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CITY OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING M2003-R-09 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS I. CALL TO ORDER With a quorum present, Mayor
Elizabeth G. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Elizabeth G. 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 Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City
Secretary Jaime Flores, City
Attorney Motion to excuse Cm. J.
Valdez, Jr. and Cm. Ramirez. Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 IV. MINUTES Approval of minutes for Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm.
Garcia For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS Announcements Invitations Recognitions a. Recognition
of American Electric Power for their donation of six personal computers for use
at the City’s Recreation Centers. Mayor Flores and City Council recognized
American Electric Power and presented a plaque of recognition to Ms. Olga
Maldonado, General Manager for AEP, for their generous donation of computers
that are being utilized at one of the recreation centers. b. Recognition
by American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) Public Administrator of the Year and Public
Administration Educator of the Year. c. Recognition of April employee of the month. Communiqués Cm. Belmares thanked
the Laredo Police Department for allowing the Council Member to ride along
with one of its officers on patrol. He
stated that he has become aware of the challenges that are faced by the
officers on a daily basis. Cm. Amaya announced
that he attended two events sponsored by Cm. Galo congratulated all those candidates
who won in the recent school board elections.
He also announced that the U.S. Professional Tennis Association will
be hosting Tennis Across America Day on May 16th at United High
and May17th at the Market
Street Tennis Courts. He stated that
the group will be handing out 500 free tennis rackets and $1,000.00 in cash
prizes. Cm. Garcia thanked the Health Department for
assisting in taking care of a mosquito problem at Villa del Sol
Subdivision. He also thanked Mayor Pro Tem Agredano
thanked Mayor Flores recognized the commitment and
dedicated service of Phyllis Colon, City Tax Assessor-Collector, to the City
of Mayor Flores introduced Dr. Jose Luis Gonzalez
from our Sister City of Monclova, Coahuila, who appeared before City Council. He stated that his visit was to bring
awareness of what Mayor read the following on behalf of Cm. Juan
Ramirez in his absence: Cm. Ramirez wishes all VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES 1. Appointment
by Council Member John C. Galo of Irma Deutsch to the Commission
for Women. Motion
to approve the appointment.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2. Appointment
by Council Member John C. Galo of Ricardo Godines
to the Third Party Funding. Motion
to approve the appointment.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
Second: Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of annual budget by increasing Texas Department’s
Health share of program income and expenditures for the Maternal and Child
Health Program of the City of Laredo Health Department in the amount of
$42,893.00 from ($27,107.00 to $70,000.00) for the period beginning September
1, 2002 through August 31, 2003. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Second:
Cm. Garcia For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 2. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003 annual budget to recognize additional revenues
from a grant amendment received from the Federal Aviation Administration
being grant offer No. 3-48-0136-33-02 increasing the amount from $41,626.00
to $63,543.00 an increase of $21,917.00 for the purpose of reimbursing the
City of Laredo for increased law enforcement services provided by the Laredo
Police Department immediately following the tragic event of September 11,
2001 and providing for an effective date.
The grant does not require a local match. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Garcia For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 3. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the issuance of the City of Laredo, Texas General Obligation Refunding
Bonds, Series 2003; approving an official statement; authorizing the
execution of a purchase agreement and an escrow agreement; making provisions
for the security thereof; establishing procedures for selling and delivering
the bonds; and ordaining other matters related to the subject. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Garcia For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Garcia For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 4. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance accepting a grant awarded by the Office of
the National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) High
Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) in the amount of $688,313.00 at no
cost to the City; and amending the City of Laredo FY 2003 Financial Task
Force Budget in the amount of $83,484.00 to fund the Laredo Financial
Disruption Task Force and amend the Special Police Budget in the amount of
$5,040.00 to fund the STX Multi-Agency Drug Related Corruption Task Force.
Funds will be used to pay personnel salaries, travel and operational expenses
beginning Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 5. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending Article XII, Chapter 19, Division
4, Section 19-601 of the Code of Ordinances; to
(1) increase monthly contract parking rate for El Metro Transit Center from
$40.00 to $50.00; (2) to increase the refundable key deposit from $10.00 to
$25.00, (3) to increase the replacement charge for damaged key from $10.00 to
$25.00; and (4) to reduce the advanced payment discount from $80.00 to $50.00
for a lump sum annual payment of $550.00, and providing for effective date
and publication. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 6. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance setting a daily rental rate for the El
Metro Park & Ride Facility located at 4600
Daugherty for $250.00 for private entities and $180.00 for non-profit
organizations; providing for publication and effective date. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 7. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance providing for fare increases for the fixed
route transit service as follows: from $.75 to $1.00 for adults and student
fare from $.35 to $.50 providing for publication and effective date. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ramiro Martinez stated that he was opposed to
the fare increase by El Metro. He
stated that El Metro has not demonstrated that it is consumer-oriented. Richard Sander spoke against the rate
increase. Maria Franco thanked Mayor Flores and Cm. E.
Valdez, Jr. for their respect of people with disabilities. She stated that El Metro should not be
asking City Council to increase the bus fares. She stated that the quality of the buses is
very poor and on occasion the bus riders do not get to their destination
because the buses break down. Andres Ramos, Jr., President of B.E.S.T.,
asked if the increase excluded the elderly and the disabled. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 8. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending Section 7 of Ordinance 89-O-122 to increase the one-way fare in the El Lift
Program from $.75 to $1.00; providing for publication and effective date. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Andres Ramos, Jr. mentioned that most of the
riders of El Lift are disabled and elderly people that are on fixed
incomes. As a result, those people are
hardest hit by the utility companies and government entities. For people on a fixed income, a 25% increase
in bus fare is too high. He urged the
City Council to instruct the City Manager to look into monies available in
the fund balance and alleviate this burden on this group of people who can
least afford the increase. Tom Lucek, General Manager for El Metro,
stated that they are considering a Customer Service Training for the
drivers. The Mayor Flores requested that Mr. Lucek come
back with a recommendation on how the voucher system could be applied to Mr. Lucek stated that it is used quite
frequently in other cities and could be introduced here. Motion to postpone. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 9. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending Chapter 15, Health and
Sanitation, Article VI “Indoor Clean Air”, of the Code of
Ordinances of the City of Laredo, Texas by amending Sections 15-78 through
15-82; “Smoking in Public Places”; thereby designating certain retail and
service establishments, public buildings, and food establishments as
nonsmoking areas; providing minimum standards for nonsmoking areas; providing
minimum standards for nonsmoking areas; providing sign requirements;
requiring the posting of signs regarding the smoking and nonsmoking areas;
requiring written policies implementing this chapter; providing for
severability; and providing for publication and effective date. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Jaime Flores, Dr. Hector Gonzalez, Health Department
Director, stated that the three key issues:
the protection of the children, workers, and adults. He commends the City Council and Christopher Craddock, representing SCAN,
stated he is appearing before City Council to show his support of amending
the ordinance. Adriana Craddock, representing SCAN, spoke in
favor of the smoking ordinance because it is a health issue for themselves
and their children. Dora Maria Ramirez spoke in favor of the Clean
Air Ordinance for the safety of the children. Mark Cantu stated that he was opposed to this
ordinance because of the private business owners. He feels it sends a wrong message to the
community. The real issue is violation
of individual rights. Motion to close the public hearing and
schedule a workshop. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 VIII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND
PRESENTATIONS A. Request by Council Member John C. Galo 1. Request
for presentation from Traffic Department on traffic calming devices in District
III, with possible action. 2. Request
for update on the opening of possible
action. Keith Selman, City Planner, reported that the
cut sheets are 100% complete and the water lines have been relocated and that
is complete. He added that Entex has
also relocated a gas line and there was a determination made that the fiber
optic line was not in conflict with the proposed layout. He stated that Tex-Mex Railway constructed
the concrete planking which was completed in January. What still remains pending is the funding
agreement with TxDOT. He has been in touch with the B.
Request by Council Member Eliseo Valdez, Jr. 3. Discussion
with possible action on the deteriorating conditions of from McPherson to the residential areas and a
report on the street lighting along this roadway. Cm. Valdez, Jr. stated that he would like to
know whether the standards are being met by the developers and what kind of
timeline the engineers have set. 4. Request
for a status report on the extension of water and sewer services for Casa Verde
Project. Keith Selman, City Planner, reported
that they have extended the water line around 1,000 feet but the property
still needs to be platted in order to hook up services. He added that they have just received the
first plat that will go before the Planning and Zoning Commission. He acknowledged that they have not been
able to obtain the authority from all property owners in the area that is
most dense to allow the City to go in and survey. He mentioned that those properties along C. Request by Council Member Gene Belmares 1. Commentary/Presentation of Texas Supreme
Court ruling on eight liners. Carlos Golarte,
local business owner, mentioned that these eight liners have had a tremendous
impact on his business. He stated he
had 47 full-time employees and part-time employees plus four managers prior
to the passage of the legislation.
Many of these employees had to be terminated as a result of the legislation. He stated that the business has been losing
revenue on a daily basis but he has decided to remain open. He added that he is one of the property
owners that was generating steady revenue to the City in the form of taxes. In the month of January, 2003, his business
spent $99,355.00 in gift certificates from local merchants. In the month of February, 2003, he spent
$148,000.00 in gift certificates from local merchants. This is money that is being injected into
the local economy, it is not a profit for the establishment. This recent ruling has had a negative
impact on the city as a whole not only on the local merchants. 2. Status report on the Pilot Parking Permit
Program, with possible action. IX. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES 11. Authorizing
the City Manager to execute a lease with Nextel WIP lease Corporation, d/b/a Nextel Partners, for approximately 559
square feet located at Introduction of Ordinance: City Council X. FINAL Motion to waive the Final Readings of
Ordinances # 2003-O-099; # 2003-O-100; #2003-O-101; # 2003-O-102; #
2003-O-103; # 2003-O-104; # 2003-O-105; # 2003-O-106; # 2003-O-107; #
2003-O-108; # 2003-O-109; # 2003-O-110; # 2003-O-111; # 2003-O-112; and #
2003-O-114. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-099
Establishing a 15% penalty on the 2002 delinquent tax accounts as of
July 1, 2003, to defray costs of collection
pursuant to Section 33.07 (a) of the Texas State Property Tax Code; providing
for publication and effective date. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-099. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-100
Amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003 annual budget by
appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount
of $5,000.00 in additional funds from the Texas Association of Local Health
Officials (TALHO) for the Bioterrorism Consequence
Management/Automated Disease Surveillance Pilot Project of the City of Laredo
Health Department for the period beginning January 1, 2003 through August 1,
2003. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-100. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-101
Amending the City of annual budget by appropriating revenues
and expenditures in the amount of $281,205.00 from the Water Fund and appropriating
the transfer in and expenditure in the amount of $281,205.00 for the Colonias Project Fund. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-101. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-102 Authorizing the issuance of Sewer System Revenue Certificate of
Obligation, Series 2003, in the principal amount of $3,620,000 for the
purpose of paying all or a portion of the City’s Contractual obligations for
constructing, improving, and extending the City’s Sewer System, and for
paying legal, fiscal, and engineering fees in connection with this project
and authorizing an amendment to the City’s Budget to appropriate such
proceeds for the purposes authorized herein and approving an official
statement and ordaining other matters relating to the subject. (As Amended) Robert Estrada, from Estrada Hinojosa
& Company, reported that there were six bids from a broad section of
underwriters regarding the sale of debt.
The lowest bid was by UBS Payne Weber with a true interest cost of
4.2006% and a total interest cost of $1,800,121.21.00. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-102. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-103
Authorizing the issuance of Contractual Obligations, Series 2003,
in the principal amount of $2,795,000, for the purchase of vehicle equipment,
trucks, cars, trailers, fire department equipment, EMS equipment, boat ramps,
sweepers, mowers, projectors studio lights, generators, testing equipment for
toll system, street equipment, computers, related hardware and software,
paint remover equipment, statement sorter and power sweepers; and authorizing
amendment to the City’s budget to appropriate such proceeds for purposes
authorized herein; and approving an official statement; and ordaining other
matters related to the subject . (As
Amended) The lowest bid was UBS Payne Weber with
a true interest cost of 2.3089% with a total interest cost of $148,773.92. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-103. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-104
Authorizing the issuance of Revenue Certificate of Obligation,
Series 2003, in the principal amount of $3,510,000 paying all or a portion of
the City’s contractual obligations for the purpose of constructing drainage
improvements, including a pilot channel, and constructing and equipping a
fire station, and for the payment of legal, fiscal, architectural and
engineering fees in connection with such projects; authorizing amendment to
the City’s budget to appropriate such proceeds for the purposes authorized
herein; and approving an official statement; and ordaining other matters
relating to the subject. (As amended) The lowest bid was UBS Payne Weber was
the lowest bidder with a true interest cost of 4.2082% with a total interest
cost of $1,781,026.61. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-104. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-105
Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of acres, as further described by metes
and bounds on attached exhibit “A”, located south of the intersection of
Gates Street and Loring Avenue, from AG
(Agricultural District); R-1 (Single Family Residential District) and R-3
(Mixed Residential District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District);
providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-105. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-106
Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of issuance of a Conditional Use Permit to
Penfam, Ltd. for an adult daycare facility on 0.96
acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A”,
located south of the intersection of Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-106. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-107
Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of 1, Block 1, Jose Lopez Plat, located at Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-107. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-108
Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of acres, as further described by metes and
bounds on attached Exhibit “A”, located approximately at the 3300 block of
Clark Boulevard; from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) and R-2
(Multi-family Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District);
providing for publication and effective date. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-108. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-109
Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of acres, as further described by metes
and bounds on attached Exhibit “A”, located west of Atlanta Drive and north
of Weathers Drive from AG (Agricultural District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing
District); providing for publication and effective date. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-109. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2003-O-110
Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of acres, as further described by metes and
bounds on attached Exhibit “A”, located northwest of Chimayo Road and
northeast of Don Pascual Lane, from AG
(Agricultural District) to R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District);
providing for publication and effective date. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-110. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-111
Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of 8.0076 acres, as further described by
metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A”, located north of Pita Mangana Road and west of Cuatro
Vientos Subdivision Phase I, from R-1MH (Single
Family Manufactured Housing District) to R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area
District); providing for publication and effective date. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-111. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2003-O-112
Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Block 1477 and an 8,112.59 square foot
tract of land out of the Milmo Avenue right-of-way
between the south right-of-way line of Blaine Street and the north
right-of-way line of Loop 20, situated in the Eastern Division, located at
approximately the 800 block of Texas Avenue, from R-2 (Multi-family
Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for
publication and effective date. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-112. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-114
Authorizing the City Manager to repeal Ordinance No. 2000-O-171 dated
July 3, 2000 and authorizing the City Manager to
execute a lease with KK Communications, L.P. for approximately 5,672 square
feet constituting Building No. 962 located Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-114. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XI. RESOLUTIONS 13. 2003-R-044 Confirming the appointment of a member of
the Fire Fighters’ & Police Officers’ Civil Service Commission of
the City of Motion to approve Resolution 2003-R-044
appointing Ray Gardner to the Civil Service Commission. Moved:
Cm. Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 14. 2003-R-049
Authorizing the City Manager to accept an amendment to Grant Offer No.
3-48-0136-33-02 increasing the amount from $41,626.00 to $63,543.00
an increase of $21,917.00 from the Federal Aviation Administration
reimbursing the City of enforcement services provided to the Police
Department immediately following the tragic event of September 11,
2001. The grant does not require a
local match. Motion to approve Resolution # 2003-R-049.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 15. 2003-R-050 Accepting the donation of the “Surface
Only” of a 0.0689 of an acre parcel of land, more or less, from
Maria Teresa Soto de Flores, as a Utility Easement, for the extension of
water service lines to the Tanquecitos South Acres
I Subdivision. Said parcel of land
being situated in Porcion 32, Abstract 296, City of
Being a tract of land containing 0.0689
acres, more or less, situated in Porcion 32,
Abstract 296, Antonio Trevino, Original Grantee, Webb County, Texas, said
0.0689 acre tract being out of Lot 7-A, called to contain 3.9809 acres as per
deed dated April 11, 2000 and recorded in Volume 899, Page 376, Official
Public Records of Webb County, Texas, said Lot 7-A being out of Tanquecitos South Acres, called to contain 344.3001 acres
as per plat dated March 18, 1987 and recorded in Volume 5, Page 67, Plat
Records of Webb County, Texas. Motion to approve Resolution #
2003-R-050. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 16. 2003-R-051 Accepting the donation of the “Surface
Only” of a 0.261 of an acre parcel of land, more or less, from Ramon Rojas
and Maria Del Jesus Rojas, as a Utility Easement, for the Colonias
Water Service Lines Extension Project.
Said parcel of land being situated in Rancho Penitas
West Subdivision, Unit IX, City of Being a 0.261 acre tract of land
situated in Porcion 7 and 8, City of Motion to approve Resolution #
2003-R-051. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 17. 2003-R-052 Authorizing the City Manager to amend the Interlocal Government Agreement between the City of Motion to approve Resolution #
2003-R-052. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. For:
5 Against: 0 Abstain: 1 Cm. Amaya XII. MOTIONS 18. Consideration
for approval of final change order no. 6 an increase of $33,248.42 for the balance of quantities actually constructed in
place, acceptance of the Del Mar Widening Project from Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Belmares For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 19. Consideration
to award a construction contract to the lowest bidder Triple A Concrete, Inc., Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Belmares For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 20. Consideration
to award contract number FY03-072 to the low bidder, Laredo Coca Cola, Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Belmares For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 21. Consideration
to award annual contract number FY03-063 to the low bidder, Gall’s Inc., Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Belmares For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 22. Consideration
to award contract number FY03-069 to the sole bidder, Holt Company of Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Belmares For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 23. Consideration
to award contract number FY03-068 to the low bidder, Holt Company of Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Belmares For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 24. Consideration
to award contract number FY03-067 to the sole bidder, Holt Company of Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Belmares For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 25. Consideration
to authorize the City Manager to execute the purchase of vaccines in the amount of $39,500.00 for the 2003-2004 flu
season from Aventis Pasteur, Inc. The Health Department will utilize the
Texas Department of Health’s federal contract pricing with Aventis to purchase these vaccines. Funding is available in the Health
Department budget. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 26. Authorizing
the City Manager to execute a contract with Joe A. Aceves,
a.k.a. Municipal Water Utilities, and Project
Development Consulting Services, of San Antonio, Texas, for consulting
services and oversight of the development of a Secondary Water Supply Project, in the sum not to
exceed $36,000.00. Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 27. Consideration
to award annual supply contract number FY03-052 to the LOW BIDDER, Oil Patch Petroleum, Inc., Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Belmares For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 28. Consideration
to authorize the purchase of two ambulances through the Texas Local Government Purchasing Cooperative Agreement
(Buy Board) contract from Wheeled Coach, Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 29. Consideration
to award contract FY03-071 to the low bidder, Lawrence Marshall Chrysler, Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 30. Authorization
to use District VII discretionary funds in the amount not to exceed $12,000.00 for sidewalks along the north side
of the 1500 to 1800 block of Burnside from Santa Rita to Santa Maria
Avenues. Construction will be done
in-house by Engineering/Public Works Department. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XIII. STAFF REPORTS A. Legislative
Update by Rene Gonzalez, City’s Legislative Consultant. Rene Gonzalez reported that the latest
legislative session has been a defensive one.
Out of 3,600 house bills and 1,900 senate bills, only 37 of those have
been approved. He mentioned that
there have been quarrels on the floor over budget, tort reform, and
education. There are hundreds of bills
that are still in committee that have not gone through their due process. He mentioned the redistricting process that has
been introduced and that it will be a very difficult task. He added that Sen. Zaffirini
has been named to the Appropriations Conference Committee. He provided a general overview on a few
house bills. Regarding HB 3554 which
is the Inspection Station bill, one of the representatives wants some issues
to be taken care of. The composition
of the Transportation Commission has changed from three to five members. He also mentioned the creation of Regional
Mobility Authorities which deal with the study, evaluation, design, and
operation of transportation projects.
This agency would create toll roads.
There is one bill, the Ethics Commission bill, that affects the City’s
governing body. Any elected official,
city attorney, city manager, and others would have to file financial reports
prior to running for office and annually while in office. He also mentioned the handgun issue
relating to places where weapons are prohibited and the application of
criminal trespass laws to those licensed to carry concealed handguns. B. Discussion
regarding the City of Water
Authority, with possible action. Cm. Galo reported that the Water Issues Committee
did meet but they did not have a consensus.
He concluded that the group did not see the benefits of the City’s
participation in this governing body. Rene Gonzalez reported that when this
went through a Senate Committee, the structure of the board changed which leaned
toward heavy irrigation districts in the region. This brought up several concerns from
individuals in other municipalities including David Mendez from Motion to allow for the City of Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Belmares For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 C. Presentation
by Armando Hinojosa on the proposed design of the Veteran’s Monument, with
possible action. Mike Pescador from the Parks and
Recreation Department reported that on February 18th the City Council had approved the budget
increase to accommodate the design with the proposed changes. He introduced Mr. Hinojosa who presented the
design changes. Armando Hinojosa, artist, explained the
two different groups to be recognized.
One side will have the three Medal of Honor recipients and the other
side will be a Veterans Memorial dedicated to all veterans in any war served
or any war to come. Motion to accept the Veteran’s Monument design
with the dedication as suggested by Mayor Flores. One of the plaques shall be dedicated to
all the Veterans organizations and the other plaque shall be dedicated to the
people of Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 D. Presentation
by Keith Selman, Planning Director, regarding the City’s Development Standard Specification Book. Keith Selman, City Planner, presented to
City Council a synopsis of what is covered in the Specification Book. He stated that it covers all elements of
the subdivision development processes
such as water, waste water, drainage, streets, etc. It will specifically tell the contractor
what is required and will get some of the common issues resolved. He mentioned that he will bring this item
back to City Council as quickly as possible. XIV. EXECUTIVE SESSION The City Council hereby reserves the right to
go into executive session at any time during this public meeting, if such is
requested by the City Attorney or other legal counsel for the City, pursuant
to his or her duty under Section 551.071(2) of the Government Code, to
consult privately with his or her client on an item on the agenda, or on a
matter arising out of such item. XV. RECESS AS THE Motion to recess as the Laredo City Council
and convene as the Laredo Mass Transit Board. Moved: Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 32. Public hearing and a motion to modify the
following El Metro routes to increase efficiency,
productivity, and on-time performance. *
* Eliminate 3rd Corpus bus and
leave bus #1 and #2 *
* Modify *
* Modify *
* Re-route *
* Extend *
* Extend *
* Split the Express bus to Bus A
and Bus B *
* Modify Gloria Tellez, local
resident, spoke in reference to the modification of the San Eduardo-Sanchez
route. Her concern is that she has
noticed an influx of people with the bus stop now by her property. There is now an accumulation of litter and
people trample on her property.
Another concern is the noise created by the buses as they drive by –
her windows start to rattle as the bus passes by her house. Clara Guevara spoke on
the #2 bus route – Roy Cepeda, Director for Texas Careers, had a concern that
bus service for students attending the Texas Careers facility would be
reduced. Joe Guerra, Director for El
Metro, discussed the proposed fare increases and route realignments. He mentioned that there has been an
$800,000.00 cut in federal funding.
The department is expecting to have a reduction in funding from
$1,000,000.00 to $700,000.00. The
total cuts that they are facing for next fiscal year is $1,100,000.00. He believes that by utilizing the bus
routes more efficiently, the department can partly make up for the shortfall. Motion
to close the public hearing and modify the bus routes as per El Metro. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 33. 2003-RT-003 Resolution of the City of adopting a revised Drug and Alcohol
Abuse Policy. Motion to approve #2003-RT-003. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second: Cm. For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 34. Consideration
to award annual supply contract number FY03-052 to the low bidder, Oil Patch Petroleum, Inc., Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 35. Authorization
to cancel, by mutual agreement, contract purchase order dated January 14, 2002, with Neoplan
USA, Inc., for 8 low floor CNG buses due to contractor’s inability to meet
delivery date. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. E. For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 36. Authorizing
the City Manager to file a grant application with the Department of Transportation, Federal Transit
Administration, United States of America, in the amounts of $3,554,774.00
(Formula 5307 Funds) and $58,618.00 (Supplemental 5307 Funds) for a total
amount of $3,613,392.00 for Fiscal Year 2002-2003, under the Federal Transit
Act as codified at 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53, as amended; and authorizing the City
Manager to execute the application and all related documents. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. E. For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XVI. RECESS AS THE
Motion to adjourn as the Laredo
Mass Transit Board and convene as the Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 37.
2003-RW-001 Authorizing the
President of the Corporation (“LWC”) to execute a fifth
amendment of the Advanced Authorization to Proceed (AATP) with MWH Americas,
Inc., and resume the completion of the Secondary Water Supply by contracting
for engineering services for the pre-verification phase of the 1,500 acre
site owned by the City and located approximately 8 miles north of Laredo, in
the amount not to exceed $200,000.00. Motion to approve 2003-RW-001. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XVII. RECESS AS THE LAREDO CITY WATER LOCAL
GOVERNMENT CORPORATION AND
RECONVENE AS THE Motion to adjourn as the Laredo City Water
Local Government Corporation and reconvene as the Laredo City Council. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XVIII. ADJOURNMENT CITY OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING M2003-S-05 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA I. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND
PRESENTATIONS 1. A. Request
by Council Member Gene Belmares. 1. Staff presentation on the recommendation of
a traffic light at Cm. Belmares
instructed the City Manager to begin conducting a cost study and then proceed
with the implementation of the rumble strips. II. RESOLUTION 2.
2003-R-053 Authorizing the City
Manager to enter into an Interlocal Government Agreement between the City
of Motion to approve Resolution
2003-R-053. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Belmares For:
5 Against: 0 Abstain: 1 Cm. Amaya III. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn. Time: Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm.
Galo For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 I, Gustavo Guevara, Jr., ____________________________ Gustavo
Guevara, Jr. |