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CITY OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING M2003-R-022 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 Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS Announcements
Mayor Flores asked for a moment of silence for
Miguel “Michael” Lozano who passed away yesterday. She also read a letter that was delivered
to County Judge Louis Bruni: “Dear Judge: The City of You know very well that political differences
have never been our motivation or basis for the City’s decision to move
forward with the construction of the City’s Unnecessary competition must come to an
end. This can only occur if the facts
are made evident for everyone to view.
The City of It is also very important that Sincerely, Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores, John C. Galo, Mayor
Pro Tem Galo; Alfredo Agredano, Council Member, District I; Hector J. Garcia,
Council Member, District II; Johnny Amaya, Council Member, District IV;
Eliseo Valdez, Jr., Council Member, District V; Gene Belmares, Council Member
District VI; Jose A. Valdez, Jr., Council Member District VII; Juan Ramirez,
Council Member, District VIII” Cm. Agredano mentioned the 6th
Annual South Laredo 5K Run that took place Cm. Garcia thanked Mr. Richard Haynes for his
assistance with the second annual turkey give-a-way for the residents of
District II. He also reminded the voters
within the Mayor Pro Tem Galo mentioned that the City
Council signed a letter regarding the proposed construction of a fifth
bridge. He stated that the plan of
the City of has taken great steps to revitalize the
downtown area and is spending close to $50,000,000.00 in the downtown El Portal
project. Cm. Amaya mentioned that this coming Saturday
they will be delivering a Thanksgiving meal to about 75 to 100 families in
District IV thanks to the donations from many local businesses and volunteers. He extended greetings for a Happy Thanksgiving
to everyone. Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. commended Mayor Pro Tem
Galo for stating the facts correctly and that the City is here to do this the
right way based on the fact that it is in the best interest of the taxpayers. Cm. Belmares extended his appreciation to the
firefighters of District III for allowing him to ride in service with
them. He also thanked the Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. thanked the staff of the
Parks and Recreation Department for the excellent job done in setting up the
festivities for Veterans Day at Cm. Ramirez congratulated the Nixon Mustangs for
winning its bi-district game and applauded the entire team, the coaches and
parents for their accomplishment. He
also extended good wishes to all Laredoans for a Happy Thanksgiving. Invitations a. H.E.B
Feast of Sharing to be held on Norma Trevino, Chairperson for the Feast
of Sharing, personally invited the Mayor and City Council to this event which
started 15 years ago. This holiday
dinner will take place at the She stated that the event to be held here will
be the largest of 24 dinners that will be served throughout b. International
GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Day will be celebrated locally at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU)
with numerous exhibitors from local agencies, companies and universities from
10:00 a.m. to Recognitions a. Recognizing
the participants and sponsors of Dia del Nick Benavides, Buttecrust Bakery, SIER –
Nuevo Laredo, Golden Corral, Laredo Food Bank, Lamar Bruni Vergara
Environmental Science Center, Laredo Community College, O-Boy Portable
Toilets Company, Preparatoria Covat – Nuevo Laredo, Laredo Rio Grande
International Studies Center, Sacred Heart Childrens’ Home, Aztec Council
Boys Scouts, South Texas Distributing, Texas Watch, United High School Choir,
Webb County Food Bank. She added that
there were many City Departments that contributed to the events including: Mayor Flores presented a Certificate of
Recognition to Danny Gunn and Dr. Jim
Earhardt in appreciation for their valuable contributions to Dia del b. Recognition
of Herlinda Rodriguez of the Parks and Recreation Department on her selection
as October Employee of the Month. Mayor Flores and the City Council
presented Herlinda Rodriguez with a Certificate of Recognition for her
outstanding performance and dedicated service to the City of c. Presentation of the 2004 Employee
Leadership Development Class. Roberto
Cuellar Jr. Nutritionist Health Mario
I. Maldonado Jr. Rodolfo Gonzalez Jr. Animal
Control Supervisor Health Homero Vazquez-Garcia Coordinator Library Leopoldo F. Rodriguez Jr. Auditor
II City
Manager’s Office Communiqués a. Presentation by United Independent School
District (UISD) regarding the proposed bond election
to be held Mr.
Bobby Santos, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services at United
will take place next Saturday, November
22nd. He stated this bond issue will
finance the construction of the six new elementary
schools, one middle school, as well as renovate an existing high school and build a new high school. He
reported that the district has been growing at a rate of 1,500 students per
year for the last ten years.
Francisco Gonzalez, United Independent School District Board Vice-President,
stated he is
asking for the City’s support
and vote for this project. He
mentioned that this school bond
issue is for $142,000,000 but it will eventually bring in more money more
than
$340,800,000 to the community and would like everyone to take that
into consideration. VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES None. VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of 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. J. Valdez, Jr. Second:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. 2. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 1825,
Eastern Division, located at 2201 Lyon Street, from R-1 (Single Family
Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for
publication and effective date. The
Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone
change and approval of the extension of the previously approved Conditional
Use Permit. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Mr. Ricardo Guardiola, property owner,
requested approval for the proposed zone change for a used car lot. Motion to close the public hearing, introduce
and override Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation. Moved:
Cm. Amaya Second:
Cm. Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Amaya 3. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of 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 follow
staff’s recommendation to deny the zone change request. Moved:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. Second:
Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 4. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Agredano 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. Amaya Second:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Amaya 5. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 1.73 acres, as
further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A” located at
approximately 23008 Mines Road from AG (Agricultural District) to M-1 (Light
Manufacturing 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. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ron Whitehawk, representing the property
owner, requested that City Council grant Mr. Jose Ramos Gonzalez the zone
change request for nationalization of trucks.
Motion to close the public hearing, introduce
and deny the M-1 zoning designation and approve a B-4 zoning designation. Moved:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. Second:
Cm. Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. 6. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 4.198 acres, as
further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A” located
approximately east of Mines Road and south of World Trade Center Loop, from
AG (Agricultural District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing 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. Garcia Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Mr. Juan Gomez, representing the property
owner, stated that he requests that the City Council approve the zone change
request. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. Second:
Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. 7. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 6, Block 1413,
Eastern Division, located at 2419 Market Street, from R-3 (Mixed Residential
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:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ron Whitehawk, representing the property
owner, spoke in favor of the proposed zone change for conversion of the
existing property for commercial use. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Mayor Pro Tem Galo 8. Individual
Public Hearings for the voluntary annexation of four (4) tracts of land
(Tract 1: Las Blancas Tract - 419.4591 acres, more or
less; Tract 2: Las Misiones Tract - 83.0116 acres, more or less; Tract 3:
McNary and Calk Tract - 70.42 acres, more or less; Tract 4: Zachry Tract -
256.66 acres, more or less) totaling 829.55 acres, more or less, and the
unilateral annexation of one (1) tract of land (Tract 5: Highway 359 Tract-
622.5 acres, more or less), for a total of 1,452.05 acres, more or less, as
described in the attached tract summaries as required by Section 43.063 of
the Texas Local Government Code. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Gerardo Gutierrez, property owner of a junk
yard on Hwy 359, spoke against his property being annexed by the City. Motion to close the public hearing. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 9. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget for the following funds: Hotel-Motel Fund annual budget by
appropriating expenditures in the amount of $441,270.00 for third party
agency contract funding, Parking Meters Fund annual budget by appropriating
expenditures in the amount of $63,427.00 for the FY 2003-2004 Debt Service
payment, and Capital Improvements Fund (CIF) annual budget by appropriating
revenues and expenditures in the amount of $400,000.00 in order to fund
various capital improvement projects in each City Council district, and
authorizing the City Manager to implement such budget. 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. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 10. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
repealing Ordinance 2003-O-253 and amending Ordinance 2000-O-254, Chapter 5.5,
Ambulances Article I-In General, of the Code of Ordinances, by specifically
amending Section 5.5-28 (a) and (c)(2) so as to standardize basic rates, and
providing for publication and effective date of 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:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 11. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 Colonias Project Fund, Water Fund, and Sewer
Fund annual budget by appropriating revenues in the amount of $275,213.00
from the Colonias landowners participating in oversizing and appropriating
the transfer in an expenditure in the amount of $275,213.00 for the
construction of SH 359 work order no. 4 Water Transmission Line Extension
Project and SH 359 work order no. 1 Wastewater Trunk Line Project in the
Colonias Fund. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Daniel Bustamante stated that the main water
line is on the north side of the highway.
He inquired whether the tax increase was on the whole property itself
or on the portion being affected. Mayor Flores explained that there are no tax
increases involved other than user fees.
If the property owners are able to get water they must pay for the
connection. Then, the owners will pay
water usage fees and sewer usage fees according to the amount used. The portion of the property that will be
inside the city limits is what will be taxed. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council VIII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND
PRESENTATIONS 12.
A. Request by Council Member
Alfredo Agredano 1. Status
report on the low water crossing road connecting Independence
Hills. Keith Selman, City Planner, reported
that the City did recently get a donation of a 40-acre tract. Within those 40 acres, about 3,000 linear
feet would be the Gabriel Martinez, Engineering Department,
mentioned that they have some preliminary cost estimates for the concrete box
culverts to accept the water at this low water crossing. He stated that these cost estimates are
included in the 2005 CIP and the estimate is for $891,000.00. However, the department cannot start with
the engineering designs to bid out the work until the project is funded. B. Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore John C. Galo 1. Report
on all budget
years, with possible action. Horacio De Leon, Parks and Recreation
Director, reported on the recreational improvements in District III.
2.
2. Update on the Keith Selman, City Planner, stated that the
project will come before City Council for budget amendment approval at the
next City Council meeting. After that,
the City will be in a position to get reimbursed for the labor and work to be
done in order to get this project moving.
Mayor Pro Tem Galo stated that Tex-Mex Railway
has done their planking and they stated that they would have everything done
within three months. 3. General
discussion on the need for greater enforcement of property maintenance by both citizens and the City, with possible
action. Mayor Pro Tem Galo stated that he had
received a few complaints about the overgrown weeds on the airport
property. He mentioned the grass that
grows between the street and the curb which destroys the integrity of the curb. He wants to put an emphasis on this and asked
that Code Enforcement should remind people to keep their lots clean. C.
Request by Council Member Eliseo Valdez, Jr. 1. Detailed
status report, including funding, for all parks in District V. Horacio De Leon, Parks and Recreation
Director, reported on the recreational improvements in District V.
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. asked that he report
back to City Council after 30 days with a report as to the costs evaluation
on the properties and then follow up with an action plan. 2. Status
report on the Keith Selman, City Planner, reported
that the project is on schedule. The pre-bid meeting was held last week and
bids are scheduled for opening later this month. He added that construction should begin
some time in December. 3. Status
report on the Saunders/Lafayette traffic and light study. 4. Status
report regarding possible development of locked land in the Calton Gardens
area located within Keith Selman, City Planner, reported
that the areas being discussed are Blocks 52 and 57 which are the remaining
undeveloped portions. He stated that the
tracts were replatted and what happened is the City received a dedication of
20 additional feet along D.
Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez 1. Discussion with possible action on the
installation of street lights on San Gabriel Martinez, Engineering
Department, reported on the proposal received from AEP for $9,880.00. The Traffic Department sent a correction on
that stating that the proposal does not include the cost for trenching. The cost, therefore, increases to
$15,255.00 and department of Community Development is currently looking into
funding for this project. 2. Discussion
with possible action on the repairs of the railroad crossing on Gabriel Martinez, Engineering
Department, reported that they have already sent a letter to the railroad
company regarding the repairs needed. He
commented that he would send a copy of said letter to the City Manager and
the Mayor. 3. Status report on the Calle Iturbide Project. Gabriel Martinez, Engineering
Department, stated that there are still some utility relocations and this has
been the cause of some of the delays. Even
though there have been some delays, the contractor appears to be on time for
the project completion date of
January. Cm. Ramirez mentioned that he is
concerned about the rush of shoppers for the Christimas holidays. He would like them to make some type of
preparation for the people to walk through while the streets are under
construction. 4. Discussion
with possible action on the parking lot by the riverbank. IX. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES 13. Closing
as a public easement that section of the 300 block of Chacon and Piedra China Streets situated in
the Eastern Division, City of Laredo, County of Webb, Texas, and providing
for an effective date. Ordinance Introduction: City Council 14. Closing
as a public easement the North one-half section of the 2300 block of
Ordinance Introduction: City
Council 15. Closing
as a public easement that section of the North 346.66 feet of between Pappas and the North property line of
Block 32-A as per the Laredo Ordinance Introduction: City Council 16. Closing
as a public easement that section of Piedregal Streets situated in the Western
Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, and providing for an effective
date. Ordinance was not introduced. 17. Amending
Chapter 19, Motor Vehicle and Traffic, Article VIII, Stopping, Standing or Parking, of the Code of Ordinances, City of Ordinance Introduction: City Council 18. Amending
Section 28-100 of the Code of Ordinances which makes it unlawful to use public property for private commercial
purposes, in order to increase the penalty for a violation of the section
from two hundred dollars to five hundred dollars; and providing for
publication and effective date. Diana Song, an attorney with Texas Rural Legal
Aid, called the City Council’s attention to this proposed ordinance which
would more than double the amount of fines payable by street vendors. She stated that we are targeting those
citizens who are the least employable in the city. She pointed out that perhaps there could be
specific exceptions to the general prohibitions within the proposed ordinance
for local street vendors. Ordinance Introduction: City Council X. FINAL Motion to waive the final reading of
Ordinances # 2003-O-282, # 2003-O-283, # 2003-O-284, and # 2003-O-285. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 19. 2003-O-282
Amending the City of expenditures in the amount of $6,300.00 to
reflect the actual grant amount of $14,700.00 for Project Alcance. The Driscoll’s Children’s Health Plans of
Corpus Christi has awarded this grant to the City of Laredo Health Department
for the period beginning Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-282. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against:
0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-283
Amending the City of Abatement budgets to recognize
additional revenues from two grants received from the Federal Aviation
Administration Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-283. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against:
0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-284
Authorizing the City Manager to accept a reimbursement from the
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the amount of
$10,720.00 for overtime expenses and amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004
annual budget in the amount of $10,720.00 to fund the Laredo Joint Terrorism
Task Force (JTTF). The Laredo Police
Department will assign one police investigator to the task force. Reimbursement of overtime expenses will
commence on Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-284. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against:
0 Abstain:
0 2003-O-285
Authorizing the City Manager to grant a Right-of-Entry Permit to the
United States of America in the area encompassed by
the following City-owned blocks, for use as a work area for environmental
exploration and survey, Southward and Eastward up to Tilden Avenue, including
any public right-of-way abutting said blocks and any river vega land. Said
blocks being delineated on attached copy of City Plat: all of Blocks 15, 16,
17, 18, 19, 57, 68, 414, 415, 416, 425, 450-A 629, 630, 644, 645, 658, 659,
672, 673, 674, 675, 676, 677, 680, 708, 708-B & 724; all being situated
in the Western Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas; and providing
for an effective date. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-285. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against:
0 Abstain: 0 XI. RESOLUTIONS 20.
2003-R-142 Accepting the
donation of the “Surface Only” of a 0.007 of an acre (310.625 sq. ft.) parcel of land, and a
0.007 of an acre (310.625 sq. ft.) parcel of land, as perpetual easements,
from Mandel Family Enterprises, for the Iturbide Street Urban Mall
Project. Said parcels of land being
out of the West 22.50 feet of Motion to approve Resolution #
2003-R-142. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 21. 2003-R-143
Accepting the donation of the “Surface Only” of a 0.002 of an acre (105.390 sq. ft.) parcel of land, as a
perpetual easement, from Laredo Coin & Gift, Inc., for the Iturbide
Street Urban Mall Project. Said parcel
of land being out of the West 26.71 feet of Motion to approve Resolution #
2003-R-143. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 22. 2003-R-144
Accepting the donation of the “Surface Only” of a 0.005 of an acre (221.804 sq. ft.) parcel of land, as a
perpetual easement, from Norton Stores, Inc., for the Iturbide Street Urban
Mall Project. Said parcel of land
being out of Motion to approve Resolution #
2003-R-144. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 23. 2003-R-145 Accepting the donation of the “Surface
Only” of a 0.008 of an acre (327.711 sq. ft.) parcel of land, as a
perpetual easement, from Natan Bar-Yadin, for the Iturbide Street Urban Mall
Project. Said parcel of land being out
of Motion
to approve Resolution # 2003-R-145. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 24.
2003-R-146 Accepting the
donation of the “Surface Only” of a 0.005 of an acre (221.804 sq. ft.) parcel of land, as a
perpetual easement, from the George A. Talamas Family Limited, Partnership,
for the Iturbide Street Urban Mall Project.
Said parcel of land being out of Motion to approve Resolution #
2003-R-146. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 25.
2003-R-147 Accepting the
donation of the “Surface Only” of a 0.006 of an acre (246.626 sq. ft.) parcel of land, as a
perpetual easement, from The Estate of Goldie Shaffer, for the Iturbide
Street Urban Mall Project. Said parcel
of land being out of Motion to approve Resolution # 2003-R-147. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 26.
2003-R-148 Accepting the
donation of the “Surface Only” of a 0.006 of an acre (253.861 sq. ft.) parcel of land, and a
0.002 of an acre (93.959 sq. ft.) parcel of land, as perpetual easements,
from Yu-Ting Chiang, for the Iturbide Street Urban Mall Project. Said parcels of land being out of Motion to approve Resolution #
2003-R-148. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 27.
2003-R-149 Accepting the
donation of the “Surface Only” of a 0.006 of an acre (256.346 sq. ft.) parcel of land, as a
perpetual easement, from In Bok Yi, for the Iturbide Street Urban Mall
Project. Said parcel of land being out
of Motion to approve Resolution #
2003-R-149. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 28. 2003-R-150
Accepting the donation of the “Surface Only” of a 0.012 of an acre (537.950 sq. ft.) parcel of land, as a
perpetual easement, from Minnie Dora Bunn Haynes, for the Iturbide Street
Urban Mall Project. Said parcel of
land being out of Lots 7 & 8, Block 37, Western Division, City of Motion to approve Resolution #
2003-R-150. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 29.
2003-R-151 Accepting the
donation of the “Surface Only” of a 0.005 of an acre (214.212 sq. ft.) parcel of land, and a
0.003 (111.772 sq. ft.) parcel of land, as perpetual easements, from Burco
Realty Comapny, for the Iturbide Street Urban Mall Project. Said parcels of land being out of Motion to approve Resolution #
2003-R-151. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 30. 2003-R-152
Resolution of the City of Texas Central Company’s requested rate
changes to permit the city time to study the request and to establish
reasonable rates; approving cooperation with other cities within AEP Texas
Central Company’s service territory; authorizing intervention in the
proceeding at the Public Utility Commission; requiring reimbursement of
cities’ rate case expenses; requiring notice of this resolution to the
company. Motion to approve Resolution #
2003-R-152. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 31.
2003-R-153 Expressing the
concern of the City Council as to how the implementation of the United States Visitor and
Immigration Status Indicator Program (US-VISIT) might adversely impact the
City of Laredo, Texas, and directing the Motion to approve Resolution #
2003-R-153. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 32.
2003-R-154 Confirming the
appointment of representatives from the City of serve on the Board of Directors of the
South Texas Development Council for the period beginning Motion to approve Resolution #
2003-R-154 with an amendment to name Jose A. Valdez, Jr. in place of Eliseo
Valdez, Jr. and remove alternates #4 and #8 from the list. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 33.
2003-R-155 Supporting and
participating in the South Texas Development Council; and authorizing payment of $36,315.20
for City’s membership assessment for the period covering Motion to approve Resolution #
2003-R-155. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XII. MOTIONS 34. Consideration to authorize the City
Manager to execute renewal contracts for legislative consultant services provided to City of A. McWilliams & Associates for a twelve
month period beginning and
ending pocket
expenses. B. Baker
Botts L.L.P. for a twelve month period beginning ending expenses
not to exceed $5,000.00. C. Mario
A. Martinez for an eleven month period beginning ending $3,500.00
per month and out-of-pocket expenses not to exceed $5,000.00. D. Raul
G. Liendo, d.b.a Tejas Consulting, for a nine month period beginning Funding is available
in the General Fund budget for FY 03-04. Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. Second: Mayor Pro Tem Galo For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 35. Consideration
for approval to award an engineering contract to Cutler-Gallaway Services, Inc., San Antonio, Texas, for an
amount not to exceed $82,985.00 for design and preparation of plans and
specifications for the Los Obispos Housing Project (approximately 26 units)
including a $7,500.00 allowance for subsurface exploration work. Funding is available in the Los Obispos Housing
Project. Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 36. Consideration
for approval of change order no. 3 an increase of $113,928.25 to the construction contract with Price Construction,
Inc., Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 37. Consideration
for approval to award an engineering contract to Freese and Nichols, Inc., Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 38. Consideration
for approval to award an engineering contract to Freese and Nichols, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, for an amount not to
exceed $35,876.00 for design and preparation of plans and specifications for
the Laredo International Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 39. Consideration
for approval to award a construction contract to the sole bidder, Zertuche Construction, Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 40. Consideration
to award a construction contract to Ramos Industries, Inc., Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 41. Consideration
for approval of change order no. 1 an increase of $6,162.00 to the construction contract with Gilmar
Construction, Ltd., Laredo, Texas, for the CDBG Sidewalks City-Wide Project
No. 22 (30 blocks) for additional concrete sidewalk and concrete header wall
to prevent erosion on City’s right-of-way to be constructed on the 2200 block
of San Eduardo and 2700 block of McPherson.
Funding is available in the District IV Discretionary Funds. Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain:
0 42. Consideration
for approval of change order no. 1 an increase of $850.00 to the construction contract with Triple A Concrete,
Inc., Laredo, Texas, for the CDBG Sidewalks City-Wide Project No. 24 (30
blocks) for additional concrete header curb to prevent erosion to be
constructed at 303 W. Travis Street and to add five (5) working days to the
construction contract time. Funding is
available in the District V Discretionary Funds. Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain:
0 43. Consideration
to award contract FY04-015 to the sole bidder, Little Tikes Commercial, Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 44. Authorizing
the award of 2003 HOME Investment Partnerships Program Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) set
aside funds in the amount of $218,104.00 to the Azteca Economic Development
and Preservation Corporation (AZTECA), and further authorizing the City
Manager to enter into contract with AZTECA for the same. A sole, viable proposal was submitted by
Azteca to construct a 6-unit multi-family rental low-income housing complex
within the Azteca neighborhood. Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 45. Consideration
to ratify payment for invoices prior to October 2003 in the amount of $25,350.00 and award a professional service
contract to DNA Reference Lab, Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 46. Consideration
to authorize the City Manager to sign an Interlocal Agreement for E9-1- 1 Service and Public Safety Answering Point
(PSAP) Equipment between the South Texas Development Council (STDC) and the
City of Laredo as it relates to the planning, development, operation and
provision of 9-1-1 service, the use of 9-1-1 funds, and adherence to
applicable law for a period of no more than six months ending February 29,
2004. Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 47. Authorizing
the City Manager to continue using the Webb County Jail to incarcerate prisoners that are arrested for Class C
misdemeanor violations, and to pay Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 48. Consideration
to award contract number FY04-014 in the estimated annual amount of $50,000.00 for the purchase of paper for
copiers and printers from the sole bidder, Executive Office Supply, Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain:
0 49. Authorizing
the City Manager to enter into agreement with Integrated Payment Systems (Western Union Convention Pay Service)
to automate the pay station activity used to collect water utility
payments. With this automation, funds
and data will be electronically transmitted and processed, thus improving on
the efficiency and accuracy of this activity. Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 50. Approving
monthly adjustments to the tax roll.
The amount to be adjusted for the month of October 2003, represents an increase
in levy of $8,444.56. These
adjustments are determined by Webb County Appraisal District and by court
orders. Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 51. Refund
of property tax to the following taxpayers and companies: a. A
refund in the amount of $702.96 payable to Veronica Ramirez due to double payment. Account# 909-00004-580. b. A
refund in the amount of $978.68 payable to Citifinancial Mortgage due an erroneous
payment by the mortgage company.
Account 968-00015-235. Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 52. Consideration
for approval of amendment no. 3 an increase of $14,500.00 to the professional services contract with Rosin
Group, Inc., Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XIII. STAFF REPORTS 53.
a. Update report on the status
of the Colonias Project. Motion to postpone. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
b. Presentation by consultant
Tetra Tech, Inc. for the three police substations. Mr. Alvin Peters, Architect, reported that
they have completed the design for the three substations. He added that all three of the substations
will be located on fire department sites.
Mayor Pro Tem Galo inquired whether they have
any personnel at these facilities on a full-time basis. Police 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 54. Request
for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code 551.071(1)(A) to discuss with Motion to go into Executive Session pursuant to
Texas Government Code 551.071(1)(A) to
discuss with Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Belmares For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 After Executive Session, the Mayor announced
that no formal action was taken. Motion to approve settlement agreement in the
case of Maria Gloria Gonzalez vs. City of Moved: Cm.
E. Valdez, Jr. Second:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 55. Request
for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code 551.071(1)(A) to discuss with Motion to go into Executive Session pursuant
to Texas Government Code 551.071(1)(A)
to discuss with Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Belmares For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 After Executive Session, the Mayor announced
that no formal action was taken. Motion directing the Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XV. RECESS AS
THE Motion to recess as the Laredo City Council
and convene as the Laredo Mass Transit Board. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 56. Consideration
to reject all bids received for the purchase of five mini vans with an Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XVI. RECESS AS THE Motion to adjourn as the Laredo 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 Motion to adjourn.
Time: Moved: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 I, Gustavo Guevara, Jr., _______________________________ Gustavo Guevara, Jr. |