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CITY OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING M2004-R-02 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. Ramirez Second: Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Cm. Agredano
was not present. V. COMMUNICATIONS
AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
a. Presentation by Linda Payle,
Parent Involvement Coordinator for the Head Start Program. Linda Payle, Head Start Coordinator, reported that the program
has been in existence since 1966 and introduced Ms. Belen Cisneros, one of
the parents present at the City Council meeting. Ms. Cisneros extended an invitation to
Mayor Flores, the City Council and the citizens of b. Presentation by Dr. Hector Gonzalez, City
of Laredo Health Department Director, on an innovative
and creative award wining “Bienestar Program” with
funding from the National Institute of Health, Dr. Hector
Gonzalez, Health Department Director, stated that the health department has
entered into a partnership with Dr. Roberto Trevino to conduct a program for
children in elementary schools for four years. He explained that they will be making a
presentation before the school boards before bringing this project to
Invitations Recognitions
a. Recognition of Washington’s Birthday
Celebration Association for being named one of the Top 100 Events in Nick Reyna, Convention
and Visitors Bureau Director, reported that the City was able to nominate the
WBCA event for consideration by a 12-judge committee of traveling
professionals. He stated that all of
the fifty states and 12 provinces from b. Recognition of the AARP for being the most
active local chapter in the state. Cm. Jose A. Valdez,
Jr. mentioned that the citizens’ involvement in community issues keeps them
young at heart. He stated that Mayor Flores and
City Council recognized the local chapter members for their dedication,
devotion and unselfish volunteer work within the community. Juan Castaneda Olivia
Aguilar Rafael
Garcia Maria
Perez Jesus
Laurel Patricio
Perez Alicia
Laurel Lilia
Moore Maria
Martinez Modesta
Wilkerson Benita
Valdez Lucia
Salinas Carlota
P. Dominguez Pedro
Salinas Nancy
Laurel Moses
Ramirez Jose Laurel c. Presentation by E. E. Reed Construction,
L.P. to the City of “Ice Award”
Excellence in Construction awarded by Houston Associated Builders and
Contractors for the Laredo Entertainment Center Project. Kiki De Ayala, d. Recognition of the 2003 Retirees of the
Laredo Police Department.
Assistant Lieutenant Sergeant Gaspar Ambrose 35 years 6 months Sergeant Ramiro Soto 41
years 3 months Investigator Abraham Romero 34
years 4 months Investigator Hector Mitchell 25
years 5 months Officer Leonardo Gutierrez 20
years Chief
Dovalina, Police Chief, stated that all of these individuals faithfully
protected and served their community for many years. He added that these officers have served
with distinction and provided dedicated law enforcement service to their
community. Communiqués Cm. Agredano came in at Cm. Garcia
stated that out city will soon begin with the annual Washington’s Birthday
Celebration and he urged all our residents not to drink and drive. He reminded everyone to be responsible and
watch out for the youth that are also out enjoying the festivities. Mayor Pro
Tem Galo expressed his condolences to the family of Jesus “Chuy” Hernandez.
He stated that Mr. Hernandez was an advocate of the citizens of Cm. Amaya congratulated John Orfila and his staff at the Public
Works Department for their work on the five-block sidewalk project leading up
to Cm. E.
Valdez, Jr. reminded his constituents that there will be a town hall meeting
at Cm. Belmares introduced Mr. Juan Avila who extended an
invitation for everyone to attend the United Spring Festival at the Cm. J.
Valdez, Jr. congratulated Gustavo Guevara, Jr., Cm. Ramirez
extended his condolences to the family of Carlos Rendon who passed away
yesterday. He mentioned that Mr.
Rendon was his appointee to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. He also congratulated the organizers of the
Jamboozie Festival for an outstanding event and Gustavo
Guevara, Jr., Mayor
Flores stated that the delegation from the City of San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato presented
her with a replica of the archangel that looks over the City of San Miguel de
Allende to the people of the City of VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES a. Appointment by Council Member Juan Ramirez
of Enrique de la Garza to the Transportation and Traffic Safety
Advisory Committee. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. Second:
Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Division, located at 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. Amaya Second: Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Amaya 2. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of
Laredo by rezoning 37.34 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on
attached Exhibit “A”, located west of Mines Road and south of Bob Bullock
Loop, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District), B-4 (Highway Commercial
District) and M-1 (Light Manufacturing 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: 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. J. Valdez, Jr. Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. 3. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of
Laredo by rezoning 10.06 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on
attached Exhibit “A”, located east of Country Club Drive and south of Del Mar
Boulevard 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 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. E. Valdez, Jr. Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. 4. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of
Laredo FY 2003-2004 Full Time Equivalent positions of the General Fund Parks
and Recreation Department – Recreation Center Division from 27 to 28 to
appropriate the monies to be received from the Community Development Block
Grant Program, for one Recreation Specialist for the purpose of providing a
Community Service Program at the Lamar Bruni Vergara Inner City Park, Technology Recreation Center. 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. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 5. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
authorizing the City Manager to accept a contribution
in the amount of $625,000.00 from Webb County through an Interlocal Government Agreement and amending the City
of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by appropriating revenues and
expenditures in the amount of $625,000.00 for the acquisition and development
of the North Central Laredo Park. 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. Agredano For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 1 Cm.
Amaya Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 6. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the City of Parking
Meter Fund by appropriating a draw down of $400,000.00 from the opening
balance and appropriating it for land acquisition. The project consists of construction
improvements and demolition costs of a surface municipal parking lot in the
downtown area. The Parking meter fund
will be reimbursed from the proceeds of a proposed Parking Meter Fund
Certificate of Obligation Bond. Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm. Belmares 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. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 7. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual
budget by appropriating a draw down of $5,925,000.00 from the opening balance
and appropriating it for equipment acquisition. The project consists of twenty-five (25)
automated refuse trucks and 45,000 trashcans.
The Solid Waste Fund will be reimbursed from the proceeds of a
proposed Solid Waste Fund Certificate of Obligation Bond. 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. J. Valdez, Jr. For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council VIII. GENERAL
COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS 8. A. Request
by Council Member Hector J. Garcia 1. Discussion with possible action regarding
traffic control and safety precautions on Highway 59 during the WBCA events. Police Chief
Agustin Dovalina replied that they will have the same kind of police presence
as they had last year during those hours that the WBCA events are taking
place. 2. Discussion with
possible action regarding security for parks. Police Chief
Agustin Dovalina reported that they have advised City Council that there
would be a contingency of officers patrolling the parks. He mentioned that there are three officers
and one supervisor patrolling approximately 94 to 100 parks and they are
targeting the problem areas at different times of the day. He stated that he has already contacted
Horacio De Leon, Parks and Recreation Director, regarding several initiatives
they have in place for patrolling the problem areas. He added that they are considering
implementing a program called Adopt-a-Park where they elicit the help of the
residents in the area. Cm. Garcia
recommended that city staff look into installing some cameras in order to
deter vandalism at the parks and find out the cost for adding cameras at the
parks.
B. Request by Council Member Johnny Amaya 1. Discussion with possible action on
extending the median with stamped concrete on Motion to
appropriate $50,000.00 from District IV discretionary funds to continue with the Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Mayor Pro Tem Galo For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
C. Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez 1. Discussion with possible action on
establishing a park in the San Francisco Javier neighborhood. 2. Discussion with
possible action regarding a traffic control device at the intersection of Police
Chief Agustin Dovalina stated that they would get motorcycle officers to
patrol the area and issue citations when warranted. 3. Discussion with possible action on
improving drainage flow on Benavides. 4. Discussion with
possible action on establishing a permanent taxi parking stand near the corner of This item was
discussed under Item 39 (A). IX.
INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES 9. Setting the maximum speed limit on that
portion of IH 35 main lanes within the city limits of Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 10. Approving
the public sale of airport non-aeronautical use land located at the specifications being: Block No. 34 of the
Subdivision Plat of Laredo of approximately 3.30-acres and Block No. 35
of the Subdivision Plat of Laredo Two Thousand Nine Hundred Twenty One Dollars
and Eighteen Cents ($1,092,921.18); and authorizing the City
Manager to execute all necessary conveyance documents; providing for
effective date. Ordinance Introduction: City Council 11. Amending
Chapter 2, Administration, Article I, In General, Section 2.5 of the Code of Ordinances by amending subparagraph (b)
entitled Agenda Order of Business, and providing for publication and effective
date. Ordinance Introduction: City Council 12. Authorizing
the City Manager to execute a lease with the Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association, Inc., (WBCA) for
approximately fifteen (15.0) acres of concrete ramp located on the southwest cargo
ramp of the Air Operations Area to include City owned vacant non-aeronautical
use land located at the commencing on finds and declares that a valid public
purpose would be served in setting the daily rental fee at $1.00; providing for an effective
date. Ordinance Introduction: City Council 13. Amending
chapter 19. Motor Vehicle and Traffic, Article XI, Truck Traffic, Section 19-415 (a)(1)(e) of the Code of Ordinances,
City of will now prohibit departing from a
designated truck route for the purpose of obtaining lodging, providing for effective date and
publication. Ordinance Introduction: City Council 14. Authorizing
the City Manager to execute a lease with Webb County Juvenile Board for approximately 100,357 square feet of land
located at Lease term is for three (3) years commencing
on hundred and eighty (180) day written
notice. Monthly rent shall be
$2,137.35 and will be adjusted annually according to changes in
the Consumer Price Index; providing for an effective date. Ordinance Introduction: City Council except Cm. Amaya
who abstained. 15. Authorizing
the City Manager to execute a lease of blocks 08, 08-A, X, Y, and an additional 14,333 square feet between the
said blocks, and excluding 1,225 square feet within the block 08-A, Western Division,
City of Holdings, L.L.C., a California Limited
Liability Company, Cathy Associates L.L.C, a Colorado Limited Liability Company, and Mary
Associates, L.L.C, a Limited Liability Company, in accordance
with the terms of the negotiated lease attached as Exhibit A, including commencing
monthly rental of $5,109.00 with annual adjustment thereof based on any change in
the Consumer Price Index; and providing for effective date. Ordinance Introduction: City Council X. FINAL
READING OF ORDINANCES Motion to waive the final readings of
Ordinances # 2004-O-001; # 2004-O-002; # 2004-O-003; # 2004-O-004; #
2004-O-006; # 2004-O-007; # 2004-O-008; # 2004-O-009; # 2004-O-010; #
2004-O-011; # 2004-O-012; # 2004-O-013; # 2004-O-014; # 2004-O-015; #
2004-O-016; # 2004-O-017; # 2004-O-018; # 2004-O-019; # 2004-O-020; #
2004-O-021; # 2004-O-022; #
2004-O-023; # 2004-O-024; and # 2004-O-025. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 16. 2004-O-001 Amending the Zoning Ordinance
Map of the City of authorizing
the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for a mechanic shop on Lots 11 &
12, Block 448, Eastern Division, located at 118 & Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-001. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-002 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of 2.66
acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A”
located approximately at the 3900 block of Bob Bullock Loop, from R-3 (Mixed
Residential District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for
publication and effective date. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-002. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-003 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of Lots
1 and 2, Unit 1, El Rancho Subdivision, located at 4120 Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-003. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain:
0 2004-O-004 Authorizing
the amendment of a Special Use Permit for a mini-storage warehouse,
on Lot 1, Block 1, Lago Del Mar Subdivision, Unit
11, located at 7611 Bartlett Avenue; providing for publication and effective
date. (As amended) Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-004. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-006 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of Lot
8 and the west 22.56 feet of Lot 7, Block 1692, Eastern Division, located at
2401 Arkansas Avenue, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-3 (Community
Business District); providing for publication and effective date. Motion
to introduce ordinance as amended from a B-3 to a B-1. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-007 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of Lot
2, Block 1, Hilltop Subdivision, Phase I, located at 420 Hilltop Road, from
R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District);
providing for publication and effective date. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-007. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-008 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of authorizing the amendment of a
Conditional Use Permit for a meat market/supermarket on 1056, Western Division, located publication and effective date. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-008. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-009 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for
a sign on Eastern Division, located at publication and effective date. (As amended) Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-009. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain:
0 2004-O-010 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of 0.05 acres, as further described by metes
and bounds on attached Exhibit “A” located northwest of the intersection
of Mexican Railroad right-of-way, from R-1
(Single Family Residential District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial
District); providing for publication and effective date. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-010. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain:
0 2004-O-011 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of 2.00 acres, as further described by metes
and bounds on attached Exhibit “A” located west of R-1 (Single Family Residential District)
to R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District); providing for publication
and effective date. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-011. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-012 Amending the
Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of 219.26
acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A”
located west of Mines Road and south of Bob Bullock Loop, from R-1 (Single
Family Residential District), and M-1 (Light Manufacturing District) to R-1A
(Single Family Reduced Area District); providing for publication and
effective date. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-012. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-013 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of 8.89
acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A” located west of 1 (Light Manufacturing District) to B-4
(Highway Commercial District); providing for publication and effective
date. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-013. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-014 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of 41.25 acres, as further described by
metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A” located west of 1 (Light Manufacturing District) to R-2
(Multi-Family Residential District); providing for publication and
effective date. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-014. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-015 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for
a second single family residential dwelling on Division, located at and effective date. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-015. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-016 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for
the outdoor storage of heavy equipment on Lot 1G, Block 1, Jacaman
Ranch, Unit 1, located at 6320 Krone Lane;
providing for publication and effective date.
Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-016. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain:
0 2004-O-017 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of authorizing a Planned Unit Development
Specific Use Overlay District on approximately at effective date. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-017. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain:
0 2004-O-018 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 for publication and effective date. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-018. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-019 Authorizing the City Manager to accept
$2,750.00 in various donations to the City of City of in the amount of $2,250.00 in the form of
equal amount donations of $750.00 each from: South Texas National Bank, International
Bank of Commerce and Escamilla and Poneck, Inc., and appropriating expenditures in the amount of $2,250.00
for the attendance at Austin Expo 2004 in of a donation from HEB Food Stores and
appropriating expenditures in the amount of $500.00 for the purchase of
recreational equipment for the Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-019. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-020 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into
an agreement with the Parks and Wildlife Department to accept a
grant in the amount of $489,793.00 and amending the City of Improvements Projects Fund annual budget
by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $979,586.00
for the construction and redevelopment of local matching funds from Community
Development Block Grants ($81,679.00) and a Tex-Mex land donation
($408,114.00). Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-020. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-021 Authorizing
the City Manager to accept a contribution to the City of Laredo
Parks and Recreation Department in the amount of $12,500.00 from the Prairie
Foundation and amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by
appropriating revenues of $12,500.00 in the form of a contribution from the
Prairie Foundation and appropriating expenditures in the amount of $12,500.00
for the 2004 Summer Playground registration fees. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-021. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-022 Amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004
annual budget by increasing expenditures and revenues in the amount
of $65,750.00 from the Department of Health and $36,965.00 in
Program Income for a six-month budget for the Immunization Action
Program of the City of Department for the grant period beginning
on -.13.
Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-022. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain:
0 2004-O-023 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a
lease agreement with Webb County for approximately 2,378 square
feet constituting Building No. 1228 located at Lease term is for fifteen (15) months
commencing on ending on an effective date. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-023. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-024 Setting the maximum speed limits on that
portion of between limits of section map provided by the City of Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-024. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-025 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into
a lease agreement by and between the Laredo Transit Management,
Inc., and the City of Community Development Department for the
lease of 6,628 sq.ft. of building space at the (East) second and third floors (East) for
a monthly sum of $4,218.97 for a term of three (3) years commencing on Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-025. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XI. RESOLUTIONS 17.
2004-R-011 A resolution expressing
official intent to reimburse costs associated with demolition
and construction improvements of a surface municipal parking lot in the
downtown area. Motion
to approve Resolution # 2004-R-011. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 18. 2004-R-012
Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant with the Office of the Governor,
Criminal Justice Division. The City
Manager is authorized to apply for, accept, reject, alter, or terminate a
grant. The Office of the Governor,
Criminal Justice Division will be funding 90% of the Juvenile Accountability
Block Grant and the City of Motion to approve Resolution # 2004-R-012. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 19. 2004-R-013
A resolutions expressing official intent to reimburse costs associated
with the
purchase of twenty five (25) automated refuse collection trucks and 45,000
trash cans. Motion to approve Resolution # 2004-R-013. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XII. MOTIONS 20. Consideration to change the regular City
Council meeting for March 2004 scheduled for March 15th to March 29th due to
the annual Motion to approve. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 21. Consideration to renew an annual contract
FY 02-032 awarded to the low bidder, Cantu Electric,
Inc., Laredo, Texas, in the base annual amount of $33,980.00 for the
maintenance of the illumination system along IH 35, Loop 20, Milo I, and FM
1472 for one additional year. The
contract vendor will be required to maintain, repair and/or replace the
various appurtenances related to the existing roadway assemblies. The term of this contract was for one year
with an option to renew for an additional year upon mutual consent of the City
and the contractor. Funding is available
in the Traffic Safety Department budget. Motion to
approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 22. Consideration to extend annual service
contract number FY 03-037 awarded to the low bidder, Star
Operations, Inc., Corpus Christi, Texas, in an amount not to exceed
$400,000.00 for the furnishing of materials, machinery, equipment, labor and
all other services necessary for the maintenance of street lights (not
maintained by AEP-CPL) and traffic signal lights throughout the city for one
year commencing on March 3, 2004. The
contract includes electrical service for traffic signals and street lights
and for installation, construction, and underground work, for new and/or
upgraded traffic signals and for the installation and maintenance of street
lights. The term of this contract was
for one year with an option to extend this contract under the same terms and
conditions. This contract also
contains provisions for the City departmental electrical service projects and
repairs. Funding is available in the
Traffic Safety Department budget. Motion to
approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 23. Consideration to authorize the purchase of
five, compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles for various
city departments through the Houston Galveston Area Council of Governments (HGAC) - Cooperative
Purchasing Program, in the total amount of $100,760.00. Two trucks will be purchased for the
Community Development Department and three for the Utilities Department. The vehicles will be delivered within
ninety days. Funding is available
their respective budgets. Motion to
approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 24. Consideration to award contract number
FY04-025, to the low bidder meeting specifications
Cintas Corporation, Motion to
approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 25. Consideration to award a contract to Ferris
and Flinn Engineering of in the
amount of $68,290.00 to update the Capital Improvements Program in
calculation of the impact fees. This
project consists of updating the CIP, providing a hydraulic model of the
water system, wastewater model and a master plan for both water and
wastewater improvements. Funding is
available in the Sewer Construction Impact Fees and 1993 & 1994 Water
Bond Impact Fees Accounts. Motion to
approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 26. Consideration to award an annual
maintenance contract to Dynix in the amount of $45,720.76
for library automation, network services, software, Vmark
licenses and equipment for the libraries’ Dynix™
network. Funding is available in the
Library’s Operational Budget. Motion to
approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 27. Consideration to award an architectural
engineering (A/E) contract in the amount not to exceed
$55,201.26 to Ashley Humphries & Sanchez Architects, Motion to
approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 28. Consideration for approval to award a
resident project representative (inspection services)
contract in the amount not to exceed $34,450.00 to Howland Engineering &
Surveying Company, Motion to
approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 29. Consideration to award an engineering
contract in the amount not to exceed $65,500.00 to Arcadis, Motion to
approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: Abstain: 30. Consideration to award contract number
FY04-050, to the low bidder for furnishing the prefabricated
concrete rebar, wire mesh and other items needed for the McPherson Drainage
Project Phase II. The contract vendor
will be required to provide the necessary rebar, precut and detailed, for the
concrete channels, walls and inlets as per the construction plans. Funding is available in the 2003
Contractual Obligation Fund-McPherson Acres Drainage Project. Motion to
postpone for Moved: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 31. Consideration to award contract number
FY04-044, to the low bidder, Varmicon Industries,
Motion to
approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 32. Consideration to authorize the purchase of
one regenerative air street sweeper from Kinlock Equipment &
Supply, Inc., Motion to
approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 33. Consideration to authorize the purchase of
one ditch witch trencher with backhoe and trailer
from Earle Kinlaw Associates, Inc., Motion to
approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 34. Consideration to authorize the purchase of
two octagon shelters, nine picnic tables, and four round
concrete tables from Hunter Knephshield Company, Motion to
approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 35. Consideration to award a construction
contract to the lowest bidder Zertuche Construction,
Laredo, Texas, for the Laredo International Motion to
approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 36. Consideration to authorize the City Manager
to ratify and amend a professional services
contract with Quest Diagnostics, Inc., to perform clinical laboratory testing
services submitted by the City of Laredo Health Department and ratifying the
contract amendment by increasing the cumulative amount from $515,000.00 to
$675,000.00. Funding is available in
the following state grants: MCH-Title
V, La Familia (COPC), HIV/AIDS/STD Program, TB Binational, and the Buena Vida Health Program. Motion to
approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 37. Consideration to award contract FY04-030,
to the low bidder, A Clean Portoco, Motion to
approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 38. Consideration to amend the City’s contract
with Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade
and Douglas,
Inc. for the preparation of an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed
City of Laredo International Bridge No. 5 and Border Facilities by an amount
not to exceed $15,597.35 to provide for additional review and response to
agency comment and report reproduction over that agreed to in the original
scope of work and to further extend the contract period to September 30,
2004. The contract amount will
increase from $208,203.00 to $223,800.35. Motion to
approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain:
0 XIII. STAFF REPORTS 39. A. Presentation
by of a
recommended plan of action for the taxicab industry that is consistent with
some of the findings and recommendations identified in a recently conducted
City of Mayor Pro
Tem Galo asked that city staff work on implementing the following recommendations: the hiring of an inspector to do extra
inspections; working with El Lift to refer clientele to the taxicab industry;
and developing of the limousine ordinance.
Motion to
direct staff to implement these three items and continue to work on the
entire package recommendations following review by the Vehicles for Hire Ad
Hoc Committee, and bring back to City Council. Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 B. Tax Collections Report for December 2003 by
Collector. Council. She introduced some of the staff that has
worked closely with her on the automated
services available to the customers. She
explained that the department has now integrated
automated services in order to run more efficiently and utilize parts of the
system that were not being utilized. Electronic
Filing of Mortgage Payments: The Tax Department
initiated a pilot program to electronically process mortgage company
payments. The first payment file was
successfully transmitted and process on December 10th. With this automation, we were able to
process a total of six payment files totaling $4,847,170 and interface
payment data of 8,294 transactions with the IS-400; thus reducing manual
processing time from approximately 91 man hours. (Staff-in-charge: Dora Maldonado) Automation of Name
and Address Changes: On January 15th,
the Tax Department successfully completed their second goal of electronically
interfacing the name and address changes submitted by the Webb County
Appraisal District on a monthly basis.
This file of 1,480 changes, which would have normally taken 40 man
hours to complete was completely processed in 2.5 hours
(Staff-in-charge: Implementing
Hotel-Motel Receivables into the IS-400:
All Hotel-Motel
accounts were being maintained in manual ledgers and payments were not
interfaced with the IS-400. The
department is currently 99% complete in the testing and interfacing of this
activity. The
completion of this activity will improve on the accuracy and efficiency of
processing Hotel-Motel receivables. (Staff-in-charge: Automation of
Pay Station Water Utility Collections:
(approx.
60-90 days from completion): By entering
into agreement with Integrated Payment Systems for the electronic submittal
of funds and payment file, the department will: 1. eliminate staff from having to pick up daily collections
from pay station sites (approximately
two hours daily); 2. eliminate staff from
manually entering an average of 670 payments a day (approximately five hours
daily); 3. credit customer accounts three to six hours
earlier; 4. increase pay station sites up to a possible
80 locations. (Key
staff-in-charge: Current Property Tax Collection YTD December, 2003
Current Property Tax Collection YTD Totals as of January, 2004
C. Update
report on the status of the Colonias Project. Keith Kendall, Project Manager, reported on
the status of the project. Starting
with State Highway 359, Work Order #1 is under
construction and is about 45% complete.
Work Order # 4 which is 16” water transmission line has been completed and is pending final inspection which
should take place this month. The remaining contracts that the City has include
the elevated storage tanks and ground storage tanks and booster pump station. They accepted bids on those this month and should be bringing those before City
Council for award at the February 17th meeting.
The remaining water collection and wastewater distribution design has been completed but is pending easements and
right-of-way acquisitions to be going forward with those projects. On the NADBank
projects, he explained that those are about 75% complete with the water
transmission line in the Hwy. 359 area and about 90% complete with a preliminary design
for the wastewater collection and water treatment plant in the the news media that the funding for this
project is in jeopardy. He explained
that session is for funds that have not been
committed to any cities. 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 40. Request for Executive Session pursuant to
Texas Government Code 551.072 in order
to
deliberate the possible purchase, lease or value of a parcel of land in South
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 551.072 in order to deliberate the possible
purchase, lease or value of a parcel of land in South 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: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 2 Cm. Garcia Cm.
Amaya The Mayor
announced that no formal action was taken in Executive Session. Motion to authorize
the City Manager to proceed with the purchase of 17.331 acres out of One
River Place Subdivision for the sum of $42,000 to be used for public
purposes. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 2 Cm.
Garcia Cm.
Amaya XV. ADJOURNMENT Motion
to adjourn. Time:
Moved: Cm. J. For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 I, Gustavo
Guevara, Jr., _______________________________ Gustavo
Guevara, Jr. |