|
CITY OF
CITY
COUNCIL MEETING M2003-R-02 CITY
COUNCIL CHAMBERS 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 Alberto Valdez, Jr., Council Member,
District VII Juan Ramirez, Council
Member, District VIII Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City
Secretary Jaime Flores, City
Attorney IV. MINUTES None. V. COMMUNICATIONS
AND RECOGNITIONS Announcements None. Invitations None. Recognitions a. Recognition of the City of for
being awarded the 5-star Vital Registration and Excellence Award from the
Texas Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics. Mayor
Flores and the City Council acknowledged that the criteria for this award
consisted of timeliness, training, issuance, accountability, and paternity
certification. This is the sixth year
that the City’s Health Department receives this recognition. b. Recognition of Sgt. Eugenio
"Gino" M. Moncivais of the Laredo Police Department who recently
returned from the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Academy (FBINA)
on his graduation from the 211th Session, in Mayor
Flores and the City Council recognized Sgt. Eugenio “Gino” Moncivais for his
professionalism and dedication to the police department and for completing
the three-month training at the FBI academy.
c. Recognition of participants and winners of
the Mayor's Cup Softball Tournament. Horacio De Leon, Parks and Recreation
Director, announced the winners of the Mayor’s Cup Softball Tournament. “A”
Division “B”
Division Overall Mayor’s Cup Fire Department Communiqués Cm. Agredano mentioned
that the Parks and Recreation Department has two city parks on the fast track
in District I. He expects these two
parks will be ready by the end of the school year. Cm. Garcia congratulated Mayor Flores on the
excellent job she did on the recent segment on C-Span. Cm. Galo mentioned that the arena has been a very
successful venture and has allowed the community to experience the thrill of
watching a live hockey game and other events.
He publicly thanked the Laredo National Bank for the wonderful gesture
of sponsoring 8,000 local students to attend one of the hockey games. He urged other corporate sponsors to chip
in and follow their lead and give more of our youth an opportunity to attend
one of these events. On a separate
note, he also reported on an item regarding one recourse that people can take
when a motorist causes damage to their property. He stated that individuals can file a claim
with Texas Department of Public Safety and it will notify the responsible
party that they must pay the damage if not their license and registration
will be revoked. Cm. Amaya thanked the
Public Works Department and its crew for their brick paving work on Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. thanked Laredo National Bank
for their initiative in sponsoring all those students to the hockey
game. He applauds the bank’s efforts
of giving back to the community. He also
wanted to express his appreciation to the offices of the City Manager,
Community Development, Public Works, and Parks and Recreation for their
involvement in securing another park for District V. He reported that the ribbon cutting
ceremony for this new park will be held on Cm. Belmares
congratulated Horacio De Leon, Parks and Recreation Director, for the
successful softball tournament they coordinated. He also congratulated Mayor Flores for the
excellent job she did on the segment with C-Span. Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. invited the public to the Cm. Ramirez thanked the Public Works Department
crew for the swift job they did in completing the sidewalk project on the 600
block of Mayor Flores reported that being a guest on
C-Span was quite an experience. She
added that the production of the segment was very well coordinated and the
interview was carried out in a very professional manner. She thanked all those individuals who have
called in to congratulate her and she stated that the reason she had so many topics
for discussion is because of the great people of VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003 annual
budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of
$112,280.00 from the Texas Department of Health and amending the City of Motion
to open the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm.
Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There
was no public input. Motion
to close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm.
Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 2. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003 annual
budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of
$199,854.00 from the Texas Department of Health and amending the City of Motion
to open the public hearing. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There
was no public input. Motion
to close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm.
Garcia Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 3. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the City of annual
budget by appropriating revenues in the amount of $37,722.00 and expenditures
in the amount of $18,000.00 to the salaries line items and $19,722.00 in the
contractual services line item to allow the City of Laredo Health Department
to proceed with efficient, quality and cost effective services for the period
of October 1, 2002 through September 30, 2003. The amount of $37,722.00 will be generated
from the increase in certified birth certificate fees approved on Motion
to open the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There
was no public input. Motion
to close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm.
Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 4. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of
Motion
to open the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There
was no public input. Motion
to close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm.
Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 5. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003 annual
budget in the amount of $77,300.00 to fund the Laredo Multi-Agency Narcotics
Task Force Intelligence Initiative.
The Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division will now be
designating $1,075,415.00 and the City of Motion
to open the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm.
Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There
was no public input. Motion
to close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm.
Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 6. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the City of Ordinances
by adopting Chapter 18, Sections Motion
to open the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Juan
Narvaez asked about the fee schedule for the amusement devices. Robert
Howland stated that he operates two game rooms. He commented that the City is applying a
special fee only to these types of businesses. He added that part of the problem with
these businesses not following city ordinances is that many of these
proprietors are first-time business owners.
Carlos Golarte, owner of Winners Corner, stated that imposing a
fee on these business owners will not solve the problem. Motion
was made to charge a uniform fee of $25.00 per machine. Motion
dies for a lack of a second. Cm. J.
Valdez, Jr. inquired as to what the inspectors’ duties would entail once they
are hired. Motion
to charge a $25.00 flat fee per machine.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Belmares For: 7 Against: 1 Abstain: 0 Cm.
Ramirez Motion
to close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 7. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the City of 2002-2003
annual budget by appropriating $211,305.00 from the Bridge System
Construction fund balance into the Bridge Improvements Account and
authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget amendment. Funding will be used for Bridge
Improvements: Static Scale project for Bridge IV in the amount of $150,000.00
and the pneumatic coin system for Bridge II in the amount of $61,305.00. 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: Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano Second: Cm.
Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council VIII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS A. Request by Council Member Eliseo Valdez,
Jr. 1. Discussion with possible action regarding
railing improvements to the Lafayette/Saunders
Bridge by the Texas Department of Transportation for safety purposes. Rogelio
Rivera, City Engineer, reported that a rail had been built some time ago on
the northwest corner. Based on the
cost of that design, if the department were to build the other three it would
cost approximately $8,000.00. They
have asked TxDOT for permission and they are not opposed
to having the City construct them. He
stated that in a meeting held earlier regarding the 2. Status report regarding the additional
testing conducted at the Alta Vista/Vista Hermosa
area; and request to get information from the Army Corps of Engineers and the
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regarding their proposal for
additional testing and a timeline for getting started and presenting final
results to bring closure to existing community concerns. Dr. Hector
Gonzalez, Health Director, reported that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
mentioned that they would return in December, 2002 to develop a strategic
plan on the next round of testing. He
has since learned that David Scotto, team leader,
is no longer in charge of this project.
The new team leader is Dan Davis and they have set up a meeting with
him. He reported that Mr. Davis did
mention to him that monies were appropriated for the next round of
testing. As far as what the Health
Department is doing, he mentioned that they have continued with the health
assessments. They have conducted
approximately 35 assessments and all of them have been normal. In regards to the Commission on
Environmental Quality, at their last meeting in September, 2002, the U.S.
Corps of Engineers obtained a remediation plan from the Commission but part
of it consisted on them conducting a second round of testing. It is now in the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers’ court to complete the testing.
B. Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez 1. Discussion with possible action to remove
the 600 block of Farragut from Ordinance 2003-O-013. Motion to bring the ordinance with an
amendment. Moved:
Cm. Ramirez Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 IX. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES 9. Amending Chapter 32, Vehicles for Hire,
Article II, Taxicabs, of the Code of Ordinances of the
City of Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 10. Authorizing the City Manager to execute an
amendment to the between
the City of Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 11. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease
with Tomas Sandoval, III, d/b/a El Patio
Nursery for approximately 1.41 acres of land located at 1704 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 12. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a
lease with South Texas Development Council
for approximately 252 square feet constituting Suite No. 10 of Building No.
S-1 located at Ordinance
Introduction: City Council X. FINAL Motion
to waive the Final Readings of Ordinances # 2003-O-017, # 2003-O-018, #
2003-O-019, # 2003-O-020, # 2003-O-021, # 2003-O-022, and # 2003-O-023. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Mayor
Pro Tempore Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-0-017 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of Block
2024, Eastern Division, located at Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-017. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm.
Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-0-018 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of 6.0035
acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit
"A", located east of Highway 83 and south of Sierra Vista Blvd.,
from AG (Agricultural District) to B-3 (Community Business District);
providing for publication and effective date.
Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-018. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm.
Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-0-019 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of Block
2, Cuatro Vientos Norte
Subdivision, Phase I, located at 3302 Cuatro Vientos Drive, from R-1A (Single Family Residential Area
District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District); providing for
publication and effective date. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-019. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm.
Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-0-020 Authorizing the City Manager to amend the
FY 2002-2003 annual budget by appropriating
revenues and expenditures in the amount of $52,931.00 for the Medicaid
Administrative Cost (MAC) Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for
the period beginning Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-020. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm.
Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-0-021 Authorizing the City Manager to amend the
City of annual
budget in the Convention & Visitors Bureau operating fund in the amount
of $42,521.00 for revenue and expenses from the management and operation of
the Washington's Birthday Celebration Museum, and authorizing the City
Manager to implement said budget. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-021. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm.
Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-0-022 Amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003
annual budget by appropriating revenues
and expenditures in the amount of $169,983.00 from the Texas Department of
Health for the Tuberculosis Prevention/Control Federal Project of the City of
Laredo Health Department for the period beginning January 1, 2003 through
December 31, 2003. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-022. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm.
Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-0-023 Amending the City of equivalent
positions by adding 1.5 full time clerk positions for the Washington's
Birthday Celebration Museum and information center operation. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-023. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm.
Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-0-024 Amending the City of Issue
Fund annual budget by appropriating revenues of $2,000,000.00 in the form of
a donation from Lamar Bruni Vergara
Trust for $2,000,000.00 and appropriating expenditures in the amount of
$2,000,000.00 for the construction of the Inner City Park. Motion
to postpone. Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano Second: Cm.
J. Valdez, Jr. For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XI. RESOLUTIONS 14. 2003-R-006
Authorizing the City Manager to accept the donation of 100 tons of limestone
base material for the City of Wayne
Skipper, from Martin Marietta, stated that they are the largest producer of
high quality construction materials worldwide. He added that they would like to donate
100 tons of the limestone base material so the City can compare it with the
local material being used. Motion
to approve Resolution # 2003-R-006. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 15. 2003-R-007
Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application to the
Office of the
Governor, Criminal Justice Division in the amount of $80,000.00 with the City
designating $55,200.00 in matching funds for a total of $135,200.00 for
funding a Domestic Violence Grant under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
for the period of Motion
to approve Resolution # 2003-R-007. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 16. 2003-R-008
Declaring a public necessity to utilize the area under IH 35, between
Park Street
and Sanchez Street as a parking/staging area on February 15, 2003, for the Jamboozie Festival; on February 19, 2003, for the Annual
Youth Parade; and February 22, 2003, for the Washington's Birthday Parade;
and authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the Texas
Department of Transportation for the use of the said property. Motion
to approve Resolution # 2003-R-008. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 17. 2003-R-009
Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application to the Parks
and Wildlife Department of a grant request not to exceed $500,000.00 from the
Texas Recreation and Parks Account Outdoor Grant Program in consideration of
funding improvements for Zacate Creek Linear Park,
certifying that it is dedicated for permanent public park and recreation use,
and certifying that the City of Laredo is eligible to receive Texas Parks and
Recreation Account Grant Program Assistance and has readily made available
the required 50% matching funds through Community Development Block Grants
and further authorizing the City Manager to execute any and all documents
pertaining to and resulting from this submission. Motion
to approve Resolution # 2003-R-009. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 18. 2003-R-010
Granting the Laredo Lodge No. 547 AF&AM an exception from AD Valorem
taxation. The 77th Session of the
Legislature, HB1689 was passed which allows for the exemption from property
of "Organizations Engaged Primarily in Performing Charitable
Functions." The Texas Legislature
and the State Comptrollers of Public Accounts declared that this organization
and its local chapters are eligible for this relief. Motion
to approve Resolution # 2003-R-010. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 19. 2003-R-011
Endorsing certain legislative changes to Senate Bill 7 supported by
South Texas
Aggregation Project, Inc., where major problems have plagued cities and their
citizens over the past year. These
problems include, amongst other things, delays in switching accounts,
erroneous, duplicate or missed bills, decline in service quality, price
increases for residential customers and market power abuses. Motion
to approve Resolution # 2003-R-011. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XII. MOTIONS 20. Consideration to authorize the City Manager
to enter into a lease agreement with the local
Little League Associations. This valid
public purpose agreement authorizes the use of little league fields for a fee
of $1.00 per year for a term of two (2) years. The valid public purpose of this agreement
is instituting a baseball program for all of the youth of American
Little League National
Little League Al King Field/Jose
"Pepe" Moreno Field Optimist
Little League Gateway
Girls League LIA Base Field II Northwest
Little League Father McNaboe Little League Field PAL's Little
League Motion
to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 21. Authorizing the City Manager to amend the
existing contract with Jayantilal L. Patel, D.D.S., by $1,200.00, due to increased
services provided to clients of the Dental Health Services Clinic of the City of Laredo Health
Department for the period beginning $25,200.00.
Funds are available in the
Dental Health Budget. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 22. Consideration to award an annual
maintenance contract for library automation, network services,
software, Vmark licenses and equipment for the
libraries' Dynix(tm) network to epixtech, inc.
in the amount of $48,227.16. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 23. Consideration for approval of change order
no. 1 for additional services requested by the Fleet Department an increase of
$19,961.00 acceptance of the CNG Compressor Station at City of Laredo Fuel
Distribution Center (Design/Build Project) and approval of the final payment in the amount of
$170,785.00 to Reliant Energy, Funding is available in the Fleet
Management Capital Outlay Buildings. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second: Cm.
J. Valdez, Jr. For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 24. Consideration to award a construction
contract to the sole bidder, Cutler Repaving, Inc., Recycling
Project (204.5 blocks). The cost per
block is approximately 10% less than last year. Funding is available in the Materials/Cutler Repaving Account. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 25. Authorizing the issuance of a request for
proposals (RFP) for the Existing Land Use Assessment for $80,000.00 for the project. Funding is available in the MPO Account. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 26. To authorize the City Manager to waive the
parking fee for persons attending the Jamboozie
Festival, and implementing a flat fee charge of $200.00 to the Streets of Laredo Urban Mall Association for personnel
costs, overtime and extra security for traffic and crowd control for the use of the
parking facility from on Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 27. Consideration to authorize the City Manager
to execute a management contract with First Transit, Inc., a for a five year term beginning negotiated contract, the basic
elements of which are set forth in the background section. Motion
to approve. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 28. Consideration to authorize the purchase of
nine Motorola motorcycle radios through the Program in the total amount of
$34,232.50. These radios will be
installed on nine new motorcycles assigned to the Police
Department. Delivery is expected
within sixty days. Funding is available in the Police Trust Fund. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 29. Consideration to authorize the City Manager
to waive parking fees for the Riverfront Parking
Lot area, west of Festival on Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 30. Approving monthly adjustments to the tax
roll. The amount to be adjusted for
the month of December 2002, represents a
decrease of $33,041.49. These
adjustments are determined by Webb County Appraisal
District and by court orders. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 31. Refund of property tax to the following
taxpayers and companies: a. A
refund in the amount of $734.73 payable to Ido and
Nava Aharonson due to a Webb County
Appraisal District change of value. Cause #2002-1992,1992A. Account #988-20001-040. b. A
refund in the amount of $768.20 payable to Sunglass Hut Trading Corp., due to
an over
payment for tax years 2001 and 2002. Account #801-20000-925. c. A refund in the amount of $608.23 payable
to Washington Mutual c/o Lereta Corp. due to an over payment. Account
#442-00934-090. d. A
refund in the amount of $791.76 payable to Sylvia Rendon due to a double
payment. Taxes were paid by the bank and
mortgage company. Account #991-50004-290.
e. A refund in the amount of $1,247.64 payable
to The Laredo National Bank due to a double
payment for 2002 taxes. Taxes were paid by the bank and by owner. Account #970-40001-190. f. A
refund in the amount of $902.48 payable to The Laredo National Bank due to a
double payment for 2002 taxes. Taxes were paid by the bank and by owner.
Account #970-20003-040.
g. A
refund in the amount of $619.94 payable to The Laredo National Bank due to a
double payment for 2002 taxes. Taxes were paid by the bank and Border
Abstract. Account #923-00028-552. h. A
refund in the amount of $714.52 payable to The Laredo National Bank due to a
double payment. Taxes were paid by the bank and the owner. Account
#986-00007-505. i. A refund in the amount of $500.04 payable
to Eliseo M. and Catalina Farias due to a double
payment by Mortgage Company and Owner. Account #949-50004-110. j. A
refund in the amount of $2,364.75 payable to Luis and Jean Zaffirini due to a double payment by Abstract Company and Owner.
Account #965-00005-009. k. A
refund in the amount of $660.11 payable to Juan Angel and Adriana C. Davila
due to double payment by Border Title
and First Horizon. Account #923-00013-257. l. A refund in the amount of $1,252.18 payable
to Daniel L. Bell due to a double payment by Mortgage Company and Owner.
Account #909-00022-370. m. A
refund in the amount of $718.05 payable to International Bank of Commerce
McAllen due to a double payment. Account paid by Owner and International Bank
of Commerce. Account #970-00004-097.
n. A
refund in the amount of $3,261.74 payable to International Bank of Commerce o. A
refund in the amount of $1,991.73 payable to International Bank of Commerce p. A
refund in the amount of $748.51 payable to International Bank of Commerce
McAllen due to a double payment. Account paid by Owner and International Bank
of Commerce. Account #980-60003-440.
q. A
refund in the amount of $1,011.75 payable to International Bank of Commerce r. A refund in the amount of $1,161.57 payable
to International Bank of Commerce s. A
refund in the amount of $795.80 payable to International Bank of Commerce t. A refund in the amount of $1,036.16 payable
to International Bank of Commerce u. A refund in the amount of $993.72 payable to
International Bank of Commerce v. A
refund in the amount of $816.10 payable to International Bank of Commerce
McAllen due to a double payment. Account paid by Owner and International Bank
of Commerce. Account #905-00048-030.
w. A
refund in the amount of $1,205.77 payable to International Bank of Commerce x. A refund in the amount of $1,699.10 payable
to International Bank of Commerce y. A refund in the amount of $541.94 payable
to International Bank of Commerce McAllen due to a double payment. Account
was paid by Owner and International Bank of Commerce. Account #968-30002-050. z. A refund in the amount of $1,017.05
payable to Neel Title Corporation due to a double payment.
Account paid by Neel Title Corporation and by Tax
payer. Account #945-00851-423.
aa. A refund in the amount of $701.15 payable
to Juan Jose and Diana H. Vela due to a double
payment. Account was paid by Border Abstract and Transamerican
Real Estate Tax Service. Account
#969-30002-050. bb. A
refund in the amount of $1,448.84 payable to Henry and double
payment. Account was paid by Countrywide Mortgage Company and Owner. Account #909-00681-116. cc. A refund in the amount of $525.68 payable
to the Laredo National Bank due to a double payment. Account was paid by the Laredo
National Bank and Owner. Account #923-00003-450. dd. A
refund in the amount of $1,107.97 payable to the Laredo National Bank due to double
payment. Account paid by the Laredo National Bank and Owner. Account #439-00753-080. ee. A
refund in the amount of $1,933.97 payable to International Bank of Commerce
due to a double payment. Account paid by Webb County Title and International
Bank of Commerce.
Account #965-00002-002. ff. A
refund in the amount of $981.55 payable to International Bank of Commerce Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XIII. STAFF REPORTS 32. A.
Presentation by Geoffrey Gay of Lloyd, Gosselink,
Blevins, Rochelle, Baldwin & Townsend,
P.C., Attorneys at Law, regarding deregulation and the effects that it
has caused. A legislative agenda will also be
presented. Geoffrey Gay stated that he has handled
regulatory matters for approximately 25
years and has represented years.
He stated that he is
recommending that the best way for the City to handle deregulation would include creating a
political subdivision corporation. He commented that after Senate Bill 7 passed in 1999, which
permitted the breakup of the centralized utility system, cities
learned that deregulation made no sense.
They have discovered that profits are going
to each of the separate entities and this breakup has created a monstrous bureaucracy known as ERCOT. He added that they have provided a better contract under
CAP and STAP than the City could get in the marketplace and they have provided
savings against price to beat. He stressed that deregulation has been a harassing
obstacle for many City Managers throughout the state. He stated that there is a resolution before
the City Council this evening which authorizes the City’s endorsement of the CAP
and STAP agenda. He added that this is important in order to ensure that they
have a place at the table on behalf of all the cities to speak on behalf of the consumers
of the state and thus protect city budgets and be able to negotiate a more favorable
result. 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. 33. Request for Executive Session pursuant to
Texas Government Code Section 551.072 in reqards to
deliberating the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property in the
City of Laredo International Motion
to go into Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section
551.072 in reqards to deliberating the purchase,
exchange, lease, or value of real property in the City of Laredo
International Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm.
Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 After
the Executive Session, the Mayor announced that no formal action was taken. XV. ADJOURNMENT City of
City
Council Meeting M2003-S-01 City
Council Chambers 1110 SUPPLEMENTAL
AGENDA I. Appointments to Commissions, Boards and
Committees. a.
Appointment by Council Member Jose A.
Planning and Zoning Commission. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Garcia For:
8 Against: 0
Abstain: 0 b.
Appointment by Council Member Jose A.
and Traffic Safety Committee. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Garcia For:
8 Against: 0
Abstain: 0 II. General Council Discussions and
Presentations A.
Request by Council Member Alfredo Agredano. Discussion
with possible action to accept the Veteran’s Coalition design of the
Veteran’s Monument and instruct the City Manager to find money for said
monument. (co-sponsored by Council Member Jose A. Armando
Hinojosa stated that he has been working with the members of the Veterans
Coalition for the last four to five months reviewing different designs. He displayed the two different designs that
the coalition members had narrowed the choices to. Mayor
Flores commented that in all the conflicts there have been women
veterans. She posed a question to Mr.
Hinojosa as to how the Veterans Coalition plans to address that. She emphasized that she feels the City
needs to recognize all the veterans in an appropriate manner because this is
the City’s opportunity to recognize all the people being honored. Jesus
Cantu stated that there is no record of any women being designated as Medal
of Honor recipients. Motion
to table. Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano Second: Cm.
Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 III. Adjournment. Motion to adjourn. Time: Moved:
Cm. Galo Second: Cm. For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 I, Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary, do
hereby certify that the above minutes contained in pages 01 to 20 are true,
complete and correct proceedings of the City Council Meeting held on the 27th day of January,
2003. ______________________________ Gustavo
Guevara, Jr. City
Secretary |
CITY OF
LAREDO
CITY
COUNCIL MEETING
M2003-R-02
CITY
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110
HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO,
TEXAS 78040
JANUARY
27, 2003
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
Alberto 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
None.
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
None.
Invitations
None.
Recognitions
a. Recognition of the City of Laredo's Health
Department Vital Statistics registration staff
for being awarded the
5-star Vital Registration and Excellence Award from the Texas Department of
Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics.
Mayor Flores and the City
Council acknowledged that the criteria for this award consisted of timeliness,
training, issuance, accountability, and paternity certification. This is the sixth year that the City’s Health
Department receives this recognition.
b. Recognition of Sgt. Eugenio "Gino"
M. Moncivais of the Laredo Police Department who
recently returned from the
Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Academy (FBINA) on his graduation
from the 211th Session, in Quantico, Virginia, on December 13, 2002.
Mayor Flores and the City
Council recognized Sgt. Eugenio “Gino” Moncivais for his professionalism and
dedication to the police department and for completing the three-month training
at the FBI academy.
c. Recognition of participants and winners of
the Mayor's Cup Softball Tournament.
Horacio De Leon, Parks and Recreation
Director, announced the winners of the Mayor’s Cup Softball Tournament.
“A”
Division “B”
Division
1st Place Fire
Department Bridge
Department
2nd Place United
Water City Hall
Overall Mayor’s Cup Fire Department
Communiqués
Cm. Agredano
mentioned that the Parks and Recreation Department has two city parks on the
fast track in District I. He expects
these two parks will be ready by the end of the school year.
Cm.
Garcia congratulated Mayor Flores on the excellent job she did on the recent segment
on C-Span.
Cm. Galo
mentioned that the arena has been a very successful venture and has allowed the
community to experience the thrill of watching a live hockey game and other
events. He publicly thanked the Laredo
National Bank for the wonderful gesture of sponsoring 8,000 local students to
attend one of the hockey games. He urged
other corporate sponsors to chip in and follow their lead and give more of our
youth an opportunity to attend one of these events. On a separate note, he also reported on an
item regarding one recourse that people can take when a motorist causes damage
to their property. He stated that
individuals can file a claim with Texas Department of Public Safety and it will
notify the responsible party that they must pay the damage if not their license
and registration will be revoked.
Cm. Amaya
thanked the Public Works Department and its crew for their brick paving work on
Clark Boulevard.
Cm. E.
Valdez, Jr. thanked Laredo National Bank for their initiative in sponsoring all
those students to the hockey game. He
applauds the bank’s efforts of giving back to the community. He also wanted to express his appreciation to
the offices of the City Manager, Community Development, Public Works, and Parks
and Recreation for their involvement in securing another park for District
V. He reported that the ribbon cutting
ceremony for this new park will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 4:00
p.m.
Cm.
Belmares congratulated Horacio De Leon, Parks and Recreation Director, for the
successful softball tournament they coordinated. He also congratulated Mayor Flores for the
excellent job she did on the segment with C-Span.
Cm. J.
Valdez, Jr. invited the public to the Father McNaboe Skate Park ribbon cutting
ceremony to be held on Friday, January 31, 2003.
Cm.
Ramirez thanked the Public Works Department crew for the swift job they did in completing
the sidewalk project on the 600 block of Jefferson. He thanked John Orfila and Oscar Medina for
getting this job completed in a short amount of time.
Mayor
Flores reported that being a guest on C-Span was quite an experience. She added that the production of the segment
was very well coordinated and the interview was carried out in a very
professional manner. She thanked all
those individuals who have called in to congratulate her and she stated that
the reason she had so many topics for discussion is because of the great people
of Laredo who make things happen. She
also asked the members of the audience to observe a moment of silence for those
Laredoans we have lost and who dedicated their lives to family, friends and
their city.
VI. APPOINTMENTS
TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
VII. PUBLIC
HEARINGS
1. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003
annual budget by
appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $112,280.00 from the
Texas Department of Health and amending the City of Laredo's FTE positions from
2 FTEs to 2.15 FTEs for the Prevention Services HIV-Infected Persons Project
(PSHIP) of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning
January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003.
Motion to open the public
hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Garcia
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public
hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Belmares
Second: Cm.
Ramirez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
2. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003
annual budget by
appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $199,854.00 from the
Texas Department of Health and amending the City of Laredo's FTE positions from
3.35 FTEs to 3.32 FTEs for the HIV Prevention Project of the City of Laredo
Health Department for the period beginning January 1, 2003, through December
31, 2003.
Motion to open the public
hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Belmares
Second: Cm.
E. Valdez, Jr.
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public
hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Garcia
Second: Cm.
Belmares
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
3. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the City of Laredo 2002-2003
annual budget by
appropriating revenues in the amount of $37,722.00 and expenditures in the
amount of $18,000.00 to the salaries line items and $19,722.00 in the
contractual services line item to allow the City of Laredo Health Department to
proceed with efficient, quality and cost effective services for the period of
October 1, 2002 through September 30, 2003.
The amount of $37,722.00 will be generated from the increase in
certified birth certificate fees approved on July 15, 2002.
Motion to open the public
hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public
hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Garcia
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
4. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
authorizing the City Manager to amend the
City of Laredo FY 2002-2003
annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of
$21,000.00 for Project Alcance. The
Driscoll Children's Health Plans of Corpus Christi has awarded this grant to 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.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public
hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Garcia
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
5. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003
annual budget in the amount
of $77,300.00 to fund the Laredo Multi-Agency Narcotics Task Force Intelligence
Initiative. The Office of the Governor,
Criminal Justice Division will now be designating $1,075,415.00 and the City of
Laredo and participating agencies will designate $427,644.00 in matching funds
for a total amount of $1,503,059.00.
Funding will be used to pay salaries, fringe benefits, direct operating
expenses and equipment from December 1, 2002 through May 31, 2003; and
accepting the supplemental grant in the same amount.
Motion to open the public
hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Garcia
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public
hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Garcia
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
6. 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 of permit; repealing all ordinances
in conflict herewith and providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public
hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Juan Narvaez asked about
the fee schedule for the amusement devices.
Cynthia Collazo, Assistant
City Manager, reported that for anyone with 1 to 5 machines, the fee would be
$50.00 per machine. For those
establishments with 6 or more machines, the fee would be $100.00 per
machine.
Robert Howland stated that he
operates two game rooms. He commented
that the City is applying a special fee only to these types of businesses. He added that part of the problem with these
businesses not following city ordinances is that many of these proprietors are
first-time business owners.
Carlos Golarte, owner of
Winners Corner, stated that imposing a fee on these business owners will not solve
the problem.
Motion was made to charge a
uniform fee of $25.00 per machine.
Motion dies for a lack of a
second.
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. inquired
as to what the inspectors’ duties would entail once they are hired.
Larry Dovalina, City
Manager, stated that their duties would be the same as any other inspector
involved in zoning issues.
Motion to charge a $25.00
flat fee per machine.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Belmares
For: 7 Against: 1 Abstain: 0
Cm. Ramirez
Motion to close the public
hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
7. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year
2002-2003 annual budget by
appropriating $211,305.00 from the Bridge System Construction fund balance into
the Bridge Improvements Account and authorizing the City Manager to implement
said budget amendment. Funding will be
used for Bridge Improvements: Static Scale project for Bridge IV in the amount
of $150,000.00 and the pneumatic coin system for Bridge II in the amount of
$61,305.00.
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: Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
Second: Cm.
Garcia
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
VIII. GENERAL
COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
A. Request by Council Member Eliseo Valdez, Jr.
1. Discussion with possible action regarding
railing improvements to the
Lafayette/Saunders Bridge
by the Texas Department of Transportation for safety purposes.
Rogelio Rivera, City
Engineer, reported that a rail had been built some time ago on the northwest
corner. Based on the cost of that
design, if the department were to build the other three it would cost
approximately $8,000.00. They have asked
TxDOT for permission and they are not opposed to having the City construct
them. He stated that in a meeting held
earlier regarding the Ryan Street conversion into a pedestrian bridge, the
plans include the construction of these rails.
He added that the plans are being now being reviewed and the project is
approximately 90 % complete. He is
estimating a time frame of 4 to 5 months for the contract to come to bid.
2. Status report regarding the additional
testing conducted at the Alta Vista/Vista
Hermosa area; and request
to get information from the Army Corps of Engineers and the Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality regarding their proposal for additional testing and a
timeline for getting started and presenting final results to bring closure to
existing community concerns.
Dr. Hector Gonzalez, Health
Director, reported that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers mentioned that they
would return in December, 2002 to develop a strategic plan on the next round of
testing. He has since learned that David
Scotto, team leader, is no longer in charge of this project. The new team leader is Dan Davis and they
have set up a meeting with him. He
reported that Mr. Davis did mention to him that monies were appropriated for
the next round of testing. As far as
what the Health Department is doing, he mentioned that they have continued with
the health assessments. They have
conducted approximately 35 assessments and all of them have been normal. In regards to the Commission on Environmental
Quality, at their last meeting in September, 2002, the U.S. Corps of Engineers obtained
a remediation plan from the Commission but part of it consisted on them
conducting a second round of testing. It
is now in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ court to complete the testing.
B. Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez
1. Discussion with possible action to remove the
600 block of Farragut from
Ordinance 2003-O-013.
Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director,
reported that the ordinance number that established this
block is 2001-O-194. The purpose of this
ordinance was to handle the issue of the nationalization of vehicles. What the department did was set up “no
parking” zones around the area around Bridge II. He mentioned that where the City has parking
meters set up, they have designated them tow-away zones before 8:00 a.m. and
after 6:00 p.m. and it does include the 600 block of Farragut St.
Motion to bring the ordinance with an
amendment.
Moved:
Cm. Ramirez
Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IX. INTRODUCTORY
ORDINANCES
9. Amending Chapter 32, Vehicles for Hire,
Article II, Taxicabs, of the Code of Ordinances
of the City of Laredo by
specifically amending Section 32-78 advertising on taxicabs allowing
advertising on the rear passenger doors of taxicabs.
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
10. Authorizing the City Manager to execute an
amendment to the Airport lease agreement
between the City of Laredo,
as Lessor, and Howland Surveying Company, Inc., as Lessee, authorized by
Ordinance 2001-O-175 dated November 19, 2001, for the purpose of extending the
term for an additional ninety (90) days ending on February 28, 2003, adjust the
monthly rent obligation. Said amendment
will amend, specifically, section 1.02 titled "Rental Obligation"
wherein commencing on December 1, 2002, the monthly rent obligation shall be
$2,785.20. All other terms and
conditions remain unchanged and in effect; providing for an effective date.
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
11. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease
with Tomas Sandoval, III, d/b/a El
Patio Nursery for
approximately 1.41 acres of land located at 1704 E. Hillside at the Laredo
International Airport. Lease term is for
five (5) years commencing on January 1, 2003 and ending on December 31, 2007. Monthly rent shall be $1,275.00 and will be
adjusted annually according to changes in the consumer price index; providing
for an effective date.
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
12. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a
lease with South Texas Development
Council for approximately
252 square feet constituting Suite No. 10 of Building No. S-1 located at 1718
E. Calton Road at the Laredo International Airport. Lease term is for two (2) years commencing on
January 1, 2003 and ending on December 31, 2004. Monthly rent shall be $327.60 and will be
adjusted annually according to changes in the
consumer price index; providing for an effective date.
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
X. FINAL
READING OF ORDINANCES
Motion to waive the Final
Readings of Ordinances # 2003-O-017, # 2003-O-018, # 2003-O-019, # 2003-O-020,
# 2003-O-021, # 2003-O-022, and # 2003-O-023.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2003-0-017 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City
of Laredo by rezoning all of
Block 2024, Eastern
Division, located at 3200 Blaine Street, from R-2 (Multifamily Residential
District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District); providing for publication and
effective date.
Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2003-O-017.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Garcia
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2003-0-018 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City
of Laredo by rezoning
6.0035 acres, as further
described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit "A", located east
of Highway 83 and south of Sierra Vista Blvd., from AG (Agricultural District)
to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective
date.
Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2003-O-018.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm.
Garcia
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2003-0-019 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City
of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1,
Block 2, Cuatro Vientos
Norte Subdivision, Phase I, located at 3302 Cuatro Vientos Drive, from R-1A (Single
Family Residential Area District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District);
providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2003-O-019.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Garcia
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2003-0-020 Authorizing the City Manager to amend the FY
2002-2003 annual budget by
appropriating revenues and
expenditures in the amount of $52,931.00 for the Medicaid Administrative Cost
(MAC) Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning
October 1, 2002, through September 30, 2003.
This amount includes program surplus funds from FY 2001-2002 in the
amount of $34,537.00 and funding in the amount of $18,394.00 which was received
in the current fiscal year.
Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2003-O-020.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Garcia
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2003-0-021 Authorizing the City Manager to amend the
City of Laredo's FY 2002/2003
annual budget in the
Convention & Visitors Bureau operating fund in the amount of $42,521.00 for
revenue and expenses from the management and operation of the Washington's
Birthday Celebration Museum, and authorizing the City Manager to implement said
budget.
Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2003-O-021.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Garcia
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2003-0-022 Amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003
annual budget by appropriating
revenues and expenditures
in the amount of $169,983.00 from the Texas Department of Health for the
Tuberculosis Prevention/Control Federal Project of the City of Laredo Health
Department for the period beginning January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003.
Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2003-O-022.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Garcia
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2003-0-023 Amending the City of Laredo's Convention and
Visitors Bureau full time
equivalent positions by
adding 1.5 full time clerk positions for the Washington's Birthday Celebration
Museum and information center operation.
Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2003-O-023.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Garcia
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2003-0-024 Amending the City of Laredo fiscal year 2003
2000A Certificate of Obligation
Issue Fund annual budget by
appropriating revenues of $2,000,000.00 in the form of a donation from Lamar
Bruni Vergara Trust for $2,000,000.00 and appropriating expenditures in the
amount of $2,000,000.00 for the construction of the Inner City Park.
Motion to postpone.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
Second: Cm.
J. Valdez, Jr.
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XI. RESOLUTIONS
14. 2003-R-006
Authorizing the City Manager to accept the donation of 100 tons of
limestone base material for
the City of Laredo's use from Martin Marietta Materials, a recently established
construction materials yard located at mile marker 16 on IH 35 just north of
Laredo. The value of the material is
approximately $1,500.00.
Wayne Skipper, from Martin
Marietta, stated that they are the largest producer of high quality construction
materials worldwide. He added that they
would like to donate 100 tons of the limestone base material so the City can
compare it with the local material being used.
Motion to approve
Resolution # 2003-R-006.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
15. 2003-R-007
Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application to the Office
of the Governor, Criminal
Justice Division in the amount of $80,000.00 with the City designating
$55,200.00 in matching funds for a total of $135,200.00 for funding a Domestic
Violence Grant under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) for the period of
September 1, 2003 through August 31, 2004.
Motion to approve
Resolution # 2003-R-007.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
16. 2003-R-008
Declaring a public necessity to utilize the area under IH 35, between
Park
Street and Sanchez Street
as a parking/staging area on February 15, 2003, for the Jamboozie Festival; on
February 19, 2003, for the Annual Youth Parade; and February 22, 2003, for the
Washington's Birthday Parade; and authorizing the City Manager to enter into an
agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for the use of the said
property.
Motion to approve
Resolution # 2003-R-008.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
17. 2003-R-009
Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application to the Texas
Parks and Wildlife
Department of a grant request not to exceed $500,000.00 from the Texas
Recreation and Parks Account Outdoor Grant Program in consideration of funding
improvements for Zacate Creek Linear Park, certifying that it is dedicated for
permanent public park and recreation use, and certifying that the City of Laredo
is eligible to receive Texas Parks and Recreation Account Grant Program
Assistance and has readily made available the required 50% matching funds
through Community Development Block Grants and further authorizing the City
Manager to execute any and all documents pertaining to and resulting from this
submission.
Motion to approve
Resolution # 2003-R-009.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
18. 2003-R-010
Granting the Laredo Lodge No. 547 AF&AM
an exception from AD
Valorem taxation. The 77th Session of the Legislature, HB1689
was passed which allows for the exemption from property of "Organizations
Engaged Primarily in Performing Charitable Functions." The Texas Legislature and the State
Comptrollers of Public Accounts declared that this organization and its local
chapters are eligible for this relief.
Motion to approve
Resolution # 2003-R-010.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
19. 2003-R-011
Endorsing certain legislative changes to Senate Bill 7 supported by
South
Texas Aggregation Project,
Inc., where major problems have plagued cities and their citizens over the past
year. These problems include, amongst
other things, delays in switching accounts, erroneous, duplicate or missed
bills, decline in service quality, price increases for residential customers
and market power abuses.
Motion to approve
Resolution # 2003-R-011.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XII. MOTIONS
20. Consideration to authorize the City Manager
to enter into a lease agreement with the
local Little League
Associations. This valid public purpose
agreement authorizes the use of little league fields for a fee of $1.00 per
year for a term of two (2) years. The
valid public purpose of this agreement is instituting a baseball program for
all of the youth of Laredo.
American
Little League Garcia Vela Park
Del Mar
Little League Rangel
Field/Community Fields
Hillside
Little League LIA Base Fields III, IV, V
National
Little League Al King Field/Jose
"Pepe" Moreno Field
Optimist
Little League Dryden Park Little
League Field
Rio
Grande Little League Taylor Field/Cruz
Field/Eistetter Park
Gateway
Girls League LIA Base Field II
Northwest
Little League Father McNaboe Little
League Field
PAL's
Little League Santa Fe Little
League Field
Motion to
approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
21. Authorizing the City Manager to amend the
existing contract with Jayantilal L. Patel,
D.D.S., by $1,200.00, due to increased
services provided to clients of the Dental Health
Services Clinic of the City of Laredo Health
Department for the period beginning
September 1, 2002, through December 31, 2002.
The revised contract amount is
$25,200.00.
Funds are available in the Dental
Health Budget.
Motion
to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
22. Consideration to award an annual maintenance
contract for library automation, network
services, software, Vmark
licenses and equipment for the libraries' Dynix(tm) network to epixtech, inc. in the amount of $48,227.16.
Motion
to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
23. Consideration for approval of change order
no. 1 for additional services requested by
the Fleet Department an increase of
$19,961.00 acceptance of the CNG Compressor
Station at City of Laredo Fuel
Distribution Center (Design/Build Project) and approval
of the final payment in the amount of
$170,785.00 to Reliant Energy, Houston, Texas.
Funding is available in the Fleet
Management Capital Outlay Buildings.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
24. Consideration to award a construction
contract to the sole bidder, Cutler Repaving,
Inc., Lawrence, Kansas, in the bid
amount of $479,484.30 for the 2002-2003 Street
Recycling
Project (204.5 blocks). The cost per
block is approximately 10% less than
last year. Funding is available in the Infrastructure
Maintenance Street
Materials/Cutler Repaving Account.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
25. Authorizing the issuance of a request for
proposals (RFP) for the Existing Land Use
Assessment for Laredo, TX. The Metropolitan Planning Organization has
budgeted
$80,000.00 for the project. Funding is available in the MPO Account.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
26. To authorize the City Manager to waive the
parking fee for persons attending the
Jamboozie Festival, and implementing a flat
fee charge of $200.00 to the Streets of
Laredo Urban Mall Association for personnel
costs, overtime and extra security for
traffic and crowd control for the use of the
parking facility from 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
on February 15, 2003.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
27. Consideration to authorize the City Manager
to execute a management contract with
First Transit, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, for management of the city's transit system
for a five year term beginning February
1, 2003, in accordance with the terms of the
negotiated contract, the basic elements
of which are set forth in the background section.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
28. Consideration to authorize the purchase of
nine Motorola motorcycle radios through the
Houston Galveston Area Council of Governments
(HGAC) Cooperative Purchasing
Program in the total amount of
$34,232.50. These radios will be
installed on nine new
motorcycles assigned to the Police
Department. Delivery is expected within
sixty days.
Funding is available in the Police Trust Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
29. Consideration to authorize the City Manager
to waive parking fees for the Riverfront
Parking
Lot area, west of Santa Maria Avenue, for persons attending the Jamboozie
Festival on February 15, 2003.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
30. Approving monthly adjustments to the tax
roll. The amount to be adjusted for the
month of December 2002, represents a
decrease of $33,041.49. These
adjustments are
determined by Webb County Appraisal
District and by court orders.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
31. Refund of property tax to the following
taxpayers and companies:
a. A
refund in the amount of $734.73 payable to Ido and Nava Aharonson due to a Webb
County Appraisal District
change of value. Cause #2002-1992,1992A.
Account #988-20001-040.
b. A
refund in the amount of $768.20 payable to Sunglass Hut Trading Corp., due to
an
over
payment for tax years 2001 and 2002. Account #801-20000-925.
c. A refund in the amount of $608.23 payable to
Washington Mutual c/o Lereta Corp. due to
an over payment. Account #442-00934-090.
d. A
refund in the amount of $791.76 payable to Sylvia Rendon due to a double
payment.
Taxes were paid by the bank and mortgage
company. Account #991-50004-290.
e. A refund in the amount of $1,247.64 payable
to The Laredo National Bank due to a
double payment for 2002
taxes. Taxes were paid by the bank and by owner. Account #970-40001-190.
f. A
refund in the amount of $902.48 payable to The Laredo National Bank due to a
double payment for 2002 taxes. Taxes were paid by the bank and by owner.
Account #970-20003-040.
g. A
refund in the amount of $619.94 payable to The Laredo National Bank due to a
double payment for 2002 taxes. Taxes were paid by the bank and Border
Abstract. Account #923-00028-552.
h. A
refund in the amount of $714.52 payable to The Laredo National Bank due to a
double payment. Taxes were paid by the bank and the owner. Account
#986-00007-505.
i. A
refund in the amount of $500.04 payable to Eliseo M. and Catalina Farias due to
a
double
payment by Mortgage Company and Owner. Account #949-50004-110.
j. A
refund in the amount of $2,364.75 payable to Luis and Jean Zaffirini due to a
double
payment by Abstract Company and Owner.
Account #965-00005-009.
k. A
refund in the amount of $660.11 payable to Juan Angel and Adriana C. Davila due
to double payment by Border Title and
First Horizon. Account #923-00013-257.
l. A refund in the amount of $1,252.18 payable to
Daniel L. Bell due to a double payment by Mortgage Company and Owner. Account
#909-00022-370.
m. A
refund in the amount of $718.05 payable to International Bank of Commerce
McAllen due to a double payment. Account paid by Owner and International Bank
of Commerce. Account #970-00004-097.
n. A
refund in the amount of $3,261.74 payable to International Bank of Commerce
McAllen due to a double
payment. Account paid by Owner and International Bank of Commerce for tax year
1998 and 2002. Account #927-00014-296.
o. A
refund in the amount of $1,991.73 payable to International Bank of Commerce
McAllen due to a double
payment. Account paid by Owner and International Bank of Commerce. Account
#927-10002-120.
p. A
refund in the amount of $748.51 payable to International Bank of Commerce
McAllen due to a double payment. Account paid by Owner and International Bank
of Commerce. Account #980-60003-440.
q. A
refund in the amount of $1,011.75 payable to International Bank of Commerce
McAllen
due to a double payment. Account paid by Owner and International Bank of
Commerce. Account #970-60011-030.
r. A refund in the amount of $1,161.57 payable to
International Bank of Commerce
McAllen due to a double
payment. Account paid by Owner and International Bank of Commerce. Account
#437-00697-010.
s. A
refund in the amount of $795.80 payable to International Bank of Commerce
McAllen due to a double payment. Account paid
by Webb County Title and International
Bank of Commerce. Account #442-00935-010.
t. A refund in the amount of
$1,036.16 payable to International Bank of Commerce
McAllen due to a double payment.
Account paid by Owner and International Bank of Commerce. Account
#549-01276-070.
u. A refund in the amount of $993.72
payable to International Bank of Commerce
McAllen due to a double
payment. Account paid by Owner and International Bank of Commerce.
Account #909-00016-418.
v. A refund in the amount of
$816.10 payable to International Bank of Commerce McAllen due to a double
payment. Account paid by Owner and International Bank of Commerce. Account
#905-00048-030.
w. A refund in the amount of
$1,205.77 payable to International Bank of Commerce
McAllen due to a double
payment. Account paid by Borde Title and
International Bank of Commerce. Account #985-00003-170.
x. A refund in the amount of
$1,699.10 payable to International Bank of Commerce
McAllen due to a double
payment. Account was paid by Owner and International Bank of Commerce. Account
#970-60008-090.
y. A refund in the amount of
$541.94 payable to International Bank of Commerce McAllen
due to a double payment. Account was paid by
Owner and International Bank of Commerce. Account #968-30002-050.
z. A refund in the amount of
$1,017.05 payable to Neel Title Corporation due to a double
payment. Account paid by
Neel Title Corporation and by Tax payer. Account #945-00851-423.
aa. A refund in the amount of $701.15
payable to Juan Jose and Diana H. Vela due to a
double payment. Account was
paid by Border Abstract and Transamerican Real Estate Tax Service. Account #969-30002-050.
bb. A refund in the amount of
$1,448.84 payable to Henry and Phyllis J. Colon due to a
double payment. Account was
paid by Countrywide Mortgage Company and Owner. Account #909-00681-116.
cc. A refund in the amount of
$525.68 payable to the Laredo National Bank due to a double
payment. Account was paid by the Laredo
National Bank and Owner. Account #923-
00003-450.
dd. A refund in the amount of
$1,107.97 payable to the Laredo National Bank due to
double payment. Account
paid by the Laredo National Bank and Owner.
Account #439-
00753-080.
ee. A refund in the amount of
$1,933.97 payable to International Bank of Commerce due to
a double payment. Account paid by Webb County
Title and International Bank of
Commerce. Account
#965-00002-002.
ff. A refund in the amount of $981.55
payable to International Bank of Commerce
McAllen due to a double
payment. Account paid by Border Title and International Bank
of Commerce. Account
#945-00861-416.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XIII. STAFF
REPORTS
32. A.
Presentation by Geoffrey Gay of Lloyd, Gosselink, Blevins, Rochelle,
Baldwin &
Townsend,
P.C., Attorneys at Law, regarding deregulation and the effects that it has
caused. A legislative agenda will also be presented.
Geoffrey Gay stated that he has handled
regulatory matters for approximately 25
years and has represented South Texas cities
on rate cases for approximately 15
years. He stated that he is recommending that the
best way for the City to handle
deregulation would include creating a
political subdivision corporation. He
commented that after Senate Bill 7 passed in 1999, which permitted
the breakup of
the centralized utility system, cities learned
that deregulation made no sense.
They have discovered that profits are going to
each of the separate entities and this
breakup has created a monstrous bureaucracy known as ERCOT. He added that
they have provided a better contract under CAP
and STAP than the City could get
in the marketplace and they have provided
savings against price to beat. He stressed
that deregulation has been a harassing
obstacle for many City Managers throughout
the state.
He stated that there is a resolution before
the City Council this evening which
authorizes the City’s endorsement of the CAP
and STAP agenda. He added that this
is important in order to ensure that they have
a place at the table on behalf of all the
cities to speak on behalf of the consumers of
the state and thus protect city budgets
and be able to negotiate a more favorable
result.
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.
33. Request for Executive Session pursuant to
Texas Government Code Section 551.072 in
reqards to deliberating the
purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property in the City of Laredo
International Airport area, because deliberation in an open meeting would have
a detrimental effect on the position of the governmental body in negotiations
with a third person; and return to Open Session for possible action.
Motion to go into Executive
Session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.072 in reqards to
deliberating the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property in the
City of Laredo International Airport area, because deliberation in an open
meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the governmental
body in negotiations with a third person; and return to Open Session for
possible action.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Garcia
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
After the Executive
Session, the Mayor announced that no formal action was taken.
XV.
ADJOURNMENT
City of
Laredo
City
Council Meeting
M2003-S-01
City
Council Chambers
1110
Houston
Laredo,
Texas 78040
January
27, 2003
5:30 p.m.
SUPPLEMENTAL
AGENDA
I. Appointments to Commissions, Boards and
Committees.
a.
Appointment by Council Member Jose A.
Valdez, Jr. of Albert F. Muller,
Jr., to the
Planning
and Zoning Commission.
Motion
to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Garcia
For:
8 Against: 0
Abstain: 0
b.
Appointment by Council Member Jose A.
Valdez, Jr., of Greg Ebe to the Transportation
and Traffic Safety Committee.
Motion
to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Garcia
For:
8 Against: 0
Abstain: 0
II. General Council Discussions and Presentations
A.
Request by Council Member Alfredo Agredano.
Discussion with possible
action to accept the Veteran’s Coalition design of the Veteran’s Monument and
instruct the City Manager to find money for said monument. (co-sponsored by
Council Member Jose A. Valdez, Jr.)
Armando Hinojosa stated
that he has been working with the members of the Veterans Coalition for the
last four to five months reviewing different designs. He displayed the two different designs that
the coalition members had narrowed the choices to.
Mayor Flores commented that
in all the conflicts there have been women veterans. She posed a question to Mr. Hinojosa as to
how the Veterans Coalition plans to address that. She emphasized that she feels the City needs
to recognize all the veterans in an appropriate manner because this is the
City’s opportunity to recognize all the people being honored.
Jesus Cantu stated that
there is no record of any women being designated as Medal of Honor
recipients.
Motion to table.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
Second: Cm.
Ramirez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
III. Adjournment.
Motion to adjourn. Time: 8:30 p.m.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
I, Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary, do
hereby certify that the above minutes contained
in pages 01 to 20 are true, complete
and correct proceedings of the City Council Meeting
held on the 27th day of January,
2003.
______________________________
Gustavo
Guevara, Jr.
City
Secretary