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CITY OF LARED CITY COUNCIL MEETING M2003-R-023 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. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Cm. V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS Announcements None. Invitations a.
Invitation by United High School Choir to their 16th Annual Madrigal
Dinner on December 6 and 7, 2003 at
United High School. Dr.
Foster, Choir Director for Recognitions None. Communiqués Cm.
Ramirez congratulated the Nixon Mustangs for being District and
Bi-District Champs. He also
congratulated staff at the Cm.
J. Valdez said he hoped all
individuals had a great Thanksgiving.
He thanked the City of Cm. Belmares wanted to wish everyone a safe return from their
Thanksgiving Day traveling. He
commended the Utilities Department and the Engineering Department for their
response to an on-going situation in north Cm. Amaya thanked the Laredo Police Department, the Laredo
Fire Department, and the Projects Committee from District IV for assisting
him in distributing over 100 turkeys to needy families. He also mentioned a steak plate sale held
to raise money to provide Christmas toys to more than 200 children in his
district. Mayor Pro Tempore John Galo wished everyone a
Happy Holidays. He thanked the Laredo
Police Department and the Laredo Fire Department for an uneventful
Thanksgiving Holiday. He encouraged
individuals to enjoy the remaining holiday season by having patience with one
another. He asked businesses to hire
additional personnel to assist with cleaning the debris in their parking lots
during the holiday season. Cm.
Garcia thanked the City Manager and his staff for the work they have
done throughout the year. He hoped
that everyone had a great Thanksgiving Day.
He also said that he is thankful for the relationship that he has with
the other Council Members. He admires
their commitment to their districts.
He also said the Mayor is a true lady who has a passion for Cm. Agredano thanked Horacio De Leon, Parks and Recreation
Director, and his staff for installing lights at the Mayor Flores read the following
correspondence: “I am
writing this letter to share an experience of what a child protective service
employee encountered on Reda M. Garner with the Texas
Department of Protective Services.” Mayor Flores also congratulated Dr. Gonzalez and his staff for acquiring a
$5,000 grant to conduct a feasibility study and grant development training to
develop a request for proposals for a federally qualified health center look
alike. She also discussed a copy of a
newspaper in Cm. VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES a.
Macario Garcia
- Hotel/Motel Representative (Term
ending January 2005) David Roukey -
Restaurant Representative (Term
ending January 2005) Rene Arriaga -
Business Representative (Term
ending January 2005) Motion to approve the appointments. Moved:
Cm. Agredano Second:
Cm. Garcia For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager
to amend the 2003-2004 annual budget
in the amount of $79,294.00 for the Motion to open the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore 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:
Mayor Pro Tempore For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 2. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to enter into
an agreement with the Texas Forest Service to
accept a grant in the amount of $20,000.00 with a 50% local match for the
hiring of a City forester with the Parks and Recreation Department and amend
the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 full time equivalent positions of the General
Fund Park Maintenance Division from 69 to 70 and amend the City of Laredo FY
2003-2004 General Fund budget by appropriating revenues of $20,000.00 in the
form of a grant from the Texas Forest Service and appropriating expenditures
in the amount of $20,000.00. Local
match of $20,000.00 will be appropriated from General Fund reserves.
Motion to open the public hearing and introduce. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second:
Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second:
Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 3. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance concerning an application by Home Mart,
Inc. and East Royal Land, LC, Vinateria
Ranch Company, Ltd. and Brothers Materials, Ltd., altering and extending the
boundary limits of the City of Laredo, annexing additional territory of
419.1608 acres, more or less, located north of Highway 359 and approximately
3.2 miles east of the municipal landfill, as further described by metes and
bounds in Attachment "A", specifically the Las Blancas
Tract, providing for the effective date of the ordinance, authorizing the
City Manager to execute a contract adopting a service plan for the annexed
territory, and establishing the initial zoning of R-1A (Single Family Reduced
Area District) for 66.8351 acres, B-3 (Community Business District) for
10.7918 acres, B-4 (Highway Commercial District) for 247.5606 acres, and M-1
(Light Manufacturing District) for 93.9733 acres.
Motion to open the public hearing and introduce. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second:
Cm. J. Valdez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Richard Haynes, representing several of the
property owners, said he was there to answer any questions that the Council
Members might have on their behalf. Carlos Zaffarini,
representing T& T Fireworks, informed Council that the firework stand
will be in violation if the annexation is approved; therefore, he asked them
to grandfather their business and allow them to sell fireworks until their
lease expires in seven years. Fire Jaime Flores, Cm. Galo
asked what the City can do for individuals that are locked in a
contract. Jaime Flores, Cm.
J. Valdez asked staff if it was
feasible to create an ordinance to assist individuals who face annexing
problems. Cm. Cm.
Garcia said he was not in agreement with allowing the businesses to
sell fireworks within city limits. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 4. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance concerning an application by Las Misiones General Partnership and Mr. A.R. Sanchez,
altering and extending the boundary limits of the City of Laredo, annexing
additional territory of 83.0116 acres, more or less, located south of Highway
359 and west of the municipal landfill, as further described by metes and
bounds in Attachment "A", specifically the Las Misiones
Tract, providing for the effective date of the ordinance, authorizing the
City Manager to execute a contract adopting a service plan for the annexed
territory, and establishing the initial zoning of R-1A (Single Family Reduced
Area District).
Motion to open the public hearing and introduce. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore 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 Tempore Galo Second:
Cm. J. Valdez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 5. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance concerning an application by Laredo Four Winds and Mrs. Elaine Calk, altering and
extending the boundary limits of the City of Laredo, annexing additional
territory of 70.42 acres, more or less, located northeast of Eistetter Rd., as further described by metes and bounds
in Attachment "A", specifically the McNary
and Calk Tract, providing for the effective date of the ordinance,
authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract adopting a service plan
for the annexed territory, and establishing the initial zoning of R-1A
(Single Family Reduced Area District).
Motion to open the public hearing and introduce. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore 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 Tempore Galo Second:
Cm. J. Valdez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 6. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance concerning an application by H.B. Zachry Company and Wyer
Family Trust, altering and extending the boundary limits of the City of
Laredo, annexing additional territory of 256.66 acres, more or less, located
east of Ejido Ave. and south of Eistetter
Rd., as further described by metes and bounds in Attachment "A",
specifically the Zachry Tract, providing for the
effective date of the ordinance, authorizing the City Manager to execute a
contract adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and establishing
the initial zoning of R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District). Motion to open the
public hearing and introduce. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: Abstain: There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 7. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance concerning an application by the City of Laredo, altering and extending the boundary
limits of the City of Laredo, annexing additional territory of 617.8277
acres, more or less, located along Highway 359 from the municipal landfill to
approximately 4.5 miles east, as further described by metes and bounds in
Attachment "A", specifically the Highway 359 Tract, providing for
the effective date of the ordinance, adopting a service plan for the annexed
territory, and establishing the initial zoning of R-1 (Single Family
Residential District). Motion to open the
public hearing and introduce. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Richard Haynes, representing several
landowners, spoke in favor of the annexation. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 8. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of annual budget to reflect an
appropriation for the development of the Motion to open the
public hearing and introduce. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore 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 Tempore Galo Second:
Cm. J. Valdez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 9. Public
hearing amending the 29th Action Year 2003 consolidated one year action plan
to reprogram a total of
$350,000.00 of the 2003 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds as
follows: delete the Motion to postpone for
December 8th and January 12th. Moved:
Cm. Agredano Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 10. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second:
Cm. J. Valdez For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 11. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by
increasing expenditures and revenues by $22,735.00 which represents a state
grant from the Texas Department of Health for the Binational
TB Card Pilot Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the
contract period beginning December 1, 2003, through September 30, 2004; and
amend the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 FTEs by .20. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore 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 Tempore Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 12. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by
decreasing expenditures and revenues by $67,234.00 to reflect the actual
grant amount of $43,946.00 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 for the contract period
beginning November 1, 2003 through August 31, 2004 and amend the FY 2003-2004
full time equivalent positions from 2.44 to 1.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore 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 Tempore Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City
Council 13. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore 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 Tempore Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: Ordinance Introduction: City Council 14. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore 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. J. Valdez For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council VIII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND
PRESENTATIONS 15.
A. Request by Council Member
Hector J. Garcia 1. Status
report on all CIP park projects in District II for FY 03-04 and 04-05.
Horacio De Leon, Parks and Recreation Director, gave the following
report: Current park amenities include a playground module,
soccer field and Little League field with irrigation and playing turf. A final inspection of the park construction
was conducted on Loma Alta Park This park project was initiated this summer
and is approximately 50% complete.
Parks crews are currently working on the installation of post and
cable and added park fencing, park benches, and trash cans. The installation of water meter has been
successfully completed as well as the installation of a playground module with
safety surface and a completed half basketball court. Other pending park amenities include a
walking trail, picnic tables, irrigation improvements and additional
landscaping. Parks crews installed additional post and
cable at the eastern perimeter of the park to replace damaged fencing cause
by recent floods. San Salvador/Santa Nino Park Improvements for this neighborhood park will
include park benches, barbeque grills, shade structures, a walking trail,
open green space and irrigation improvements.
Funding in the amount of $300,000 has been appropriated through
Community Development Block Grants for fiscal year 2004. Chacon Creek Hike and Bike Trail (Phase II) The development of a trail of approximately
5,500 linear feet from The installation of replacement bleachers has
also been successfully completed. 2. Status
report on vacant homes owned by City of B. Request by Council Member Eliseo Valdez,
Jr. 1. Status report on the infrastructure for the
Keith Selman, Planning Director, presented a
map that displayed properties that have provided the City with access. The City needs the ability to a right-of-entry
so that they can survey and design the lines to get easements to place the
utility lines. Within the next 60 days
the lines can be extended through the rest of the properties to the northern
and along Casa Verde. C. Request by Council Member Gene Belmares 1. Discussion with possible action regarding
traffic calming on Chris and Kimberly Lanes. Cm. Belmares said that the safety of citizens should come
before their convenience. Motion to instruct City Manager to began the
process for a town hall meeting. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. J. Valdez For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Motion to use discretionary funds for speed
humps on Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. J. Valdez For:
8 D. Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez 1. Discussion
with possible action regarding odor at El Metro facility on Scott Street. Juan Jose Rocio spoke about the bad odor at
the El Metro Facility on Tom Luceck, El Metro
Director, reported that he was not aware of the issue that was being
addressed. He suggested having a town
hall meeting for all interested individuals so that staff could discuss their
concerns. Mayor Flores announced that the facility will
be moved from that area. Nelda Juarez, representing
Entex, reported that Entex is required to record all leaks and calls that are
received from individuals regarding leaks in a “leak log”. She noted that only one call has been
recorded in the log for 2003. She said
that Entex is required by the Texas Railroad Commission to odorize their gas. She went on to say that Entex uses mercaptan which is a foul smelling odor so that citizens will
be prompted to report the odor so they can rectify the situation as soon as
possible. In addition, a response team
is readily available that handles all leak investigations. She said that natural gas is odorless,
colorless, tasteless, and non-toxic gas.
It dissipates quiet readily into the atmosphere because it is lighter
than air. When the humidity is high
you will have a stronger odor presence.
She further discussed why there is a release of natural gas. One is just part of the fueling process and
there is a hose and a nozzle. The
second part has to do with compression.
It is a high volume compression station and when it compresses for the
supply there is an over pressure protection.
She assured Council that there is no hazard. Motion to get a proposal for a temporary
remedy for the current El Metro Facility and hold a town hall meeting to
inform the citizens of all the changes the City has in store for them. Moved:
Cm. Ramirez There was no second to the motion. 2. Discussion
with possible action regarding construction of sidewalks by Public Works crews on north and south side of 2200 Motion to approve the construction of
sidewalks by Public Works crews on north and south side of 2200 Moved:
Cm. Ramirez Second:
Cm. Amaya No vote was taken. Keith Selman, Planning Director, suggested for
Council to postpone the item because of current construction in the area. He
said that sidewalks may be constructed through the permit process. Cm.
Ramirez stated that he would postpone the item. 3. Discussion
with possible action to alleviate the congestion for pedestrians crossing IX. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES 16. Approving
the public sale of one tract of airport non-aeronautical use of land located
at the southwest corner of Foster Avenue and
Pappas Street at the Laredo International Ordinance Introduction: City Council 17. Authorizing
the City Manager to execute a lease with the District for approximately 5.75 acres located
on Block 19 of the Laredo Ordinance Introduction: City Council X. FINAL Motion
to waive the final readings of Ordinance # 2003-O-286, # 2003-O-287, #
2003-O-288, # 2003-O-289, # 2003-O-290, # 2003-O-291, # 2003-O-292, #
2003-O-293, # 2003-O-294, # 2003-O-295, # 2003-O-296, # 2003-O-297, #
2003-O-298, and # 2003-O-299. Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 18. 2003-O-286
Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Lots 1 & 3, Block 889, Western
Division, located at Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-286. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-287 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of 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. Jose Guardiola,
thanked individuals for their support. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-287. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-288
Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of 7, Block 667, Eastern Division, located
at Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-288. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-289
Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of acres, as further described by metes
and bounds on attached Exhibit “A” located at approximately 23008 Mines Road
from AG (Agricultural District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District);
providing for publication and effective date.
(As amended) Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-289. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-290
Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of 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. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-290. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-291
Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of 6, Block 1413, Eastern Division,
located at Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-291. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-292
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 adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-292. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-293
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 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-293. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-294
Amending the City of 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 adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-294. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-295
Closing as a public easement that section of the 300 block of between Chacon and Piedra China Streets situated in the Eastern Division,
City of Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-295. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-296
Closing as a public easement the North one-half section of the 2300
block of Canada Avenue between O’kane and Clark Streets situated in the Eastern
Division, City of Laredo, County of Webb, Texas, and providing for an
effective date. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-296. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-297
Closing as a public easement that section of the North 346.66 feet of Naranjo Avenue between Pappas and the North
property line of Block 32-A as per the Laredo Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-297. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-298
Amending Chapter 19, Motor Vehicle and Traffic, Article VIII,
Stopping, Standing or Parking, of the Code of
Ordinances, City of Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-298. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2003-O-299
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. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-299. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XI. RESOLUTIONS 19.
2003-R-141 Authorizing the City
Manager to submit a community wide assessment grant application to the
United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for a Brownfield grant
in the amount of $200,000.00, with no matching funds. This grant will allow for the Phase I &
Phase II environmental assessment of certain properties and make
recommendations for future land use based on risk based assessment. Motion to approve Resolution #
2003-R-141. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second:
Cm. For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 20.
2003-R-156 Accepting the
donation of the “Surface Only” of a 0.0312 of an acre parcel of land, more or
less, from Motion to approve Resolution #
2003-R-156. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second:
Cm. For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 21.
2003-R-157 Accepting a grant in
the amount of $43,946.00 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 for the contract period beginning Motion to approve Resolution #
2003-R-157. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second:
Cm. For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 22. 2003-R-158
Accepting a grant in the amount of $5,000.00 from the Texas Department
of Health for the
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) Project
of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning Motion to approve Resolution #
2003-R-158. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second:
Cm. For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 23.
2003-R-159 Accepting a grant in
the amount of $22,735.00 from the Department Health for the Binational TB Card Pilot Project of the City of Laredo Health
Department for the contract period beginning Motion to approve
Resolution # 2003-R-159. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second:
Cm. For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 24.
2003-R-160 Authorizing the City
Manager to execute a grant agreement CSJ Number M422LREDO with the Texas Department of
Transportation under the Routine Motion to approve Resolution #
2003-R-160. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second:
Cm. For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 25. 2003-R-163 Accepting a grant in the amount of
$112,280.00 from the Department of Health for the Prevention
of Services for HIV Infected Persons Project (PSHIP) of the City of Laredo
Health Department for the contract beginning January 1, 2004 through December
31, 2004. Motion to approve Resolution # 2003-R-163. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second:
Cm. For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 26.
2003-R-164 Accepting a grant in
the amount of $199,854.00 from the Department of Health of the HIV
Prevention Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the contract
period beginning January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004. Motion to approve Resolution # 2003-R-164. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second:
Cm. For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XII. MOTIONS 27. Consideration
to approve regular City Council meetings to be held on December 1, 2003,
Motion to approve.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 28. Consideration
for approval to rescind change order no. 2 an increase of $44,777.75 to the construction contract with R. Aguero Trucking, Laredo, Texas, for the South Laredo Park
Project in the vicinity of Kawas Elementary School
for a parking lot (23 spaces) approximately 1,100 linear feet of a 10 ft.
wide walking trail and accessible ramps for failure to execute a contract
change order, and authorization for staff to re-bid the project. Funding is available in the South Laredo Park Phase II 28th
Action Year 2002 Grant.
Motion to approve. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 29. Consideration
for approval of final change order no. 3 a decrease of $12,018.00 for the balance of quantities
actually constructed in place, acceptance of the Zacate
Creek Linear Park Phases III, IV, V Scope of Work I Sidewalks and approval of
final payment in the amount of $63,115.81 to Pete Gallegos Paving, Inc.,
Motion to approve.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 30. Consideration
for approval to award a professional services contract to Killis
Almond & Associates, Inc.,
Motion to approve.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 31. Consideration
to approve a payment of $17,657.60 to Texas Border Infrastructure Coalition as the City’s annual assessment for
the period of October 2003 through September 2004. These dues are the City’s contribution to
support the efforts of the Texas Border Infrastructure Coalition. The Coalition’s mission is to make
Legislative recommendation to help the Texas Border Region grow and prosper
economically.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XIII. STAFF REPORTS 32. a. Presentation on
early childhood awareness and educational efforts in local daycares and elementary schools by
the Riazul Mia, Environmental Director, made the
following presentation: Environmental
Educational Initiative Program Goal Childcare Centers Elementary Schools Secondary Schools Binational Effort Eco-TV Program (Public Access) Eco-Theme float at the Washing Birthday Celebration
Event Successful
Components of an Environmental Awareness Program. Education Engineering Enforcement Education
Program Update Program Goal For years we have looked for outputs;
engineering (laws) and enforcement. Although successful, the need exists to
educate our younger generation for a sustainable environment. With early childhood education, children
will develop more positive environmental habits by reducing the environmental
crimes and protecting our environment. Education
Program Update Humberto Almaraz made
the following suggestions: Teaching Children as early as Pre-K (3 to 5 ) about Environmental Awareness and Action. Teachers have flexible schedules but lack
the material. Simple & fun Lessons making it exciting. Sustainable sponsor support creates enthusiasm.
Among teachers, volunteers, and administration. Annual “Clean Environment Contest” & winner
participation in environmental parade float should sustain enthusiasm and
interesting. At least two teacher training workshops per year
for new ideas & motivation support one or two fully
committed full time education liaisons. “It is not so
important as to how much the children will be able to conserve or recycle at
this early age, as compared to the invaluable Eco-Habits they will learn and
practice for a lifetime.” Education
Program Update Child
Care Centers An Education Pilot Program Workshop at the Early Student Development in cooperation with Humberto
Almaraz to conduct a workshop on Forty randomly chosen private and government
funded daycare centers. Toby Globy
Educational packages bought and donated to participating centers by Early Student
Development targeting children 3 – 5 years of age. Education Program Update Elementary
Schools Initiative Plan includes both Distribution Water Quality Education Packages
to all Education Lessons obtained by Early Student Development
from TCEQ who compiled them from teachers from all over the state and
packages prepared by Laredo Independent School District Science Teachers Initial Visit, by Early Student Development
personnel, 20
Laredo Independent School District Elementary Schools. A second visit will follow (Badge &
Certificates) Exposition of City’s Water Quality and
Quantity. Problems through pictures will call to serve
as volunteer. We are looking for a few good kids to be
Eco-Deputies Education
Program Update Secondary Schools Initiative Teaming up with Texas Watch (TSU) Free Training & Certification of
Environmental Personnel from both Laredos in the
use of Water Quality Monitoring Kits Newly Certified Environmental Kits. Newly Certified Environmental Members will
conduct training workshops in their respective cities, to secondary science
teachers. Science teachers & students will conduct
monthly sampling, data collection, data organization (computer graphing), and
data interpretation assisted by ESD & Tex Watch personnel Hands on environmental science research
experience in order to awaken interest in field of Study. Education
Program Update Bi-national
effort Working
with Nuevo Laredo Mexico (Subdirecction De Ecologia) Ing. Calletano Hernandez Not including our Obtain grant monies for education Helping our neighbor start a similar
sustainable education program (Pre k-2nd). Networking with other communities on
Environmental Educational Other initiatives Eco-TV Program (Public Access). Eco-Theme Float at b. Update
report related to the on-going Compatibility
Study and the Jose
Flores,
Master Plan and FAR Part 150 Study
Goals and Objectives
Prepare a comprehensive and flexible
Develop facilities to meet future needs
Continue to enhance economic development of the community
Master Planning Process
Inventory, Activity forecasts
Demand/Capacity
Analysis and Facility
Requirements
Alternatives
Development and Analysis
Implementation Plan
Upcoming Tasks – Master Plan
Technical Advisory Committee
Recommend Alternatives
Environmental Overview
Implementation Plan
Financial Plan
Public Workshop FAR
Part 150 Study Goals
Identify and recommend measure to :
Reduce the level of aircraft-generated noise exposure
Change existing noncompatible land uses to
compatible uses
Prevent the introduction of additional noncompatible
land uses
Engage the community and Local government in the process FAR
Part 150 Study Progress to-date
Existing noise Exposure map
Future noise exposure map
Public Review
Noise Exposure maps report
Upcoming tasks – FAR part 150 Study Noise
Abatement Measure
Land use Measures
Public Review
Implementation Plan
Noise Compatibility Program Report
Public Hearing FAA
Review & Approval – 180 days 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 33. 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 Tempore Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 After Executive Session Mayor Flores announced
that no formal action was taken. Motion to approve the negotiated settlement of
the two cases of Gilbert and June Leyendecker vs.
City of Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Galo For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 The Mayor read the following statement: “We
would like the public to know that these two lawsuits involve a federal suit
by the landowners against the City, objecting to the city’s intended
acquisition since 1991 of a right-of-way for the extension of Springfield
through their property, an essential north-south thoroughfare for the City;
and state suit filed by City for actual acquisition of the required
right-of-way from the landowners.
While the City has disputed its liability in the federal case, and
while the parties have disagreed on the fair market value of the property being
acquired from the Leyendeckers, it is in the best
interest of the City to settle both cases with an agreed sum payment of which
the federal case will be dismissed and there will be an agreed judgment in
the state case awarding the right-of-way to the City.” XV. ADJOURNMENT Time: Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Galo Second: Cm.
Galo For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 I, Gustavo Guevara, Jr., ___________________ Gustavo
Guevara, Jr. |