.
b. Recognition of
members of the Laredo Commission for Women in appreciation for their years of
service to the Commission.
Mayor
Flores and City Council recognized the following members of the Commission for
Women for their eight years of dedication and commitment to all women and for
all their efforts in placing women’s issues in the forefront of the community.
Cynthia Conchas Lilian
Dickinson Lucy R.
Cardenas
Esther
G. Buckley Ana
Maria Montoya Imelda
Navarro
Sylvia
Bruni Irma
Morales Dr.
Phyllis Voltz Creamer
Blanca
Nalaschi Rosa
Elia Trevino Sister
Rosemary Welsh
Communiqués
Cm.
Agredano arrived at 5:50 p.m.
Cm.
Agredano wished everyone in his district and the citizens of Laredo a Merry
Christmas and Happy New Year. He hopes
that the new year will bring added blessings to all.
Cm.
Hector Garcia wished everyone Happy Holidays and that the celebration with
family be a pleasant and peaceful one.
Cm.
Galo wished everyone a happy holiday season and hopes that everyone has a safe
and happy holiday time. He added that
there is some speeding taking place in the Santa Rita area and asked that the
police should be more vigilant on Prada-Machin Road.
Cm.
Amaya mentioned that on December 21, 2002, his special projects committee will conclude
the Council Member’s Third Annual Christmas Toy Giveaway. They will be distributing toys to 140
students from seven elementary schools in District IV. He also wished everyone happy holidays on
behalf of his family.
Cm.
E. Valdez, Jr. wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. He asked that everyone stop and count their
blessings and not take anything for granted.
Cm.
Belmares extended Christmas wishes to all the families in Laredo on behalf of
his family. He stated that this week he
attended a conference of Texas Border Infrastructure Coalition and he provided
a gavel that was presented to Mayor Flores for her service to the coalition.
Cm.
J. Valdez, Jr. wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. He also thanked the Public Works crew for
their work on Santa Maria and Del Mar Boulevard.
Cm.
Ramirez conveyed his wishes in writing for a wonderful holiday season to his
colleagues and all the citizens of Laredo.
Mayor
Flores extended wishes to everyone for a Merry Christmas and a healthy and safe
new year. She thanked the citizens of
Laredo for allowing her to serve the community another four years and for
making Laredo a wonderful place to represent and to live in. She added that this season brings thoughts
of families and friends and the good deeds done to make our community a better
place.
She
also mentioned two opposing viewpoints from two different newspaper articles
discussing the proposed border inspection stations. She stated that in addition to the transfer trucks that come
through our city on the international
bridges, there are an additional 12,000 trucks that come into this city that
never cross the International Bridges.
If the inspection stations were to be built on the bridge, they will
never be inspected. She agrees that all
commercial trucks should be inspected.
She mentioned that 70 % of Texas trucking companies have fewer than 10
trucks, of those 5% violate state and federal safety laws. None of those trucks will ever cross the
International Bridges. Of the 33,000
trucking companies registered in Texas, only 900 were audited last year. State troopers conducted 176,000 inspections
but the majority were visual checks, not full safety inspections. She believes that there are many safe trucks
on the roadways, there are many trucking companies caring about safety. But she
believes that because these trucks travel thousands of miles, they should have
an inspection facility they can clear before they go beyond the City of
Laredo.
VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES
a. Appointment by Council
Member Jose A. Valdez of Jesus Amezcua to the Library Advisory Committee.
Motion
to approve.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Garcia
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public hearing allowing interested persons to comment on the proposed amendment to the
2002 Consolidated Plan providing for the reprogramming of 28th Action Year (AY)
Community Development Block Grant Funds (CDGB) totaling $400,000.00 to be used
for the construction of two new Zero Depth Water Spray Playgrounds to be
located within the area of the Farias Recreation Center and at the Lafayette
Linear Park, and to eliminate funding from the 28th Action Year
Community Development Block Grant for the proposed West Laredo Park.
28th AY
Community Development Block Grant
Farias Splash Playground $200,000.00
Lafayette Splash Playground $200,000.00
West Laredo Park (Cancel) $ -0-
Total Funds Reprogrammed $400,000.00
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Belmares
Second: Cm.
J. Valdez, Jr.
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
J. Valdez, Jr.
Second: Cm.
Garcia
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain:
0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
2. 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.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ron Whitehawk, representing the developers,
requested that City Council postpone this item.
Motion to close the public hearing and postpone
indefinitely.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain:
0
3. Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance
Map of
the City of Laredo by
authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for townhouses on 9.9237
acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”,
located west of McPherson Road and southwest of Ranchway Drive, providing for
publication and effective date. The
Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed Special
Use Permit.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Garcia
Second:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mr. Edward Garza, speaking on behalf of Vaquillas
Development, stated that they do support
the issuance of a special use permit.
Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.
Moved:
Cm. Belmares
Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Belmares
4. Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance
Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 3.2485 acres, as further described by metes
and bounds on attached Exhibit “A”, located at 7060 San Bernardo Avenue, 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 approval of the
proposed zone change.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mr. Frank Mireles asked for approval of the
proposed zone change.
Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.
Moved:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
Second:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
5. Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance
Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 31, Santa Rita Subdivision,
Unit XI, located at 501 Lope de Vega Drive, from R-1A (Single Family
Residential Area District) and 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.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ron Whitehawk, representing Santa Rita Enterprises,
requested approval for the
consolidation of land which is under one owner. This
consolidation would allow for a shopping center to go in very close to the main
entrance of the South Laredo community college.
Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Galo
6. Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance
Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 6, 8, and 10, Block 1030, Western
Division, located at 4102 Santa Maria 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 approval of the proposed zone change.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ron Whitehawk, representing the property owner,
requested approval for an automobile sales lot. He mentioned that this particular zone change has the support of
the surrounding neighbors. He stated
that if there is some objection by City Council in approving this zone change,
they will present to staff recorded deed restrictions which will eliminate
those uses that might be objectionable.
Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.
Moved:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
7. Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance
Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 4.3876 acres, as further described by
metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A”, located at the rear of 3901 East
Saunders Street, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) and R-3 (Mixed
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. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Jeff Puig, on behalf of Foster Engineering, stated
that he was in favor of the proposed zone change.
Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.
Moved:
Cm. Garcia
Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain:
0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Garcia
8. Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map
of the City of Laredo by rezoning 2.2924 acres, as further described by metes
and bounds on attached Exhibit “A”, located at 6801 McPherson Road, 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.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.
Moved:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.
Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain:
0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.
9. Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance
Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning
1.4151 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A”,
located west of Highway 83 and north of Santa Marta Boulevard, from B-3
(Community Business 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. Agredano
For:
7 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:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Galo
10. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 1
through 6, Block 1066, Western Division, located at the 4300 block of San
Agustin Avenue, 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 approval of proposed zone change.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ron Whitehawk, on behalf of the property owner,
spoke in favor of the proposed zone change.
He stated that the property owner took great care to get in touch with
the neighbors on the residential area and the owner does have their support.
Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.
Moved:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
Second:
Cm. Garcia
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
11. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances by
adopting Chapter 18, Sections 18-2-1 and 18-2-2, games and amusement devices
requiring a permit for establishments operating certain game and amusement
devices; requiring payment of fee prior to issuance or permit; repealing all
ordinances in conflict herewith and providing for an effective date and
publication.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, reported that this
ordinance is being generated because of the concern of the rapidly growing
business of eight-liners all over the city.
The new ordinance requires a permitting process in order to determine
the location of all these devices and to ensure that these businesses are
adequately covering all city ordinances. He stated that this particular ordinance by no means approves the
business itself, it merely regulates its activity.
Veronica Urbano, Budget Department, reported that
they have brought forward an amendment to the Code of Ordinances. What
is being proposed at this time is setting up a fee schedule for these types of
businesses. Any establishment with five
machines or less will pay $50.00 per machine; those establishments with more
than five machines will pay $100.00 per machine. If an establishment were to be found operating additional
machines without permits, city staff would go in and conduct random inspections
and seal the machines. The owners would
then have to pay an additional $20.00 per machine in order to take off these
seals from the machines. The permitting
would be issued by the City Secretary’s office and regulation would be done by
city staff with an annual inspection.
The permit would expire on the anniversary date of when the initial
permit was purchased and the owner would have to renew said permit on a yearly
basis.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that these
establishments are opening in all parts of the city and they are currently
unregulated. As a result, certain problems
are beginning to surface but the City is not by any means attempting to say
anything about the legalization of this process. He wants to ensure that the occupancy rules, safety rules, etc.
are adhered to under the local building codes.
Mayor Flores inquired as to whether city staff has
looked into how the city is going to fund these compliance officers that will
be needed to ensure these businesses are in compliance. She added that she would recommend to tie
back a permanent fee to the cost of setting up a department that is going to
ensure that everyone is in compliance.
Cynthia Collazo, Assistant City Manager, stated that
city staff has looked into the permitting amount but still does not know how
many machines are set up around the city.
For the meantime, city staff would like to begin by permitting these
businesses and possibly setting up a task force to learn how many machines are
out there. At this point, they would
like to establish this and also take into account what the District Attorney’s
Office has said in order to adjust the fees.
Motion to close the public hearing and
postpone.
Moved:
Cm. Belmares
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
12. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance
authorizing the City Manager to execute a budget amendment appropriating operation
funds from the Urban Transportation Grant, Section 5307 for fiscal year
2002-2003 in the amount of $41,781.00 increasing the State Operating Grant from
$500,000.00 to $541,781.00 and decreasing the sales tax match from
$3,825,955.00 to $3,784,174.00 and transferring $41,781.00 to sales tax reserve
appropriation. (Contingent up approval
of Resolution 2002-RT-006)
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
13.
Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY
2002-2003 annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the
amount of $17,833.00 in additional funds from the Texas Department of Health
for the Tuberculosis Elimination Program 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:
Cm. Agredano
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.
Moved:
Cm. Agredano
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
14.
Public hearing and
introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to
amend the City of Laredo’s full-time equivalent positions by creating three (3)
part-time with no benefits (1.44 FTE) Community Service Aides positions at
19.21 hours per week in the Children’s
Health Insurance Program (CHIP) of the City of Laredo Health Department, funded
by the Texas Department of Health.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Belmares
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.
Moved:
Cm. Belmares
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain:
0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
15. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Chapter 19, Motor Vehicle and Traffic,
Article VIII, Stopping, Standing or Parking, of the Code of Ordinances, City of
Laredo: specifically adding Section
19-364(5) which establishes certain street sections adjacent to Shiloh Drive
and to the north entrance of the United High School campus as permit parking
only/tow away zones between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through
Friday, providing for effective date and publication.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Belmares
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.
Moved:
Cm. Belmares
Second:
Cm. Garcia
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
VIII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS
AND PRESENTATIONS
16. A. Request by Council Member Hector J. Garcia
1. Discussion
with possible action on opening the Landfill free of charge to the
public
on December 26, 2002 and January 2, 2003.
John Orfila, Public Works Department,
reported that there should be no problem
opening
the facility on those two dates. He
also mentioned that the landfill will be
open
that weekend after January 2, 2003.
Motion
to approve the opening of the landfill free of charge because it is in the
best
interest of the public.
Moved: Cm. Garcia
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2.
Formal notice to the general public regarding the unlawful discharge of
firearms
during
the holidays and status report by Police proactive measures including El
Protector
and Community relations unit, with possible action.
Police Chief Agustin Dovalina that in keeping with the
department’s theme of
safety, they will be out in full force
enforcing the ordinance and state law that
prohibits firing inside the city
limits. In respect to El Protector,
they will be
working on some PSA’s with
Crimestoppers to inform the public that this activity
is against the law. The Community Relations Unit will also be
involved in making
presentations with the local media as
well as on the Public Access Channel.
B. Request by Council Member Eliseo Valdez, Jr.
1. Status report on the Casa Verde Project and the possibility of
adding lighting to the area, with possible action.
Keith Selman, City Planner, reported that the signatures have
slowed down, they
are not at 30% signatures in the areas that are needed. They need the signatures
from the section that you can see from Jacaman Road. There are some easements
located in there as opposed to public rights-of-way. He mentioned that the City
needs the property owners to sign off in
order to allow the City to do the survey work.
He reported that on the other section along Casa Verde Road, the water
line is currently going in and property owners in that area have come into his
department to inquire about the platting processes. He stated that now that the water line is in place, that makes
the platting of the properties a reality.
In those development processes that is where the street lighting will go
up being that this is a provisional
requirement in the development process.
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. suggested sending out
notices out again with some type of deadline and then proceeding with whatever
the City has at that point to assist as many residents as possible.
(Recess)
(Press Availability)
IX. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
17. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Nextel
WIP Lease Corporation, a Delaware Corporation, d/b/a Nextel Partners, space on
the rooftop of the Laredo Transit Center located at 1301 Farragut, Laredo, Webb
County, Texas and being more fully described in Exhibit “A” of lease agreement
for the installation and operation of certain antennae facilities for use with
its communications business and a portion within the owned premises for the
location of an equipment building and related facilities associated with the
antennae facilities.
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
18. Authorizing the City Manager to grant a license to Alestra
S. De R.L. de C.V., a Mexican Corporation for the use of a telecommunication
PVC conduit located at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge and the use of
47 linear feet of City right-of-way from the river bank to the 500 block of Iturbide
Street, Laredo, Webb County, Texas.
License term is five (5) years commencing on January 6, 2003 and ending
January 5, 2008. Annual rent shall
start at $7,600.00 with a five percent (5%) increase each anniversary date plus
$5.00 per linear foot for the use of the right of way; providing for effective
date.
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
19. Authorizing the City Manager to convey fee simple of the surface
only of all former streets lying within the area of Tract “A” of 51.7338 acres,
and to quitclaim the balance of Tract “A” to Mexrail, Inc. and to convey fee
simple of the surface only of the Tract “B” of 0.3543 acres to Mexrail, Inc.
and to convey fee simple of the surface only of Tract “C” of 2.1085 acres to
Mexrail, Inc. in exchange for conveyance to the City of Laredo by Mexrail, Inc.
of the fee simple of the surface only of Tract “D” of 12.8617 acres, and the
fee simple of the surface only of Tract “E” of 0.0072 acre, and of a sanitary
sewer easement over Tract “F” of 0.8223 acre; and providing for effective date.
Said tracts being generally described below,
and more particularly described on attached Exhibits “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, “E”,
and “F” respectively.
Tract “A” consisting of Aldama, Willow,
Chacon, Piedra China, Green & Mercer Streets, and Maryland, Lexington,
Cedar & Logan Avenues. Said streets
and avenues being situated in a 51.7338 acre tract of land consisting of City
blocks and portions of the street right-of-ways, out of the area known as the
“Embargo Yard”.
Tract “B” being a 0.3543 of an acre
(15,434.57 sq. ft.) tract of land, more or less, out of the Aldama Street
right-of-way between Logan and Tilden Avenues.
Tract “C” being a 2.1085 acre (91,845.34 sq.
ft.) tract of land out of the existing right-of-way of Guatemozin & Cortez
Streets between Springfield Avenue and Lexington Avenues, and Maryland Avenue
between Guatemozin Street and 105.75 feet north of Cortez Street situated in
the Eastern Division, City of Laredo provided that the City of Laredo retains
the entire said tract as a utility easement.
Tract “D” being a 12.8617 acre tract of land,
more or less, also referred to as the “Riverbank Tract”. Said tract being out of the area known as
the “Embargo Yard”.
Tract “E” being a Corner Clip consisting of a
0.0072 of an acre (312.50 sq. ft.) tract of land, more or less, out of the
Southwest corner of Block 64, Eastern Division, City of Laredo, County of Webb,
Texas. Said tract being out of the area
known as the “Embargo Yard”.
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Galo
X. FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES
Motion to waive final
readings of Ordinance # 2002-O-318; # 2002-O-319; # 2002-O-320; # 2002-O-321; #
2002-O-322; # 2002-O-323; # 2002-O-324; # 2002-O-325; # 2002-O-326; and # 2002-O-327.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
20.
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2002-O-318 Amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003 annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $50,000.00 from the Texas Department of Health for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Project Case Management of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning October 1, 2002 through June 30, 2003. This grant includes funds for an existing Case Manager/Registered Nurse II position.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-318.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-319 Amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003 annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $39,000.00 from the Texas Department of Health for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Screening Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning October 1, 2002 through June 30, 2003.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-319.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-320 Amending the City of Laredo 2002-2003 budget by increasing revenues and expenditures in the amount of $26,667.00 (from $13,333.00 to $40,000.00) for the Hepatitis C Screening Project of the City of Laredo Health Department and extending the contract period from September 1, 2002 through December 31, 2002 to September 1, 2002 through August 31, 2003.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-320.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-321 Amending the Laredo Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Administration Article I, In General, Section 2-3. Fees for City Services, Subsection (b) providing for charges for the duplication of medical records (to include a fee for a notarized affidavit); amending the City of Laredo Health Department budget for fiscal year 2003 and appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $3,360.00 which will be generated revenues from these fees to the Maternal and Child Health Program to continue with the scope of services; and providing for severability, effective date and publication.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-321.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-322 Amending the City Of Laredo’s Code of Ordinances Chapter 2, Article II, Sec. 2-16, which sets forth the departments of the City, by restructuring the Public Works Department whereby the Sanitation Division and the Landfill Division will become the Solid Waste Department; the Fleet Division will become a division of the Traffic Department; and the remaining Public Works Divisions will become divisions of the Engineering Department which will be renamed the Engineering/Public Works Department; and placing the Building Inspections Department as a division under the Planning and Zoning Department; and providing for an effective date. (As amended)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-322.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-323 Amending the City of Laredo fiscal year
2002-2003 annual budget by creating one new full time teller supervisor
position to oversee the five tellers operating the Riverfront Parking Lot
facility at a cost of $34,893.92 which includes salary and benefits which will
be paid from the fund balance and $2,500.00 for computer hardware and software,
and providing for effective date and publication.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-323.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-324 Authorizing an amendment to each of the
following two contracts with Metro Affordable Housing Corporation: 1.
Contract for the use of 20 lots by Metro Affordable Housing Corporation
and Contract for HOME Investment Partnership Program/Community Housing
Development Organization Funds (DCD 1998), to extend the period for
construction of the remaining ten of the twenty lots from December 31, 2002 to
no later than December 31, 2003; and authorizing the City Manager to execute a
subordination of lien for the interim construction loan from bank for the ten
(10) lots remaining.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-324.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-325 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a
lease with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for approximately 1,313
square feet constituting office space located at 5210 Bob Bullock Loop at the
Laredo International Airport. Lease
term is for two (2) years commencing on December 1, 2002, and ending November
30, 2004. Monthly rent shall be
$3,111.18. The premises are leased in
an “as is” condition and TSA will be responsible for making all modifications
and improvements, as may be necessary; providing for an effective date.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-325.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-326 Designating as a one-way westbound that
section of Moctezuma Street, Block numbers 400, 500, and 600 between San Jorge
Avenue on the east of San Dario Avenue on the west, providing for the
installation of appropriate signs to indicate one-way traffic in the west
direction and providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-326.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-327 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a
Subordination, Non-Disturbance and Attornment Agreement between the City of
Laredo, as Landlord, General Electric Capital Business Asset Funding
Corporation, a Delaware corporation, as Mortgage, and Fedlaredo Partnership,
LP, a Pennsylvania limited partnership, as Tenant, thereby subordinating the
lease agreement authorized by Ordinance No. 2001-O-042 dated February 20, 2001
and assigned on November 4, 2002 as authorized by Ordinance No. 2002-O-285, at
the Laredo International Airport to the Lender’s mortgage.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-327.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2002-O-328 Authorizing the City Manager to execute an
amendment to the lease agreement approved by Ordinance No. 98-o-053 dated
February 17, 1998, between the City of Laredo, as Lessor, and UETA of Texas,
Inc., a subsidiary of Duty Free International, Inc., as Lessee, to amend the
lease area at the Laredo International Airport Passenger Terminal and rental
obligation, extend the term of the agreement by 30 months, consolidate duty
free and news/gift shop merchandise, provide for additional modifications and
improvements to the new leased area and amend hours of operation, providing for
effective date.
Motion to postpone for the first meeting of January, 2003.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XI. RESOLUTIONS
21.
2002-R-111 Accepting the assignment of
26.595 acre feet of municipal water rights
from the balance of 337.0855
acre feet deeded to the City of Laredo by Vaquillas Ranch Company, Ltd. by
applying 18.9 acre feet of municipal water rights for water availability
charges and 6.195 acre feet for annexation charges in connection with the final
plat of San Isidro Monarch Subdivision, Unit I; and 1.5 acre feet of municipal
water rights for availability charges in connection with the final plat of
Concord Hills Phase VII.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
22.
2002-R-113 Authorizing
the assignment of the Development Agreement dated February 1, 2001 between City
of Laredo and Arena Ventures, L.L.C. from the latter to Arena Ventures
Holdings, L.P. a Texas Limited Partnership; and authorizing the assignment of
the Operating Agreement dated February 1, 2001 between City of Laredo and Arena
Ventures, L.L.C. from the latter to Laredo Arena Operating, L.P., a Texas
Limited Partnership; and approving an amendment to the Operating Agreement to
clarify the seat usage charge.
Motion
to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
23. 2002-R-114 Declaring the public necessity to acquire the “Surface Only” of one parcel of land for the construction of a City of Laredo parking lot. Said parcel consisting of Lots 2 & 4, Block 214, Western Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, and being delineated on attached copy of City plat; and authorizing staff to negotiate with the owner for the acquisition of said parcel by purchase at a market value to be established by a State Certified Real Estate Appraiser.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
24.
2002-R-116 Authorizing the City Manager to
enter into and execute an Interlocal Governmental Agreement pursuant to the
Vernon’s Texas Government Code, Chapter 791, between the City of Laredo and the
County of Webb, in which Webb County’s law enforcement agency, namely the Webb
County Sheriff’s Department and the City’s law enforcement agency, namely the
Laredo Police Department, require the formation of a mutual aid law enforcement
task force to mutually assist each other in the areas of traffic control, crowd
control, and general law enforcement both within and beyond the city limits
during the “Menudo Bowl” scheduled for January 25, 2003.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
25. 2002-R-117 Authorizing the City
Manager to enter into and execute an Interlocal Governmental Agreement pursuant
to the Vernon’s Texas Government Code, Chapter 791, between the City of Laredo
and the County of Webb, in which Webb County’s law enforcement agency, namely
the Webb County Sheriff’s Department and the City’s law enforcement agency,
namely the Laredo Police Department, require the formation of a mutual aid law
enforcement task force to mutually assist each other in the areas of traffic
control, crowd control, and general law enforcement both within and beyond the
city limits during the various Washington’s Birthday Celebration festivities
scheduled for February 13, 2003 to February 23, 2003.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XII. MOTIONS
26. Amending
the 2002 Consolidated Plan to allow for the reprogramming of 24th,
25th, and 26th Action Year (AY) Community Development
Block Grant Fund balances totaling $120,840.00 to be used towards the purchase
of an ambulance for the Cielito Lindo Subdivision Fire Station. CDBG funds proposed to be reprogrammed
include:
24th AY Community Development Block Grant
Three Points Park $ 20,349.00
25th AY Community Development Block Grant
Hacienda Apartments
Improvements $ 206.00
(Cancellation of Project and
reprogramming of funds)
Housing Rehab Administration $ 440.00
26th AY Community Development Block Grant
Code Enforcement $ 27,966.00
CD Administration $ 24,520.00
Housing Rehab Administration $ 47,359.00
Total Funds Reprogrammed $ 120,840.00
Motion
to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
27. Authorizing the City Manager to amend the City’s 1997 and
1998 HOME Investment Partnerships Program - Community Housing Development
Organization (CHDO) Contracts with the Azteca Economic Development and
Preservation Corporation (AEDPC) in the amounts of $178,950.00 and $87,850.00
respectively, to extend the contract expenditure deadlines from December 31,
2002 to May 31, 2003. The intended use
of these funds is for the construction of two duplex rental units to be located
in the Azteca neighborhood.
Motion
to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
28. Consideration to approve a payment of $17,657.60 to Texas Border
Infrastructure Coalition as the City’s
annual assessment for the period of October 2002 through September 2003. These dues are the City’s contribution to
support the efforts of the Texas Border Infrastructure Coalition. The Coalition’s mission is to make
Legislative recommendations to help the Texas Border Region grow and prosper
economically.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
29. Consideration to award contract FY03-024 to the low bidder,
O’Boy Service Company, Inc., Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of
$25,000.00 for providing portable restrooms for City parks, City sponsored
events, and construction job sites. All
services will be secured on an as needed basis. Contract pricing has been secured for daily, weekend and monthly
services. Funding is available in the
Public Works and Parks and Recreation department budgets.
Motion
to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
30. Consideration to ratify Change Order No. 1, 2 and 3 in the
amount of $30,602.19 and approval of final payment in the amount of $39,980.56
to R.J. Cantu Designer-Builder, Inc. for the remodeling of the building at 619
Reynolds in order to establish the centralized office for the Environmental
Services Department. Final contract
amount is $318,037.19. Funding is
available in the Hazmat and NPDES Funds.
Motion
to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
31. Consideration to award contract number FY 03-023
Smart Control Systems L.L.C. d/b/a Hotsy Equipment Company, San Antonio, Texas,
in the amount of $113,061.24 for the purchase of a high pressure washer and
wash recycling system for the Solid Waste Facility. Funding is available in the Solid Waste budget.
Motion
to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
32. Consideration to authorize the purchase of four, automated side
loader refuse trucks through the Texas Local Government Purchasing Cooperative
(Buy Board) contract pricing in the total amount of $640,176.00. Utilizing the Buy Board contract pricing,
four auto side loader collection chassis trucks will be purchased from Rush
Truck Center in the amount of $392,372.00 and four McNeilus auto side loader
collection units (31 cubic yard) will be purchased from McNeilus Truck &
Manufacturing, Inc. in the amount of $247,804.00. Funding is available in the
Solid Waste Fund.
Motion
to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
33. Consideration to award
contract number FY03-022, to the low bidder meeting specifications, Executive
Office, Laredo, Texas in the amount of $57,541.00 for the purchase of office
chairs, desks and workstations for the new Municipal Court Building. All furniture items will be delivered within
sixty days. Funding is available in the
Municipal Court budget.
Motion
to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
34. Motion
authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute a contract with Lineas
Aereas Aztecas, S.A. de C.V. for City Conventions and Visitors Bureau to
purchase from Lineas Aereas Aztecas S.A. de C.V. (“Azteca Airlines”) no more
than 20 round trip airline tickets on the following flights: Mexico City/Laredo, Texas/Mexico City or
Laredo/Mexico City/Laredo, Texas. The
cost shall be $150.00 per round trip and the total contract amount shall not
exceed $120,000.00 for a 15-week period and shall commence on the date
specified in the contract. Tickets
purchased by City will be sold to wholesale travel and other travel agencies
and used for promotional purposes, without a loss to the City. This use of municipal
hotel occupancy tax revenues is authorized by the Texas Tax Code,
§351.101. Funding is in the Laredo Convention and Visitor Bureau Fund
promotional line item that will be later reimbursed by the Hotel/Motel
Fund.
Motion to authorize
the City Manager to negotiate a contract with Lineas Aereas Aztecas.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
35. Consideration to award a construction contract to the
lowest bidder Pete Gallegos Paving, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for the Zacate Creek
Linear Park Phases III, IV, & V Scope of Work I Sidewalks in the base bid
amount of $495,500.00. Funding is available
in the Zacate Creek Phase III, IV &
V 25th and 28th
Action Year CDBG.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
36. Consideration for approval of engineering firm for the
fueling station facility at City of Laredo Solid Waste Facility (design/build
project) and authorization to negotiate a professional services contract. The Architectural and Engineering Review
Committee is scheduled to make a recommendation on Friday, December 13, 2002.
Motion
to approve the company of Petroleum Solutions of San Antonio as per
recommendation of the Engineering Contract Review Committee.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
37. Consideration to award a construction contract to the
lowest bidder Triple A Concrete, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for the Sidewalk Project
No. 18 (El Metro Transit System Improvements) in the base bid amount of
$82,662.50. Funding is available in the
Transit System - Transit Grant No. 456 - Improvements Other Than Building.
Motion
to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
38. Consideration to authorize the City Manager
to enter into a contract with the sole source provider, Transcore, Inc., in the
amount not to exceed $162,000.00 for the toll system enhancement to increase
security and audit ability of access at each of our customer service center
workstations. Funding is available in
the Bridge Fund Capital Improvement Project Account.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
39. Consideration to authorize the purchase of one heavy duty
grapple truck through the Galveston Area Council of Governments (HGAC)
Cooperative Purchasing Program, in the total amount of $90,489.00. This truck will be used for brush and debris
pickup. Delivery is expected within
ninety to one hundred twenty days.
Funding is available in the Solid Waste Fund.
Motion
to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
40. Authorizing the City
Manager to negotiate a professional services contract to complete a
Vulnerability Assessment of infrastructure security for the water system. The Architectural and Engineering Review
Committee is scheduled to make a recommendation on Friday, December 13, 2002.
Motion
to approve the firm of Montgomery Watson Harza as per recommendation of the
Engineering Contract Review Committee.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
41. Approving monthly adjustments to the tax roll. The amount to be adjusted for the month of
November 2002, represents an increase of $3,961.56. These adjustments are determined by Webb County Appraisal
District and by court orders.
Motion
to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
42. Refund of property tax the following taxpayers and
companies:
a. A refund in the
amount of $1,218.25 payable to Johnny C. Cavazos due to a double payment on the 2000 taxes. Account #965-00005-007.
b. A refund in the
amount of $771.09 payable to VETA, Inc. #124 due to an overpayment on
account. Account #800-21020-105.
c. A refund in the
amount of $ 846.63 payable to Sovereign Bank due to the personal property being double-assessed for the year
2001.
d. A refund in the
amount of $2,459.56 payable to Corona Development, L.C. due the personal
property being double assessed for the years 2000 and 2001. Account #900-90231-062.
e. A refund in the
amount of $740.14 payable to Cameron Mineral Trust #2 c/o Gilbert Denman
Trustee. Clerical error 25.25,
erroneously coded City of Laredo by Pritchard & Abbot, Inc. Account# 0381614-1134000-RI.
Motion
to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XIII. STAFF REPORTS
43. A.
Status report on the CPL Road by
Mr. Edward D. Garza, P.E., Crane Engineering
Corporation.
Edward Garza, of Crane Engineering, reported
that this 1.8 mile road lies between
the Rio Grande River and the Mines Road. He mentioned that their proposed
right-of-way
is a 70-foot right-of-way. This will
allow them to design when they are
in
the floodplain because they are proposing a low water crossing through Manadas
Creek. They are also proposing a 56-foot wide
back-to-back street which would be
a
four-lane road. They are awaiting a
contour map from the aerial company which
will
allow them to get into detailed design. They are wrapping up surveys for right
of
acquisition. They are ready to proceed
to submit the surveys to the City in order
to
pursue the signatures on the rights-of-way acquisition. There are 19 parcels of
property
and they have estimated construction on this project to be approximately
$2.6
million.
Cindy
Collazo, Assistant City Manager, stated that Community Development
Department
has begun to make some contact with the property owners.
B. Presentation by the Traffic Safety Department
regarding the installation of wireless
video
cameras at the railroad crossing on FM 1472 to assist Fire and Police
Departments
emergency personnel to determine when a train is blocking a crossing,
with
possible action.
Roberto Murillo, Traffic Department Director,
reported that the estimate for two
wireless
cameras is $9,500.00 to install the still cameras and this will allow
monitoring
from a particular fire station or police department. He added that this
estimate
does not include personal computer connections. The Fire Department
would
rather have the cameras because the first ambulance response comes from the
station
on Del Mar Boulevard and the subsequent one comes from the station on
Calton
Road. He stated that he estimates four
to six weeks for installation.
Motion to obtain $9,500.00 from District VII
discretionary funds for the purchase of
the
equipment.
Moved:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
C.
Update report on the status of the Colonias Project.
Keith Kendall, Program Manager for Turner,
Collie and Braden, provided a report
to City Council. He mentioned that under Work Order #1, they
received the
TxDOT permit
last month and pending the Tex-Mex Railway permit, they will
begin
advertisement for this project. The
final design plans were submitted today
and will be
forwarded to the Water Development Board.
He expects to receive
approval for
advertisement in early January, 2003.
Under Work Order #2, the wastewater
collection and the water distribution in the
Pueblo Nuevo Subdivision, the final plans are
to be submitted in early January.
Webb County is continuing through the
right-of-way acquisition. The TxDOT
permit is expected to be received in January,
2003. Pending the County’s right-of-
way acquisition in Pueblo Nuevo, the
advertisement will begin in March or early
April, 2003.
Under
Work Order #3, the wastewater collection and water distribution for all the
remaining
colonias with the exception Los Tanquecitos.
Los Tanquecitos 1 is being
handled
by Webb County. The final design on
this project is February, 2003. it is
anticipated
that the County will obtain all the rights-of-way acquisitions either
March
or April of 2003. There are a number of
easements that the City will be
requiring
for this project as well. These
easement descriptions are expected to be
submitted
to the City in early January, 2003.
On Old Milwaukee Road, the possibility of
lagging behind because of the attempt
to get the Colonia platted. Keith Selman, Tomas Rodriguez, and Edward
Garza
have met and have been able to resolve a lot
of the pending issues. The engineer
has obtained the title clearance and it
looks like the project will be brought in
together with the Work Order #3 packet.
Under Work Order #4, the City had a
groundbreaking ceremony in November,
2002.
The contract documents have been completed by the City and will be
forwarded to the Water Development
Board. They will be doing a
pre-construction
conference and issue a notice to proceed in
early January, 2003.
Under Work Order #5, the ground storage tank
and booster pump station, the City
decided to site that on the landfill. Design has been able to begin with the geo-
technical investigations.
For Work Order #6, the elevated storage
tanks, they have completed
negotiations with the landowners so the
design surveys can begin.
For Mines Road Work Order #1, that project
is scheduled for final plans in early
January,
2003. The County indicates that they are
concentrating their efforts on
Hwy.
359.
For
Mines Road Work Order #2, the water transmission line, they have the site now
for the ground storage tank and booster pump station. They have completed the coordination for the county water line work
and are expecting to complete the design in early February, 2003. He added that the City is proposing to
oversize the water line for Mines Road.
The firm submitted environmental information documents to the Texas
Water Development Board and the Environmental Protection Agency with the hope that the Environmental Protection
Agency would not require that they go back with an amended information document
which would cause a delay. The good
news is that the Environmental Protection Agency reported that everything is in
order and that the City could go forward.
Regarding
the NADBank project Work Order #1, which is the 16-inch water line running from
the Laredo South elevated storage tank up to Loop 20. The design is under way with the topography surveys and the
geotechnical investigations.
For
the NADBank project Work Order #2, which is the wastewater collection and
wastewater treatment plant, they are beginning a preliminary design. They held a meeting with the consultants on
October 31, 2002.
He
added that with Work Order #4, the first contract that was led out, it came in
$120,000.00 below the facility plant estimate prepared in 1999.
D. Presentation by Dr. Hector Gonzalez,
Health Department Director, regarding
health assessment on Alta Vista Subdivision.
Dr.
Gonzalez, Health Department Director, provided an update to City Council.
He
introduced Lucia Antu-Chandarlis, RN Supervisor, who is heading the Epi-
demiology
team. He explained that the team
randomized the community around the old Air Force Base and ran a survey
through different scientists (toxicologists) to review this tool that they
created to conduct simple analysis and testing. He
emphasized
that the department has always been concerned about health impact.
Therefore,
the department developed this tool and has gone door to door to do a
preliminary
assessment. He reported that they will
be doing 50 samples of the
area.
Out of those 50, they have already analyzed 26 and they have all come
back
normal. Now, what the department is continuing to do
is review the data with the
Center
for Disease Control and also approach the Environmental Protection
Agency for additional funding. He is urging the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
to
come finish its environmental
assessment. They have been contacted
and they
stated that they would return early after
the first of the year to continue their
evaluation of what else they need to
do.
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. mentioned that when the
City is done with the assessments, he
would like to request a letter from the Texas
Environmental Control Commission
to show that the area has received a clean
bill of health. He also inquired
whether
these families that have participated in the
random sampling would be given a copy
of the report.
Dr. Gonzalez replied that everyone that has
been tested has been given a copy of
their test results.
Jaime Flores, City Attorney, stated that he
wanted to advise City Council that based on the work done by the Health
Department, the City Attorney’s Office has been working closely with Ron
Rodriguez, counsel for the plaintiffs, to see how the City might continue to
assist the residents and have this matter resolved. He added that the plaintiffs have reached an agreement that
dismisses the lawsuit.
E.
Staff report of the Laredo International Sister Cities Festival
scheduled for January 30, 2003 through February 2, 2003 by Nick Reyna,
Convention and Visitors Bureau Director.
Nick
Reyna, Convention and Visitors Bureau Director, stated
that the City will be hosting an exciting event next month. He mentioned that this event has been in the
planning stage for several months now and the department is now in the promotion
and sales phase.
Patricia
Taylor, Assistant Director, reported on the various cities and events to be
held during this four-day event. The
Laredo International Festival is a unique opportunity for our sister cities to
promote their business, trade, tourism, arts and culture. She mentioned that this is the first exposition
and the department is planning to make this an annual event. The vision behind this festival lies in the
City’s interest in expanding Laredo’s image from the Gateway to Mexico to the
“Gateway to the World”. She reported
that invitations have been sent out to those cities that have a Sister City
relationship, many of which are in Mexico.
In addition to cities in Mexico, there a couple of Sister Cities in the
Republic of China, Argentina, and Spain.
The event itself will include business and tourism seminars where local
businesses can network with the different city representatives and establish
ties. She stated that the department is
also sending invitations out to all the departments of economic development
statewide, local importers/exporters, travel agents, and educational
institutions. She encouraged everyone
to make plans to attend this event to be held at the Civic Center Ballroom which
will be free of charge to the public.
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.
44. Request for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government
Code 551.071 (1) (A) & (B) to consult with City Attorney to discuss pending
litigation by some of the residents of Los Obispos Subdivision styled
Villarreal, Martin, et al v. City of Laredo, Laredo Affordable Housing
Corporation, M.G. Builders, and Frank Architects, Inc., WSCC, Inc., Cause No.
2002-CVQ-001299-D3, in the 341st District Court at 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)
& (B) to consult with City Attorney to discuss pending litigation by some
of the residents of Los Obispos Subdivision styled Villarreal, Martin, et al v.
City of Laredo, Laredo Affordable Housing Corporation, M.G. Builders, and Frank
Architects, Inc., WSCC, Inc., Cause No. 2002-CVQ-001299-D3, in the 341st
District Court at Webb County, Texas, and return to open session for possible
action.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
After
executive session, Mayor Flores announced that no formal action was taken.
XV. RECESS AS THE LAREDO CITY
COUNCIL AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MASS TRANSIT BOARD
Motion to recess as the Laredo City Council and
convene as the Laredo Mass Transit Board.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
45.
2002-RT-006 Authorizing
the City Manager to accept and execute a grant Amendment no. 1 to the FY
2002-2003 Section 5307 Urban Transportation Grant Contract No. 51322F1013 from
the Texas Department of Transportation in the amount of $41,781.00 for a total
grant amount of $541,781.00; and providing for grant funds to be deposited in
the City of Laredo Transit Fund Accounts.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain:
0
XVI. ADJOURN AS THE LAREDO MASS
TRANSIT BOARD AND RECONVENE AS THE LAREDO CITY COUNCIL
Motion to adjourn as the Laredo Mass
Transit Board and reconvene as the Laredo City Council.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XVII. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn. Time: 10:10 p.m.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
I, Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City
Secretary, do hereby certify that the above minutes contained in pages 01
to 31 are true, complete and correct proceedings of the City Council meeting
held on the 16th day of December, 2002.
___________________
Gustavo
Guevara, Jr.
City
Secretary