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CITY OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING M2004-R-22 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS I. CALL TO ORDER With
a quorum present, Mayor Elizabeth G. II. PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE Mayor
Elizabeth G. III. ROLL CALL In
attendance: Elizabeth
G. Flores, Mayor Hector
Garcia, Council
Member, District II John
C. Galo, Council
Member, District III Johnny
Amaya, Mayor Pro Tem, 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, Motion
to excuse Cm. Agredano. Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Amaya Second: Cm.
Garcia For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Cm. Galo was not present. IV. MINUTES
Approval of the minutes of Motion
to approve. Moved: Cm.
Belmares Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 V. COMMUNICATIONS
AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements a. Presentation on “Drive Friendly Laredo”, a
public service campaign developed by the City of b.
Presentation of the 2004 – 2005 Employee Leadership Development Class. Blandina Gomez Health
Department Andrea P.
Sanchez Municipal
Court Patricia Taylor Laredo Convention & Visitor’s
Bureau Rena Ren Laredo
Public Library Anabelle Cruz Sandra Aleman MIS
Department c.
Presentation by our Alvarado, City Secretary Edgardo Ramirez and Mrs. Gonzalez, Director of Desarollo Integral de la Familia (DIF). Horacio
Gonzalez Alvarado, Mayor of Tlahualilo in the state
of “Apreciables
representantes del Pueblo y de La Ciudad de Laredo en el Estado de Texas: En este día en que
me presento ante el Cabildo de esta Hermosa Ciudad de Laredo, soy portador de
La representación del pueblo de Tiahualilo, para hacerles entrega de una
saludo fraternal inyectado de esperanza y de fé; Vengo igualmente, a nombre
del Honorable Cabildo de Tiahualilo, con La intención solemne de estrechar y
fortificar las relaciones de amistad y hermandad que existen entre nuestras
Ciudades y que han sido desde su inicio, motivo de gran orgullo para nuestro
pueblo, para todos los habitants de nuestro Municipio. Pero también vengo
en lo personal a presentarme ante tan distinguidas personalidades como
Presidente Municipal para el período 2004 – 2007, cargo que me ha conferido y
confiado La gente de Tlahualilo, para tartar de mejorar La pr Ya en anteriores
ocasiones hemos sido tomados en cuenta por el Honorable Ayuntamiento de
Laredo Texas y es justo y pertinente agradecer a ustedes el apoyo que en
multiples ocasiones han brindado y han hecho llegar a Tlahualilo, mi pueblo
lo agradece y reconoce por me conducto. No obstante, el reto
que enfrentamos es grande, los rezagos y los problemas son más grandes que
las oportunidades para el avance y el desarrollo; Por ello, quiero solicitor
una ves más a sus finas atenciones, para que en La medida de lo possible, se
pudiera donar a La Ciudad de Tlahualilo, Vehículos de Maquinaria Pesada y
Asfalto, que tanta falta nos hacen para trabajar en mejorar las
comunicaciones terresteres y asícombatier el hacinamiento y La marginación de
La mayoría de nuestras localidades, material para uso y desecho en
Hospitales, medicamentos que tanta falta le hacen a nuestros ancianos y las
personas de La tercera edad, Cobertores, para hacerle calor a nuestra gente
en esta temporada de frío invierno, donde las temperatures bajan en algunas
regions de nuestro municipio hasta 10 ó 15 cnetigrados bajo cero. En fin, cualquier
tipo de Ayuda, cualquier impulse, cualquier aliciente e incluso cualquier
palabra de apoyo es bienvenida en nuestra lucha por alcanzar un major
scenario y mejores condiciones de vida para nuestros hijos y para los hijos
de nuestros hijos. Un Dato que revela
la enorme problemática que se vive y se respire es el hecho de que en 1970,
es decir hace más de tres décadas, éramos en Tlahualilo poco más de 21,000
habitantes, hoy quedamos menos de La mitad y queremos que nuestra gente no
continúe sufriendo La auscencia de sus seres queridos y sus familiars mas
cercanos que viajan a otras entidades e incluso se arriesgan a cruzar La
frontera hacia este Paím en busca de mejores oportunidades. En La administración
que encabezo, creemos que con el apoyo suficiente y La eficiente coordinación
de esfuerzos podemos detener La emigración y podemos ocupar a La Poblacion
para que La gente de Tlahualilo se quede en Tlahualilo, trabeje en Tlahualilo
y para Tlahualilo y entre todos podamos ofrecerles a nuestras futures
generaciones, mas y mejores espacios para sus desarrollo. Podria hablaries a
ustedes de los porques de este tremendo rezago en nuestro desarrollo, pero
todos los sabemos, intensas sequias, baja rentabilidad de nuestras
actividades agricolas, pr Por mi parte, La
intencion permanente de fortalecer y magnificar las relaciones entre nuestras
Ciudades sera firme, durante el periodo que dure mi encargo, para llevaria
incluso al intercambio cultural o deportivo donde podemos enriquecer
mutuamente nuestros acervos y conocimientos, aprendiendo de nuestros
potenciales humanos y costrumbres de vida. Ofrezco pues, una
amistad que perdure y se incremente, mas alla de una relacion meramente
diplomatica, porque en “Tlahualilo somos personas agradecidas, sinceras y
luchadoras, y estoy cierto de que podremos seguir fomentando en diferentes
areas esta relacion. Por ello, requerimos
de todo su apoyo, del impulse de todos, para que todos en Tlahualilo, nos
pongamos a trabajar en bien de nuestro municipio, queda esta peticion en sus
manos. Aprovecho La
oportunidad de su atencion para reiterarme a sus distinguidas ordenes en el
Ayuntamiento de Tlahualilo y reiterar el caluroso y fraternal saludo de los
habitants de Tlahualilo para La gente de esta Hermosa Ciudad, que proximamente
se vestira aun mas bella, para festejar un aniversario mas de su
fundacion. Muchas Gracias y muchos
Felicidades! Atentamente, Talhualilo de
Zaragoza Durango El President
Municipal Horacio Gonzalez
Alvarado” Invitations None. Recognitions a. Recognition of November 2004 Employee of
the Month. Jaime Flores,
Communiqués a. Presentation by Diana Ortiz, Chair, on the
Bulldogs on Broadway participation on the 2005 Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. Motion to postpone for the next meeting. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. J. Valdez For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Cm. Ramirez congratulated the Convention &
Visitor’s Bureau Department for organizing the Christmas Tree Lighting
Ceremony at the Center for the Arts.
He also congratulated the Jaycees for organizing a Christmas
Parade. He mentioned that the Culturas en La Plaza was a very special event held at the
Cm. Cm. Belmares congratulated the Laredo Jaycees
for organizing a wonderful Christmas Parade.
He said the parade was very well attended and noted that there were a
lot of participants in the parade. He
said that he enjoyed being a judge during the Jaycee Christmas parade. He also congratulated the Public Works
Department for completing the Calle Del Norte
Project ahead of schedule. He went on
to say that the department did a fantastic job on the project. Cm. Rendon congratulated John Orfila, Public
Works Manager, and his staff on the completion of the Calle
Del Norte Project. He reiterated his
satisfaction with the department for completing the project prior to the
completion date. He said that their
effectiveness made a huge difference in assisting with the vehicular flow
during the Holiday Season. Mayor Pro
Tempore Amaya said it was a pleasure and an honor to attend the Tree Lighting
Ceremony on behalf of the Mayor. He
said that his son enjoyed Santa Claus and Bucky
from the Laredo Bucks. He added that
the event was fantastic and the City Departments did a great job. He went on to say that the District IV
Special Projects Committee was working hard to distribute toys to children in
District IV who are less fortunate. Cm. Garcia agreed that the Tree Lighting
Ceremony was a very nice family event for Laredoans to attend. He thanked and congratulated Joel Lopez and
the Nixon Mustangs, for a tremendous football season and for advancing to the
Area playoffs. He added that the Nixon
Mustangs represented Mayor Flores
asked everyone to have the patience that they need to have a very happy
holiday season. She mentioned that
Antonio, her grandson, was in the hospital and she had promised to say hello
to him on television. She reminded
parents to watch their children for dehydration and continue to wash their
hands to avoid illness during the winter season. VI. APPOINTMENTS TO
COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES Mayor
Flores advised Council of her interest in having the City of
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Second Public hearing and introductory
ordinance amending the City of Ordinance
Chapter 21, Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions, Article XII, Aggressive
Solicitation, by adding definitions, prohibiting persons under the age of
eighteen (18) from participating in street solicitation, authorizing police
officers and code enforcement officers to halt ongoing solicitation as a
penalty for violating any provision of this ordinance; providing for
publication and effective date. Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Cm. Garcia asked if the new amended ordinance
will pertain to the children that are selling newspapers at various
intersections. Jaime Flores,
Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm.
Belmares For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 2. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending Chapter 15, Health and Sanitation, Article VI
“Indoor Clean Air”, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Laredo, Texas by
amending the definition of public place, Section 15-78; amending Section
15-79 by prohibiting smoking in any city owned or leased facility; and
deleting section 15-80, which allows for exceptions; providing for
severability; and providing for an effective date. Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was
no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm.
Belmares Second: Cm.
Galo For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 3. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Laredo Municipal Housing FY 2005 Budget
by drawing down and appropriating $700,000.00 from the its opening balance to
the City’s Capital Improvement Fund.
This transfer will be set up to carry out necessary repairs associated
with the owner-occupied units constructed by the Laredo Affordable Housing
Corporation as part of the Los Obispos Affordable
Housing Project. The amendment is
authorized by the Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation’s Articles of
Incorporation. Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was
no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm.
Belmares Second: Cm.
Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 4. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending Section 1 of Ordinance 2002-O- 0251 of the
City of Laredo and authorizing the implementation of an administrative fee of
$1.00 per swipe card for southbound commercial traffic that utilizes the City
of Laredo International Bridges as further described in Exhibit “A” and
hereby repealing all conflicting sections in all ordinances currently in
effect. Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was
no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm.
Belmares Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 5. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
authorizing the City Manager to amend the 29th AY
Community Development Block Grant budget for the FY 2004 – 2005 by increasing
the original Program Income Budget of $11,493.00 by $57,572.00 in additional
program income, for a total of $69,065.00. The Program Income funds will be
used for land acquisition for the Riverfront Green Space Acquisition Project. Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was
no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm.
Belmares Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 6. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
ratifying the City Manager’s acceptance of a grant by
the South Texas Development Council (STDC) in the amount of $40,828.00 with
no matching funds for a total of $40,828.00 and amending the City of Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Garcia Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was
no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm.
Rendon Second: Cm.
Belmares For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 7. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
authorizing the City Manager to enter into a rental
agreement between the City of Laredo and SER-Jobs for Progress for the use of
two classrooms at East Hachar Recreation Center and Inner City Tech/Rec Center, in the form attached as Exhibit “A”; and
amending the FY 2004 – 2005 General Fund Budget by appropriating revenues and
expenditures in the amount of $5,600.00 for computer hardware and software to
further enhance technology programming. Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was
no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm.
Belmares Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 8. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
authorizing the City Manager to accept a $1,000.00
donation from Wal-Mart Foundation and amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year
2004 – 2005 General Fund Annual Budget by appropriating revenues in the
amount of $1,000.00 in the form of a donation of $1,000.00 and appropriating
expenditures in the amount of $1,000.00 for the purchase of trees for the
Tree Farm Project. Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Garcia Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was
no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Second: Cm.
Belmares For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 9. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
designating a certain area as a Tax Abatement Reinvestment
Zone for commercial/industrial tax abatement, establishing the boundaries
thereof and other matters relating thereto; declaring findings of fact;
providing for severability; and providing for an effective date. Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm.
Belmares For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council VIII. INTRODUCTORY
ORDINANCES 10. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all
necessary documents to effectively convey fee simple
title to the “surface only”, at its market value of $37,000.00, for certain
property described as a 15,433 sq. ft tract of land, more or less, out of
that former section of the 1100 Block of India Avenue between Guadalupe and
Chihuahua Streets to the Laredo Independent School District; said property
being situated in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas,
being described on attached Exhibit “A”; and providing for an effective
date. Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 11. Authorizing the City Manager to convey to
Southwestern Bell Telephone, L.P. three easements,
namely: (1) A 100 square foot easement out of Lot 10, Block 22, Western
Division, in the form attached as Exhibit 1 herein; (2) a 1,600 square foot
easement out of former Farias Street Section in the
form attached as Exhibit 2 herein; and (3) a 625 square foot easement out of
Lot 5, Block 30, Las Americas Subdivision, Unit 2, in the form attached as
Exhibit 3 herein; and providing for effective date. Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 12. Closing as public easement that section of streets
situated in the Western Division, City of Laredo, County of Webb, Texas, and
providing for an effective date. Ordinance Introduction: City Council 13. Closing as public easements those sections
of Maria
Avenues, including its intersection with Davis Avenue; all situated in the
Western Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, and providing for an
effective date. Ordinance
Introduction: City Council IX. FINAL Motion to waive the final reading of
Ordinance # 2004-O-292, # 2004-O-294, # 2004-O-295, # 2004-O-296, #
2004-O-297, # 2004-O-298, #
2004-O-299, # 2004-O-300, # 2004-O-301, # 2004-O-302, # 2004-O-303, #
2004-O-304, # 2004-O-305, # 2004-O-306, # 2004-O-307, # 2004-O-308, #
2004-O-309, # 2004-O-310, # 2004-O-311, # 2004-O-312, # 2004-O-313, #
2004-O-314, # 2004-O-315, # 2004-O-316, # 2004-O-317, #2004-O-318, #
2004-O-319, # 2004-O-320, # 2004-O-321, # 2004-O-322, # 2004-O-323, #
2004-O-324, # 2004-O-325, # 2004-O-326, # 2004-O-327, # 2004-O-328, #
2004-O-329, and # 2004-O-330. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 14. 2004-O-292
Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of authorizing
the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for a “tortilleria”
on Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-292. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-294 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3
(Community Business District); providing for publication and effective
date. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-294. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-295 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of Lot
8, Block 253, Western Division, located at 1419 Santa Maria Ave., from R-3
(Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District); providing
for publication and effective date. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-295. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-296 Amending the
Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of 197.36
acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”,
located approximately north of Summerwind
Subdivision, Unit I, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-3
(Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-296. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-297 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of 4.27
acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”,
located west of Bob Bullock Loop, from R-1 (Single-Family Residential
District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and
effective date. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-297. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-298 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of 4.17 acres, as further described by metes
and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located approximately south of Family Residential District) to B-1 (
Limited Commercial District); providing for publication and effective
date. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-298. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-299 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of 16.30 acres, as further described by
metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located approximately north of (Single-Family Reduced Area Residential
District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District); providing for
publication and effective date. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-299. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-300 Amending the Zoning
Ordinance Map of the City of 4.45 acres, as further described by metes
and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located approximately east of Hwy.
83, from R-1 (Single-Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community
Business District); providing for publication and effective date. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-300. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-301 Amending the
Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of 21.29
acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”,
located approximately at the 2700 block of Avenida
Los Presidentes, from AG (Agricultural District)
and 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-301. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-302 Amending the
Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of 1.87 acres, as
further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located approximately at 2414 Old
Spanish Trail, from AG (Agricultural District) to R-1A
(Single-Family Reduced Area District); providing for publication and effective
date. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-302. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-303 Amending the
Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of 2.18 acres, as further described by metes
and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located approximately at Family Residential District) to B-4
(Highway Commercial District); providing for publication and effective
date. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-303. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2004-O-304 Amending the
Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of 15.32
acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located approximately east of Blvd., from R-1 (Single Family
Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for
publication and effective date. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-304. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-305 Amending the
Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of 6.85 acres, as further described by metes
and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located approximately west of Blvd.,
from R-1 (Single-Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for
publication and effective date. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-305. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-306 Amending the
Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of authorizing the issuance of a Conditional
Use Permit for a 19 story structure on 10.20 acres, as further
described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, approximately
northeast of the intersection of Calle Del Norte and date. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-306. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-307 Application by E.G. Ranch, Ltd., altering
and extending the boundary limits of the City of land, more or less, located South of
Highway 359 and the City of Landfill, as further described by metes
and bounds in Attachment “A”, specifically E.G. Ranch I Tract,
providing for the effective date of the ordinance, authorizing the City Manager
to execute a contract adopting a service plan for the annexed territory,
and establishing the initial zoning of R-1A (Single-Family Reduced Area
District). Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-307. Moved: Second: For: Against: Abstain: 2004-O-308 Application by E. G. Ranch, Ltd., altering
and extending the boundary limits
of the City of Laredo, annexing additional territory of 47.85 acres of land,
more or less, located south of Highway 359 and Colonia Old Milwaukee, as
further described by metes and bounds in Attachment “A”, specifically E.G.
Ranch II Tract, providing for the effective date of the ordinance,
authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract adopting a service plan
for the annexed territory, and establishing the initial zoning of R-1A
(Single-Family Reduced Area District). Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-308. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-309 Application by Laredo Hills, Ltd., LLP,
altering and extending the boundary limits of the City of 31.82 acres of land, more or less,
located east of Attachment “A”, specifically Hurd I Tract, providing for the effective date of the ordinance, authorizing the City
Manager to execute a contract adopting a service plan for the annexed
territory, and establishing the initial zoning of R-1A (Single-Family
Reduced Area District). Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-309. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-310 Application by Laredo Hills, Ltd., LLP,
altering and extending the boundary limits of the City of 21.89 acres of land, more or less,
located east of U.I.S.D. Student Activity Complex, as
further described by metes and bounds in Attachment “A”, specifically Hurd II Tract, providing for the effective date of the ordinance,
authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract adopting a service plan for the
annexed territory, and establishing the initial zoning of R-1A (Single-Family
Reduced Area District). Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-310. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-311 Application by Transborder
Investment, L.L.C., altering and extending the
boundary limits of the City of Laredo, annexing additional territory of 27.59
acres of land, more or less, located north of Highway 359 and east of
Coronado Avenue, as further described by metes and bounds in Attachment “A”,
specifically Transborder Tract, providing for the
effective date of the ordinance, authorizing the City Manager to execute a
contract adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and establishing
the initial zoning of R-1A (Single-Family Reduced Area District). Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-311. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2004-O-312 Application by Humberto Treviño,
altering and extending the boundary limits of the City of land, more or less, located north of
Highway 359 and west of the U.I.S.D. Student Activity Complex, as further
described by metes and bounds in Attachment “A”, specifically Treviño Tract, providing for the effective date of the ordinance, authorizing the
City Manager to execute a contract adopting a service plan for the annexed
territory, and establishing the initial zoning of R-2 (Multi-Family
Residential District) for 2.91 acres and B-4 (Highway Commercial District) for 1.6
acres. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-312. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2004-O-313 Amending the City of Laredo Code of
Ordinance as follows: Chapter 2, Article II, Division 3, Section 2-61(a)
Military leave, subsection (3) and adding subsection (4), to allow the City
of base pay with the difference between the
employee’s military base pay and the employee’s base pay from his/her
employment with the City of have been exhausted. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-313 with the following amendment. Cm. Garcia asked to amend the ordinance by
striking annual leave: “(4), to allow
the City of Laredo to supplement military base pay with the difference between
the employee’s military base pay and the employee’s base pay from his/her
employment with the City of Laredo, after all military leave, Moved: Cm.
Garcia Second: Cm. For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-314 Amending the FY 2004 – 2005 Annual
Operating Budget in the Fire Department EMS Division Budget by
accepting a donation of $1,500.00 from Wal-Mart Stores and
appropriating said funds for the purpose of purchasing a new computer
system with Emergency Medical Testing Software for the Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-314. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2004-O-315 Amending the City of appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of
$10,000.00 in additional funds for a grand total of
$32,000.00 from the University of Workers for Children’s Health Project of
the City of Department, and extending the program
period from through 2005. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-315. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-316 Authorizing the City Manager to amend the
City of Laredo FY 2004-2005 Annual Budget by appropriating unexpended
fund balances in the amount of $14,525.00 from FY 2003-2004 and
appropriate new funds from both districts in the amount of $56,385.00 for
the total amount of $70,910.00 from the Laredo Health Department for the period
beginning through Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-316. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-317 Authorizing the City Manager to amend the
City of Laredo FY 2004-2005 Annual Budget by decreasing revenues and
expenditures in the amount of $4,846.00 from the Texas Department of
State Health Services to reflect the actual grant amount of $17,889.00 for
the Binational TB Card Pilot Project of the City of Laredo Health
Department for the contract period beginning authorizing the City Manager to execute
the contract. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-317. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-318 Accepting a supplemental grant awarded and
amending the City of FY 2004 – 2005 Budget by increasing
revenues and expenses in the amount of $80,000.00 for an Interdiction
Project awarded by the Office of the National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)
High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). Funds will be
used to pay overtime expenses for a drug interdiction unit compromised
of Financial Task Force agents and 2004. Funds for fringe benefits are
already appropriated in the program income accounts. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-318. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-319 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into
an agreement with the Laredo
Housing Authority in the amount of $25,000.00 and amending the City of Laredo
FY 2004-2005 Annual Budget by the same amount. The agreement’s purpose is to
reimburse costs for overtime incurred by the Laredo Police Department
officers in providing resources for the Weed and Seed Community Building
Program. This overtime will be
reimbursed at no cost to the city. The
term of this agreement is from Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-319. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-320 Amending the City of revenues in the amount of $8,940.00 and
reducing expenditures in the amount of $2,318.00 for a total budget
amendment of $11,258.00 for a grant awarded by the Office of the
Governor, Criminal Justice Division in the amount of $36,118.00 for the Juvenile
Accountability Grant program. The Office of the Governor is
contributing $36,118.00 with the City designating $12,327.00 in matching funds
for a total grant amount of $48,445.00. This funding will be used for the Juvenile
Accountability Block Grant Program for the period of 2005.
Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-320. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-321 Amending the City of Laredo FY 2004-2005
Annual Budget by increasing expenditures
and revenues in the amount of $727,200.00 in overtime for Operation Stonegarden. The United States Customs and Border
Protection Service (CBP) will reimburse this full amount for overtime
expenses incurred by police officers working under the homeland security
parameters of Operation Stonegarden. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-321. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-322 Amending the City of Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-322. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-323 Amending Ordinance No. 99-O-077, Exhibits
“A” and “B” of the Water Line
Reimbursement Agreement for Hilltop Subdivision, Phase II, by amending start
date from Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-323. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-324 Amending
Ordinance No. 99-O-078, Exhibits “A” and “B” of the Sewer Line
Reimbursement Agreement for Hilltop Subdivision, Phase II, by amending start
date from Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-324. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-325 Amending Ordinance No. 99-O-244 of the City
of conservation
and drought contingency plans providing for severability and an effective date.
Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-325. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-326 Authorizing the City Manager to implement a
southbound pedestrian toll free crossing for the period of December
17th through December 24th, 2004. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-326. Moved: Second: For: Against: Abstain:
2004-O-327 Closing as public easements those sections
of Marion and Gates Streets (including its
intersection with Division, City of effective date. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-327. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-328 Authorizing the City Manager to execute all
necessary documents to effectively
convey a 454.71 square foot easement and right of way to AEP Texas Central
Company, to serve the City of Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-328. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-329 Closing as a
public easement that section of Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-329. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2004-O-330 Setting the maximum speed limit on that
portion of I.H. north
and south direction, within the City Limits of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, as
55 MPH from mile point 7.401 to mile point 7.613 and 60 MPH from mile point
7.613 to mile point 8.351, located approximately between Shiloh and Loop 20,
as defined in the Texas Department of Transportation control section map
0018-06-138, providing for the installation of appropriate signs to indicate
speed changes in the designated areas and providing for publication and
effective date. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-330. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 X. RESOLUTIONS 15. 2004-R-119
Accepting the donation of one utility easement from Ramiro Vela for
the Pueblo
Nuevo Subdivision easement acquisition project. This being a 0.0275 of an
acre, more or less, parcel of land which is out of Lot 6, Block 11, Pueblo
Nuevo Subdivision, described by metes and bounds and survey attached as
Exhibits A and B. Motion
to approve Resolution # 2004-R-119. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm.
Garcia For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Mayor Pro Tempore Amaya and Cm. Ramirez were not present. 16. 2004-R-121
Authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant and to execute contract
documents
in the amount of $199,854.00 from the Texas Department of State Health
Services for the HIV Prevention Project of the City of Laredo Health
Department for the contract period beginning Motion
to approve Resolution # 2004-R-121. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm.
Garcia For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Mayor Pro Tempore Amaya and Cm. Ramirez were not present. 17. 2004-R-122
Declaring the public necessity to acquire the “Surface Only” of one
parcel of
land for the El Portal Project. Said parcel consisting of Lots 5 & 6,
Block 23, Western Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas; as delineated
on attached copy of City Plat; and authorizing staff to negotiate with the
owner for the acquisition of said parcel for purchase at a market value to be
established by a State Certified Real Estate Appraiser, and further
authorizing the Motion
to approve Resolution # 2004-R-122. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm.
Garcia For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Mayor Pro Tempore Amaya and Cm. Ramirez were not present. 18. 2004-R-123
Authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant and to execute contract
documents
in the amount of $169,293.00 from the Texas Department of State Health
Services for the Tuberculosis Prevention/Control Federal Project of the City
of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning Motion
to approve Resolution # 2004-R-123. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm.
Garcia For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Mayor Pro Tempore Amaya and Cm. Ramirez were not present. 19. 2004-R-125
Authorizing the use of surplus proceeds from the City of Property
Motion
to approve Resolution # 2004-R-125. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm.
Garcia For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Mayor Pro Tempore Amaya and Cm. Ramirez were not present. XI. MOTIONS 20. Consideration to authorize contracts with
Southwestern Bell Company in the estimated amount of
$72,000.00; Intrado Inc., in the estimated amount
of $62,700.00; the State of Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR)
in the estimated amount of $35,000.00; and Valley Telephone in the estimated
amount of $7,600.00; for providing 9-1-1 telephone network and database
services for the four county Regional 9-1-1 System. Funding is available in
the Motion to
approve. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Mayor Pro
Tempore Amaya and Cm. Ramirez were not
present. 21. Consideration to award contract FY05-011,
to the low bidders Lowe’s Home Improvement
and Erick’s Lumber for the purchase of rebar and wire mesh for a three month
period. This contract establishes contract pricing for these materials used
for construction or repair projects scheduled during the next three months.
All materials will be purchased on an as needed basis. Funding is available
in the Public Works Budget and the Capital Improvement Fund. Motion to
approve. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Mayor Pro
Tempore Amaya and Cm. Ramirez were not
present. 22. Consideration for approval of final Change
Order No. 1 a decrease of $17,660.71 for the balance
of quantities actually constructed in place, acceptance of the Motion to
approve. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Mayor Pro
Tempore Amaya and Cm. Ramirez were not
present. 23. Consideration for approval of the selection
of consultant Freese and Nichols, Fort Worth, Motion to
postpone. Moved: Cm. Second: Cm.
Garcia. For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Mayor Pro
Tempore Amaya and Cm. Ramirez were not
present. 24. Consideration for approval of Amendment No.
5 an increase of $79,000.00 to the architectural/engineering
contract with Frank Architects, Inc., Motion to
approve. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Mayor Pro
Tempore Amaya and Cm. Ramirez were not
present. 25. Consideration for approval of final change
order no. 2 a decrease of $73.00 for the balance of
the betterment allowance of quantities actually constructed in place;
acceptance of the Laredo International Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Mayor Pro
Tempore Amaya and Cm. Ramirez were not
present. 26. Consideration for approval of acceptance of
the Laredo International Terminal
and related Airside/Landside Improvement Phase “E” and approval of final retainage payment in the amount of $50,000.00 to TJ&T
Enterprises, Inc., Laredo, Texas. Punch list items have been completed. Final
contract amount is $4,402,169.45. Funding is available in the Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Mayor Pro
Tempore Amaya and Cm. Ramirez were not
present. 27. Consideration to award a professional
services contract to O’Conner Engineering & Science,
Inc., Laredo, Texas, in the amount not to exceed $34,000.00 to prepare plans,
specifications and cost estimates for asbestos abatement and demolition for
the Laredo International Motion to
approve. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Mayor Pro
Tempore Amaya and Cm. Ramirez were not
present. 28. Approval of selection of consultant and
authorizing the City Manager to negotiate a professional
services contract with Kinnetic Laboratories Inc., 1. Installation of five
(5) additional rainfall gauges. 2. Software upgrade 3. Radio communication
upgrade of existing stations. This
upgrade will allow citizens and emergency management personnel to
view real-time storm data on the Internet. Funding is available in the
NPDES Account. Motion to
approve. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Mayor Pro
Tempore Amaya and Cm. Ramirez were not
present. 29. Consideration to award contract FY05–007 to
Office Communications Systems, Motion to
approve. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Mayor Pro
Tempore Amaya and Cm. Ramirez were not
present. 30. Authorizing the City Manager to submit a
Universal Service Program grant application to Schools
& Libraries Division / Universal Services Administrative Company /
Federal Communications Commission in the estimated amount of $850,000.00 for
multi-year E-Rate discounts and communication and technology infrastructure
enhancements. Motion to
approve. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Mayor Pro
Tempore Amaya and Cm. Ramirez were not
present. 31. Authorizing the City Manager to execute
twenty-three General Fund Third Party Contracts
for the Fiscal Year 2005 for a total of $223,713.00. The contracts are listed
as follows: Bringing
Everyone Special Together $ 5,274.00 Bethany
House $ 7,500.00 Border Area Nutrition Council $ 13,125.00 Boys and Girls Club of Casa de Misericordia $ 9,375.00 Catholic Social Services $ 5,625.00 Children’s International Advocacy $ 22,500.00 Club Communities in Schools $ 5,625.00 Community Action Agency – Elderly
Nutrition Program $ 7,500.00 Community Action Agency – Meals on
Wheels $ 7,125.00 Girls Scouts Paisano
Council $ 3,750.00 LISD Campus Crime Stoppers $ 2,813.00 Laredo Webb County Food Bank $ 16,875.00 Laredo Veteran’s Coalition $
30,000.00 Literacy Volunteers of Ruthe B.
Cowl Rehabilitation Center $
28,125.00 Sacred Heart Children’s Home $ 1,875.00 Special Olympics $ 3,376.00 Motion to
approve. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Mayor Pro
Tempore Amaya and Cm. Ramirez were not
present. 32. Authorizing the City Manager to execute
seventeen Hotel/Motel Tax Fund Third Party Contracts
for the Fiscal Year 2005 for a total of $441,170.00. The contracts are listed
as follows: Laredo
Chamber of Commerce $ 18,000.00 LULAC
# 7 $ 5,000.00 LULAC
# 12 $ 5,000.00 Society
of Martha Washington $ 9,000.00 Washington’s
Birthday Celebration Association $ 19,000.00 Laredo
Children’s Museum $ 49,000.00 Laredo
Center for the Arts $
130,360.00 Latin
American Sports Hall of Fame $ 5,000.00 L.C.C.
Dance/Music Community Productions $ 31,815.00 Laredo
Philharmonic Orchestra $ 37,897.00 T.A.M.I.U.
Dance Productions $ 9,000.00 Border
Olympics $ 25,000.00 Streets
of Mexican
Cultural Motion to
approve. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Mayor Pro
Tempore Amaya and Cm. Ramirez were not
present. 33. Authorizing the City Manager to award an
annual maintenance contract for library automation,
network services, software, Vmark licenses and equipment
for the libraries’ Dynix network to Dynix in the amount of $41,219.96. Funding is available
in the Library Budget. Motion to
approve. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Mayor Pro
Tempore Amaya and Cm. Ramirez were not
present. 34. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a
joint use agreement between the City of Laredo and
the Laredo Independent School District for the purpose of sharing joint use
of outdoor recreational facilities including Albert Ochoa Baseball Park, East
Martin Field, Veteran’s Field, Freddie Benavides Baseball Field, Cigarroa
Recreational Sports Complex Tennis Courts and Multi Purpose Field, Motion to
approve. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Mayor Pro
Tempore Amaya and Cm. Ramirez were not
present. 35. Consideration to authorize Change Order no.
1, a reduction in the total amount of $26,420.00
for the purchase of ten (10), automated side loader refuse trucks through the
Texas Local Government Purchasing Cooperative (Buy Board) contract pricing in
the revised total amount of $1,633,200.00. Funding is available in the Solid
Waste fund. Motion to
approve. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Mayor Pro
Tempore Amaya and Cm. Ramirez were not
present. 36. Refund of property tax in the amount of
$16,990.96 to the following taxpayers and companies: 1. A refund in the amount of $5,733.19 payable
to South Texas National Bank due to an overpayment. Account #
800-19000-618. 2. A refund in the amount of $781.57 payable
to Green Tree Servicing due to an
overpayment. Account # 812-02000-024. 3. A refund in the amount of $1,735.57 payable
to San Juana Santos Garza and Alberto Santos due to a double payment.
Account # 106-00268-030. 4. A refund in the
amount of $991.23 payable to Araceli P. Brulloths
due to the reinstatement of an exemption by the Webb County Appraisal
Review Board. Account # 660-01810-060. 5. A refund in the
amount of $6,316.36 payable to Porcelanite Inc. due
to the reinstatement of a Board. Account #
801-16096-069. 6. A refund in the
amount of $1,433.04 payable to Webb County Tittle
& Abstract Board. Account # 101-00022-060. Motion to
approve. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Mayor Pro
Tempore Amaya and Cm. Ramirez were not
present. 37. Authorization to select and execute a
contract with Sherfey Engineering, Co., Motion to
approve. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Mayor Pro
Tempore Amaya and Cm. Ramirez were not
present. XII. STAFF REPORTS 38. A. Presentation
by Arcadis on the Alfonso
Garza, ARCADIS, employee of ARCADIS,
gave the following presentation: Presentation Outline Project Tasks Task 1:
Market Feasibility Study Task 2:
Schematics Schematics, Site Infrastructure,
and Preliminary Estimates Possible Project Funding Sources Summary of Findings Project Tasks Task 1:
Feasibility Study What is a water park? Municipally owned example in Garland “Surf & Swim” Federal
Grant of $700,000 General Obligation
Bonds of $1,475,000 Equipment: Wave Pool and O’Depth
Play Area Yearly Attendance: In 1984 attendance of
58,000 In 2004 attendance of
85,000 Winter Months: Pools and pipes are
drained to prevent freezing Pools are repainted
before beginning of season Employees for Three Areas 9 Managers (Pool
Operations, Retail, Ticket Sales) 35 Lifeguards (Pool
Operations) 20 (Retail &
Ticket Sales) Project Tasks (continue) Available
state park land makes project feasible and self sustainable Assuming no debt, net
income of $70k first year Adult rate of $6.50
and child rate $4.50 Existing
Infrastructure: Loop 20 access,
parking lots and utilities. TAMIU
Water Tank will be constructed in the late 2006. Projected attendance For conservative estimates, the
Mexican market was excluded from study Projected attendance of 800
people/day Peak attendance design of 1600
people/day Projected attendance requires a 10,640 square feet of
pool area Four water slides at a
later date Based on these
requirements, schematics were developed Task 2:
Schematic Phase Proposed 20 acre tract of land Proposed Phases: 1,2,3, and 4 Short Term Recommended Schematic
(phase I) Mid Term Schematic (phase 2) Development of Phases 3 and 4 will
be for the remaining 10 acres. Site Infrastructure Water and Wastewater Existing 12” water line
and 10” sanitary sewer line Future TAMIU Water Tank
(available late 2006) Yearly Water Demand of 500,000
gallons for fill up and 180,000 gallons/month for evaporation, back washing
of system and usage water loss Assuming Project Task Preliminary 2004 Construction Cost Short
term schematic (phase 1): $6.0 million Mid
term schematic (phase 2): $8.6 million Short term
schematic (phase 1): with City performing some construction tasks (parking
lot improvements, grading, landscaping, roadway improvements, etc.: $5.25
million dollars Forecasted 2004 to 2009 Preliminary
Construction Estimates
Recommended
year: TAMIU
Water Tank constructed in late 2006, and Minimize
Total Cost due to inflation Revenue
and Expenses Forecast Projected
Net Income (dollars
in thousands)
Possible
Project Operations and Funding Sources Possible
private and public operation combination Private
Example: Maintenance Public
Example: Management and life guards Possible
Funding Scenario: City
of Grants City
of Summary
of Findings 2004
annual attendance of 100,000 without Central
lake Casa Blanca Location Available
land makes project feasible and self sustainable Infrastructure
available Benefits Economic
Development Gives
Laredoans another option for entertainment Affordable
family entertainment, similar to movies Improve
the Quality of Life Planned
projects: golf courses, convention
center, Chacon Creek improvements. Surveys
indicate citizens want a XIII. GENERAL COUNCIL
DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS 39. A. Request
by Council Member Alfredo Agredano 1. Discussion with possible action on utilizing $5,000.00 from
District I discretionary
funding for the purchase and installation of two mister modules and one
drinking fountain at Motion to
approve utilizing $5,000 from District I discretionary funding for the purchase
and installation of two mister modules and one drinking fountain at Mario
B. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm.
Garcia For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Not
present: Mayor Pro Tempore Amaya and
Cm. Ramirez. B. Request by Council Member Hector J. Garcia 1. Discussion with possible action on
utilizing $9,500.00 from District II discretionary
funding for the manufacture and installation of a decorative rod iron gate
and fencing at the entrance of Motion to utilize
$9,500 from District II discretionary funding for the manufacture and
installation of a decorative rod iron gate and fencing at the entrance of Moved: Cm.
Garcia Second: Cm. For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Not
present: Mayor Pro Tempore Amaya and Cm. Ramirez C.
Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore Johnny Amaya 1. Discussion with
possible action on the status of utility relocation or adjustments along Johnny
Amaya noted that he had hoped that the project would be completed before
school and is now hoping that it will be completed before the end of the
year. Terrance
Stewart, Director for United Water Laredo, said the anticipated completion
day for the project is D. Request by Council Member Gene Belmares 1. Discussion with
possible action on garbage collection for elderly and disabled persons who need
special assistance. Cm. Belmares expressed his concerns for the
elderly that continue to have problems with their garbage container. 2. Discussion with possible action on the
development of a flag football field in partnership
with the Boys and Girls Club of Laredo on City owned land located in the
Tiara-Sontera Subdivision. Cm. Belmares expressed his desire to derive a
cost figure for the Boy’s & Girls Club for a temporary irrigation system
at the land located in the Tiara-Sontera Subdivions for flag football fields that should replace
the fields that were being used on the base.
Cm. Belmares asked the City Manger to return to
Council with a cost amount for an irrigation system. He also asked the City Manager to create an
agreement as to how to cost share on a temporary basis. Horacio De
Leon, Parks & Recreation Director, advised that he would begin the
process and meet with the Boys & Girl’s Club. He commented that there is a need for park
space in the area. He said that there
are five acres there that could be used for a multi-purpose field. Finally, he said that if the City is going
to improve the field that they need access to the property year round. E.
Request by Council Member Jose A. Valdez, Jr. 1. Discussion with
possible action to create an ordinance that would prohibit sex offenders from being
near or at any city park. Cm. Jaime Flores,
said that legal is researching the possibilities of creating an ordinance
that would prohibit sex offenders from being near or at city parks. He advised that he would bring the item
back in the early part of January with recommendations. He mentioned the possibilities of placing
the Texas Department of Public Safety Sex Offender Database on the City’s
webpage. Motion to
create and ordinance that would prohibit sex offenders from being near or at
any city park. Moved: Cm. Second: Cm.
Galo For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2. Discussion with possible action regarding
the street cut process and the subsequent repairing of cut streets by
the utility companies. The Street
Cut Division within the City Engineering/Public Works Department oversees the
street cut process, consists of four employees. The Street Cut Division includes two street
cut inspectors, one street cut supervisor and one clerk. Apart form managing street cut permitting,
the Division also handles driveway and sidewalk permits. Inspectors must be present during court
hearings for cases involving their citations.
The Street Cut Division also oversees irrigation (on the right-of-way)
permits, and reviews all building permits (residential and commercial) for
compliance with restrictions and sidewalk/driveway compliance. The report will address: I.
Street Cut Division purpose and ordinance compliance, II.
General volume of work, III.
Requirements for cutting a street and time limitations, IV.
General construction specifications, V. Cause (s) for Citation for non-compliance,
and VI.
General commentary on division effectiveness. I.
Street Cut Division purpose and Ordinance Compliance. The Street
Cut Division, under the City Engineering/Public Works Department, exists to
permit and oversee all street cuts within the right of ways (City and State)
and sidewalk and driveway construction as per Ordinance 83-00132, passed by
City Council on October 16, 1979 and related amendments made thereafter. II.
General Volume of Work: The number
of permits processed, including street cuts, driveway/sidewalks, and
irrigation for the past two years is as follows: 2002 to
2003 4,196 permits were
issued 2003 to
2004 4,512 permits were
issued Within the
last month, the following utility companies applied for street cuts: November
2004 United
Water Wastewater 16 14% Untied
Water Waterlines 52 46% Center
point Energy 19 17% Time Warner 6 5% SBC 6 5% Proviron 14 12% Total: 113 100% III.
Requirements and Conditions for Cutting a Street Applicant
must apply for a street cut permit, with proof of insurance coverage. The permit must be requested at least 48
hours prior to commencing work, and inspections must be scheduled at least 8
working hours before the work is to be inspected. The permit fee is $25.00, unless the
applicant is one of the utility companies with whom the City has a franchise
agreement. Insurance coverage must
include $300,000 for damages arising out of bodily injury, or death, and
$25,000 for injury to, or destruction of property in any one accident. Permits are in effect for three months
after date of issue. It is
stated on the permit that the applicant must comply with the street cut
ordinance, and failure to comply is a misdemeanor criminal offense, with
penalties of $200 to $2,000. Applicants are required to submit a working
drawing of the work proposed, and where the street cut inspector deems
necessary, a traffic control plan must be submitted and reviewed by the City
Traffic Department. IV.
General construction specifications: Applicants
must use city approved materials and methods for trench backfill and pavement
patching. Where the applicants selects
to use cement-stabilized backfill in lieu of compacted native soil in layers,
the requirements for density testing does not apply. Practically all contractors use cement
stabilized backfill, and then hire a paving contractor to make the final
street patch. V.
Cause (s) for Citation for non-compliance: Contractors,
or adjacent property owners who perform street cut or driveway/sidewalk
construction without a permit, failure to perform the work on an approved
permit according to city specifications, or failure to obtain a permit
renewal for an expired permit are typical reasons for citations. VI. Given the great volume of street cuts and
the minimum number of street cut enforcement
personnel, the Street Cut Division manages to oversee the work at a fairly
adequate level. In order to improve on
the process, adding more street cut inspectors would be advantageous;
however, such would be restricted by current office space and department
budget. Another
alternative for improving the Street Cut Process would be to re-evaluate the
ordinance to determine how the process could be improved. City Engineering has made some inquiries to
other F. Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez 1. Discussion with possible action regarding
establishing a skate module and basketball goal post on the west side of
the Cm. Ramirez asked if it was possible to
establish a skate module and basketball goal post on the west side of the 2. Discussion with possible action regarding
the creation of an economic development incentive fund for
infrastructure and job training expenses to attract new industry to Cm. Ramirez said that he was reading the San
Antonio Express where they offered an incentive to businesses. He said that he is interested in the
creation of an economic development incentive fund for infrastructure and job
training expenses to attract new industry to Laredo. Mayor
Flores said that the City of |