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CITY OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING M2003-R-20 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS I. CALL TO ORDER With a quorum present, Mayor
Elizabeth G. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Flores led in the Pledge of
Allegiance. III. ROLL CALL In attendance: Elizabeth G. Flores, Mayor Alfredo Agredano, Council
Member, District I Hector Garcia, Council
Member, District II John C. Galo, Mayor
Pro Tempore, District III Johnny Amaya, Council Member, District IV Eliseo Valdez, Jr., Council
Member, District V Gene Belmares, Council
Member, District VI Jose A. Juan Ramirez, Council
Member, District VIII Gustavo Guevara, Jr., Jaime Flores, IV. MINUTES Approval
of the minutes of Moved: Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. Second: Cm. Ramirez For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Cm. Garcia and Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
not present. V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. joined the
meeting at Announcements a.
Dia
del Invitations a.
Invitation by Randy Willard to the Grand Opening of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts scheduled for Randy Willard, owner, stated that 147
employees were hired for the Recognitions a.
Recognizing the Texas Migrant Council for its exemplary record in
serving the needs of migrant worker families and being named
the “National’s Council of La Raza Affiliate of the Year.” Mayor Flores and the City Council presented
Mary G. Capello and Blas Castañeda with a Certificate of Recognition for receiving
the National Council of La Raza Affiliate of the
Year award. Communiqués Cm. Ramirez stated that he traveled with Cm. Agredano and Gustavo Guevara, Jr., Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. acknowledged former Council
Member Blas Castaneda and former Commissioner Roque Vela who were in the audience. Cm. Amaya
acknowledged John Charles, appointee to the Citizens Environmental Advisory
Committee, who was in the audience. Mayor Pro Tem Galo reported that he attended a
National Aids Awareness Day ceremony with Dr. Hector Gonzalez. He added that it is amazing how this
message still requires dissemination.
He thanked the Health Department for working on a day-to-day basis
with people with HIV and AIDS. He
further thanked Dr. Hector Gonzalez for the outstanding job that he and his
staff are doing in educating the public on this disease. Cm. Agredano mentioned
that the annual United South 5K Run will be held this Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. stated that he attended the
AARP ribbon-cutting ceremony this past weekend. He added that the Mayor Flores read a letter from CenterPoint Energy: “Honorable Mayor Betty Flores, On September 30th and October 1st,
I had the distinct honor of attending the 21st NGV Conference and
Exhibition in The City of Councilman John C. Galo represented the City
of This award would not have been possible
without the continued support of the Mayor, the City Council and the City
Administration. Your continued efforts
to support CNG as the alternative fuel for CenterPoint Energy Entex is proud
to be a partner with the City in their alternative efforts. If there is anything I can be of assistance,
please give me a call at 723-6351. Congratulations on the award and recognition
you so well deserve. Yours truly, Nelda I. Juarez District Manager” Mayor Flores also mentioned the TxDOT public hearing tonight on “I stand before you as an official representative
for the City of I would like to begin by stating that the City
of The City of It is the City of Thank you for the opportunity to speak before
you tonight.” Bridge System Director Mayor Flores thanked all the volunteers who participated
in the Dia Del Rio event last weekend. She mentioned that there is another
opportunity to help with the cleanup efforts this VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES None. VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS Cm. Garcia joined the meeting at 1.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning
Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 10 and
11, Block 816, Western Division, located at 3103 San Agustin Avenue, from B-1
(Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business
District); providing for publication and effective date. The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial
of the proposed zone change. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ron Whitehawk,
representing Henry and Esmeralda Hereford, stated that this property has been owned by the family for many years
but it has a split zone designation.
The front of the property is a B-3 zone and the
back half of the property is presently zoned as a B- 1.
However, the use of the property has to be zoned as a B-3 on the back
half so that the entire property can
be put to use. Eva Delgado, neighborhood resident, spoke
in favor of the zone change. Motion to close the public hearing, introduce
as a B-3 and override Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation. Moved:
Cm. Ramirez Second:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm.
Ramirez 2. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 3.40 acres, as
further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A,” located north
of Del Mar Boulevard and east of Burke Drive, from AG (Agricultural District)
to B-1 (Limited Commercial District); providing for publication and effective
date. The Planning and Zoning
Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change. Motion to open the
public hearing. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Belmares 3. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 48.70 acres, as
further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A,” located north
of Del Mar Boulevard and east of Burke Drive, from AG (Agricultural District)
to R-1 (Single Family Residential District); providing for publication and
effective date. The Planning and
Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change. Motion to open the
public hearing. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Gelmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Belmares 4. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 8.34 acres, as
further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A,” located north
of Del Mar Boulevard and east of Burke Drive, from AG (Agricultural District)
to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective
date. The Planning and Zoning
Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change. Motion to open the
public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Belmares 5. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 2, Block 1,
Ramirez Industrial Subdivision and 0.3625 acres, as further described by
metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A,” located at approximately 3700 Loop
20, from M-1 (Light Manufacturing District) and M-2 (Heavy Manufacturing
District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for publication and
effective date. The Planning and
Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change. Motion to open the
public hearing. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tem 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. E. Valdez, Jr. For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Garcia
6. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the Motion to open the
public hearing. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Jesus Ortega, property owner, requested
approval of his request for a proposed zone change. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce and override Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation. Moved:
Cm. Agredano Second:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Agredano 7. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 1 and 2, Block
1081, Eastern Division, located at 1901 Aldama
Street, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-2 (Multi-Family
Residential District); providing for publication and effective date. The Planning and Zoning Commission has
recommended denial of the proposed zone change. Motion to open the
public hearing. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. For:
8 Against: 0
Abstain: 0 Luis Bruni,
representing the Ramos family, spoke in favor of the proposed zone change. He
added that the property owners would like to build some apartments at this
location. Ricardo Godines,
neighborhood resident, spoke against the zone change request. Motion
to close the public hearing and follow Planning and Zoning’s recommendation to deny
zone change request. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
8. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 12.12 acres, as
further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A,” located south
of proposed Havana Drive and east of Woodridge Drive, from AG (Agricultural
District) to R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District); providing for
publication and effective date. The
Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone
change. Motion to open the
public hearing. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano 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: Cm. Belmares 9. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 6.00 acres, as
further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A,” located south
of Casa Blanca Road, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-4 (Highway
Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date. The Planning and Zoning Commission has
recommended denial of the proposed B-4 designation and approval of a B-3 zone
change. Motion to open the
public hearing. Moved: Cm. Garcia Second:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Alex Villarreal, III, property owner, spoke
in favor of a B-4 zone change. He
explained that the property has been cleaned up and
no longer has the abandoned trucks, 55-gallon
drums, etc. that were there before. David Garza, private citizen, spoke in
favor of the zone change request. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce and override Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation. Moved:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. Second:
Cm. Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. E.
Valdez, Jr. 10. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of
a Conditional Use Permit for a commercial parking lot on the west ¾ of Lot 7,
and the north ½ of Lot 5, Block 178, Western Division, located at 607
Washington Street and 1014 San Eduardo Avenue; providing for publication and
effective date. The Planning and
Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed Conditional Use
Permit. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Guadalupe Garcia, property owner, requested
approval of the zone change request.
Her daughter added that they would like a 24-hour permit instead of
being restricted to the hours of Motion to close the public hearing and deny
the conditional use permit. Moved:
Cm. Ramirez Second:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 11. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 parking meter fund budget by appropriating a
draw down of $511,566.00 from the opening balance and appropriating it for
land acquisition and improvements. The
projects planned projects consists of land acquisition, improvement and
construction of surface municipal parking lots in the downtown area. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem 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. Amaya Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 12. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending Article I Section 24.1.3.2, Responsibilities of the Board of Adjustment,
creating Section 24.1.8, Standard Technical Specification Manual Committee,
Creating Article III, Section 24.58, Standard Technical Specification Manual,
Creating Article VI Section 24.96, Amendment Procedures for the Standard
Technical Specification Manual, of the Laredo Land Development Code of the
City of Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Mayor Flores read a letter from the Laredo
Builders Association in regards to the standard subdivision specifications
manual. “Personally and on behalf of the Laredo
Builders Association, I want to thank Council Members Belmares,
Eliseo Valdez, and Jose Valdez for keeping all of us focused on completing
the Standard Specifications Manual for the City of I especially want to thank Keith Selman and
his staff for their efforts. Rosa
Silva was given the monumental task of organizing and typing in the
information that resulted in the Standard Specifications Manual that is being
presented for first reading tonight. With rising material and labor costs, the
development community wanted to establish Standard Specifications that fairly
represented what other cities along the border require for subdivision
development. During our meetings, we
agreed most of the time but in some cases we agreed to disagree. One of these areas was the type of water
and sewer line pipe. Our analysis
indicated that most cities and particularly those along the border, While not perfect, the Standard Specifications
Manual provides a foundation that can be improved on over time as we all
learn from its implementation. Most
importantly, the accompanying ordinance establishes a committee comprised of
city staff and six members of the development community appointed by the
Laredo Builders Association. This
committee will probably need to meet on a more regular basis for the first
year after implementation of the Standard Specifications Manual. Again, I want to thank everyone that participated
in this process. Sincerely, William C. Skeen” Pablo Martinez, Utilities Department, stated
that the committee met several times to put all the documentation
together. During the review part by
the Utilities Department, it was brought to their attention the possibility
of lowering the standards for those pipes.
He stated that they currently have the DR-14 water pipe for standard
use by developers for construction and the SVR-26 for sewer pipe use. They reached an agreement that they did not
want to change the sewer line at this point.
Cm. Belmares inquired
whether it would be the project engineer who is ultimately liable for the
plans should the pipe fail. He
mentioned that by allowing us to require a greater standard would put the City
at a disadvantage because it would be more expensive to do development in Pablo Martinez explained that there is a fine
line between who is responsible. The
engineer could easily claim that the contractor did not install the pipe as
per his specifications. Keith Selman, City Planner, stated that the
engineer seals off on the design, not necessarily on the quality of the pipe. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce the specifications book with amendments to the water pipe and sewer
pipe from a DDR-14 to a DDR-18 and from an SVR-26 to an SVR-35. The committee shall meet quarterly the
first year, semi-annually the second year, and annually thereafter, or as
needed. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 13. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount
$8,400.00 in additional funds from Webb County for a total of $158,400.00,
for the period beginning October 1, 2003, through September 30, 2004. The Central Welfare Agency – Motion to open the public hearing. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Garcia For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 14. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by
transferring unexpended funds in the amount of $19,950.00 from FY 2002-2003
from the United Independent School District to FY 2003-2004 for the
Immunization Program of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period
beginning July 3, 2003, through July 2, 2007, contingent upon availability of
funds and yearly contract renewal. 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. Agredano Second:
Cm. Garcia For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 15. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to enter into
a contract with the Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Belmares 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. Garcia For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Ramirez 16. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by appropriating revenues and
expenditures in the amount $15,000.00 in funds from the Texas Department of
Health to conduct the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program of the City
of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning November 1, 2003,
through June 20, 2004; and amending the FY 2003-2004 full-time equivalent
positions by creating one (1) part-time Health Educator position for a total
of .48 FTE. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 17. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by
transferring unexpended funds in the amount of $73,500.00 from FY 2002-2003
from the Laredo Independent School District to the Immunization Program of
the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning April 1, 2003,
through August 31, 2003, contingent upon availability of funds and yearly
contract renewal. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Note:
There is a connection on the contract ending date; it should read to
end Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Agredano Second:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 18. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by decreasing revenues and
expenditures in the amount of $143,387.00 to reflect the actual grant amount
from the Texas Department of Health and decrease in-kind funds in the amount
of $48,150.00 from the Laredo Independent School District for the Mi Futuro (My Future) Abstinence Education Program of the
City of Laredo Health Department from October 1, 2003 through September 30,
2004. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved: Cm.
Agredano Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 19. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by decreasing revenues and
expenditures in the amount of $690.00 to reflect the actual grant amount of
$169,293.00 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, 2004 through December 31, 2004. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Belmares For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 20. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 Motion to open the public hearing. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce and instruct staff to bring back a strategic plan on how those
monies will be used. Moved: Cm.
Belmares Second:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 21. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance electing for the City of current service and prior service
contributions to the City's account in the Municipal Accumulation Fund of the
Texas Municipal Retirement System at such rate within legal limits, as the
actuary annually determines is required to fund within a period of
twenty-five years from the most recent valuation date, the costs of employee
benefits payable from, or chargeable to, the City's said account in said
fund. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 22. 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 smoking and nonsmoking
areas; providing criteria and procedural requirements for designated smoking
areas; providing sign requirements; providing for violations, enforcement and
penalties of the policies implementing this Chapter; providing for
severability; and providing for effective date and publication. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Adriana Craddock, Webb County Community Coalation and SCAN, Inc., spoke in favor of the proposed
ordinance. She admitted that the
proposed ordinance is not perfect but it is a step in the right
direction. It creates a fair balance
between the rights of smokers, non-smokers, and business owners. Roque Vela, Jr., spoke
against the ordinance because it would deter new businesses in Raul Perales stated
that it should be a freedom of choice and it should be left up to the
individuals to decide whether they want to go to a place where there is smoke
or not. Mike Pharr, representing TKO Sports Bar &
Grill, spoke against passage of the ordinance. Roque Vela, representing
Jett Bowl North, spoke against the ordinance and stated that the patrons
should be allowed to choose. Francisco Ramirez, from the American Cancer
Society, stated they are working to protect
our children from the effects of smoking and second-hand smoke. He strongly supports any ordinance that
prohibits smoking in public places, especially those places where children
are taken. Dr. Philip Huang, Motion to close the public hearing and
postpone indefinitely. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 5 Against: 3 Abstain: 0 Cm.
Agredano Cm. E. Valdez, Jr Cm.
Ramirez VIII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND
PRESENTATIONS A. Request
by Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores 1. Discussion
by Police citizens in light of the Police He added that the department is highly trained
to keep our community safe and continues to provide quality law enforcement
services to the community. Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.
stated that the City would need to push for some legislative changes
regarding gun ownership and the right to carry weapons. He suggests that the adults that expose the
children to a life a crime should be severely penalized. Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
stated that we need to actively legislate for preventive measures to reduce
juvenile crime, e.g., burglaries and drug possession. Cm. Garcia mentioned
that there used to be a time when the police officers would go to different
campuses on a monthly basis. They
would be educating the youth on gangs, violence, drug use, etc. He suggests that the police officers should
be patrolling more of the neighborhoods on a regular basis. He further suggests that law enforcement
should be more aggressive and detain juveniles for longer periods of
time. Mayor Pro Tem Galo
suggested that perhaps a new substation can be built on the west side that
could serve as a holding facility where the children could be detained until
the parents go pick them up. Mayor Flores stated
that all these suggestions will be provided to the City Manager’s Office so
that they may be taken into consideration.
2. Discussion
with possible action regarding the loitering and the inappropriate and offensive
behavior by vagrants at Mayor Flores mentioned that several downtown
groups have complained of the loitering and offensive behavior by new
vagrants. Police Motion to have staff look into how to better
address this issue and provide a study to City Council within 30 days in
order to strengthen our ordinance. Moved:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. Second:
Cm. Ramirez For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 B.
Request by Council Member Alfredo Agredano 1. Discussion
with possible action authorizing the City Manager to have the Department of Engineering/Public Works construct sidewalks
on 2000 & 2100 South Milmo (east side); 2300
& 2400 Chestnut (north side); 2300 San Luis (south side); and the 2900,
3000 and 3100 South Martin (west side); to be funded with District 1
discretionary funds. Motion to approve construction of sidewalks
with District I discretionary funds. Moved:
Cm. Agredano Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 C. Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore John C. Galo 1. Update
on hiring of Tennis Pro for Miguel Pescador, Assistant Parks
Director, reported that the department sent out notices for proposals and, in
both instances, proposals were received from one applicant at a time. He added that the applicants have been
interviewed but their requests exceed what is budgeted for said program. They made a proposal to the first applicant
back in April and the individual declined the offer due to the high cost of
living and the short term termination.
He stated that there is a third individual who may be willing to
accept the terms of the contract. He
mentioned that they will be forwarding the necessary documents to the Purchasing
Department in order to advertise for the Request for Proposals one more time. 2. Report
from Traffic Department regarding accidents on Meadow and possible
action. D. Request by Council Member Eliseo Valdez,
Jr. 1. Status
report by Legislative Liaison, Rene Gonzalez, regarding the effectiveness of City's Lobbyist Team during last legislative
session, including those issues affecting the constituents of the City of
Laredo that were approved and those that were not and the impact either way
to the community; status of Special Legislative Session regarding issues that
affect the City of Laredo and how we can become involved; and consideration
for Lobbyist Team to report directly and more often to either the Legislative
Committee or the City Council, especially during creation of legislative
agenda. (Co-sponsored by Council Member Gene Belmares) Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. encourages the legislative
consultant to report on a more frequent basis to the Ad Hoc Committee and to
learn how much effort is put into some of the items that the City Council
wants done. He is requesting more feedback
from them as to whether the City Council needs another sponsor for a bill,
whether they need to change the language on a particular bill, etc. Rene Gonzalez explained that during the last
legislative session, an important bill that had been introduced by then Rep.
Henry Cuellar was later sponsored by Sen. Hinojosa. He stated that Sen. Hinojosa was not able
to get that particular bill out of committee to the House floor. He added that one of the hardest tasks that
legislative consultants have is getting those six or seven members of a committee
to allow a bill to get through committee in order to be heard on the
floor. He mentioned that they try to
target those specific groups who have some background in the particular issue
that they are lobbying for. 2. Discussion
with possible action regarding the development of the Standard Technical Specifications Manual and setting a thirty
(30) day deadline for its completion. (Co-sponsored by Council Members Gene Belmares and Jose A. Valdez, Jr.) Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. stated that this item was addressed
earlier under item no. 12. 3. Discussion
with possible action to provide solutions for District V constituents
regarding floodplain
insurance as it relates to the latest floodplain map. Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. stated that this item
could be listed as a staff report at a future City Council meeting. He mentioned that some of his constituents
have gotten renewal notices for floodplain insurance that they may or may not
need. He would like for this information to be filtered out so that people
may obtain some flood relief. Keith Selman, City Planner, mentioned
that there are no new floodplain lines.
4. Status
report on the studies being conducted at the former air force base (Alta Vista/Vista
Hermosa) and activities of the Committee. Dr. Hector Gonzalez, Health Department
Director, stated that a meeting will be held this E. Request by Council Member Gene Belmares 1. Discussion
with possible action on enforcement efforts to control roadside vendors. Cm. Belmares
postponed item for next City Council meeting. 2. Discussion
with possible action to provide financial assistance to the Marine Corps League on a reimbursable basis for direct expenditures
for the Mid-Winter Conference.
(Co-sponsored by Veteran’s Affairs Committee) Motion to provide financial assistance to the
Marine Corps League on a reimbursable basis for direct expenditures to the
Mid-Winter Conference. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 3. Discussion
with possible action to reconsider fire service contract with the provision of fire protection, emergency
medical and rescue services for all unincorporated areas of the County of
Webb, Texas, lying outside the incorporated limits of the City of Laredo at
an annual rate of $43,750.00 per month from November 2003 through September
2004 and $50,000.00 per month from October 2004 through September 2005 for a
total of 23 months beginning November 1, 2003 and ending September 30, 2005
in the total amount of $1,081,250.00. Cm. Belmares
mentioned that the actual amounts should be as follows: $1,125,000.00 for a two-year period with
$525,000.00 due for the first year and $600,000.00 due for the second year. Motion to approve the figures as read. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 1 Cm.
Amaya 4. Discussion
with possible action on creating on aircraft viewing area as recommended by the
Cm. Belmares
postponed item for next City Council meeting.
F. Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez 1. Status
report on the Calle Iturbide
project. Mayor Flores announced the percentages
of work completed by the contractor on this project: demolition is 80% complete; storm sewer is
93% complete; sanitary sewer system is 98% complete; water line improvement is
75% complete; curb and gutter work is 80% complete; colored stamp roadway is 50%
complete; colored stamp sidewalk is 75% complete; canopies and mist cooling
system is 15% complete; irrigation and landscaping is 45% complete; and underground
relocation of utilities is 80% complete. IX. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES 24. Closing
as a public easement that section of the 2000 block of Malinche and Urbahn Avenues situated in the Eastern Division, City of
Laredo, Webb County, Texas, and providing for an effective date. Ordinance Introduction: City Council X. FINAL Motion to waive the final readings of
Ordinance # 2003-O-248, # 2003-O-249, # 2003-O- 250,
# 2003-O-251, #2003-O-252, #2003-O-253, #2003-O-254, # 2003-O-255, #
2003-O-256, # 2003-O-257, # 2003-O-258, # 2003-O-259, # 2003-O-260, and #
2003-O-261. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-248
Adopting the Municipal Court schedule of window fines as per attached
list and Section 542.031, Transportation Code, as
added by House Bill 3588, creating a $30.00 State traffic fee court cost on
conviction for offenses, including parking and pedestrian offenses, under
subtitle C, Rules of the Road, Transportation Code and amending the Code of
Ordinances, Chapter 20, Section 20-37, by adding subsection (h); providing
for severability, effective date and publication. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-248. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-249
Authorizing the City Manager to accept a Comprehensive STEP grant from
the Texas Department of Transportation and
amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by decreasing $68,050.00
for the Comprehensive STEP program.
The Texas Department of Transportation will contribute $51,255.00 for
this program and the City will contribute $5,695.00 in matching funds. This
grant will be utilized to pay overtime for the enforcement of traffic
laws. The funding period for this
grant will be from Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-249. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-250
Authorizing the City Manager to accept a Comprehensive Commercial
Motor Vehicle STEP grant from the Texas Department
of Transportation and amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget
in the amount of $55,556.00 for the Comprehensive STEP program. The Texas Department of Transportation will
contribute $50,000.00 for this program and the City will contribute $5,556.00
in matching funds. This grant will be utilized to pay overtime for the
enforcement of traffic laws. The
funding period for this grant will be from Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-250. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-251
Authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant from the Texas
Department of Transportation for the “El Protector” program
and amending the City of Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-251. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-252
Accepting a direct aid grant from the Texas State Library Loan Star
Libraries Program in the amount of $18,627.00 for new
computers at the Santo Nino Branch Library and study rooms, and amending the
City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget in the amount of ($1,686.00). Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-252. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-253
Amending Chapter 5.5, Ambulances Article I- In General, of the of Ordinances, by specifically amending
Section 5.5-28 (a) to standardize basic rates, and providing for publication
and effective date of January 1, 2004. The increase in rates are primarily to
recover from insurance carriers, and were compiled from a rate review survey
of 32 cities in Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-253. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-254
Amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by increasing expenditures and revenues by $5,859.00 from
the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for the Children’s Health
Insurance Program (CHIP) Outreach Project of the City of Laredo Health
Department; extending the contract period for one month beginning February 1,
2002 through October 31, 2003. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-254. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-255
Amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by increasing revenues and expenditures in the amount of
$95,374.00 for the Texas Department of Health for the Women, Infants and
Children "WIC" Program of the City of Laredo Health Department for
the period beginning October 1, 2003, through September 30, 2004; and
amending the FY 2003-2004 full-time equivalent positions from 80 to 82.5. The
new grant total budget will be $2,911,507.00. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-255. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-256
Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease renewal with
Pinkerton, Inc. and Burns International Security Services
Corporation for two offices totaling approximately 500 square feet and
located at International Bridges I & II
a.) Lease term is for one (1) year commencing Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-256. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-257
Closing as a public easement that section of the 2800 block of Avenue between Palo Blanco and Thurman Streets
situated in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas and
providing for an effective date. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-257. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-258
Closing as a public easement that section of the 2000 block of between Malinche
and Urbahn Avenues situated in the Eastern
Division, City of Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-258. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-259
Approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute a consent and estoppel agreement between
City of Laredo, and Laredo Texas Hospital Company, L.P., covering certain
land conveyed by the City of Laredo, as Grantor, to Mercy Regional Medical
Center, as Grantee and approved by Ordinance no. 95-O-016 conveying unto said
Grantee an approximate 50.7656-acre tract of land located at the Laredo
International Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-259. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-260
Designating as a one-way eastbound the 400 and 500 block of between Springfield Avenue and
Lexington Avenue, and as one-way southbound the 2300 block of Lexington
Avenue between O’kane Street and Clark Boulevard to
be effective during the peak hours of 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to
4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, during school days, providing for the
installation of appropriate signs to indicate one-way traffic in the
designated direction and providing for publication and effective date. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-260. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-261
Designating as a one-way eastbound the 2500, 2600, & 2700 block of
Lane Street, between Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-261. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XI. RESOLUTIONS 26.
2003-R-132 Accepting the
donation of the “Surface Only” of a 0.001 of an acre (53.327 sq. ft.) parcel of land, as a
perpetual easement, from C. S. Rodriguez Estate, for the Iturbide
Street Urban Mall Project. Said parcel
of land being out of Motion to approve
Resolution # 2003-R-132. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 27.
2003-R-133 Accepting the
donation of the “Surface Only” of a 0.004 of an acre (174.240 sq. ft.) parcel of land and a
0.001 of an acre (43.516 sq. ft.) parcel of land, as perpetual easements,
from Maria E. Barreda, for the Iturbide
Street Urban Mall Project. Said
parcels of land being out of Lot 7, Block 4, and Lot 8, Block 4;
respectively, Western Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas. Motion to approve
Resolution # 2003-R-133. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 28.
2003-R-134 Accepting the
donation of the “Surface Only” of a 0.003 of an acre (149.481 sq. ft.) parcel of land and a
0.004 of an acre (155.841 sq. ft.) parcel of land, as perpetual easements,
from Talagon Ltd., for the Iturbide
Street Urban Mall Project. Said
parcels of land being out of Lots 8 & 9; respectively, Block 4; Western
Division, City of Motion to approve
Resolution # 2003-R-134. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 29.
2003-R-135 Accepting the
donation of the “Surface Only” of a 0.001 of an acre (43.560 sq. ft.) parcel of land, as a
perpetual easement, from Gonbar Realty, Ltd., for
the Iturbide Street Urban Mall Project. Said parcel of land being out of Motion to approve
Resolution # 2003-R-135. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 30.
2003-R-136 Accepting the donation
of the “Surface Only” of a 0.004 of an acre (162.231 sq. ft.) parcel of land and a
0.006 of an acre (269.814 sq. ft.) parcel of land, as perpetual easements,
from Motion to approve
Resolution # 2003-R-136. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XII. MOTIONS 31. Authorizing
the City Manager to execute an Interlocal Agreement
between L.I.S.D. and City of Laredo in which City agrees to convey
two former street sections namely, (a) Benavides Street between Davis Avenue
and Main Avenue, and (b) Garcia Street between San Dario Avenue and San
Eduardo Avenue, and license to use (c) 12,675 sq. ft. out of Davis Street for
school parking in exchange for (1) conveyance to City of certain properties
owned by L.I.S.D. and (2) providing for L.I.S.D. to be responsible for
existing utility lines on said former street sections; and directing that
after L.I.S.D. has conveyed the referenced properties to the City, ordinance
be submitted authorizing the conveyance of the two closed street sections and
granting said license to use part of street for parking. Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 32. Consideration
to award an eleven month contract to Government Relations, Inc., Washington, D.C., in the amount of $82,500.00,
plus travel and related expenses up to $5,000.00 for the period beginning
November 1, 2003 and ending September 30, 2004 for intergovernmental,
informational, and advocacy services to the City of Laredo. Funding is available in General Fund. Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 33. Consideration
to approve Change Order No. 5 in the amount of $121,095.26 to Lambda Construction Company for the Jefferson Street
High Service Pump Station construction project to pay for remobilization of
contractor due to the delays associated with timing of water production shut
down and delivery of electrical power supply. Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 34. Consideration
to exercise the renewal option for annual contract number FY03-006 awarded to the low bidders, Al & Rob
Sales, Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 35. Authorizing
the City Manager to enter into a one year service agreement with H.T.E., Inc., Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 36. Consideration
to authorize the purchase of computers through the State of Department of Information Resources (DIR)
cooperative purchase contracts for City Departments. The City is able to utilize the Department
of Information Resources’ purchasing power in acquiring information systems
such as personal computers. Funding is
available in the respective departmental budgets. Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 37. Consideration
to authorize the purchase of telecommunication and networking equipment in the estimated amount of
$35,000.00 through the State of Texas Department of Information Services
contract vendors. The telephone and
networking equipment will be installed at the Police Department’s Financial
and Narcotics Task Force offices.
Grant funding is available in the respective departmental budgets. Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 38. Consideration
to ratify the expenses incurred to make repairs to the offices resulting from water damages on Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 39. Consideration
to award contract number FY04-002 to the low bidder, Rankin Auto Transmission, Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 40. Consideration
to award annual contract number FY04-001 to the low bidder, Garcia’s Auto Glass, Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 41. Consideration
to exercise the renewal option for annual contract FY03-003 to the low bidder, Southern Sanitation, Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 42. Authorizing
the City Manager to withdraw the Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) Application, release the retainage
and close the contract with Brown & Root for the Zacate
Creek Stormwater Management Master Plan
Project. The Master Plan was developed
to alleviate the flooding problem on Zacate Creek
Watershed. Since the detention pond on
the Alexander Property was not built and the City is proposing channel
improvements on the upper Zacate Creek, the Map
Revision Application needs to be withdrawn and submitted at a later time when
the improvements are done. Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 43. Consideration
to authorize the payment of the solid waste fee assessed by the Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ) in
the estimated yearly total amount of $401,250.00.
The City is assessed a solid waste fee of $1.25/ton for all waste
processed (disposed) at the landfill.
The department estimates that approximately 321,000 tons of waste will
be processed during the next year. The
fee is assessed quarterly and funding is available in the Solid Waste Fund. Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 44. Consideration
for approval of the selection of consultant Arcadis,
the Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 45. Authorizing
the City Manager to execute an agreement between the City of Hurd Urban Development,
Ltd., Tanquesitos Land & Cattle Co., Ltd., a
Texas Limited Partnership & 3G’s Partners, Jesse Martinez, Francisco
Guerra, Sr., Francisco Guerra, Jr., Pedro I. Saenz, Jr., Richard E. Haynes
and Vinateria Ranch Company, Ltd., respective
owners of eight parcels of land described in the agreement for provisions of
water and sewer capacity in the form of Living Unit Equivalency (LUEs). The provisions for water and sewer are made
available though the oversizing of both the water
and wastewater line extensions for the Colonias
Project on SH 359 and the Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Garcia For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 46. Authorizing
the City Manager to award a contract with Kimley-Horn
and Associates, Inc., for professional services in the amount
of $147,843.00 for an Intelligent Transportation System Plan for the City of Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 47. Motion
to approve a contract with the Laredo Development Foundation for economic development.
The Laredo Development Foundation’s mission is to help create jobs,
industrial attraction, and enhancement of local business, which they do
through the Industrial Attraction Division, Small Business Development
Division/Center, and the Special Projects Division. The contract is for fiscal year 2004 in the
amount of $407,400.00. Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 48. Motion
to approve twenty-nine general fund third party contracts for fiscal year
2003 for
a total of $621,047.00. The contracts
are listed as follows: Bringing Everyone
Special Together $
10,547.00 Border Area Nutrition
Council $
26,250.00 Boy’s & Girls Club
of Laredo $
67,500.00 Casa de Misericordia $ 11,250.00 Catholic Social
Services $ 11,250.00 Children’s
International Advocacy $ 45,000.00 Club Communities in
Schools $
11,250.00 Community Action Agency – Elderly Nutrition
Program $ 15,000.00
Community Action Agency – Meals on Wheels $ 14,250.00 Girl Scouts Paisano Council $ 7,500.00
L.I.S.D. Campus Crime
Stoppers $ 5,625.00 Laredo Webb County
Food Bank $ 22,500.00 Laredo/Webb Child
Welfare Board $ 3,375.00 Laredo Veteran’s
Coalition $ 45,000.00 Literacy Volunteers of
Ruthe B. Cowl
Rehabilitation Center $
56,250.00 Sacred Heart
Children’s Home $ 3,750.00 Serving Children and
Adolescents in Need $
27,000.00 Special Olympics $ 3,375.00 Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 49. Approving
monthly adjustments to the tax roll.
The amount to be adjusted for the month of September 2003, represents an
increase in levy of $3,601.72. These
adjustments are determined by Webb County Appraisal District and by court
orders. Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 50. Refund
of property tax to the following taxpayers and companies: a. A
refund in the amount of $870.55 payable to Arnulfo & Janice Gonzalez Jr.,
due to an
over payment by the taxpayer. Account
#927-00006-089. b. A
refund in the amount of $673.67 payable to Fairbanks Capital Corp., c/o of Lereta Corporation
due to an over payment by the Mortgage CompanyAccount
#945- 00851-420. c. A
refund in the amount of $734.41 payable to Fairbanks Capital, Corp. due to an
overpayment
by the Mortgage Company. Account #983-10001-090. d. A refund in the amount of $995.80 payable
to 1st National Bank of payment was applied to the wrong parcel
number. Account #801-01000-770. e. A refund in the amount of $9,075.57 payable
to G/S Leasing Inc., Attn: Property Tax Department
due to a Webb County Appraisal District change of value certified by the Appraisal
Review Board. Account #801-07099-134
as clerical error as per Section 25.25. f. A refund in the amount of $690.37 payable
to Casanova Auto Parts, c/o Jose C. Casanova due to a Webb County Appraisal
District change of value certified by the q
Webb County Appraisal Review Board as
double assessment. Account #800-03000-
500. g. A refund in the amount of $594.18 payable
to Homer Ortiz due to a Appraisal
District change of value certified by the Webb County Appraisal Review Board
as double assessment. Account #812-02000-917. h. A refund in the amount of $633.96 payable
to Maria Arciga Davis due to a Webb as
an over 65 exemption. Account
#902-00009-030. i. A refund in the amount of $796.42 payable to Duty Free
Americas, Inc., due to the delay
in arriving at the tax office.
Penalty, interest, and collection fees are being refunded. Account #800-09000-040. Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XIII. STAFF REPORTS A. Presentation
by Riazul Mia, Environmental Services Director, on the bi-national study and Regional Assessment of Water Quality in
the Riazul
Mia, Environmental Services Director, stated that the program is a state
funded program.
The City of partners of the Grande collect
samples and send them to the International Boundary and Water Commission
for analysis. Wayne Belzer, Environmental Protection Specialist with the
International Boundary and Water
Commission, provided a short presentation to City Council. He stated that the State
of waters
of the state and assess those waters.
DATA
ANALYZED ·
Conventionals – Salts, Nutrients,
Chlorophyll, Field ·
Bacteria – E. Coli and Fecal Coliform ·
Metals – Dissolved and Total ·
Toxicity – Chronic and Acute DESIGNATED
USES ·
Contact Recreation ·
Public Water Supply ·
Fish Consumption ·
Quality Aquatic Habitat
· November, 2000 · 5 sites – 3 on NLWWTP effluent · No exceedances
under minute 279 · NH3 – 21.3 in, 0.0 out CONCLUSIONS · Bacteria
concentrations in the · Bacteria and ammonia
trends are declining · Salts, metals, and
toxicity are not exceeding state and federal criteria · Fish consumption
standards are being met 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 XV. RECESS AS THE Motion to recess as the Laredo
City Council and convene as the Mass Transit Board. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 52. Consideration
to award contract FY03-105 to the lowest responsible bidder GFI Genfare, Elk Grove Village,
Illinois, for the purchase of fifty (50) replacement electronic fare boxes,
two (2) training fare boxes include spare and one ticket vending machine and
related software in the amount of $553,700.00. These new fare boxes will accept coins,
bills, and magnetic face cards.
Delivery and complete installation of this new fare box system is
expected within 60 days after contract award.
Funding is available from the Federal Grant TX-90-456. Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XVI. ADJOURN AS THE MASS TRANSIT BOARD AND
RECONVENE AS THE Motion to adjourn as the Mass Transit Board
and reconvene as the Laredo City Council. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XVII. ADJOURNMENT Time:
SUPPLEMENTAL
AGENDA I. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS Recognitions a. Recognition of Mr. Jose Guadalupe Alejandro for
receiving the Dr. Sandra Richard Memorial Award by Laredo Regional Food Bank. Mayor
Flores and Council Members presented Mr. Alejandro, an employee with the
Environmental Services Department, with a Seven Flags Certificate of
Appreciation for his commitment to the community and his individual effort in
collecting almost 50,000 pounds of food products in an attempt to eliminate
hunger in II. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND
PRESENTATIONS 1.
Request by Council Member Jose A. Valdez, Jr. A. Discussion with possible action regarding the status of three proposed COPS Substations, including preliminary drawings, time schedules, and groundbreakings. (Co-sponsored by Council Member Hector J. Garcia) III. 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 Request for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code
Section 551.072 in order to deliberate on the value of, and the possible
purchase of, real property in North Laredo because deliberation in an open
meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the City Council
in negotiations with third persons; and return to open session for possible
action and direction to staff.
Motion to go into
Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code
Section 551.072 in order to deliberate on the value of, and the possible purchase
of, real property in North Laredo because deliberation in an open meeting
would have a detrimental effect on the position of the City Council in
negotiations with third persons; and return to open session for possible
action and direction to staff.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 After Executive Session, Mayor Flores announced that no formal action was taken. Motion to authorize the City Manager to proceed with the acquisition of an 18.5 acre portion of acreage, more or less, out of Abstract 277, Porcion 22, for the sum of no more than $25,000.00 per acre. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 IV. ADJOURNMENT Time: Motion
to adjourn. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 I, Gustavo Guevara, Jr., ______________________________ Gustavo Guevara, Jr. City
Secretary |