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CITY OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING M-2004-R-012 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
I. CALL TO ORDER With a
quorum present, Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores called the meeting to order. 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 Johnny
Rendon, Council
Member, District V Gene
Belmares, Council
Member, District VI Jose
A. Juan
Ramirez, Council
Member, District VIII Gustavo
Guevara, Jr., City
Secretary Jaime
Flores, IV.
MINUTES Approval of the minutes of Motion to approve. Moved: Cm.
Agredano Second: Cm.
Garcia For: 8
Against: 0 Abstain: 0 V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS Announcements None. Invitations None. Recognitions a.
Recognition
of the winners of the 2004 Distinguished Business Awards: Hugo Gutierrez, Hugo Gutierrez, Jr.,
Adolfo Gutierrez, Robert Gutierrez and Hugo Gutierrez, III. The
Mayor and City Council presented a Seven Flags Certificate of Recognition to
Hugo Gutierrez, Hugo Gutierrez, Jr., Adolfo Gutierrez, Robert Gutierrez,
Richard Gutierrez, and Hugo Gutierrez, III for receiving the 2004 Chamber of
Commerce Distinguished Business Award. (Hugo Gutierrez, III and Roberto
Gutierrez were not present) Jorge
Cedillo, First Vice President of Commerce Bank, expressed his thanks for
being nominated Distinguished Business Award by the Small Business
Administration. He also thanked the
Chamber of Commerce and the Laredo Development Foundation for allowing him to
participate in the program for 2004.
He added that it was a distinguished honor to be part of the program
with the Gutierrez Family. He also
expressed his thanks to the small business owners by acknowledging that they
are the backbone of the community. b.
Recognition
of “This individual is self-motivated,
talented and most definitely deserves the employee of the month for May. First and
foremost, she possesses excellent customer service skills that she exhibits
to both her internal and her external customers. On a daily basis she handles media
inquiries that she then must relay to department heads, managers and elected
officials to obtain an appointment or information. She does this in a very professional and
efficient manner. This month, she
spent extra time helping an internal customer with a request for a phone
number for an external customer. The
call came in at the end of the day and she saw the task through and then
wrapped up her own day to head home.
This is not uncommon, but her dedication to the task was evident. Secondly,
any task that is delegated to her she completes. This month she took the initiative, as she
has in the past, and coordinated or co-coordinated various events. On May 4, the City kicked off a joint phone
book recycling project with SBC. She coordinated
media interview spots on radio and television to promote the contest. For the finale of the recycling campaign,
she coordinated all the participants and award recipients in a culmination
event on May 24 where several schools were presented cash awards for their
participation in the contest. In
addition to this task, she also co-coordinated a groundbreaking event
together with the Utilities Department that was held on May 26, 2004. She coordinated with participants and took
charge of the on-site set-up, program and media material. In
addition to these tasks, this individual has also been a huge advocate for
the American Cancer Society, assisting in every aspect of the City Manager’s
team fundraising efforts. During May,
when most of the fundraising activities took place, she spent much of her
extra time buying items to contribute to plate sales, making sales and
keeping the rest of her team motivated by example. She took over certain tasks when she was
needed and stood by to help in the trenches when that was necessary, as well. This
employee should also be commended for the one-year anniversary of an
informative, effective campaign entitled Trash Tips. For a little over one year, this employee
has been coordinating with the Solid Waste Department Sanitation division and
several others to obtain helpful tips to pass on to the City’s trash
collection customers. The campaign has
contributed to reducing the amount of complaints to the Customer Service
Trackwise system, improved working conditions for Sanitation employees, and
enhanced customer response. Communiqués a.
Presentation
by Sylvia Bruni, Motion
to postpone for July. Moved: Cm.
Agredano Second: Cm.
J. Valdez, Jr. For: 8 Abstain: 0 Abstain: 0 Richard
Perez, Program Manager for VI. APPOINTMENTS
TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES Motion
to approve the following appointments: Audit/Insurance
Committee Mayor
Elizabeth G. Flores Cm. Garcia Cm. Galo Cm. Valdez Nominating Committee to CVB
Advisory Board Mayor
Elizabeth G. Flores Cm. Garcia Cm. Ramirez Community Action Agency
Advisory Board Cm. Agredano Cm. Garcia Cm. Ramirez El Metro Transit System
Committee Cm. Agredano Cm. Amaya Cm. Rendon Engineering Review
Committee Cm. Galo Cm. Valdez Cm. Amaya Health &
Benefits/Issues Committee Cm. Garcia Cm. Amaya Cm. Rendon Legislative Liaison
Committee Cm. Agredano Cm. Garcia Cm. Belmares Metro Government Committee Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores Cm. Agredano Cm. Galo Cm. Rendon Cm. Belmares Oil
& Gas Review Committee Cm. Galo Cm. Amaya Cm. Valdez Protocol,
Procedures & Customer Service Mayor Elizabeth G
Flores Cm. Galo Cm. Garcia Rail
Policy Committee Cm. Galo Cm. Valdez Cm. Ramirez Mayor
Flores Cm. Amaya Cm. Street
Committee Cm. Amaya Cm. Belmares Cm. Ramirez Veteran
Affairs Committee Cm. Agredano Cm. Belmares Cm. Water
issues Committee Cm. Galo Cm. Amaya Cm. Belmares Metro
Planning Organization – already assigned last Council meeting by resolution. TAMIU
Scholarship Advisory Committee Cm. Garcia VII.
PUBLIC HEARINGS 1.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending
the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 4, 5, and the
eastern 11.56 feet of Lot 3, Block 117, Western Division, located at 502
Houston Street, from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community
Business District); providing for publication and effective date. The Planning and Zoning Commission has
recommended denial of the proposed zone change. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved: Mayor Pro
Tempore Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Louis Lavaude, attorney for the Jacaman Family, spoke in
favor of the zone change by noting it would
not impair any of the surrounding businesses or properties. Marina Ramirez spoke against the zone change to B-3. Motion to close the public hearing and deny the zone
change request. Moved: Cm. Ramirez Second: Cm.
Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending
the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of
a Conditional Use Permit for a tattoo parlor on Lots 3 and 4, Block 61,
Calton Gardens Subdivision, located at 5216 Springfield Avenue; providing for
publication and effective date. The
Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the Conditional
Use Permit. 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. Rendon For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Rendon 3.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending
the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by authorizing a Conditional
Use Permit for a tattoo parlor on Lot 12, Block 988, Eastern Division,
located at 1802 Corpus Christi Street; providing for publication and
effective date. The Planning and
Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the Conditional Use Permit. Motion
to open the public hearing. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Mayor Pro Tem Galo For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Denise
and David Rodriguez, applicants, spoke in favor of the Conditional Use
Permit. They asked Council to consider
changing the hours of operation from Keith
Selman, City Planner, explained that staff recommended the Historic District
Landmark Board’s approved color palette because there are 300 colors to
choose from. He continued by
explaining that staff suggests a single color for the entire structure with
the exceptions of the roof and trim because murals fall under the definition
of signage. He reminded Council about
the mural on the Pro 8 News structure which had to be reduced because it was
considered to be signage. Denise
Rodriguez, applicant, explained that the Land Development Code defines a
mural as “art work that is applied
directly to a wall, ceiling, or floor surface where forms and or figures are the dominate element. Any
form of wording or logo shall be secondary
nature to a mural.” She added that
signs are not generally construed as works of art; therefore, a wall sign is
not a mural. Keith
Selman, City Planner, said the difference is that their design is painted
with the intentions of attracting attention to the business. Denise
Rodriguez, applicant, described the mural. Keith
Selman, City Planner, said that Council cannot grant variances to the signage
provision under the Conditional Use Permit.
The applicant would need to appeal to the Administrative Board of
Adjustment. Motion
to close the public hearing and introduce with the following amendments: 1.) The Conditional Use Permit shall be issued
to David and Denise Rodriguez and is nontransferable. 2.) Parking and Paving for the entire site
shall at all times comply with all applicable City
of 3.) The parking lot shall be paved and
configured for commercial purposes. 4.) Signage shall be limited to that which is
allowed under the B-1 designation. 5.)
A seven foot opaque fence shall be placed around the parking lot area
and shall be open where the site abuts a
residential use. 6.)
Hours of operation shall be limited from Mondays through Saturdays
from 7.) Speakers or music are prohibited in front
of the building at all times, during business hours. 8.) The Conditional Use Permit shall be issued
for a one year term. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: Mayor Pro Tem Galo 4.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Block 42,
Eastern Division, located at 305 Corpus Christi Street, from M-1 (Light
Manufacturing District) and B-3 (Community Business 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. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ron
Whitehawk,, representing Jorge Madrigales, asked Council to allow the zone
change to be downgraded. Motion
to close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Ramirez Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Ramirez 5.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending
the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 17.0722 acres, as
further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located north
of Hwy 359, from R-1 (Single-Family Residential District) to B-4 (Highway
Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date. The Planning and Zoning Commission has
recommended approval of the proposed zone change. Motion
to open the public hearing. Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Mayor Pro Tem Galo For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Richard
Haynes, property owner, asked for approval of the zone change. Motion
to close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Garcia 6.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending
the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 19.7148 acres, as
further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located north
of Hwy 359, from R-1 (Single-Family Residential District) to B-4 (Highway
Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date. The Planning and Zoning Commission has
recommended approval of the proposed zone change. Motion
to open the public hearing. Moved: Cm. Garcia 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. Garcia Second: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Garcia 7.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending
the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 18.4346 acres, as further
described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located north of Hwy
359, from R-1 (Single-Family Residential 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: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Richard
Haynes, property owner, asked council to approve of the zone change request. Motion
to close the public hearing and introduce Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Garcia 8.
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. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There
was no public input. Motion
to close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: Mayor Pro Tem Galo 9.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending
the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 7.16 acres, as
further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located
approximately east of Saldaña Avenue and west of the proposed Bartlett Avenue extension,
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 approval of the proposed zone change. Motion
to open the public hearing. Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There
was no public input. Motion
to close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Rendon Second: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Rendon 10.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending
the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 19.14 acres, as
further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located south
of Southgate Boulevard, from AG (Agricultural District) to R-1A (Single-Family
Reduced Area District); providing for publication and effective date. The Planning and Zoning Commission has
recommended approval of the proposed zone change. Motion
to open the public hearing. Moved: Cm. Garcia 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. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Agredano 11.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending
the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 7.61 acres, as
further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located south
of Southgate Boulevard, from AG (Agricultural District) to B-1 (Limited
Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date. The Planning and Zoning Commission has
recommended approval of the proposed zone change. Motion
to open the public hearing. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There
was no public input. Motion
to close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8
Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Agredano 12.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending
the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 24.236 acres, as
further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located north
of Merida Drive, from R-1 (Single-Family Residential District) to R-1A (Single-Family
Reduced Area District); providing for publication and effective date. The Planning and Zoning Commission has
recommended approval of the proposed zone change. Motion
to open the public hearing. Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There
was no public input. Motion
to close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Agredano 13.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending
the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by authorizing a Conditional
Use Permit for a bar on Lot 1, Block 9, Crownridge Subdivision, located at
416 Shiloh Drive; providing for publication and effective date. The Planning and Zoning Commission has
recommended approval of the Conditional Use Permit. Motion
to open the public hearing. Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There
was no public input. Motion
to close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Belmares 14.
Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo
by rezoning 55.75 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached
Exhibit “A”, located northwest of Summerwind Subdivision, Unit I, from B-1
(Limited Commercial District) and 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 approval of the proposed zone change. Motion
to open the public hearing. Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Rendon For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There
was no public input. Motion
to close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Rendon Second: Cm. Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain:
0 Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Rendon 15.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending
the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 2.74 acres, as
further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located
northwest of Summerwind Subdivision, Unit I, from R-1 (Single-Family
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. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There
was no public input. Motion
to close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Rendon Second: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Rendon 16.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending
the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 46.40 acres, as
further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located west
of R.W. Emerson Loop, 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: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There
was no public input. Motion
to close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Rendon Second: Cm. Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Rendon 17.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending
City of Laredo’s Land Development Code Handbook, Article IV, Section 24.69.2,
entitled General Provisions, by establishing further areas of special flood
hazard identified by the Flood Insurance Rate Map Index, to include index
Nos. 5, 10, 640, and 730; providing for publication and effective date. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Rendon Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction:
City Council 18.
Public hearing in consideration of
proposed amendment to the City of Laredo’s Land Development Code Handbook,
Chapter 24: Article IV, Section 24.65.6 : Single Family Manufactured Housing
District: Subsection (1), to allow for non-manufactured home development in
R-1-MH zone districts, and Section 24.77.1: Dimensional Standards, by
increasing the minimum lot area required for a manufactured home in R-1-MH
zone districts to 4,500, and the minimum lot area required in R-O zone
districts to 4,500; providing for publication and effective date. Motion
to open the public hearing. Moved: Cm. Garcia 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. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 19.
Public hearing allowing interested persons
to comment on the 2004 Consolidation Plan which identifies the projects
proposed to be funded by the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development
through the 30th Action Year Community Development Block Grant (CDBG),
the 2004 HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), the 2003 American Dream
Downpayment Initiative; the 2004 American Dream Downpayment Initiative and
the 2004 Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG).
Motion
to open the public hearing. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There
was no public input. Motion
to close the public hearing. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 20.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending
the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by appropriating revenues and
expenditures in the amount of $16,573.00 from Mercy Ministries of Motion
to open the public hearing. Moved: Cm. Garcia 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 21.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing
the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by
decreasing revenues and expenditures in the amount of $742.00 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. The
decrease in funds is due to a reduction in funding from the Texas Department
of Health. 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 22.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending
the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by appropriating revenues and
expenditures, in the amount $15,000.00 in funds from the Texas Department of
Health to conduct the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program of the City
of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning 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. Rendon Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 23.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending
the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget to appropriate grant revenues
and expenses from the 2003 and 2004 State Homeland Security Grant
Subrecipient agreements between the City of Laredo and the Texas Engineering
Extension Service (TEEX) in the original amount of $1,195,134.00 and
accepting and appropriating a supplemental amount of $216,658.00 for a total
amount of $1,411,792.00. In addition,
accepting and appropriating State Homeland Security Grant through the State
Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program Sub-grant in the amount of
$51,142.00, for a grand total amount of $1,462,934.00. Equipment received through the grant
agreement will be used for the City’s Fire, Police, and Health Departments. The appropriation of the said grant revenue
and expenditures will account for grant proceeds and equipment purchased
through the grant and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget
amendment. Motion
to open the public hearing. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There
was no public input. Motion
to close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 24.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing
the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by
increasing Operation Cooperation Program (southbound) by $20,000.00. The United States Customs Service will
reimburse this full amount for overtime expenses incurred by police officers
working in conjunction through joint task forces. The term of the original agreement is from Motion
to open the public hearing. Moved: Cm. Garcia 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: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council VIII.
INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES 25.
Closing
as public easements, certain platted but unopened city street sections described in Exhibits “A”, “B”, “C” and “D”
said street sections being situated in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo,
Webb County, Texas, and authorizing the City Manager to (1) convey fee simple
title to the “surface only” of the tracts described in Exhibits “A”, “B”, and
“C” to David Slaughter and Wife Millicent B. Slaughter; provided however,
that the City of Laredo will retain as utility easements the two tracts
described in Exhibits “B” and “C” as utility easements; and (2) to convey fee
simple title to the “surface only” of the tract described in Exhibit “D” to
Sheila Slaughter Glassford; said conveyances being in partial consideration
by the city for the City’s pending purchase of the Slaughter Farm, for the
creation of a future park in South Laredo; and providing for an effective
date. (Prior action on item #32/ Resolution 2004-R-054 required) Ordinance Introduction: City Council 26.
Closing
as a public easement that section of Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 27.
Closing
as a public easement that section of Eistetter Circle which is bounded by
Eistetter Street and surrounded by Block 478 as per the Amended Retama Park
Subdivision Plat recorded in Volume 2, Page 171, of the Plat Records of Webb
County, Texas situated in the Retama Park Subdivision, City of Laredo, County
of Webb, Texas; and providing for an effective date. Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 28.
Authorizing
the City Manager to execute a contract by and on behalf of the City of
Laredo, Zone Grantee of Foreign-Trade Zone No. 94, Site I, and specifically
authorizing the City Manager to enter into an operations agreement with
International Dairy Products, Inc., Zone Site Operator, for approximately
15,000 square feet of activated space located at 5400 Thomas Avenue at
Foreign-Trade Zone No. 94, Site I, effective upon execution of this contract
and ending on October 31, 2009.
Providing activation, administration, and transactions fees to the City
and providing for an effective date. Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 29.
Closing
as public easements those sections of: C.
All said streets are situated in the
Western Division, City of Ordinance Introduction: City Council IX. FINAL
Motion to waive final reading of
ordinances # 2004-O-133; # 2004-O-134; # 2004-O-135; # 2004-O-136; #
2004-O-137; # 2004-O-138; # 2004-O-139; # 2004-O-140; and # 2004-O-141. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 30.
2004-O-133
Authorizing
the City Manager to execute two (2) year lease agreements for retail space
at “El Mercado” located on Hidalgo and
Lincoln Street with the following retail Lessors; Chez Mauricette, Helados La
Playa and Hot Dog Express; copies of which are provided as Exhibits “A”
through “C”; and providing for effective date. Motion to adopt Ordinance #2004-O-133
with the exception of lessor Chez Mauricette. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-134
Amending
the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by decreasing revenues and
expenditures in the amount $20,000.00 in funds from the Texas Department of
Health for the Maternal and Child Health (MCH-Title V) Program of the City of
Laredo Health Department for the period beginning Motion to adopt
Ordinance #2004-O-134. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-135
Amending
the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by increasing revenues and
expenditures in the amount $20,000.00 in funds from the Texas Department of
Health for the Family Planning Services of the City of Laredo Health
Department for the period beginning Motion to adopt
Ordinance #2004-O-135. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-136
Adding
new Article II [regulation of private premises vendors] to Chapter 18 of the
Code of Ordinances; said Article II defining “private premises vendors”,
regulating them, requiring permits, setting duration of permit, setting fee
of $100.00 for a permit on land owned by permittee and of $500.00 for a
permit on land not owned by permittee, and providing for penalty for
violation of any provision of the regulations; providing for publication and
effective date. Motion to adopt
Ordinance #2004-O-136. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against:
0
Abstain: 0 2004-O-137
Authorizing
the City Manager to accept $600.00 in donations and amending the City of
Laredo FY 2003-2004 General Fund Annual Budget by appropriating revenues in
the amount of $600.00 in the form of a donation from Westwind Homes and appropriating
expenditures in the amount of $600.00 for the purchase of food and beverages
for the Indian Sunset Pond Clean Up Campaign that was held Saturday, May 22,
2004. Motion to adopt
Ordinance #2004-O-137. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-138
Authorizing
City Manager to convey on behalf of City of Laredo, as Trustee, Lots 7 and 8,
Block 1299, Eastern Division, to City of Laredo, for its appraised fair
market value of $9,578.00 of which the net proceeds shall be disbursed to the
creditor taxing entities in the proportion each entity holds of the tax
judgment; and providing for effective date.
Motion to adopt
Ordinance #2004-O-138. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-139
Authorizing
City Manager to convey on behalf of City of Laredo, as trustee, Lots 4 and 5,
Block 1299, Eastern Division, to City of Laredo, for its appraised fair
market value of $9,578.00 of which the net proceeds shall be disbursed to the
creditor taxing entities in the proportion each entity holds of the tax
judgment; and providing for effective date. Motion to adopt
Ordinance #2004-O-139. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-140
Authorizing
the City Manager execute Easement Document WR# 2137814 with American Electric
Power (AEP) for a 12’ x 750’ easement (9,000 square feet) and right-of-way
out of the 1,259.09 acre tract of the Laredo International Motion to adopt
Ordinance #2004-O-140. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-141
Authorizing
the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to effectively convey fee
simple title to the “Surface Only”, at its market value of $7,583.18, for
certain property described as a 5,924.36
sq. ft. (0.1360 of an acre) tract of land, more or less, out of that
former section of the 2200 block of Lincoln Street between Eagle Pass Avenue
and the Laredo Community College property line to Millco International, Inc.;
said tract being situated in the Western Division, City of Laredo, Webb
County, Texas being generally described on attached Exhibit “A”; and
providing for an effective date. This item was replaced
by item on supplemental agenda. X. RESOLUTIONS
31.
2004-R-053 Declaring
the Council's support to the University of Texas Health Science Center in San
Antonio in their request to U.S. Senator John Cornyn for the initiative: "Primero: Educacion, Salud y Seguridad." This is a long term, multi-disciplinary
approach to address the health care needs, health care professions shortage,
and other public health preparedness challenges facing Motion to approve Resolution #
2004-R-053. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain:
0 32.
2004-R-054 Authorizing
the City Manager to sign the earnest
money contract in the form
attached as Exhibit A with
sellers, David Slaughter, Sheila Glassford and Slaughter Properties, Ltd.,
for the purchase of 18 blocks and
parts of 6 blocks, [the greater part of the
Slaughter Farm] for the following consideration from the city: 1.
Cash
in amount of $2,500,000.00; 2.
Fencing
improvements at estimated value of $157,631.25; 3.
Street
improvements at an estimated value of up to $70,081.25; and 4.
Conveyance
of the surface of certain street sections in the two areas being retained by
sellers for their homes; and rescinding Resolution No. 2004-R-037 on the same
subject. Motion to approve Resolution #
2004-R-054. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 33.
2004-R-055 Authorizing
the City Manager to reallocate 100 % of the privatization cost savings to
water and wastewater projects within their respective funds. Motion to approve Resolution #
2004-R-055. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XI. MOTIONS 34.
Authorizing
the City Manager to acquire from seller, Slaughter Properties, Ltd., Block
616, Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, [save and except for
a 0.1243 acre part thereof which is not owned by the seller] for not more
than $58,000.00. Funding is available
in the 2003 CO. Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 35.
Consideration
to award an annual supply contracts (FY04-085) to low bidders, Arguindegui Oil Co., Laredo, Texas, in the
estimated amount of $15,344.00, and
Oil Patch Petroleum Co., Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $31,334.50
for the purchase of lubricants for the Fleet Maintenance Division. Funding is available in the Fleet
Maintenance Fund. Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against:
0 Abstain: 0 36.
Consideration
to award contract number FY04-090, to the sole bidder, Kustom Signals, Inc., Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 37.
Consideration
to enter into a contract with Laredo Newspapers, Inc. (Laredo Morning Times),
the only newspaper of general circulation,
in the estimated annual amount of $45,900.00 for the publication of
legal/public notices as required by the Local Government Code. Funding is available in the respective
department budgets that require the publication of legal notices. Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor Pro
Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 38.
Consideration
to award contract FY04-087, to the low bidder meeting specifications, Fairway
Landscape & Nursery Inc., Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor Pro
Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 39.
Authorizing
the City Manager to grant public fireworks display permits to Atlas Enterprises,
Incorporated for fireworks displays on Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain:
0 40.
Authorizing
the award of a contract in the amount of $76,228.00 to Hanson Wilson, Inc.,
for the development of the Laredo Rail Line Relocation Feasibility
Study. Funding is available through
the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) account using Federal Planning
Grant (PL112) funds. Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 41.
Authorizing
the City Manager to execute an Estoppels Certificate regarding that lease
agreement approved by Ordinance 2001-O-042 dated February 20, 2001, as
amended between the City of Laredo (“Landlord”) and Fedlaredo Partnership,
L.P., a Pennsylvania limited partnership (“Tenant”) for the benefit of GLK,
L.P., a Washington limited partnership (“Purchaser”). Tenant intends to sell of its right, title
and interest in the leased premises to Purchaser on or about Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 42.
Approving
monthly adjustments to the tax roll.
The amount to be adjusted for the month of May 2004, represents an
increase of $66,160.16. These
adjustments are determined by Webb County Appraisal District and by court
orders. Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor Pro
Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 43.
To
award a contract to the second lowest bidder Guillermo Gallegos Backhoe
Services, Inc. of Laredo, Texas in the amount of $94,774.00 to construct 10
septic tanks and piping to provide on site wastewater treatment system to Los
Corralitos. The contract award is
subject to the approval of the Texas Water Development Board. Funding is available in the Colonias
Construction Account. Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor Pro
Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain:
0 44.
Authorizing
the City Manager to amend a contract with Camp Dresser and McKee Inc. in the
amount of $117,009.20 under the Odor and Corrosion Control Project of the
1998A C.O., for design of odor control facilities for the Zacate Creek
Wastewater Treatment Plant, inclusive of the professional services for the
emergency repair of the 42” raw influent line and expansion of the original
scope to include items recommended by United Water for replacement and
repair. The total amended contract
will be $685,609.20. Funding is
available in the 1998A Bond Issue. Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor Pro
Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 45.
Authorizing
the City Manager to amend a contract with Montgomery Watson Harza in the
amount of $137,618.00 under the Chlorine and Ammonia Improvement Project, for
additional design services to install onsite generation chemical fees systems
at remote sites such as Mary Help of Christians, This item was replaced by item #5 in supplemental
agenda. 46.
Consideration
for approval of the selection of consultant York International Sales and
Service, San Antonio, Texas, for the Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 47.
Consideration
to award a construction contract to the lowest bidder Zertuche Construction,
Laredo, Texas, for the CDBG Sidewalks City-Wide Project No. 28 (30 Blocks) in
the base bid amount of $210,319.45. Funding is available in the CD
Projects/Sidewalks – 29th action year / 2003 Grant. Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor Pro
Tem Galo Second: Cm.
Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 48.
Consideration
to award a construction contract to the lowest bidder J. Solis Maintenance
and Welding Service, Laredo, Texas for the CDBG Sidewalks City-Wide Project
No. 26 (30 Blocks) in the base bid amount of $199,452.35. Funding is
available in the CD Projects / School Sidewalks – 28th action
year/2002 Grant & CD Projects / Sidewalks – 29th action year /
2003 Grant. Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 49.
Consideration
for approval of change order No. 5 an increase of $145,517.00 to the construction
contract with Price Construction, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for the Laredo
International Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 50.
Authorizing
the City Manager to execute a lease agreement between City of Laredo and the
Laredo National Bank at an annual fee of $1.00 for housing the Veterans
Monument at the Flag Park of the Americas, a site further described by metes
and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”. Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor Pro
Tem Galo Second: Cm.
Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 51.
Consideration
for acceptance of the Jefferson Street Water Treatment High Service Pump
Station Project and approval of final net decrease change order of $50,000.00
and final payment of $52,302.22 which includes retainage for the completion
of the contract in the amount of $2,615,111.13. Funding is available in the Waterworks
Fund. Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 52.
Consideration
for approval of Amendment #1 to authorize up to an additional $87,252.00 to
the existing professional services contract with Cutler-Gallaway Services,
Inc., San Antonio, Texas for Los Obispos Affordable Housing Project to assess
and provide a determination regarding the structural integrity of the
foundations and to prepare construction documents (plans and specifications)
for repairs, as needed, of the additional 24 housing units at the
project. 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 XII. STAFF REPORTS 53.
A.
Submittal
of the proposed FY 2005-2009 Capital Improvement Program, with possible
action. Motion
accepting the submittal of the 2005-2009 Capital Improvement Plan. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 B.
Update
report on the status of the Colonias Project. Keith
Kendall, Program Manager for Turner, Collie, & Braden, said that there
are eleven Colonias Projects of which eight are the Texas Water Development
Board, four are under construction, and two are going out for advertisements
in the summer. He advised that an
award is being approved in tonight’s Council agenda which will allow one of
the North American Development Bank Projects to begin in summer 2004. The remaining projects will start in the
fall to mid-fall. He noted that the
construction contracts are on schedule.
C.
Presentation
regarding the 2004 property tax and debt survey for the State of Governs
how the property tax process will work. The ·
Taxation
must be equal and uniform. ·
With
some exceptions, all tangible property must be taxed on its current market
value. ·
All
property is taxable unless a federal or state law provides an exemption. ·
Property
owners have a right to reasonable notice of increases in appraised property
value. ·
Each
property in a county must have one appraised value.
Stages in the Property Tax System Appraisal Phase Equalization Phase Assessment Phase Current Year Collection Phase Delinquency Collection Phase Appraisal Phase (Webb
County Appraisal District) August thru May ·
Appraise
Property ·
Set
Values ·
Ownership
Changes ·
New
Subdivision/Annexations ·
Exemptions ·
Mailing
Increase of Value Notices to Property Owners in May Equalization Process (Webb
County Appraisal District) ·
Appraisal
Review Board (ARB) Reviews ·
Challenges
and Protests are heard ·
Value
Changes are made ·
Appraisal
Records approved and certified Assessment
Phase (Taxing Entity) August thru September) ·
Receive
Certified Rolls ·
Budget
Adoption Process ·
Truth
in Taxation (Effective Tax Rate & Roll Back Rate Calculations) ·
Publish
Rates and Hold Hearings ·
Adopt
Rate and Levy Taxes ·
Mail
Tax Statements Current
Year Collection Phase (Taxing Entity) October thru January ·
Receive
Tax Payments ·
Account
for Taxes Collected ·
Make
Supplemental changes ·
Oversee
Delinquent Tax Collection Efforts Delinquency
Collection Phase (Taxing Entity) February until collected ·
Add
Penalty and Interest ·
Mail
Delinquent Notice ·
Add
Attorney Fees ·
Take
Legal Action to Collect Tax Rate and Property Tax Levy (Property within UISD Jurisdiction)
D. A request by
Police Officer Barbara Goodman to consider extending her injury leaves with pay,
with possible action. Dan
Migura, Administrative Services Director, explained that the
firefighters/police officers are entitled to full pay for an illness or an
injury that is related to the line of duty for a period commensurate with the
nature of the line of duty, illness, or injury. If necessary, the leave shall continue for
one year. He said Officer Barbara
Goodman, who was injured on the job on December 21, 2002, has worked with the
City’s Return to Work Program. She has
also worked with modified duty; however, she had a surgical procedure and is
in the latten stages of that recovery.
Records indicate that she has exhausted the 260 Loss Work Days
effective on June 22, 2004. She has
also exhausted the City’s Modified Duty on June 17, 2004. The provision reads that at the end of one year
period the municipalities governing body may extend the line of duty,
illness, or injury leave at full or reduced pay. So based on that provision Officer Goodman
is present to petition the Council to consider an extension of that 260 work
days that we have already paid. Officer
Goodman stated that her next Doctor’s appointment is on July 16, 2004 where
she is hoping to be released for to return to full duties. At a recent visit, the doctor did not
release her because she was receiving injections and he wanted her to let the
treatment settle and release her when she was fully recovered. She asked City Council to extend her injury
leave with pay for 45 days. Motion
to extend Barbara Goodman’s injury leave with pay for 45 days. Moved: Cm.
Agredano Second: Cm.
Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 E. A request by Police Officer Heriberto
Rodriguez to consider extending his injury leave with pay, with possible action. Dan
Migura, Administrative Services Director, said that Officer Heriberto
Rodriguez was injured on the job on Motion
to extend the injury leave with pay for Officer Heriberto Rodriguez for 45
days. Moved: Cm.
Agredano Second: Cm.
Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XIII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND
PRESENTATIONS 54.
A. Request
by Council Member Alfredo Agredano 1. Status Report on street lights in Century
City Subdivision, with possible action. lights in the Century City Subdivision staff
has upgraded three lights from 16,000 lumens to 27,500 lumens. Staff has also assisted AEP/CPL in replacing three lenses and they cleaned the
rest of them because they were faded.
Staff will be working to improve the lighting at the entrance of 2. Status Report on Cielito Lindo Fire Station
/ Police Substation, with possible action. Cm. Agredano asked if the City of Fire
Station No. 14 & police Substation
Cielito Lindo Subdivision Construction
of a new fire station and police substation, driveways with parking lot, as
per plans and specifications prepared by Sepulveda Associates Architects,
Inc. Project
Schedule: Base
bid includes Fire Station # 14 with 3-bay apparatus room, separate men’s and
women’s locker rooms with showers, dormitories, kitchen, dining/living room,
dispatch area, two private offices, a public restroom, mechanical and
equipment room, hose tower, concrete retaining wall, concrete driveways and
parking lot, landscaping, and irrigation system. If
funding become available at the time of award of the construction contract,
the additive alternate of the police substation is as follows: Add Alternate No. 1 Police
Substation includes general office area with a locker section, a private
office, a weapons storage area, restroom and mechanical room. If base bid exceeds the allotted budget, the following
deductive alternates will be considered: Delete Alternate No. 2 – One Apparatus Bay/Flatwork Delete Alternate No.
3 – West Parking Concrete Flatwork Delete Alternate No.
4 – North Parking Concrete Flatwork Delete Alternate No. 5 – Construction time:
270 Calendar Days (Nine Months) Motion to move up Cm.
Rendon’s item. V.
B. Discussion with
possible action on activating Aerial Truck No. 3 and Ambulance No. 12 to be operating at Fire Station No. 12
as previously approved on approved by the City Council. Cm. Rendon questioned a directive that was
given at a Budget Workshop in the Cm. Rendon explained that an aerial truck is
the most important apparatus at the fire station. He added that the truck carries all the
extra equipment that a firefighter needs to save people in the time of need. Fire Chief Sosa said that
an aerial truck needs twelve firefighters that include: three drivers, three
captains, three assistance, and three firefighters. He noted that the department has the
firefighters; however, the department would need to reclassify the firefighters,
which would cost $89,000. He also
mentioned the fact that several firefighters need to obtain their
certification by the national registry.
Cm. Belmares mentioned that at some point in
time the City of Cm. Rendon reiterated that three years ago the
Council felt that there was a necessity to have an Aerial Truck No. 12
covering the Texas A & M University,
Laredo Entertainment Center, Alexander High School, Winfield Estates,
Doctor’s Hospital and other newly constructed sites. Chief Sosa gave a
recommendation to activate Aerial Truck No. 3 in October. He said it would allow the department time
to train twelve firefighters needed for the opening of Cielto Lindo in
2005. Cm. Agredano stressed that the City of Cm. Garcia agreed with the other Council
Members that administration should locate the funds to construct and man
Cielito Lindo Cm. Rendon reminded the City Manager that it
has been almost four years since Council allocated the monies to activate the
aerial truck. He stressed that the
aerial truck should be activated because Council directed staff to do
so. Rudy Ocha, President of the
Firefighters of Laredo, said that response time is extremely important. Fire fighters need the proper equipment to
be able to do their jobs properly. He
said that Council should consider that Motion to proceed with
Cielito Lindo to be staffed. Moved: Cm.
Agredano Second: Cm.
Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Motion to activate in
command Aerial Truck No. 3. Moved: Cm.
Rendon Second: Cm.
Belmares For: 4
Against: 4 Abstain: 0 After discussion the Mayor
asked for a show of hands to activate the AT3. Moved: Cm.
Rendon Second: Cm.
Belmares For: 6 Against: 2 Abstain: 0 Cm. Galo Cm. Ramirez Motion to postpone all
other items on the Agenda. Moved: Cm. Second: Cm.
Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 B. Request by Mayor
Pro-Tempore John C. Galo 1.
Motion to reimburse up to $100.00 per
month to the tennis pro at the Motion
to postpone. Moved: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2.
Discussion regarding the dumping
problem on the first block of Motion
to postpone. Moved: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 C.
Request by Council Member Gene Belmares 1.
Discussion with possible action
regarding property tax values set by the Webb County Appraisal District. Dr. Xavier Cantu asked Council to debate the
increase of property values that have been imposed on the tax paying citizens
of Jacqueline
Geissler stated that Citizens United towards Fair Assessment in Taxes is more
than what their name indicates. She
explained that their goal is to monitor elected officials and what they do
with taxpayer’s monies. She said that
Council should curtail their expenditures by cutting back like the citizens
of Joe
Botello expressed the same opinion as Jacqueline Geissler and Dr. Cantu.
He also said that “CUT FAT” is a non-profit corporation that is
chartered by the State of Mayor
Pro Tempore Galo concurred with the City Manager that the Webb County
Appraisal District is mandated to appraise properties at market value. He encouraged any individual that feels
that his property is overvalued to protest.
He serves on the Webb County Appraisal District Board of Directors therefore
he would remind staff to walk protesters through the process of protesting as
painlessly as possible. He applauded
the efforts of “CUT FAT.” He agreed
that the current taxing process does not seem to be fair. He stressed the fact that the City of Cm. Mayor
Flores assured CUT FAT that the City Council is very cautious in spending the
taxpayer’s monies. She said that
Council attends Strategic Planning Sessions each year that entails reviewing
a five-year plan so they can select their projects as fiscally and prudently
as possible. She praised the City
Manager and his staff for staying focused with their vision that serves the
people of Cm. Belmares said that he needs the community
to be mindful of what they are asking the Council to do when they ask them to
“cut back.” Government cannot be all
things for all people. There are so
many things that the City provides that are not essential services but if we
cut some of those services others individuals in the community would go into
an uproar. He specifically mentioned
the Third Party Funding where the City assists with non profit organizations
and park programs that Council provides that it is not the rule of the
government to create recreation.
Finally he said that Council can cut it as thin as the community would
like for us too but be mindful that there are certain things that CUT FAT may
not ask for but the other members of the community do. 2.
Discussion with possible action
regarding traffic issues in District VI. Motion
to postpone. Moved: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 3.
Discussion with possible action on
creating a farmer’s market. Motion
to postpone. Moved: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 4.
Discussion with possible action on
creating an Ordinance Review Committee. Motion
to postpone. Moved: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 D. Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez 1. Discussion with
possible action on establishing a procedure to inform the public of power
blackouts. This item was replaced by item 6 (C) 1 in
the supplemental agenda. 2. Discussion
with possible action on extending the bus route to the Rio Vista area. This item was replaced by item 6 (C)) 2
in the supplemental agenda. 3. Discussion with
possible action on resurfacing Motion to postpone. Moved:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 4. Discussion with possible action on placing
Council Member Requests at the beginning of the agenda. This item was replaced by item 6 (C) 3 in
the supplemental agenda. XIV. EXECUTIVE SESSION The
City Council hereby reserves the right to go into executive session at any
time during this public meeting, if such is requested by the XV. ADJOURNMENT SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA I. COMMUNICATIONS
AND RECOGNITIONS Recognition a.
Recognition of the Laredo
Select Hoopsters composed of local middle school girls for their 3rd
place win in the Junior Varsity category of the basketball tournament held
Mayor and City Council recognized the Laredo Select Hoopsters and
presented them with a Seven Flags Gift Certificate of Recognition. II.
PUBLIC HEARING 1. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending
the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 Hotel Motel Fund budget by appropriating a drawdown of $250,000.00
from the opening balance by amending the transfer of funds to the Convention
and Visitors Fund, and amending the City of Laredo’s Convention and Visitors
Fund budget by appropriating revenues and expenses in the amount of
$250,000.00, which will be placed in a Miss Texas Pageant division, and
authorizing the City Manager to implement said budgets. 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. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council III. FINAL
2. This item replaces Final Reading #
2004-O-141 on regular City Council agenda. 2004-O-141 Authorizing the City Manager to execute all
necessary documents to effectively convey fee simple title to the “Surface
Only,” at its market value of $7,583.18, for certain property described as a
5,924.36 sq. ft. (0.1360 of an acre)
tract of land, more or less, out of that former section of the 2200 block of
Lincoln Street between Eagle Pass Avenue and the Laredo Community College
property line to Millco International, Inc.; said tract being situated in the
Western Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, being generally
described on attached Exhibit “A”; and providing for an effective date. Motion to adopt
Ordinance #2004-O-141. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 IV. MOTIONS
3. Consideration to amend
the existing contract with Crystal Group, Inc., a Texas Corporation from
$150,000.00 to $260,000.00 to include contractual obligations of the City of Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem
Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 4. Authorizing the City Manager to enter into
a contract with the Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem
Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 5.
This item replaces item #45 on the regular City Council agenda. Authorizing the City Manager to amend a
contract with Montgomery Watson Harza in the amount of $137,618.00 under the
Chlorine and Ammonia Improvement Project for additional design services to
install onsite generation chemical fees systems at remote sites such as Mary
Help of Christians, Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tem
Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 V. GENERAL
COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS 6. A. Request by Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores 1. Presentation by
American Electric Power (AEP) representative regarding the power outage of Mike Cearley,
from Corpus Christi Office, gave the following report: The Event Approximately
Primary relay
protection did not operate. Backup relay
protection operated and prevented further damage to the system and limited
the outage duration. Laredo PS and
69V Loops were isolated from the system and were outaged. Approximately
30,948 customers were outaged. Event
Recovery Event began
at approximately # 1 – 138 v Bus pt’S were cut
in clear between
Service restoration began
at All customers were back on in one
hour and 41 minutes by #
1-138kV bus was put back in service approximately # 1
– 138 V bus PT’s were replaced @ Action Items Relays and relay systems
were tested for proper calibration. Found and corrected current
transformer wiring problem. Found and corrected timer
setting on # 2 Auto transformer. Both 138k buses were Trip
Tested to confirm that they will trip when called upon to do so. Install test switches to
facilitate trip testing – AEP best practice. Recent Replaced 2-138k V circuit
breakers at Laredo PS North Laredo SS
installation Wormser Road – Falcon –
Garza 138V line upgrade Zapata substation capacity
increase Zacate Creek substation
nearing completion Future Transmission Plans
for CFE –
B. Request by Council Member Johnny Rendon 1.
Discussion with possible action on
activating Aerial Truck # 3 and Ambulance # 12 to be operating at Fire
Station # 12 as previously approved on This
item was discussed with item 54(A)2. C. Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez The
following items replace items 54. D. 1, 2, and 4 on the regular City Council
agenda. 1. Discussion with
possible action on establishing a procedure to inform the public of power blackouts. Cm. Ramirez gave several suggestions for
establishing a procedure to inform the public of power blackouts. He suggested for staff to work on creating
an agreement with the Mayor Flores
advised the Council Member that the City of 2. Discussion with
possible action on extending the bus route to the Rio Vista area. Motion to
postpone. Moved:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
Second: Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 3. Discussion with
possible action on placing Council Member requests at the beginning of the
agenda. Motion to
postpone. Moved:
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain:
0 VI. 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 VII. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn. Time: Moved: Cm.
Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8
Against: 0 Abstain: 0 I, Gustavo Guevara, Jr.,
City Secretary, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and
correct copy of the minutes contained in pages 01 to 42 and they are true,
complete, and correct proceedings of the City Council meeting held on ______________________________________ Gustavo
Guevara, Jr. City
Secretary |