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CITY OF LAREDO CITY COUNCIL MEETING M2006-R-014 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1110 HOUSTON STREET LAREDO, TEXAS 78040 July 17, 2006 5:30 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
With a quorum present Mayor Raul G. Salinas called the meeting to order.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Raul G. Salinas led in the Pledge of Allegiance. III. ROLL CALL
In attendance:
Raul G. Salinas, Mayor Mike Garza, Council Member, District I Hector Garcia, Council Member, District II Michael Landeck, Council Member, District III 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, Council Member, District VIII Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary Larry Dovalina, City Manager Cynthia Collazo, Deputy City Manager Horacio De Leon, Assistant City Manager Rafael Garcia, Assistant City Manager Jaime Flores, City Attorney
IV. MINUTES
Approval of the minutes of May 15, 2006.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Rendon Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Recognitions
a. Recognition of Duncan Jalomo, of the Laredo Public Library, on his selection as June 2006 Employee of the Month.
Maria Solis, Assistant Library Director, reported that Duncan Jalomo has been with the City of Laredo Library for seven years serving as the Library Tech III. She acknowledged that he is the reason that the Library’s Summer Programs are a tremendous success. She said that Duncan was in charge of Toddler Tuesday because he has a way with children. He is very patient and very kind. He also spearheaded the reading program at Finley Elementary. The children in Finley Elementary don’t have the transportation to visit the main Library; therefore, Duncan makes sure that they have a reading program in their school. The children met every day during their library time at the library and they participated in the reading program. Duncan visited the school several times by reading, singing, and puppetiering. He is a frequent visitor of the noon show for different city held events and appears on many different shows created at the Public Access Channel.
b. Recognition of City Departments for their contribution and participation in the 2006 American Cancer Society Relay for Life by Mayor Raul G. Salinas and Members of the City Council.
Linda Teniente, REACH Representative, said that the REACH Committee which stands for “Reinvesting Employees and Caring Hearts” is a group of employees that have been appointed to be the liaisons between the non-profit organization and the City of Laredo. She introduced the following members: Anabelle Venegas, Alejandra Santana, Eddie Zavala, Evelyn Luciano, Carlos Robles, and Cristina Lara.
Nancy Garcia, representing the American Cancer Society, extended a warm thank you to the REACH Committee and to the City Manager, Larry Dovalina for their continuous support throughout the years. She thanked the City of Laredo and the Departments for the tireless fundraising efforts. The City of Laredo is considered to be a great team and this year they adopted the most appropriate name of “City Slickers”. Although they fly under one flag, the city had 19 departments represented and they have raised a grand total of $33,837.03. As we all know, the City is renowned for their internal competition and this year the team with the most monies raised for the second year in a row is the Laredo Bridge System.
Communiqués
Cm. Garza thanked the voters in his District for their support. He said that he appreciated everyone’s guidance and support throughout the election. He wished everyone well and noted that he looks forward to the upcoming years of serving and providing for the citizens of Laredo. He specifically thanked his family for their sacrifices that they have met.
Cm. Garcia said that he was glad that everyone had a safe 4th of July since there was a lot of events taking place. He noted that it was great seeing families spend time together. He congratulated Mayor Pro Tempore for organizing such a successful 4th of July event. He also congratulated the cast of the West Side Story at LCC. He noted that the City of Laredo has a lot of talented individuals. He said that he was especially impressed with Ricardo Guillen, a graduated from United South High School, for his role in West Side Story. He said that Ricardo Guillen will be attending the Walt Disney Resort in Florida as an operational cast member and then transfer to Texas State University. He also mentioned Cecilia Zavala, freshman at Alexander, for participating as the main character in the West Side Story. He encouraged the community to support the youth of Laredo.
Cm. Landeck reiterated Cm. Garza’s statements by agreeing that it is very difficult for their families to bare with them through the election process. He too said that he is very proud to be a part of City Council and is happy to participate in the debates. He said that it was interesting that the Laredo Morning Times had an article that stated that they recognize that the Council is working on being transparent through their discussions. He said that he was impressed with the activities at the Santa Fe Park since the City installed lights. He invited the community to visit the three soccer fields in Santa Rita on Prada Machine.
Cm. Rendon thanked the Water Works Department for repairing a water leak in his District at 3:30 in the morning. He also congratulated the Parks and Recreational Department for assisting in a Field and Track event.
Cm. Belmares congratulated the Del Mar Little League for their performance and advancement to defend their title as State Champions. He said that they have a phenomenal league noting that the adults work hard to exhibit good sportsman ship as well as championship baseball. He also congratulated the Parks & Recreation Department for sponsoring the City of Laredo Baseball Tournament. Finally, he congratulated the Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez for organizing the 4th of July Celebration at the Civic Center. He noted that he was very proud to be a part of the event.
Cm. Chavez welcomed the Mayor, Cm. Landeck, and Cm. Garza in serveing on the City Council.
Mayor Tempore Ramirez thanked the participants of the July Parade especially Cm. Belmares who was the Master of Ceremonies. He also thanked Cm. Garcia and noted that without their support the parade would not have been possible. He thanked several sponsors including CabelloWreckers, LULAC, Light Productions, and other dance groups who performed throughout the day.
Mayor Raul Salinas congratulated Sam and Noemi Lopez, Christ Worship Center, for celebrating 35 years of worship in Laredo. He commended Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez for the outstanding 4th of July program. He advised the viewing public that his doors are always open to the public and encouraged anyone to visit him. He said that if he is not available to leave their name and number and he will return their call. He shared a personal story of how Natalio Castillo awakened after a stroke while he and his wife were praying for him at the Laredo Medical Center.
VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
a. Appointments by Mayor Raul G. Salinas of:
1. Rufino Lopez to the Airport Advisory Committee. 2. Lula Morales to the Board of Adjustment. 3. Diana Juarez to the Citizens Environmental Advisory Committee. 4. Sandra Cavazos to the Library Advisory Committee. 5. Gabriel Holguin to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. 6. Jorge Gutierrez to the Planning and Zoning Commission. 7. Belinda Guerra to the Telecommunications Commission. 8. Lucy Quintanilla to the Third Party Funding Committee. 9. Yolanda Castillo to the Laredo Commission for Women. 10. Maria Elena Morales to the Charter Review Commission. 11. Jose Luis Muñoz; Hector Garza; Mike Molina and Richard Geissler to the Veterans Affairs Committee. 12. Raquel Gonzalez to the Laredo Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 b. Appointments by Mayor Raul G. Salinas of Council Members to Committees, Boards, and Commissions.
Motion to rename the Audit/Insurance Committee to the Audit Committee.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against:0 Abstain: 0
Audit Committee
Mayor Raul Salinas Cm. Landeck Cm. Garza Cm. Johnny Amaya
Community Action Agency Advisory Board
Cm. Chavez Cm. Garcia Cm. Ramirez
El Metro Transit System Committee
Cm. Garza Cm. Johnny Amaya Cm. Johnny Rendon
Engineering Review Committee
Cm. Chavez Cm. Hector Garcia Cm. Johnny Amaya
Health & Benefits/Issues Committee
Cm. Garcia Cm. Amaya Cm. Garza
Legislative liaison Committee
Cm. Landeck
Sports Venue Committee
Cm. Garcia Cm. Rendon Cm. Chavez
Metro Government Committee
Mayor Raul Salinas, Chair Cm. Garcia, Vice Chair Cm. Landeck Cm. Chavez Cm. Rendon
Oil & Gas Review Committee
Cm. Belmares Cm. Amaya Cm. Rendon
Protocol, Procedures, & Customer Service Committee
Mayor Raul Salinas Cm. Rendon Cm. Garcia
Rail Policy Committee
Cm. Juan Chavez Cm. Juan Ramirez Cm. Landeck
South Texas Development Council
Cm. Ramirez Cm. Amaya Cm. Rendon David Cardwell Guillermo Trevino
Traffic Calming Device Program
Cm. Landeck Cm. Rendon Cm. Chavez
Veterans Affairs Committee
Cm. Amaya Cm. Rendon Cm. Chavez Col. Gilberto S. Trevino Dr. Hector Farias Rodolfo Flores Carlos Chavez James Rendon Mauro Sandoval Cesar Montemayor or Bobby Flores Cande Rodriguez or Ignacio Sanchez, Jr. Andy Lakhiani or Ralph Cantu Jose Luis Munoz Hector Garza Mike Molina Richard Geissler
Water Issues Committee
Cm. Rendon Cm. Amaya Cm. Belmares
Laredo Housing Authority Board of Commissioners
Arabella pena Raquel Gonzalez Maria Luisa Cardona Maria del Carmen Rodriguez Judge Jesus Garza
Metropolitan Planning Organization
Mayor Raul G. Salinas Cm. Garza Cm. Garcia Cm. Belmares David Casteel, Interim District Engineer Clay Smith, Interim Deputy District Engineer County Judge Louis Bruni Commissioner Judith Gutierrez Commissioner Cynthia Brunner Judith Zaffirini Richard Raymond Rayan Guillen
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to rename the Audit/Insurance Committee to the Audit Committee.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
c. Appointments by Council Member Mike Garza of:
1. Juanita Isabel Martinez to the Board of Adjustment. 2. Jose Martinez to the Historic District / Landmark Board. 3. Luisa J. Campillo to the Para Transit Advisory Committee. 4. Angelina Martinez the Laredo Commission for Women.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Rendon For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public hearing allowing interested persons to comment on the 2006 Consolidated One Year Action Plan which identifies the projects proposed to be funded by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the 32nd Action Year Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the 2006 HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), the 2006 American Dream Downpayment Initiative; and the 2006 Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG), through CDBG Program Income, HOME Program Income and through Housing Rehabilitation Revolving Loan Fund. Also for discussion and comment is the Fiscal Year (FY) 2004 – 2005 Consolidated Annual Performance Report regarding the City’s administration of HUD Programs.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ronnie Acosta, Community Development Director, reported that a public hearing is being held to allow the citizens an opportunity to comment on the City’s Consolidated Plan. She advised that the plan has been placed for public comments for three weeks. The Plan outlines how funds received from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development will be utilized in the community for next year. The City of Laredo is an entitlement community meaning that we are entitled to receive funds from Community Development Block Grant, Home Program, and ESG. The grant represents a 10% reduction in the City’s allocation and it is 400,000 less than what we received last year. The Home Grant and ESG remained the same. She advised that the City of Laredo has been successful in reaching their timely goal of 1.5 ration on the use of their HUD monies.
Motion to close the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Valdez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2. Public hearing providing interested citizens an opportunity to comment on the potential environmental impact to the City of Laredo Chacon Interceptor Extension Phase II. The preliminary cost estimate for the proposed improvements is $3,000,000.00. It is anticipated that the City of Laredo proposes to use a total amount of $1,192,922.00 which has been provided by the Environmental Protection Agency State Revolving Fund (EPA-SRF).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to close the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 3. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Ordinance No. 2000-O-064 authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for a used car lot on Lot 9, Block 351, Eastern Division, located at 114 West Lyon Street by repealing the existing conditional use permit and approving a conditional use permit for a tire shop. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the conditional use permit.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Roy Villarreal stated that he was requesting the zone change for a tire shop.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce as a C.U.P.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Amaya
4. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Ordinance No. 97-O-058 authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for a truck/trailer rental center (Uhaul dealer) on Lot 2, Block 8, McPherson Acres Development Subdivision Unit II, located at 1613 Calle Del Norte to include a paint and body shop. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the conditional use permit.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Enrique de la Garza appeared before the council to request approval of the zone change.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Rendon
5. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for a snack bar on Lot 6, Block 233, Eastern Division, located at 320 Mier Street. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Landeck Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Landeck
6. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 67.16 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located on the west side of Bob Bullock Loop North of Winfield Parkway, from R-1 (Single-Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Belmares
7. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 83.10 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located on the west side of Bob Bullock Loop north of Winfield Parkway, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area 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: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Belmares
8. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 29.7 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located on the southeast corner of Bob Bullock Loop and International Boulevard, from AG (Agricultural District) to B-3 (Community Business 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: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Belmares
9. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 19.4 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A,” located on the south side of Bob Bullock Loop east of International Boulevard, from AG (Agricultural District) to B-3 (Community Business 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: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Belmares
10. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 4.5 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located on the south side of Bob Bullock Loop east of International Boulevard, from AG (Agricultural District) to B-4 (Highway 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: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Belmares
11. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 2.62 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A,” located on the south side of Bob Bullock Loop east of International Boulevard, from AG (Agricultural District) to B-3 (Community Business 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: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Belmares
12. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending ordinance No. 2002-O-142 authorizing a Special Use Permit for mini storage/warehousing, on 2.78 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located at 7819 East Country Drive, by revising the site plan. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Rendon For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Belmares
13. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for an assisted living facility on Lots 2 and 4, Block 167, Western Division, located at 1718 Victoria Street. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the Conditional Use Permit.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
David Kelley, representing the Woodcare Group, spoke in favor of the Conditional Use Permit for the Assisted Living Facility. He noted that the Wood Group currently operates fourteen other facilities across the state of Texas. He added that their facilities are licensed to the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services.
Rene Castillon, Executive Director for MHMR Community Centers, explained the different services that the Community Centers offers to the citizens of the City of Laredo and Webb County. The Woodcare Group has been providing services to border region since 1998 at which time they have operated two homes with no negative issues. The homes provides an environment that provides support to individuals that have problems taking medications. The Centers also provide rehab skills for patients which allows them to become more functional. In the long run, it is more cost effective for the City to have individuals who needs support and assistance with an environment similar to this.
Elsa Ibarra Valdez, 1717 Washington Street, asked Council to deny their request for a zone change.
Jose Cerda, Director of Trevino Magnet Fine Arts School, reported that their concern is the safety of the students and requested denial of the zone change request.
Nina Pena, property owner next to this property, asked Council not to allow the requested use in an R-1 area.
Javier Cabello, representing the owners, spoke in favor of the request for an assisted living facility. He added that this facility will be monitored 24/7 for safety and security.
Motion to close the public hearing deny.
Moved: Cm. Ramirez Second: Cm. Chavez For: 5 Against: 3 Abstain: 0 Cm. Garza Cm. Garcia Cm. Landeck Cm. Rendon Cm. Amaya Cm. Belmares Cm. Chavez Cm. Ramirez
14. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 666, Eastern Division, located at 4119 McPherson Road, from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the zone change.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Patricia Barrera, representing Jose Angel Benavides, requested approval of the zone change.
Motion to close the public hearing and send it back to Planning and Zoning for a Conditional Use Permit consideration.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
15. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 1, Country Club Estates Subdivision, located at 3911 Casa Blanca Road, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the zone change.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Chavez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Juan Salinas spoke in favor of the zone change request.
Jose Flores, Airport Director, said that the subject property lies within the noise contour of the airport. He noted that the City has had an active noise abatement program in the immediate area. The City has acquired properties within the Country Club Estates because it is noise impacted. The proposed development would serve to compound the problem.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, said that the applicant should give the City of Laredo a navigation easement and abide by the additional requirements of the building standards.
Motion to close the public hearing and go against the recommendation of Planning and Zoning Commission and allow a zone change with the following conditions: applicant donates his navigation easement and follows the building standards.
Moved: Cm. Rendon Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Rendon
16. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Land Development Code, as follows: Section 24-92.4 (Procedures – Notices, Hearing, Recommendation of Planning and Zoning Commission and action of City Council) Paragraph (4), to reconcile the 200 foot notification requirement to surrounding property owners in accordance with state law; providing for publication and effective date. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the ordinance amendment.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
17. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Chapter 24, Article IV, Supplementary Zoning District Regulations Section 24-65.14: B-4 Highway Commercial District, Paragraph (16) Amusement Redemption Machine Establishment Provisions, Subparagraphs (a), (b), and (c), of the Laredo Land Development Code, by deleting subparagraphs (a), (b), and (c) which provide distances from various uses and other locational criteria amusement redemption machine establishments, providing for publication and effective date. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the ordinance amendment.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Belmares stated that Cm. Amaya had brought this forward and the concern that they had as they continued to push these establishments out to a B-4 was to reduce the distance from where they should be located from another redemption machine facility and not so much remove the restrictions of 1,000 from a public private, elementary school or a church. Secondly, they were concerned about the methodology in which the City does the measuring. He said that he recognizes for the City to go back and reconcile the way it was brought forward we might have to table this item. He advised that if the City would measure door front to door front it would not impact the residents in this area.
Motion to close the public hearing and postpone.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
18. Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept $51,000.00 in contributions for the 2006 Washington trip and amend the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2006 Convention and Visitors Bureau Annual Budget as follows: increase revenue appropriations in the amount of $11,000.00 (excess of original budget) and expenditures in the amount of $31,002.00 ($11,000.00 from contributions and $20,002.00 from designated fund balance).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Association of Laredo Forward Agency $ 5,000 First Transit $ 2,500 Rush Truck Center of Texas $ 2,500 Juan Sanchez $ 500 Turner Collie & Braden $ 2,000 Foster Engineering $ 1,000 Wilbur Smith and Ass. $ 1,000 McWilliams and Associates $ 500 Crane Engineering $ 1,000 Malcolm Pearney $ 1,000 Holt $ 500 TEC Engineers & Consultants $ 1,000 William M. McKamie $ 1,000 Duty Free $10,000 Mejia Engineering $ 1,000 Infrastructure Solutions $ 1,000 Faskin Oil & Ranch $ 2,500 Hyden Engineering & Survey $ 1,000 Mini Mall of Laredo Inc. $ 1,000 Sepulveda & Associates $ 1,000 Estrada, Hinojosa, & Company $ 2,000 Lawrence Friedman $ 2,000 Carl Parkers & Horten $ 1,000 Structural Engineering & Asso. $ 2,500 Denton, Navarro, Rocha & Bernal $ 1,500 Blackstone Dilworth $ 5,000
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
19. Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept monetary reimbursement from the State of Texas, Attorney Generals Office for partial expenses incurred by the City of Laredo Police Department in order to process evidence involving sexual assault victims and that the City of Laredo’s Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 Budget is hereby amended by increasing revenues and expenditures in the amount of $25,000.00. Funding will be used to partially pay for the examination for sexually assaulted victims. The City of Laredo will receive approximately $25,000.00 annually.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
20. Public hearing and introductory ordinance accepting a grant in the amount of $10,000.00 from the Texas Department of Transportation for enforcement of Impaired Driver Mobilization during the Labor Day Holiday Crackdown and amending the City of Laredo’s Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 Annual Budget in the amount of $10,000.00. This grant is for overtime salaries, including fringe benefits, and is funded 100 % by the Texas Department of Transportation.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
21. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo 2005 – 2006 Annual Budget in the amount of $624,763.00 to fund the Laredo Autotheft Task Force and accepting an award in the amount of $346,000.00 from the Texas Automobile Theft Prevention Authority. The City of Laredo will be designating $245,839.00 in matching funds, and Webb County will be designating $32,924.00 in matching funds for a total of $624,763.00. This grant is effective from September 1, 2006 through August 31, 2007.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
VIII. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
22. Amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances Chapter 2-Administration, Article II- Departments, Officers and Employees, Division 6-Pay Administration, Section 2-87.7-Policy, Subparagraph (9); providing for severability and effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
IX. FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES
Motion to waive the Final Readings of Ordinances # 2006-O-145, # 2006-O-154, # 2006-O- 155, # 2006-O-156, # 2006-O-157, # 2006-O-158, and # 2006-O-159.
Moved: Cm. Rendon Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
23. 2006-O-139 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning the Replat of Lot 1A, Block 1, Tesoro Plaza Subdivision, located on Tesoro Plaza Drive north of Calton Road, from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District). (From 7/3/06 City Council meeting)
Motion to deny.
Moved: Cm. Chavez Second: Cm. Rendon For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-145 Accepting funds in the amount of $4,400.00 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 FY 2005-2006 General Fund Budget of the City of Laredo by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $4,400.00 for salary expenses for Laredo Police Department Communications Division salaries.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-145.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-154 Amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 Budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $57,850.00 in additional funds from the Texas Department of State Health Services for the Public Health Preparedness and Epidemiology Program of the City of Laredo Health Department for a total grant amount of $468,881.00, and extending the grant period which ends August 31, 2006, an additional four (4) months. The term period from September 1, 2005, through December 31, 2006; and authorizing the City Manager to execute the contract.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-154.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-155 Authorizing the City Manager to accept the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Public Access Computer Hardware Upgrade Grant (PAC HUG) from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission in the amount of $23,750.00 and amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 Friends of the Library Fund Annual Budget in the amount of $23,750.00. Funds will be used to replace computers at all three (3) branches.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-155.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-156 Authorizing the City Manager to execute Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) DTFASW-07-L-00035 between the United States of America, as Lessor, and the City of Laredo, as Lessee, in order to cover required land sites and easements for existing navigational aid (NAVAID) facilities operated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). FAA has installed and is maintaining six (6) facilities that are covered under three (3) separate lease agreements at Laredo International Airport, those being DTFA07-97-L-1047, DTFA07-95-L-0150, and DTFA07-04-L-00018. These lease agreements will be terminated and consolidated into superseding MOA DTFASW-07-L-00035; providing for an effective date.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-156.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-157 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a Scheduled Airline Operating Agreement and Terminal Building Lease with Allegiant Air, Inc., for exclusive and non-exclusive joint use space located at the Laredo International Airport passenger terminal for the purpose of conducting commercial air transportation services. Lease term is for three (3) years commencing on June 1, 2006, and ending on May 31, 2009. However, it is agreed by the parties that the lease may be terminated by either party upon giving a ninety (90) day written notice from the party terminating to the other. The monthly rent including landing fees is waived for the first twelve (12) months commencing on the date the airline initiates commercial air transportation services at the Laredo International Airport; providing for an effective date.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-157.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-158 Authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the leased agreement approved by Ordinance No. 2004-O-038 dated February 17, 2004, between the City of Laredo, as Lessor, and Webb County Juvenile Board, as Lessee, for the Juvenile Alternative Education Program (JJAEP) school campus for an approximate 100,357 square foot tract of land located on Block No. 11 of the Airport Subdivision Plat at the Laredo International Airport. Said amendment will extend the lease term six (6) months ending June 30, 2007. All other terms and conditions remain unchanged and in effect; providing for an effective date.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-158.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-159 Setting the new speed limits on Loop 20 within the City limits of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, as defined in the Texas Department of Transportation Control Section Map 0086-14, providing for the installation of appropriate signs to indicate new speed changes in the designated areas and providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-159.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 X. RESOLUTIONS
24. 2006-R-073 Confirming the appointment of representatives from the City of Laredo, specifically, Mayor Pro Tempore Juan Ramirez; Council Members Johnny Amaya and Johnny Rendon; David Cardwell; and Guillermo “Memo” Treviño, to serve on the board of directors of the South Texas Development Council for the period October 1, 2006 to September 30, 2007.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2006-R-073.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 25. 2006-R-074 Supporting and authorizing the City of Laredo’s participation in the South Texas Development Council, and authorizing payment of the City of Laredo’s assessed membership dues in the amount of $42,527.80 for the period October 1, 2006 to September 30, 2007, subject to final approval of the Fiscal Year 2007 Annual Budget.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2006-R-074.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 26. 2006-R-075 Authorizing the participation of City of Laredo as a Texas Main Street Urban City and designating the ‘Streets of Laredo Urban Mall Association’ as the lead agency in the coordination of all program activities.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2006-R-075.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XI. MOTIONS
27. Consideration for approval of acceptance of the Asbestos Abatement Services Schedule I for the Laredo International Airport Building No’s 132, 134, 356 and 924 and approval of final retainage payment in the amount of $9,712.80 to Jupe Environmental, Inc., San Antonio, Texas. Final construction contract amount is $97,128.00. Funding is available in the Airport Fund – Retainage Account.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Landeck Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 28. Consider for approval of change order no. 1 an increase of $102,023.09 for the runway threshold displacement required by Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular to the construction contract with Price Construction, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for the Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS) at the end of Runway 35L at the Laredo International Airport. Funding is available in the FAA Grant Project No. 3-48-0136-048-2006.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Landeck Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 29. Consideration to execute a five (5) year service agreement with Embarq in the amount of $122,060.00 for the maintenance of the 9-1-1 public safety answering point (PSAP) equipment at the Laredo Police Department and Webb County Sheriff’s Office. The yearly amount of the contract is $24,412.00 (subject to appropriations and availability of funds). Funding is available in the 9-1-1 Regional Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Landeck Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 30. Authorization to execute a contract with the Laredo Chamber of Commerce for the administration of payments to operate the Laredo Trade & Travel Center in Monterrey, Mexico effective October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2008. Funding for the agreement will be available pending approval of the Convention & Visitors Bureau Fiscal Year 2007 Budget and Fiscal Year 2008 Budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Landeck Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 31. Consideration to award contract number FY06-043 to sole bidder, Castañeda Sand and Gravel, Laredo, Texas, in an amount not to exceed $70,000.00 for providing red top soil and fill dirt for maintenance and capital improvement projects being constructed by the Parks and Recreation Department. The term will be for a period of six months. Funding is available in the Parks and Recreation Department and Capital Improvement Project Budgets.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Landeck Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 32. Consideration to exercise the renewal option for contract number FY05-104 awarded to JJJ International Safety Equipment, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for an estimated amount of $35,000.00, for the purchase of safety products for all city departments. Contract pricing has been established for safety products such as safety belts, vests, safety glasses, rain suits, hard hats, traffic cones, warning flags, water coolers, and gloves. These items will be purchased throughout the year by all departments on an as needed basis.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Landeck Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 33. Consideration to award annual supply contract number FY06-109 for the purchase of unleaded and low sulfur and high sulfur diesel fuel for the City of Laredo's fleet to the LOW BIDDER, Oil Patch Petroleum, Inc., Laredo, Texas or to Arguindegui Oil Co., Laredo, Texas under the local bidder’s preference provision of the Texas Local Government Code 271.905. Oil Patch Petroleum has an office in Laredo but their principal place of business is in Corpus Christi, Texas. Funding is available in the Fleet Maintenance Fund.
Francisco Meza, Purchasing Agent, explained that the City of Laredo has a local preference provision which is considered and City Council has the discretion to award a contract if a local bidder is within 3% of the lowest bid.
Motion to approve local Arguindegui Oil. Co.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Rendon For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 34. Consideration to authorize the purchase of a landfill compactor and a tract type tractor from Holt Company of Texas, Laredo, Texas through the Buy Board cooperative purchasing contract in the total amount of $1,066,836.00. Funding for this equipment is available in the Solid Waste budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Rendon For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 35. Consideration to approve an amendment to the recycling center agreement which was approved by City Council on February 27, 1995, and executed on March 7, 1995, by and between the City of Laredo and Southern Sanitation Services, Inc., a Texas corporation. The total contract price includes only operating expenses which will be limited to a fixed amount not to exceed $36,635.00 per month for five years, effective from August 1, 2006 through July 31, 2011. In the event production exceeds 183 tons in any given month, the City will pay $200.00 per ton in excess of that limit.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 36. Authorizing the City Manager to acquire through negotiations, the “Surface Only” of one parcel of land for use as park space in the San Francisco Javier Neighborhood. Said parcel being all Block 648, Western Division, in an amount not to exceed $20,000.00, plus approximately $1,500.00 in incidental expenses. This will be a voluntary transaction. Funding is available in the Capital Improvement Fund – District VIII Discretionary Funds.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 37. Authorizing the City Manager to execute an appraisal services contract with State Certified, Independent, Real Estate Fee Appraiser, Rodolfo Salinas & Associates, as property appraiser for a fee not to exceed $450.00 per appraisal for residential homes and not to exceed $750.00 per appraisal for apartment complexes; also a fee not to exceed $350.00 as appraisal reviewer for two (2) appraisals of each residential home, and a fee not to exceed $700.00 as appraisal reviewer for two (2) appraisals of each apartment complex. This contract needs to be executed in order to continue the administration of the City of Laredo International Airport Noise Compatibility Program. The Federal Aviation Administration requires that appraisal contracts be executed in order to continue the administration of the City of Laredo International Airport Noise Compatibility Program.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 38. Approving monthly adjustments to the tax roll. The amount to be adjusted for the month of June 2006 represents a decrease of $897.58. These adjustments are determined by Webb County Appraisal District and by court orders.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XII. STAFF REPORTS
39. A. Discussion with possible action to consider Firefighter Anthony Joel Tice’s (2nd) second request for an extension of injury leave with pay in accordance with 143.073(b) of the Texas Local Government Code.
Dan Migura, Human Resources Director, explained that police officers and firefighters come under the provisions of Chapter 143 which is Texas Local Government Code that deals with line of duty illness or injury leave. He said that a municipality should provide a leave of absence for an illness or injury related to the person’s line of duty. The leave is with full pay for a period commensurate with the nature of the line of duty illness or injury. If necessary the leave should continue for at least one year. For clarification, that action has already been taken and Mr. Tice he has already received one year of full pay. At the end of one year, the municipality may extend the line of duty illness or injury leave at full or reduced pay. He continued by noting that if the firefighter or officer’s leave is not extended or the person’s salary is reduced below 60% of the officer’s monthly salary and the person is a member of a pension fund the employee may retire on pension until able to return to duty. He advised that the firefighter was injured on May 15, 2004. He continued by saying that he had surgery on October 6, 2004 and he completed his one year on August 22, 2005 which is considered 260 work loss work day. At that time, he came to City Council for his first petition for an extension of his injury leave with pay on September 19, 2005 in which Council awarded him a 60 work day extension. Mr. Tice told City Council that his doctor’s advised him that he would require one year from the date of his surgery so there was an expectation that he would return to work on October 6, 2005. The City of Laredo extended his injury leave with pay until November 1, 2005. Mr. Tice continue with his physical therapy. He returned to Council on March 27, 2006 because he needed another extension; however, staff was provided a vague medical report and Mr. Tice was receiving therapy out of town. In the last communication provided by the physician, he noted that Mr. Tice may return to work on July 27, 2006 pending further analysis. Mr. Migura advised City Council that the firefighter is on leave without pay because he has exhausted his sick leave and his annual leave.
Anthony Joel Tice, Firefighter, said that he will visit his physician on July 24, 2006. He said that he has been in touch with the Employee Wellness Nurse, Mrs. Garza, and explained that he would be able to return to work on the 27th of July. He asked Council to consider an extension of injury leave with pay.
Chief Sosa reported that the firefighter has been employed with the City of Laredo for six years. He informed the Council of leave days in which the firefighter has taken since he was hired in 1999. He said that he believes that the Council has been very generous to the firefighter considering the consequences. He asked Council to wait until Council is given a report from the physician on the 27th of July before they make any decisions.
Motion to postpone any decisions regarding the extension of leave for Firefighter Anthony Tice until he submits an excuse from his physician on July 27, 2006.
Moved: Cm. Rendon Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
B. Presentation by Mr. Silverio Garza, International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), regarding the Wastewater Treatment Plant inspection report for Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.
Mr. Silverio Garza, Area representative of the IBWC, and Mr. Negrete from SILA gave a presentation to the City Council
XIII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
40. A. Request by Council Member Mike Garza
1. Report regarding the Police Department Trust Fund to include discussion on the allocation of these funds including allowable expenditures, with possible action.
Cm. Garza explained that the Police Department Trust Fund suggested using some funds from the Police Department Trust Funds for capital expenditures that may be needed specifically for the police department. He noted that the Police Department Trust Fund is a program that supplements the law enforcement activities and not necessarily supplanting the capital assets.
Assistant Police Chief Fructose San Miguel reported that the forfeiture fund was developed through the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 which authorize the federal government to share funds with local and state agencies. The fund basically deprives the criminal of the profits from the proceeds of illegal activity and allows officers to use the funds for equipment and other items. He basically said that the funds take the proceeds from the “bad” guys and gives it to the “good” guys. The department of Justice allows the departments to keep 80% of the funds whether it is currency or property. The process can be extensive depending on the litigation involved if the person or the persons have an attorney and they wish to fight it in federal court. The United States Attorney handles the legal aspects of this particular fund. The primary purpose of the forfeiture fund is to increase or supplement the resources of the agencies. The receiving law enforcement agency must benefit directly from the sharing. Some of the permissible expenses allowed by the federal equitable guidelines include activities to enhance future investigations, law enforcement training, law enforcement equipment and operations, facilities and equipment and drug education and awareness programs.
Cm. Landeck asked the Chief if the department is facing any situations where they feel that they may be getting less from the budget because they are using trust monies?
The Chief advised that it would be difficult to answer without analyzing the budget and going back and evaluating what the department has received and what has not been provided.
Cm. Landeck asked staff to initiate a reported analyzing the budget and funds that have been used using the trust funds. He continued to ask if any money that is being used out of this trust fund intended to supplant rather than to supplement.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, replied that the use of the fund is not intended to supplant. He further explained that the City of Laredo works directly with the entity that oversees the funds before using the funds.
B. Request by Council Member Johnny Rendon 1. Discussion with possible action regarding the rental rates of the Jose A. Flores complex / Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation on Airport property.
Elizabeth Alonso, Executive Director, explained that she had provided pertinent information regarding airport property in their Friday packets. She explained that the Municipal Housing authorized an increase by resolution in 2004 every two years. She explained that the increase will reflet 80% of HUD’s fair market rent.
Motion to raise the rental rates of the Jose A. Flores complex/Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation on Airport property.
Moved: Cm. Rendon Second: Cm. Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
C. Request by Council Member Juan Chavez
1. Discussion with possible action for the approval of a conditional redesign of the Slaughter Park in which the three (3) soccer fields and the Championship Soccer field components remain as part of the project.
Motion to withdraw this item.
Moved: Cm. Chavez Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
D. Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore Juan Ramirez 1. Presentation by George Altgelt regarding the pollution of the Rio Grande, with possible action.
George Altgelt, Vice Chairperson to the Citizens Environmental Advisory Committee, reported that when it comes to the Rio Grande all is not yet lost. He noted that the Rio Grande is still a very viable, useful, cost effective source of water. He said that if it was not for the Rio Grande, the City of Laredo would not have been created. The same molecular chains of H2O that are running through the river right now are running through all of our veins. There is a very close and dear connection between all of us here in this room and the Rio Grande. He gave a presentation which included discussion of different locations along the Rio Grande. He explained that the agricultural run off is the leading cause of ground water contamination in the United States. He said that the Rio Grande has pretty intensive agricultural development upstream which adversely affects the water quality of the Rio Grande. He explained that there are different areas of concern regarding chemical contaminants along the Rio Grande including leaking drum in which the contents are unknown. He continued his presentation and asked Council Members to continue to support projects that protect the Rio Grande River.
Motion to instruct staff to be proactive in catching violators of the City of Laredo Environmental Ordinances.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Report on the operations and expenses of the Fleet Department.
Left for next meeting at the request of Cm. Ramirez.
3. Report on the update regarding the improvements to Bridge II and the Sentri Lane.
Mario Maldonado, Bridge Director, reported that on October 3, 2005 a contract was awarded to Rhino Construction for the widening of Bridge II and the Sentri Lane. The project includes increasing the number of lanes from six to eight lanes which will be done by eliminating the sidewalks on the east side and reducing the walkway on the west side. The project also includes the overlay of concrete on the entire bridge ban and the relocation of the light poles. He explained that the project is 70% complete.
4. Status report on the El Portal Mall Project.
Rafael Garcia, Assistant City Manager, said that he had contacted Tom Rumptz with the Horizon Group with the El Portal Center advising him of the report that Cm. Ramirez was requesting. He noted that Mr. Rumptz said that he could not report to Council but sent the following letter:
“Dear Rafael:
This letter is in response to the request from the Honorable City Councilman Ramirez of an update of the El Portal Center project. Please be advised that Horizon Group and Morgan Stern Realty continue to endeavor to lease and develop the Laredo Outlet Stores at El Portal.
Our progress has been impeded primarily on the barrage of negative, national news coverage of Laredo that has depicted the violence in Nuevo Laredo as spilling over to Laredo, while unfair and inaccurate, has nonetheless caused a delay in our factory outlet leasing program. As you may know, we engaged Sitrick and Company, the leading US public relations firm specializing in dealing with negative publicity, to assist the City of Laredo and us. To date, we have expended over $100,000 in support of this effort.
Mayor Flores and City Manager Dovalina have been continuously supportive of our efforts to combat the negative image that has occurred as a result of this spate of adverse publicity.
For many of these prospective tenants who have postponed committing to the Mall because of their perceptions of violence, we are optimistic they will reconsider deployment as the imminent challenges subside, and there is a positive opening of the Bridge of Americas project.
Feel free to contact me.
Very Truly Yours,
Thomas Rumptz, Senior Vice President of Horizon Group Properties, Inc.”
XIV. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The City Council hereby reserves the right to go into executive session at any time during this public meeting, if such is requested by the 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.
XV. RECESS AS THE LAREDO CITY COUNCIL AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MASS TRANSIT BOARD.
Motion to Recess as the Laredo City Council and convene as the Laredo Mass Transit Board.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
41. Consideration to award annual supply contract number FY06-106 for the purchase of unleaded and low sulfur and high sulfur diesel fuel, for the transit system’s fleet to the LOW BIDDER, Oil Patch Petroleum, Inc., Laredo, Texas or to Arguindegui Oil Co., Laredo, Texas under the local bidder’s preference provision of the Texas Local Government Code 271.905. Oil Patch Petroleum has an office in Laredo but their principal place of business is in Corpus Christi, Texas. Funding is available in the Transit Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Chavez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XVI. ADJOURN AS THE LAREDO MASS TRANSIT BOARD AND RECONVENE AS THE LAREDO CITY COUNCIL.
Motion to adjourn as the Laredo Mass Transit Board and reconvene as the Laredo City Council.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Chavez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XVII. ADJOURNMENT
CITY OF LAREDO CITY COUNCIL MEETING A-2006-S-11 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA
I. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
A. Request by Council Member Gene Belmares
1. Discussion on projected general fund revenues other than tax levy, with possible action. (Co-sponsored by Council Member Johnny Rendon)
Request to table the item in the interest of time and request to place the item on the following agenda.
2. Discussion with possible action on Boys and Girls Club of Laredo relinquishing the lease of the recreation fields in Tiara Trail subdivision and negotiating a new lease for a designated 45,000 square foot site at North Central Park. (Co-sponsored by Council Member Hector Garcia)
Motion to authorize the City Manager to begin negotiating the relinquishment of the lease on the recreation fields in Tiara Trail subdivisions and authorizing him to negotiate a new lease for a designated 45,000 square foot site at North Central Park.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
II. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn. Time: 11:14 p.m.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 |