|
CITY OF LAREDO CITY COUNCIL MEETING M2006-R-10 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1110 HOUSTON STREET LAREDO, TEXAS 78040 May 15, 2006 5:30 P.M.
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 Johnny Amaya, Council Member, District IV Johnny Rendon Council Member, District V Gene Belmares, Council Member, District VI Juan Chavez, Council Member, District VII Juan Ramirez, Mayor Protempore, Dist. VIII Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary Larry Dovalina, City Manager Cynthia Collazo, Deputy City Manager Jaime Flores, City Attorney
Motion to excuse: Cm. John Galo.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IV. MINUTES
Approval of the minutes of February 21, 2006 and March 6, 2006.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
None.
Invitations
a. Invitation by the Laredo Broncos Baseball Club to their Inaugural 2006 Baseball Season.
General Manager, Jose Melendez, thanked the Council for inviting him to the City Council and he extended an invitation to the Mayor Flores to throw the first pitch on May 26, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. He added that there will be plenty of promotions to draw attention to the Laredo Broncos and encouraged everyone to support the Laredo Broncos.
Recognitions
b. Recognition of Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores.
Motion to postpone.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Agredano For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
c. Acknowledgement of appointees to boards, committees, and commissions by Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores.
Mayor Flores requested to postpone her acknowledgments.
d. Recognition of the appointees for District I, by Council Member Alfredo Agredano.
Cm. Alfredo Agredano recognized Robert Simpson for serving on the Library Advisory Committee.
e. Recognition of Blas Jasso, of the Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau, on his selection as April 2006 Employee of the Month.
Patricia Taylor, Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Director, reported that it was a pleasure to be able to report, on behalf of the Convention and Visitor’s staff, a member of the department who plays a key role , Mr. Blas Jasso. He began his employment with the City in 1994 and became a full time City employee in 1999. She said that a person can basically see Mr. Jasso everywhere from the World Trade Bridge to the Airport, from the HEB to Nuevo Laredo, Blas is in charge of all the department’s running, messages, and distribution. He controls the inventory of promotional supplies in the department. His job continues to grow and his ability to comply with his responsibilities and his growing workload is commitment and dedication that displays what true public service is. She noted that she truly appreciates his commitment and dedication.
Communiqués
Cm. Agredano said that he was honored to represent the Mayor at the United South Middle School for honoring Margaret Cigarroa and for naming their Library the “Margaret Cigarroa Library”. Secondly, he noted that he and Cm. Rendon welcomed the soldiers from Iraq and Iran. He said that they welcomed them home and thanked them for their dedication and patronage to this country. Thirdly, he encouraged the Citizens of Laredo to vote for the Webb County Judge of their choice.
Cm. Garcia thanked the residents in his district for giving him the opportunity to serve four more years. He noted that he did not have an opponent. He congratulated Council Member Gene Belmares and Municipal Court Judge, Alfonso “Boyer” Ornelas, for being elected to serve another four years. He also congratulated local teachers for celebrating “Teacher’s Appreciation Week”. He also mentioned that the officers will be celebrating “National Police Appreciation Week”. He stated that both professions deserve recognition for the exceptional work that they do in serving the community. He commended Public Works for being prepared during the recent storm.
Cm. Amaya congratulated Cm. Hector Garcia and Cm. Gene Belmares on their reelection victories. He advised that his Special Projects District Committee held a fund raiser several weeks ago to raise scholarship monies for District IV students. He noted that they were able to provide $2,000 to seventeen students in District IV. He thanked everyone that participated or donated monies for that fundraiser.
Cm. Rendon thanked the Public Works Department employees for all the work that they have been doing in District V. He said that they have been busy assisting constituents trimming their trees. He mentioned that District V Upward Bound Scholarship Committee gave $3,000 of scholarships to five seniors in his district. Finally, he congratulated Council Member Hector Garcia and Council Member Gene Belmares on their return to Council.
Cm. Belmares said that he owes all of his blessing to God Almighty. He said that He carried him through the race and believes, like all believers do, that all things are possible through Christ in whom he gives all the glory. He said that he is truly committed in serving the community he loves and it was difficult for him to hear some of the negative comments that people were saying during the campaign. He expressed his dissatisfaction in comments made about city employees and him. He thanked Alfonso Martinez, one of his opponents, for running a clean race. He thanked all of his supporters, more specifically Orlando Navarro, whom he said has become his closest friend. He also congratulated the City of Laredo employees for participating in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Finally, he thanked his wife for all of her support through the campaign. He noted that he could not be a City Council Member without her love and support.
Cm. Chavez wished all mothers a belated Happy Mother’s Day.
Cm. Ramirez asked for a moment of silence for Police Officer Ismael Alardin who passed away recently.
Mayor Flores asked for a moment of silence for Guadalupe Martinez. She noted that he greatly contributed to the City of Laredo community.
a. Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores reports on the City of Laredo Utilities Department.
Motion to table.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
a. Confirmation of Eva Montoya to the Housing Finance Corporation Board.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Ordinance No. 2005-O-121 authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for inventory storage on Lots 1 and 3, Block 992, Western Division, located at 3902 Main Avenue, by removing the term limit restriction of the permit. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the conditional use permit.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Garcia For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Chavez Second: Cm. Ramirez For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Chavez
Mayor Flores left temporarily and Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez chaired the meeting.
2. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 1490, Eastern Division, located at 2501 Market Street, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia 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. Garcia For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
3. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for sale and outdoor storage of commercial metal racks on the Lots 6, 8 and 10, Block 1030, Western Division, located at 4102 Santa Maria Avenue. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the conditional use permit.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Agredano For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Chavez Second: Cm. Belmares For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Chavez
4. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 11.96 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit "A", located at the southwest corner of F.M. 1472 and Trade Center Boulevard, from AG (Agricultural District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Agredano For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Chavez Second: Cm. Belmares For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Chavez
5. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 5, Las Flores Subdivision Phase 2, located at 211 Floral Boulevard, from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Agredano For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Chavez Second: Cm. Agredano For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Garcia
6. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 4, Block 1694, Eastern Division, located at 2819 Clark Boulevard, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change. Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Belmares For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Garcia
7. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for a bus terminal on Lot 10, Block 176, Western Division, located at 1102 Santa Ursula Avenue. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the conditional use permit.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Garcia For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and postpone for next month.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Agredano For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
8. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo’s Land Development Code, Article IV, Section 24.63.2, entitled Permitted Land Uses, and Appendix A, by establishing and defining shooting range (indoor) in specific zoning districts; providing for publication and effective date. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the proposed ordinance amendment.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Garcia 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: City Council
9. Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo, Texas Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Series 2006, in the estimated amount of $13,975,000.00 for the purpose of improving and extending the City’s combined Waterworks System and Sewer System, approving an official statement, authorizing the execution of a purchase contract, making provisions for the security thereof; and authorizing amendment to the City’s budget to appropriate such proceeds for purposes authorized herein, and ordaining other matters relating to the subject.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Garcia For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Garcia For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
10. Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo, Texas Combination Tax and Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 2006 in the estimated amount of $17,370,000.00 for paying all or a portion for the City’s Contractual Obligations for the purpose of constructing and equipping Police and Fire Department improvements for substations, a training center and headquarters building, constructing, improving, repairing and extending city streets, and providing for road improvements for Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) projects including the West Laredo Corridor Project, Cuatro Vientos Project, US 83 Project and other related road improvements, together with drainage improvements and traffic and signal equipment and improvements, constructing and equipping improvements to the City’s health complex, branch library, and municipal parks and for the payment of legal, fiscal, and engineering fees in connection with such projects; approving an official statement, authorizing the execution of a purchase contract, making provisions for the security thereof; and authorizing amendment to the City’s Budget to appropriate such proceeds for purposes authorized herein, and ordaining other matters relating to the subject.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Agredano For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was not public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Garcia For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
11. Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo, Texas General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2006, in the estimated amount of $18,245,000.00 for the purpose of refunding general Obligation Bonds; approving an Official Statement; authorizing the execution of a purchase agreement and an Escrow Agreement; making provisions for the security thereof; and authorizing amendment to the City’s Budget to appropriate such proceeds for the purposes authorized herein; and ordaining other matters relating to the subject.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was not public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
12. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 Annual Operating Budget Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Program approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State of Texas in the sum of $73,230.00. This will fund a project that will develop a comprehensive hazard Mitigation Action Plan for the City of Laredo.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was not public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Garcia For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
13. Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept the Universal Service Program grant from the Schools & Libraries Division / Universal Services Administrative Company / Federal Communications Commission in the amount of $566,169.55 with the City designating $83,423.85 in matching funds, which includes $69,976.00 (11% matching funds required) and $13,447.85 to cover non-funded needed items for a total of $649,593.40 for multi-year E-Rate discounts and communication and technology infrastructure enhancements and to appropriate said funds in the Friends of the Library Fund, and extending the contract previously awarded to Avnet Enterprise Solutions now doing business as Calence to September 30, 2006.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Agredano For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was not public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
14. Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept an $89,734.00 donation from the BP Newman Investment Co. / Peggy Newman for the purchase of playground amenities and a shade structure to be installed at El Eden / Newman Park and amend the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 Capital Improvement Fund by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the form of a donation in the amount of $89,734.00 for said purchase.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Agredano For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was not public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Belmares For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
15. Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend the lease agreement between the City of Laredo and the Laredo Center for the Arts dated November 27, 1996 to provide for additional lease space, suite B and D at El Mercado in the amount of 1,342 sq. ft. for an increase of lease space totaling 15,035.20 sq. ft. Special use days of the 2nd floor mezzanine have also been designated for city use as part of this lease amendment.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was not public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
16. Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the Laredo Housing Authority in the amount of $58,600.00 and amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 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. The term of this agreement is from April 4, 2006 through December 31, 2006.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Belmares For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was not public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
17. Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant from the State of Texas Division of Emergency Management in the amount of $49,979.00 and amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 Annual Budget in the same amount. This grant will be for bomb detection and deterrence equipment and is offered under the United States Department of Homeland Security Fiscal Year 2005 Buffer Zone Protection Plan Program. The terms of this grant agreement will be from April 1, 2005 – January 31, 2007.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was not 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
18. Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept and execute the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Grant, Section 5307, TX-90-X706, in the amount of $3,778,375.00 for Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006; and amend the Transit System’s Operating Budget by increasing the Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 FTA Operating Grant contribution from $2,943,542.00 to $3,778,375.00 and decreasing the Transit sales tax match for operating expenses from $5,590,646.00 to $4,955,813.00 and increasing the CNG fuel expense by $200,000.00 and providing for grant funds to be deposited in the City of Laredo Transit Fund.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Agredano For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was not public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Belmares For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
19. Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend the Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 Colonias Construction grant fund to appropriate revenues and expenditures, provided by Webb County, in the amount of $500,000.00 for construction of wastewater lines at Colonia Tanquecitos.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Agredano For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was not public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
20. Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute the U.S. Highway 83 and Southgate Boulevard proposed Sanitary Sewer Reimbursement Agreement with 3 applicants, who are named in the agreement, to provide for possible reimbursement of part of the costs incurred by the applicants, in constructing a 21-inch sanitary sewer line in south Laredo from Southgate Boulevard to the Chacon Creek interceptor.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Agredano For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was not public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Belmares For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
VIII. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
21. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Aero Center, Inc., for approximately 416 square feet constituting Building No. 168 located at 5103 Maher Avenue at the Laredo International Airport. Lease term is for three (3) years commencing on May 1, 2006 and ending on April 30, 2009, and may be extended for two (2) terms of one (1) year each ending on April 30, 2010, and April 30, 2011. Monthly rent shall be $600.00 and will be adjusted annually during the primary and extension terms of this lease according to changes in the Consumer Price Index; providing for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
22. Consider a recommendation authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Aero Center, Inc., for approximately 178 square feet constituting Air Operations Area (AOA) Office #5 located at 5210 Bob Bullock Loop at the Laredo International Airport. Lease term is for one (1) year commencing on May 1, 2006, and ending on April 30, 2007, and may be extended for one (1) year ending on April 30, 2008. However, this lease may be terminated by either party upon giving a thirty (30) day written notice from the party terminating to the other. Monthly rent shall be $534.00 and will be adjusted during the primary and extension term of this lease according to changes in the Consumer Price Index; providing for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
23. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a License Agreement with Nextel WIP Lease Corp., a Delaware Corporation d/b/a Nextel Partners for space at the Scott Street Park located at 305 Coke, Laredo, Webb County, Texas, and being more fully described in Exhibit “A” of License Agreement, to construct a telecommunications equipment building and concrete pad for a standby power generator, more fully described in Exhibit “C”, for use in connection with its communications business. Term of the lease is five (5) years commencing June 6, 2006 and ending June 5, 2011 with four (4) successive renewal terms of five (5) years. Annual base rent shall be $7,500.00 each year during the terms of the lease and will be increased by five percent (5%) on each anniversary of the commencement date, providing for effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
24. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to effectively convey fee simple title to the Metro Affordable Housing Corporation, the “Surface Only”, of certain property described as a 15,433.46 sq. ft. tract of land, more or less, out of New York Avenue, bounded on the north by the south line Chacon Street, on the east by the west line block 1782 Eastern Division, on the south by the north line Piedra China Street, on the west by the east line of block 1713 situated Eastern Division, as per the City of Laredo Plat Book, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas and described by Metes and Bounds and Survey attached as Exhibits A and B; provided that the City of Laredo retains the entire former Street as a sewer easement and providing for an effective date.
Ronnie Acosta mentioned amending the Ordinance by identifying the street by metes and bounds.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
IX. FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-100, # 2006-O-101, # 2006-O-102, # 2006-O-103, # 2006-O-104, and # 2006-O-105.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Ramirez For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
25. 2006-O-100 Authorizing the City Manager to accept a Federal Aviation Administration Grant and amend the City of Laredo FY 2006 Airport Construction Fund Budget to recognize additional revenues from a grant received from the Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program, being Grant Project No. 3-48-0136-48-06, in the amount of $1,424,968.00 to improve runway safety area, conduct a Benefit/Cost Analysis to include Environmental Assessment for a future runway extension project, construct cargo pads, airfield electrical improvements, A&E services to rehabilitate General Aviation Apron Phases 3 and 4, complete noise study and acquire an interactive employee training system at the Laredo International Airport by appropriating said grant revenue to the appropriate expenditure accounts and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget amendment.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-100.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Garcia For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-101 Authorizing the City Manager to accept a Federal Aviation Administration Grant and amend the City of Laredo FY 2006 Airport Construction Fund Budget in order to recognize additional revenues from the Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program, being Grant Project No. 3-48-0136-47-06, in the amount of $2,000,000.00 for noise mitigation under FAR PART 150 Noise Abatement Program for the Laredo International Airport by appropriating said grant revenue to the appropriate expenditure accounts and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget amendment.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-101.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Garcia For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-102 Establishing Laundromat service fees on all Multi-Family Apartment Properties where a Laundromat facility is available in the Airport Noise Compatibility Program and implementing a $1.00 fee for each washer or dryer cycle use. The Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation as authorized through the property management service contract of November 20, 2000 will manage the maintenance of all washers and dryers.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-102.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Garcia For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-103 Accepting a grant in the amount of $20,000.00 from the Texas Department of Transportation for enforcement of Vehicle Occupant Protection during the Memorial Day Holiday Crackdown and amending the City of Laredo’s Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 Annual Budget in the amount of $20,000.00. This grant is for overtime salaries, including fringe benefits, and is funded 100% by the Texas Department of Transportation.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-103.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Garcia For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-104 Amending Article II, Section 2-16, “Departments of the City,” of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Laredo, Texas, clarifying the authority of the City Manager to appoint, suspend or remove all City Department Directors except as otherwise provided by law, the City Charter, or policies adopted in accordance with the Charter, and clarifying the authority of Department Directors to appoint, suspend or remove all employees in their respective departments, and limiting the power of each to delegate this specific authority; creating a new department of Communications and Administrative Support Services; and providing for severability and effective date.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-104.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Garcia For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-105 Amending Chapter 19, “Motor Vehicles and Traffic”, Article VIII; Stopping, Standing or Parking, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Laredo: Specifically Section 19-364, restricted parking areas, by adding Subsection B “No Parking Anytime/Tow Away Zone” on Spring Road, north of Shiloh Drive; providing severability, an effective date and publication.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-105.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Garcia For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
X. RESOLUTIONS
26. 2006-R-050 Accepting the donation of a 0.517 acre parcel of land from San Isidro North, Ltd., for the construction of a ground level water storage tank in the San Isidro Subdivision. Said parcel being described in the document dated March 16, 2006, and recorded in Volume 2073, pp. 877-880, Official Property Records, Webb County, Texas, which is attached hereto as Exhibit A.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2006-R-050.
Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
27. 2006-R-052 Accepting the donation of one (1) parcel of land as a Utility Easement from 4V Holdings, Ltd., for the North American Development Bank Water Distribution Project. Said parcel containing 0.155 acres, more or less, situated in Laredo, Webb County, Texas, out of a 152.0 acre tract conveyed to 4V Holdings, Ltd, a Texas Limited Partnership, as described in deed recorded in Volume 1977, Page 209, Webb County Official Public Records; and described by Metes and Bounds and Survey attached as Exhibits A and B.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2006-R-052.
Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
28. 2006-R-053 Expressing support and granting ratification of the City of Laredo’s application, to the Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program (STEP), which seeks funding for the San Bernardo Avenue Renovation and Restoration Project. If selected and fully funded, the federal contribution will be eighty percent (80%) of the estimated $7,125,121.00 total project cost, resulting in federal funding in the amount of $5,700,097.00 and requiring City matching funds in the amount of $1,425,024.00. Funding for the required matching funds will be available through a future bond issuance.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2006-R-050.
Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
29. 2006-R-054 A resolution supporting the emergency management goal of providing shelter for coastal evacuees in the time of natural disasters, when such communities are being threatened by a hurricane or severe storm; and that the City of Laredo will work toward developing a Memorandum of Understanding with communities along the Gulf Coast, that may be in need of temporary shelters for their residents who must be evacuated to a safe haven pre-landfall of a catastrophic event.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2006-R-050.
Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
30. 2006-R-055 Accepting a donation of $89,734.00 from the BP Newman Investment Co. / Peggy Newman for the purchase of playground amenities and a shade structure to be installed at El Eden / Newman Park to benefit park users.
Motion to name the park after B. P. Newman.
Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to approve Resolution # 2006-R-050.
Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
31. 2006-R-056 Approving the selection of Las Islitas Farms as the Municipal Golf Course site based on the evaluation of submitted proposals and to enter into contract negotiations with selected party.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2006-R-050.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Belmares For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
32. 2006-R-057 A resolution supporting the continuation of services provided by the Laredo Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) office and its advocacy for victims and the families of those affected by and/or involved in a drunk driving vehicular accident. The City of Laredo recognizes that there is an expressed need for increased non-profit social services in the community and therefore values the assistance offered by the activists and counselors of the Laredo MADD chapter office.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2006-R-057.
Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XI. MOTIONS
Mayor Flores returned at 6:55 p.m.
33. Consider a recommendation to reject a sole bid, not meeting bid specifications, received on May 2, 2006 from Paul Young Properties, LTD for a tract of land containing 7.1468-acres, more or less, out of an 8.1488-acre tract, Laredo Air Force Base Enclosure, Survey 799, Abstract 239 situated in the City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, Eastern Division and directing the City Manager to re-bid the subject tract.
Paul Young, Jr., stated that he did submit a bid which included a proposal that offered the City of Laredo an exchange of property and money for the property. He noted that the bid was very restrictive and he met each and every restriction. He also exceeded the total amount of the minimum bid. He was the only bidder. He submitted a letter with the following excerpt from a local appraiser: “I have sketched out an area of approximately 1.2361 acres, or 53,846 square feet, with outline directions taken from the attached plat. Please not that the tract in question, which can be withheld from the City of Laredo transaction and which, at $13 per square feet, will total about $700,000 in value, is on the northwest corner of Tract 1, when referring to the plat used in my original appraisal of the Subject Property, dated January 15, 2006.”
Jaime Flores, City Attorney, stated that the bid specifications asked for a minimum of $2 Million dollars including property. He recommended for staff to reject the sole bid and re-bid the subject tract or work with the bidder to meet the specifications.
Paul Young said that he can comply with the specifications required by the bid.
Motion to accept the bid from Paul Young Properties, LTD.
Moved: Cm. Rendon Second: Cm. Garcia For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
34. Consideration for approval of acceptance of the Laredo International Airport Security Related Improvements and approval of final payment in the amount of $14,969.81 to SimplexGrinnell LP., San Antonio, Texas. Final contract amount is $299,396.25. Funding is available in the Airport Construction Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Agredano For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
35. Consideration for approval to award a construction contract to the sole bidder Zertuche Construction, Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $283,826.00 for the Plaza Theater Marquee and Blade Sign. Funding is available in the Capital Grant Fund and Community Development Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Agredano For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
36. Consideration for approval to award an engineering contract to Gilpin Engineering Company, Laredo, Texas, for an amount of $196,000.00 for design and preparation of plans and specifications for the North Central Park Project. Funding is available in the 2005 Contractual Obligations Bond.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Agredano For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
37. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with the Laredo Entertainment Center for hosting the 2006 Miss Texas USA Pageant including rehearsal production and strike, at a cost not to exceed $120,000.00. Funding is available in the Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 Budget under the Miss Texas Division.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Agredano For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
38. Consideration to authorize the purchase of three (3), defibrillator/monitors in the total amount of $44,921.85 from Medtronic Emergency Response System, Redmond, WA for the Fire Department’s training division. Funding is currently available in the 2002A Public Property Finance Contractual Obligation bond monies (PPFCO).
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Agredano For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
39. Motion to authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Employee Benefits Pool (TMLIEBP) to pay medical and prescription run out claims that were incurred prior to September 30, 2005. Funding is available in the Health & Benefits Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Agredano For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
40. Consideration to authorize the purchase and installation of an ADA accessible playground and safety surface for North Central Park, through the Texas Local Government Purchasing Cooperative (Buy Board) contract pricing in the total amount of $29,631.84. Funding is available through the Prairie Grant in General Fund in the amount of $12,500.00 and additional funding is provided through the 2005 C.O. Bond – N. Central Park Phase I.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Agredano For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
41. Consideration to award a contract for a Tennis Professional, in an amount of $27,000.00 per year for a two (2) year period from May 15, 2006 to May 14, 2008, with Raul Miguel Ramos, individually and D.B.A. Tennis Professional, to provide professional tennis lessons at the Market Street Tennis Courts. Funding for the first contract year is available in the General Fund Parks & Recreation operating budget, additional funding is contingent on subsequent year availability.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Agredano For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
42. Authorizing the City Manager to continue using the Webb County Jail to incarcerate prisoners that are arrested for Class C misdemeanor violations, and to pay Webb County for these services at a rate of $56.84 per day per prisoner. The daily rate is subject to change in accordance with the rate allowed by the United States Government for incarcerating federal prisoners in the Webb County Jail. The agreement will continue annually unless written notice from either party to discontinue the services is submitted and is subject to continued appropriation. Webb County Jail is the only source that provides this service within our geographic area.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Agredano For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
43. Consideration to authorize the purchase of replacement public safety answering (PSAP) equipment through the Houston Galveston Area Council of Governments (HGAC) contract in the total amount of $304,719.00. The existing equipment will be replaced at the Laredo Police Department and Webb County Sheriff’s Office. Funding is available in the 9-1-1 Regional Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Agredano For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
44. Refund of property tax in the amount of $2,179.18 to the following taxpayers and companies:
1. A refund in the amount of $2,179.18 payable to Wells Fargo Home Mortgage due to an erroneous payment. Account # 900-33091-012.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Agredano For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
45. Approving monthly adjustments to the tax roll. The amount to be adjusted for the month of April 2006 represents a decrease of $12,556.93. These adjustments are determined by Webb County Appraisal District and by court orders.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Agredano For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
46. Amend the contract to Arcadis, Laredo, Texas, for $111,148.00 to provide surveys for easements along the Colonias in the Mines Road Area for the wastewater collection system, lift station and force main system and the Colombia wastewater treatment plant upgrade. This project is partially funded by the North American Development Bank (NADB) and is subject to their approval. Funds are available in the 98 Sewer Bond - Columbia Plant Expansion.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Agredano For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
47. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the agreed order docket number 2005-1996- MLM-E and thus entering into the agreed resolution with TCEQ of the violations established in this order inclusive of the completion of the agreed upon supplemental environmental project not to exceed the amount of $45,300.00. Funding for the Supplemental Environmental Project is available under the Utilities Department-Water Treatment and Wastewater Treatment Divisions.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Agredano For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
48. A. Request by Council Member Johnny Amaya
1. Discussion with possible action amending the ordinance to eliminate the location requirements for amusement redemption machine establishments within the B-4 (Highway Commercial District). (Co-sponsored by Council Member Gene Belmares)
Motion to instruct staff to draft an ordinance to eliminate the location requirements for amusement redemption machine establishments within the B-4 (Highway Commercial District).
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
B. Request by Council Member Johnny Rendon
1. Discussion with possible action regarding the plans to make a Laredo Regional Trash dumping ground.
Motion to postpone indefinitely.
Moved: Cm. Rendon Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
C. Request by Council Member Gene Belmares
1. Discussion with possible action on placing speed humps on the 8600 of Northridge Loop between McPherson Road and International Blvd. in accordance with the Speed Hump Installation Policy under the special provision for installation, using CIP District VI Discretionary Funds.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Garcia For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Discussion with possible action on placing speed humps on Rolling Hills Drive and Martinique Drive, in accordance with the Speed Hump Installation Policy under the special provision for installation, using CIP District VI Discretionary Funds.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Garcia For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
D. Request by Council Member Juan Chavez
1. Discussion with possible action regarding the connection of sewer services to the Flying J Truck Stop.
Cm. Chavez advised that he had received a telephone call from Michael Eads, a representative from Flying J, who expressed his concerns about his water and sewer connections. He noted that his business is ready to open but can’t because they do not have the connections.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, said that the council member alluded to a long and complicated process regarding the connection of sewer services to the Flying J Truck Stop. He said that the City of Laredo is still weeks away from the actual connection of the sewer services. He noted that it is a discussion that has been long going between the staff and the developer of the property. He went on to say that the item does not require any action because it is still in the discussion stage which will be concluded soon.
2. Discussion with possible action to allow Flying J Truck Stop to conduct temporary Pump and Haul sewer services.
Motion to allow Flying J Truck Stop to conduct temporary Pump and Haul sewer services with a condition that the improvements should be dedicated and approved by the City before they pump and haul contingent upon the recordation of the plat and the agreement with the other corporation finalized and the easement approved with Unitec.
Moved: Cm. Chavez Second: Cm. Ramirez For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
3. Discussion with possible action regarding water connection to the Flying J Truck Stop.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that the public infrastructure, particularly on the utilities side, has not been dedicated except to be received by the City so it is not available for public use. He advised that the current agenda included items that would assist in providing water and sewer to the Flying J. He added staff is working to accelerate the project by inspecting lines. It is very clear, in the contract, that until the plats are recorded and the public improvements are dedicated to the City that they will not allow any connections to occur to those public improvements.
E. Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore Juan Ramirez
1. Discussion with possible action regarding firework displays at Veterans Field.
Mike Pescador, Parks & Recreation Director, advised that he submitted a proposal for Council’s review regarding the fireworks in the Friday packets. He said that the Broncos are proposing a partnership for $10,000 for the possible fireworks at Veteran’s Field on July 4, 2006 and every Friday starting on May 26, 2006.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, suggested for staff to get an agreement from Council to issue the licenses for all of the Friday’s and for staff to identify the source of the money for the 4th of July which should be brought back as an individual item to Council.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Ramirez Second: Cm. Chavez For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
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 City Attorney or other legal counsel for the City, pursuant to his or her duty under Section 551.071(2) of the Government Code, to consult privately with his or her client on an item on the agenda, or on a matter arising out of such item.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA
I. MOTION
1. Consideration to authorize the payment of the solid waste fee assessed quarterly by the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The City is assessed a solid waste fee based on a per ton basis for all waste processed (disposed) at the landfill. This is a recurring annual expense paid on a quarterly basis. The current rate is $1.25 per ton which is subject to change by the TCEQ. Approximately 350,000 tons will be processed during the next twelve month period which would result in a total payment to TCEQ of $437,500.00 Funding is available in the Solid Waste Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Authorizing the City Manager to accept a utility easement from Royal Joint Venture, for the construction of a sanitary sewer line to the Unitec site; also authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement with Royal Joint Venture, wherein Royal Joint Venture receives reservation of capacity sufficient for development of certain acreage located within the Royal Joint Venture Unitec Industrial Center.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
3. Authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute a contract with Verde Corp. wherein Verde Corp. agrees to construct a sanitary sewer package plant at a construction cost of over $300,000.00 at the Unitec site, within one hundred and eighty (180) days of execution and the City agrees to: 1) reimburse annexation fees previously paid by the owners of Travel Centers ($24,225.00) and Flying J ($33,088.50); and 2) provide a written commitment from the City that guarantees both Verde Corp. and the N. D. Hachar Trust capacity that remains after deduction of that needed by Travel Centers and Flying J Truck Stops.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
4. Rescinding an award of a construction contract to J. Solis Maintenance, and awarding it to
Ramos Industries, Inc., the next lowest responsible bidder, for the
construction of the SH 359 Tanquecitos I - Wastewater Collection and Water
Distribution Improvements Project, subject to the approval of the TWDB. The
Tanquecitos I-Wastewater Collection and Water Distribution Improvements
consist of constructing 8” water distribution lines and 10”/ 8” sanitary
sewer collection lines to Colonias Los Tanquecitos I within the SH 359
Planning Area. The contract will be awarded based on the Base Bid with
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
II. 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 City Attorney or other legal counsel for the City, pursuant to his or her duty under Section 551.071(2) of the Government Code, to consult privately with his or her client on an item on the agenda, or on a matter arising out of such item. III. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to approve Time: 8:25 p.m.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Gustavo Guevara, Jr. City Secretary |