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CITY OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING M2005-R-16 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, Council
Member, District III 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 Jerry
Cain, Motion
to excuse Cm. Amaya. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Galo For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Cm.
Garcia not present. IV. MINUTES
Approval of the minutes of
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Agredano
Second:
Cm. Ramirez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 V. COMMUNICATIONS
AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
None.
Invitations None. Recognitions
a. Recognition of Andrea P. Sanchez, of
Municipal Court, on her selection as July 2005 Employee
of the Month. Alfonso “Boyer” Ornelas, Municipal Court Judge, said that
Andrea P. Sanchez, Deputy Municipal Court Clerk, has completed twenty eight years of
service with the City of Level I by
the Board of Directors of the Texas Court Clerks Association,
Communiqués
William Slemaker spokesperson for the Laredo’s Missing read the
following statement: “You may be thinking to yourselves that
there is nothing as members of the Laredo City Council can do for us…well we
are here to tell you that there is something that you can do for us and for
the citizens of this great city. We
are not here to debate the guilt or the innocence of our loved ones; we are
here to tell you, and the entire world, that we care in and value the lives
of our loved ones. This is not a
question about drugs ladies and gentlemen; it is about the value we as
citizens place on human lives especially the lives of our loved ones. There are today, as we speak, twenty three Cm. Agredano commented
on an article that was published in the Laredo Morning Times stating that
Commissioner Sciaraffa was going to be the first
official to initiate a scholarship program for graduating seniors in Cm. Garcia advised that the first day of school
went very smoothly and he thanked the City of Cm. Galo extended
kudos to the City departments for a smooth first day of school noting that
there has been a lot of rerouting because of remodeling to the schools. He invited the viewing public to attend a
ceremony to rename a portion of the IH35 the Purple Heart Trail. He
also invited everyone to participate in raising funds for the Alexander Band
who was going to have a steak plate sale at Cm. J. Rendon said he was very impressed with
the summer programs that were offered to the children at the City’s Recreational
Centers. He too asked everyone to be
very careful around the school zones. He
wished his granddaughter, Lorena, a happy birthday. Cm. Belmares
congratulated the Del Mar Little League for the phenomenal season that they
had in 2005. He thanked Killam Companies for cooperating with the City and their
need to expedite the scheduled project in laying a water line to provide an
alternative water source to the Winfield Subdivision. He also thanked the Winfield residents for
being patient with the City while they reached a solution for the low water pressure. He reiterated the other Council Members comments
about observing school zones. He went
on to explain that the viewing public should try to understand that the city can
prosper by cultivating relationships with other cities and countries. It has been proven that networking, which
can take years, can increase the trade and investments in Cm. Cm. Ramirez thanked the Public Works Department
for doing a great job on Mayor
Flores thanked everyone that participated in the Budget Process for the City
of Cm. Garcia explained that
A. Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores reports on the
City of Laredo Planning Department.
The Department implement
the policies and procedures of the City, as defined by City
Council, by providing
oversight of the built environment. *
Planning and Zoning Commission *
Board of Adjustments *
Metropolitan Planning Organizations (LUTS) *
Historic District Landmark Board *
Building Standards Board *
Electrical Board *
Sidewalk Access Committee *
Redistricting Committee *
Oil & Gas Review Committee *
Rail Policy Committee
Department Activities:
Zone cases
processed: 110
Plats applications: 235
Citations Issued: 278 Permits
Issued: 19,736
Building: 2901
Electrical: 3218
Mechanical: 1509
Plumbing: 2728’
Inspections Completed: 29,900
Total in valuations for
calendar year 2004: Approximately $392
million.. VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES a. Appointment by Council Member Hector J.
Garcia of Erika Garcia to the Commission for Women to replace Minita Ramirez. Motion
to approve. Moved: Cm. Rendon Second: Cm. Valdez For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 VII. PUBLIC
HEARINGS 1. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 1.103 acres,
as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located on the
West side of Mines Road, south of Big Bend Blvd, from B-1
(Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective
date. The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the proposed
zone change. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Belmares For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
deny the zone change request. Moved:
Cm. Valdez Second:
Cm. Belmares For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of for publication
and effective date. The Planning & Zoning Commission
recommended approval of the
proposed conditional use permit. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Agredano Second:
Cm. Belmares For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Agredano 3. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 9.22 acres,
as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A,” located on Loop 20
north of Winfield Parkway, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-3
(Community Business District); providing for
publication and
effective date. The Planning & Zoning Commission has
recommended approval of the proposed zone
change. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Valdez For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Harry Jewet,
representing Killam Development, said that the
property matches the Winfield Master Plan. He advised that
the zone change would be appropriate for the said property. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Valdez For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Belmares 4. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 3,893 square
feet out of Lot 9, Block 1635, Eastern Division, as further
described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A,” located at 408 S. Commercial District); providing for
publication and effective date. The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval
of the proposed zone change. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Jeff Puig explained that the following request is being
submitted through the Department of Transportation. He noted that the applicant must relocate a
sign and asked that the item be adjusted from a B-3 to a B-4 to accommodate
the existing sign requirements. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Galo 5. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Belmares For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Rendon Second:
Cm. Belmares For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Rendon 6. 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 north of Hwy. 359 and east of Coronado Avenue,
from R-1A (Single-Family Residential Reduced Area District) to R-2
(Multi-Family Residential District); providing for publication and effective
date. The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the
proposed zone change. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Agredano Second:
Cm. Valdez For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Agredano 7. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
authorizing the amendment of Ordinance No. 2002-O-003
which authorized a Special Use Permit for mini-storage/warehousing on Lot 2A,
Block 4, McPherson Plaza Subdivision, located at 1317 East Hillside Road by
transferring permit to the current owner; providing for publication and
effective date. The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended
approval of the proposed Special Use Permit
amendment. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Belmares For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Rendon Second:
Cm. Belmares For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Rendon 8. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
authorizing the amendment of Ordinance No. 94-O-139
which authorized a Conditional Use Permit for mini-storage/warehousing on
Block 13, Calton Gardens Subdivision, located at
5115 San Francisco Avenue by transferring permit to the current owner;
providing for publication and effective date. The Planning &
Zoning Commission recommended approval of the proposed Conditional Use Permit
amendment. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Rendon For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Jerry O’Brian, representing the owner,
noted that the owners are current on the conditions that are required in the
conditional use permit; however, they are transferring the name which
requires authorization from City Council.
Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Rendon Second:
Cm. Valdez For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Rendon 9. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
authorizing the amendment of Ordinance No. 98-O-149
which authorized a Special Use Permit for mini-storage/warehousing on Lot 3,
Block 2, Townlake Plaza Subdivision, located at
1234 Townlake Drive by transferring permit to the
current owner; providing for publication and effective date. The
Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the proposed Special
Use Permit amendment. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Jerry
O’Brian, representing the property owner, advised Council that he was present
to answer any questions. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Rendon Second:
Cm. Belmares For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Rendon
10. Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Block 204 and the northerly 7,716 sq. ft.
of Jarvis Avenue Right-of-Way between Santa Barbara & Santa Clara Streets,
Eastern Division, located at B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4
(Highway Commercial District); providing for publication and
effective date. The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended denial of the
proposed zone change. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Valdez For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ron Whitehawk, representing the Garcia family, stated that
they are the property owners of a small shopping center that houses an
8-liner. He said that necessity for
the zone change from a B3 to a B4 was initiated when Council itself decided
to amend an ordinance requiring that 8 liners shall be located in a B-4
rather than a B-3. The owners understand the City’s position in denying the
zone change; however, the zoning pattern along Motion to
close the public hearing, deny the zone change and send it back to Planning
and Zoning Commission to see if they would entertain a conditional use
permit. Be it known that it would
require a Board of Variance exception to still meet the parking requirements.
Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
11. Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of attached Exhibit “A”, located at 4307 District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial
District); providing for publication and effective date. The
Planning & Zoning Commission recommended denial of the proposed zone change.
Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
postpone time certain.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
12. Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of and (Highway Commercial District); providing
for publication and effective date. The Planning & Zoning Commission
recommended denial of the proposed zone change. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
deny. Moved:
Cm. Ramirez Second:
Cm. Valdez For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
13. Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of 110, Western Division, located
at effective
date. The Planning & Zoning Commission has recommended denial
of the proposed
Conditional Use Permit. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Rendon For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Rosario Garza, petitioner, stated that she
has obtained signatures from the neighbors approving the
zone change request for a used car lot. Judith Reyna, property owner in the area, spoke
against the zone change request. She added that the location
already has a heavy traffic flow and the business would cause additional traffic accidents because
of the narrow streets.
Mildred Reyna, property owner in the area,
spoke against the zone change which would allow property
owner to have a car lot. Motion to close the public hearing and
deny the zone change request. Moved:
Cm. Ramirez Second:
Cm. Valdez For:
6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
14. Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Valdez For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was
no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and postpone for next meeting. Moved: Cm. Valdez Second: Cm. Galo For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
15. Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending Section 1 of Ordinance 2004-O-334 of the City of
Laredo and authorizing an increase in the bridge toll rates schedule for
southbound non-commercial traffic not utilizing the Automatic Vehicle
Identification System (A.V.I.) or Colombia – Solidarity Bridge 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. Belmares Second: Cm. Galo For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Clema Owen,
representing the members of the Laredo Chamber of Commerce, expressed her
concerns about the increase in the bridge toll rates. Miguel Conchas, Chamber of Commerce Manager, noted that the
increase would affect the industry in Jesus
Sanchez spoke against the increase in the toll rate. Luis
Venegas spoke in favor of raising the toll rate but asked Council to use the
additional funds wisely. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Valdez For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
16. Public hearing and
introductory ordinance accepting funds in the amount of $128,600.00 from the
South Texas 9-1-1 Regional Administration Division to cost share personnel at
the Laredo Police Department Public Safety Answering Point in accordance to
Section 771.0751 of the Texas Health and Safety Code and Rule 251.3 Use of
Revenue in Certain Counties from the Commission on State Emergency Communications;
and amending the Fiscal Year 2004 – 2005 General Fund Budget of the City of
Laredo by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of
$128,600.00 for salary expenses for Laredo Police Department Communications
Division. Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Belmares For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was
no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Valdez For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain:
0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
17. Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the City of 2005 Annual
Budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of
$391,301.00 from the Texas Department of State Health Services and from
Program Income for the Maternal and Child Health (MCH-Title V) Program of the
City of Laredo Health Department for the period of September 1, 2005 through
August 31, 2006. Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Belmares For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was
no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Rendon For: Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 18. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the City of 2005 Annual
Budget by increasing revenues and expenditures of $7,219.00 in additional
funds totaling $28,876.00 from the Texas Department of State Health Services
for the Laredo Obesity Prevention and Control Project (LOPAC) of the City of
Laredo Health Department, to extend the grant period by four (4) additional
months, from September 1, 2004 through December 31, 2005. Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Rendon For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was
no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Valdez For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
19. Public hearing and
introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was
no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Rendon For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 20. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the City of 2005 Water
Availability Fund Annual Budget by appropriating expenses in the amount of
$3,000,000.00 by drawing down the opening balance for Water Rights
Acquisition. Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was
no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
VIII. INTRODUCTORY
ORDINANCES 21. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all
necessary documents to effectively convey fee simple
title to the “Surface Only” at its market value of $14,900.00 for certain
property described as a 19,859 sq. ft. tract of land, more or less, out of
those former sections of Jarvis Avenue between Marion and Gates Streets
(including its intersection with Gates Street) and Gates Street between
Jarvis and Martin Avenues, said tract being situated in the Eastern Division,
City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas being generally described on attached Exhibit
“A”; and providing for an effective date. Ordinance Introduction:
City Council IX. FINAL Motion to
waive the final readings of Ordinance # 2005-O-193; # 2005-O-194; #
2005-O-195; # 2005-O-196; # 2005-O-197; # 2005-O-198; # 2005-O-199; #
2005-O-200; and #
2005-O-201. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Valdez For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 22. 2005-O-193
Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease renewal with Securitas Security
Services USA, Inc., for approximately 220 square feet of office space at
Bridge I and approximately 120 square feet of office space and an exclusive
office entry lane of approximately 540 square feet at Bridge II. 1. Lease term is for
one (1) year commencing and
ending on 2. Monthly rent will be $4,000.00 for both
properties, including an exclusive
office entry lane. 3. The lease may be terminated by either party
with a thirty (30) day written notice. Motion to adopt
Ordinance # 2005-O-193. Moved:
Cm. Rendon Second: Cm. Belmares For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2005-O-194 Amending the City of Budget by appropriating revenues and
expenditures in the amount of $750,000.00 for the purchase of
fuels. Funding is available in the respective City
Department Budgets. Motion to adopt
Ordinance # 2005-O-194. Moved: Cm. Rendon Second: Cm. Belmares For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2005-O-195 Authorizing
the City Manager to execute an Interagency Cooperation Subcontract
between the South Texas Development Council and the City of Laredo to accept
a grant award in the amount of $1,200,000.00 for the period beginning July 1,
2005, and ending August 31, 2006, from the State of Texas, Office of the
Governor, Criminal Justice Division; and amending the FY 2004-2005
Communication System Fund Annual Budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures
in the amount of $1,200,000.00. Grant
funds will be used for the purchase of equipment for the City of Motion to adopt
Ordinance # 2005-O-195. Moved: Cm. Rendon Second: Cm. Belmares For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2005-O-196 Authorizing the City Manager to implement
the FY 2006-2010, South Texas Regional Administration
Strategic Plan as approved by the Commission on State Emergency
Communication (CSEC) on July 21, 2005; and amending the FY 2004-2005 Fund of the City of the amount of $1,124,461.00 for
administrative, equipment and program budgets
for Webb, Zapata, Jim Hogg, and beginning subsequent years
is contingent upon future budget approvals. Motion to adopt
Ordinance # 2005-O-196. Moved: Cm. Rendon Second: Cm. Belmares For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2005-O-197 Authorizing the City Manager to amend the
FY 2004-2005 Convention and Visitor’s Bureau 250th Anniversary
Celebration Budget to appropriate revenues and expenditures in the amount of
$29,719.00 provided by the sale of 250th Anniversary Celebration
promotional items, and entrance, registration and sponsorship fees /
contributions collected at the 7 Flags – 7 Cultures
Festival. Funds will be used for
scheduled 250th Anniversary Celebration events. Motion to adopt
Ordinance # 2005-O-197. Moved: Cm. Rendon Second: Cm. Belmares For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2005-O-198 Amending Chapter 33, Environmental
Protection, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Laredo, Texas by
creating Article III, Commercial Litter Prevention, which will
regulate the handling and disposal of commercial litter; providing
for severability, publication and an effective date. Motion to adopt
Ordinance # 2005-O-198. Moved: Cm. Rendon Second: Cm. Belmares For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2005-O-199 Amending Ordinance # 2004-O-336 so as to
accept a supplemental grant in the amount of
$8,404.00 by the South Texas Development Council (STDC) with no
matching funds and to amend the City of FY 2004-2005 Annual
Budget for the NPDES Fund by appropriating this supplemental grant
revenue to the appropriate expenditure
accounts. With this additional grant,
the total amount for
the STDC grant will be $49,232.00. The
grant funds will be used to promote
electronic waste (e-waste) recycling events, as well
as for disposal fees for the materials collected. (As Amended) Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2005-O-199 as amended from the amount of $8,404.00 to
$8,653.00 and from $49,232 to $49,481.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Galo For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2005-O-200 Authorizing the City Manager to amend the
City of Laredo FY 2004-2005 Annual Budget by increasing revenues and
expenditures of $13,184.00 in additional funds totaling $65,919.00 from
the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for the City of Laredo
Health Department’s Children’s Health Insurance Program
(CHIP); extending the grant period three additional months from 2005; and authorizing the City Manager to
execute said contract. Motion to adopt
Ordinance # 2005-O-200. Moved: Cm. Rendon Second: Cm. Belmares For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2005-O-201 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a
lease with the Texas Migrant Council for approximately 1.158 acres
(50,442 square feet of land) located at 5102 North three (3) terms of one (1) year each
ending on 2009; and adjusted annually according to changes in
the Consumer Price Index; providing for an
effective date. Motion to adopt
Ordinance # 2005-O-201. Moved: Cm. Rendon Second: Cm. Belmares For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Cm.
Garcia arrived at X. RESOLUTIONS 23. 2005-R-073
Accepting the donation of one utility easement from Manuel C. Torres
for the extension of utility
services lines to the San Carlos Subdivision, Phase I. This being a strip of
land 15.00 feet in width, containing 2,198.84 square feet or 0.05 of an acre,
more or less, over and across Lot 3, Block 2, and being situated in Porcion 32, Abstract 296, as described by metes and
bounds and survey attached as Exhibits A and B. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Valdez For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 24. 2005-R-075
Resolution of the City of Laredo, Texas authorizing the employment of Lloyd
Gosselink, Attorneys at Law as legal counsel and
4MP Consultants for the Centerpoint Energy Entex
Gas Rate Case, and authorizing a steering committee with representatives from
Laredo, Victoria, Edna, Kingsville, and other interested cities to coordinate
the work of legal counsel and consultants, to consider settlement offers and
to issue rate recommendations to the City Council. Motion
to approve. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. For: no action Motion to postpone. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Valdez For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 25. 2005-R-076
Disapproving of self-help groups seeking to assist duly assigned
federal and
state law enforcement officers in the enforcement of the Nation’s Immigration
Laws: Expressing its particular undesirability in Webb County and City of
Laredo in view of the long historic connection between this locality and the
Republic of Mexico; exhorting landowners within Webb County and City of
Laredo to refuse assistance and co-operation to private individuals or
associations whose aim is the rhetorical one of assisting in the enforcement
of the Nation’s Immigration Laws. Luis
Dovalina, President of the LULAC # 14, thanked the City Council for the
approval of the resolution noting that other cities will follow in the same
manner. Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Valdez For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 26. 2005-R-077
Supporting and authorizing the City of Texas
Development Council, and authorizing payment of the
City of Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. Rendon Second: Cm. Agredano For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 27. 2005-R-078
Confirming the appointment of representatives from the City of serve on the Board of
Directors of the South Texas Development Council for the period of Motion to postpone. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Valdez For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 28. 2005-R-080
Authorizing the Mayor and the City Manager to execute the Interjurisdictional Mutual Aid Agreement between and among the City of incorporated cities: La Grulla, Roma. The parties recognize that this agreement will allow for
better coordination of effort, would provide that adequate equipment
and manpower is available, and would help ensure that mutual aid
is accomplished in the event of a disaster or civil emergency. Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Valdez For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 29. 2005-R-081
Authorizing the City Manager to accept an Grant
(AIP), if offered, in the amount of $1,000,000.00 from the Federal Aviation
Administration for the purpose of acquiring land for the Runway Protection
Zone abutting the
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XI. MOTIONS 30. Consider a recommendation to approve the
Site Development Plan dated prepared by and
submitted by Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Valdez Second: Cm. Agredano For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 31. Authorizing the City Manager to approve
payment from the City’s Arena Renewal and Replacement
Account for the purchase of seats and parts in the amount of $18,253.00 (50%
of the total cost of $36,506.00) and the purchase of a Zamboni
in the amount of $21,080.50 (50% of the total cost of $42,161.00). Items
purchased through the Renewal and Replacement Account are on a 50% cost basis
to the City of Laredo and a 50% cost basis to Arena Ventures, L.L.C.; funding
is available in the Renewal and Replacement Account. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Valdez Second: Cm. Agredano For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 32. Authorizing the City Manager to execute an
amendment to the contract with the Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Valdez Second: Cm. Agredano For:
7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0 33. Consideration to authorize the City Manager
to execute a contract with Graphitiks Advertising
Design, Inc., Laredo, Texas, who will design, produce, sell advertising and
print the 2006 Laredo / Nuevo Laredo Official Visitors Guide. Graphitiks will print, at no cost to the City of Laredo,
130,000 copies of the guide which is a 76-page full color magazine featuring
“Los Dos Laredos”. The guide will be produced under
the direction of the Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau relative to style,
design, and editorial content. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Valdez Second: Cm. Agredano For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 34. Consideration to execute a service
agreement with Nextel Partners in the estimated amount of $75,000.00 for
Wireless Phase I services for the four county regional Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. Valdez Second: Cm. Agredano For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain:
0 35. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a
contract between the City of South Texas
Development Council (RPC), and Commission for State Emergency Communications
(CSEC) for the period beginning September 1, 2005 and ending August 31, 2007
to administer the approved 9-1-1 Strategic Plan on behalf of the RPC for the
Counties of Webb, Zapata, Jim Hogg and Starr. Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. Valdez Second: Cm. Agredano For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 36. Calling for a public hearing regarding the
City’s Capital Improvement Program to be held on
September 6, 2005, at the regularly scheduled City Council meeting held at
City Hall, 1110 Houston Street at 5:30 p.m.; and authorizing publication of a
newspaper advertisement for 10 consecutive days to inform the general public
of the public hearing and advising that three copies of the Capital
Improvement Program are available at the City Secretary’s Office and the
Laredo Public Library. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Valdez Second: Cm. Agredano For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 37. Consideration to authorize the purchase of
three (3), half ton pick-up trucks for the Fire Department
in the total amount of $49,236.00 from Philpott
Motors, Inc., through the Houston Galveston Area Council of Governments
(HGAC) – Cooperative Purchasing Program. Funding is available from a Homeland
Security Grant administered by the Fire Department. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Valdez Second: Cm. Agredano For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 38. Consideration to award the annual Municipal
Court software maintenance contract in the amount of $30,252.00
to Incode InVision. The
amount represents a 5% increase over the previous year. The annual software
maintenance contract covers the following areas; Acuserver,
Cash Collections, HTE Interface, Municipal Court applications, and Data
Dictionary. Funding is available in the Municipal Court Budget. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Valdez Second: Cm. Agredano For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 39. Authorizing the issuance of a request for
proposals (RFP) for the development of a Hazardous
Cargo Community Risk Assessment and Route Alternative Analysis for Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Valdez Second: Cm. Agredano For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 40. Consideration to utilize the State of (DIR)
TE-XAN telecommunication contracts with SBC – Southwestern Bell Telephone for
local and dedicated voice and data services; and Public Utility Commission
Tariff #73 rates for seventeen (17) data circuits as recommended by our
consultant, Carolyn Arnold Communications Consultant (CACC), Inc. These
recommended changes will reduce the City’s yearly telecommunications fees by
approximately $43,000.00. The affected changes will be reflected on the user
department’s communication budget. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Valdez Second: Cm. Agredano For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 41. Authorizing the City Manager to acquire
through negotiations, the “Surface Only” of one (1) parcel of land for
the Chacon Creek Acquisition Project. Said parcel being a 15.01 acre tract of
land known as Share 1 of the Moreno Partition of part of Porcion
30; less and except a parcel of land being the extreme Southern portion of
said Share 1, consisting of a strip of land one hundred and twenty-five (125)
feet in length by forty (40) feet in width, as described in Sheriff’s Deed to
Matilde A. Hirsch, et. al., recorded in Volume 134,
Pages 78-79, Webb County Deed Records; and authorizing staff to negotiate
with the owner for the acquisition of said parcel by purchase at a market
value not to exceed $216,000.00 plus incidental expenses as established by a
State Certified Real Estate Appraiser. This will be a voluntary transaction.
Funding is available in the 2005 Certificates of Obligation, Chacon Creek
Acquisition Project. Motion to approve. Instead of 15.01 it should be 14.8491 more
or less. Moved:
Cm. Valdez Second: Cm. Agredano For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 42. Approval of the 2005 Appraisal Roll from
the Webb County Appraisal District for the development
of our tax roll, acceptance of the Effective and Rollback Tax Rate
calculations for Tax Year 2005, and setting the first public hearing date on
August 29, 2005 for the proposed tax rate of $0.637000/$100 value. Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. Valdez Second: Cm. Agredano For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 43.
Approving monthly adjustments to the tax roll. The amount to be
adjusted for the month of July
2005 represents an increase of $202.27. These adjustments are determined by Webb County Appraisal District and
by court orders. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Valdez Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
44. Refund of property tax in
the amount of $1,964.49 to the following taxpayers and companies: 1. A refund in the amount of $1,964.49 payable
to Reynaldo Godines due to an erroneous
payment. Account # 974-20002-060. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Valdez Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
45. Awarding a construction
contract to Price Construction, Ltd., of the amount of $324,578.60 for the consists of installing approximately 879
linear feet of a 24” diameter sewer line on Santa time is 120
calendar days. Funding is available in
the Sewer Plant Improvement Account. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Valdez Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
46. Awarding a construction
contract to the lowest bidder J. Solis Maintenance and Welding Services, US 83 Interchange Utilities
Improvements. The project consists of
adjusting and relocating
water and sewer main lines, manholes, water valves and one horizontal bore under US
83. Funding is available in the
Utilities Department Budget. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Valdez Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
47. Approving the acceptance of
SH 359 Planning Area-Work Order No. 5 Ground Storage Tank and Booster Station and authorizing
the release of final payment in the amount of $30,596.29 to Lambda Construction I,
Ltd., of amount is
$611,925.75. Funding is available in
the Colonias Project Fund Retainage
Account. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Valdez Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
48. Approving the acceptance of
the SH 359 – Work Order No. 6, 500,000 Gallon Elevated Storage Tank and authorizing
the release of final payment in the amount of $50,022.50 to Landmark Structures Inc., of $1,000,450.00. Funding is
available in the Colonias Project Fund Retainage Account.
Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Valdez Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XII. GENERAL COUNCIL
DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS 49. A. Request
by Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores a. 1. Veto of the motion
passed by City Council at the meeting of regarding the naming of The Mayor
announced the veto of a motion passed by City Council at the meeting of Motion to
consider naming of a park after former Council Member Blas
Castaneda and return to Council when recommendations for naming parks are
complete. Moved: Cm.
Garcia Second: Cm. For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Cm. Galo was not
present
B. Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez
1. Status report regarding the expansion of
the outbound inspection area at Bridge II to expedite the bus
inspection process and to better accommodate bus passengers traveling to XIII.
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 50. Request for executive session pursuant to
Section 551.071 (1)(A) & (B) of the Government
Code to consult with the Motion to
go into executive session pursuant to Section 551.071 (1)(A) & (B) of the
Texas Government Code to consult with the Moved:
Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Valdez For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 After Executive Session, Mayor Flores
announced that no formal action was taken. 51. Request for executive session pursuant to
Texas Government Code Section and
possible settlement of Mary Godines and Patricia Godines vs. The City of Laredo, Texas and Guadalupe Peña, Jr., Cause
No. 2004CVQ001765-D3, in the District Court 341st Judicial District, Webb
County, Texas; and return to open session for possible action. Motion to
go into executive session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071(1)(A)&(B) for consultation with the Moved:
Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Valdez For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 After Executive Session, Mayor Flores
announced that no formal action was taken. Motion to
authorize the City Manager to settle depending litigation with Mary Godines and Patricia Godines by
waiving any City rights of collection or segregation which have not already
been assigned to the TMLIRP and authorizing the City Manager to sign a final
document. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 52. Request for executive session pursuant to
Texas Government Code Section 551.071(1)(A) for consultation with the Motion to
go into executive session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071(1)(A) for consultation with the Moved:
Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Valdez For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 After Executive Session, Mayor Flores
announced that no formal action was taken. 53. Request for executive session pursuant to
Texas Government Code Section 551.072 in order to
deliberate the value of, and the possible purchase of, an approximately 7.08
acre parcel of real property from Fasken Ltd. out
of its master plan area known as Embarcadero Southwest Quadrant to be used
for a recreation center, because deliberation in an open meeting would have a
detrimental effect on the position of the City Council in negotiations with a
third party; and return to open session for possible action. Motion to
go into executive session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.072
in order to deliberate the value of, and the possible purchase of, an
approximately 7.08 acre parcel of real property from Fasken
Ltd. out of its master plan area known as Embarcadero Southwest Quadrant to
be used for a recreation center, because deliberation in an open meeting
would have a detrimental effect on the position of the City Council in
negotiations with a third party; and return to open session for possible
action. Moved:
Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Valdez For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 After Executive Session, Mayor Flores
announced that no formal action was taken. Motion to
authorize the City Manager to negotiate to purchase 7.08 acres of land for an
amount not to exceed $500,000 plus closing cost and accepting a donation of
5.68 acres of land in the same area. Moved:
Cm. Second: Cm.
Garcia For: 7 Against: 0 Against: 0 XIV. RECESS AS THE MASS TRANSIT BOARD. Motion to
recess as the Laredo City Council and convene as the Laredo Mass Transit
Board. Moved: Cm. Valdez Second: Cm. Garcia For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 54. 2005-RT-002 Authorizing the City of Department
of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, United States of America,
in the amount of $2,546,681.00 for Fiscal Year 2004 – 2005 for Section 5309 earmarks to be used for the administrative /
operations / maintenance facility, and authorizing the City Manager to
execute all related documents. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Valdez Second: Cm. Garcia For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 55. Consideration for approval of Change Order
No. 1 an increase of $5,109.15, for the balance of quantities actually
constructed in place, acceptance of the El Metro Bus Bays Project, and
approval of final payment in the amount of $10,305.28 to J. Solis Maintenance
and Welding Services, Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Belmares For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XV. ADJOURN AS THE THE Motion
to adjourn as the Laredo Mass Transit Board and reconvene as the Council. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Garcia For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XVI. ADJOURNMENT Motion
to adjourn. Time: 8:40 p.m. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Valdez For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 |