|
CITY OF LAREDO CITY COUNCIL MEETING M2006-R-22 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1110 HOUSTON STREET LAREDO, TEXAS 78040 November 20, 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, Mayor
Pro Temp, District VIII Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City
Secretary Cynthia Collazo, Acting
City Manager Horacio De Leon, Assistant
City Manager Rafael Garcia, Assistant
City Manager Valeria Acevedo, City
Attorney Interim IV. MINUTES Approval
of the minutes of August 7, 2006, August 8, 2006 and August 9, 2006. Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Cm. Chavez was
not present. V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS Announcements Invitations
Recognitions a. Recognition
of Maria E. Harrison, of the Parks and Recreation Department, on her selection as October 2006 Employee of
the Month. Mike Pescador, Parks and Recreation Director, commented
that he is very proud of Maria E. Harrison.
He stated that she has been employed with the City for 24 years
and is currently the Supervisor for K. Tarver Recreation
Center. He also stated that for the month of October she organized a haunted house, Jamaica,
and costume contest. She also distributed candies, held games, and other
activities for more than 1,200 children and
parents. Mr. Pescador mentioned that she is also a mentor
and committee member for the Drug Education for Youth program which she received
the “Nuestro Orgullo” award by Stop Child Abuse and Neglect Organization for her services to
that organization. He also mentioned
that Ms. Harrison provides school programs all year long. Maria E.
Harrison thanked everyone for the opportunity to work for the city and especially with the children. She commented that her priority is to help
children get off the street, drugs and gangs. Communiqués Cm. Garza congratulated all the schools in South
Laredo that made it to the play-offs. He mentioned
that he attended the National Association of Latino Elected Officials and encouraged all elected officials to
participate in that program. Cm. Garcia
congratulated all the teams that participated in the play-offs which includes
the United Highs School Longhorns. He also congratulated everyone that
participated in the UIL academic competition at LBJ High
School. He wished everyone in the City
of Laredo a safe and happy Thanksgiving
weekend. He also thanked those people that
helped distribute turkeys. Cm. Landeck mentioned that he
attended Parent Involvement week that was created by the United Independent School
District. He emphasized that it was a
very important event.
He mentioned that there was a great turn out and many parents were
deputized to help out. Cm. Amaya reported that on November 20,
2007, the sixth annual turkey give away was held with the help of several special
projects committee members, Police
Department, Fire Department and business partners to
benefit the less fortunate families of several housing projects in Laredo. He also mentioned that fifteen turkeys will
be given out to students at the K Tarver Elementary
School. He reported that six years ago
forty turkeys were given out to needy families and it
has now increased to two hundred and fifty.
Cm. Amaya expressed his gratitude to all those
that helped and wished everyone in Laredo a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Cm. Rendon advised all the citizens of
Laredo to have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving Day. He congratulated all the people who made
the Catholic Youth Conference a success. Cm. Belmares congratulated all the
athletic teams that participated in the play-offs. He encouraged all
the citizens of Laredo to drive to the Alamo Dome in San Antonio, Texas to support the team. He congratulated everyone that participated
in HEB’s Feast of Sharing, including
city employees and city officials. Cm. Chavez
thanked Mayor Salinas and Cm. Garza for the time he spent with them on the Washington
trip. He wished everyone a Happy
Thanksgiving. Cm. Ramirez wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Mayor Salinas reported that the Council
had a very busy week. He stated that the meeting in Washington D.C. was very fruitful and
it did not cost the city any money. He
mentioned that the National Association of
Latino Elected Officials organization is made up of Latino leaders from around the
country. He commented that there are
three United States Senators serving in the United
States Senate including twenty four members of Congress.
He mentioned that at the meeting they discussed voter apathy and
economic development. He stated that it is a very informative and educational
organization. He added that he worked with the Solid Waste Department in the morning for a few hours and he recognized their hard
work. He mentioned that in only one
shift they collect twelve to thirteen containers of
garbage. He also expressed his
concerns for the needs of city employees and emphasized that the
City and the City Council are behind them 100% and they will be given the tools they need
to do their job. He thanked Cm. Belmares
for being
present at the HEB’s Feast of Sharing.
He announced that he will be on top of Wal–Mart on Wednesday, November 22, 2007
for his 14th year for 98 hours to raise money for the children of Laredo. He stated that he will be teaming up with
Abraham Diaz, “ El Proctector”,
of the Laredo Police Department, the Blue Santa, KGNS, and Constable Rudy Rodriguez. He congratulated United High School. Mayor Salinas mentioned that he had a meeting with an
official from the Washington D.C. area on children that are abused, missing and exploited. He stated that the city will team up with them to have an educational program to
ensure the safety of our children. He
wished everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. Mayor Salinas also mentioned that he is
looking forward to a meeting with the Secretary of
Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff, and all border Mayors to discuss the border fence
issue. Citizen comments Gabriela Mendoza Garcia, Director of the
TAMIU Ballet Folklorico, stated that they received a seventy-five per cent
decrease in funding from last year to this year and is requesting an increase in funding for
the program as before. Maria G. Franco thanked Mayor Salinas
for sending Cm. Gene Belmares to visit the Laredo Medical Center. She stated that she came on behalf of
Gabriela Garcia and spoke in favor of granting more funding
for the Ballet Folklorico. VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES a. Appointment
by Mayor Raul G. Salinas of Raquel Perez a full member of the Blue ` Ribbon Committee for International
Trade. Motion to
approve. Moved: Cm.
Belmares Second: Cm.
Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Mayor Salinas announced that he will be
adding as an alternate Al Chapa, CEO of
the Specialty Hospital, to the Blue
Ribbon Committee on Health. b. Reappointment
by Council Member Johnny Rendon of Jesus Hinojosa III to the Board of Adjustment. Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Garza For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Motion to reverse the order of the City
Council agenda. Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Landeck For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Individual public hearings for the voluntary
annexation of seven (7) tracts of land Tract 1:
U.I.S.D. Tract– 33.19 acres, more or less; Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm. Landeck Second: Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no
public input. Motion to
close the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Garcia Second: Cm.
Amaya For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 3 Cm. Garza Cm. Garcia Cm. Chavez Tract 2: Tanquecitos Tract– 52.94
acres, more or less; Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Garza Second: Cm.
Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 1 Cm.
Garcia There was no
public input. Motion to
close the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Belmares Second: Cm.
Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 1 Cm.
Garcia Tract 3:
Alarcon Tract – 1.85 acres, more or less; Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Rendon Second: Cm.
Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no
public input. Motion to
close the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Belmares Second: Cm.
Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Tract 4:
Hurd Tract – 21.09 acres, more or less; Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Belmares Second: Cm.
Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no
public input. Motion to close the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Belmares Second: Cm.
Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Tract 5:
4 V Holding Tract – 44.53 acres, more or less; Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Belmares Second: Cm.
Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no
public input. Motion to
close the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Tract 6:
Key Energy Tract – 2.45 acres, more or less; Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Belmares Second: Cm.
Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no
public input. Motion to
close the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Belmares Second: Cm.
Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Tract 7:
Gutierrez/Izaguirre Tract – 7.71 acres, more or less), for a total of 163.76 acres, more or less, as described in the
attached tract summaries, as required by Section 43.063 of the Texas Local Government Code. Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no
public input. Motion to
close the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Belmares Second: Cm.
Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 7.37 acres,
as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located at 10 E.
Del Mar Boulevard, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-1 (Limited
Commercial District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the
zone change. (District VI) Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Chavez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Richard Haynes, representing the
Sisters, requested the approval of item 2, 3, and 4 of the Public Hearing section. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm.
Belmares 3. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 11.25 acres,
as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located 10 East
Del Mar Boulevard, from R-1 (Single-Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community
Business District). The Planning and Zoning Commission
recommended approval of the zone change.
(District VI) Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Chavez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm.
Belmares 4. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 1 thru
7, Block 1, Del Mar Hills Subdivision, Section 1, Area “B”,
located at 10 E. Del Mar Boulevard, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial
District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended
approval of the zone change. (District VI) Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm.
Belmares 5. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 5, 6, 7
and 8, Block 1493, Eastern Division and 8,073.49 sq. ft. out of the Chihuahua
Street right-of-way, located at 2520 Chihuahua Street, from
B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business District). The Planning and Zoning Commission
recommended approval of the zone change. (District II) Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm.
Garcia 6. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 7 and 8,
Block 1574, Eastern Division, located at 2606 Ross Street,
from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District). The Planning and
Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change. (District II) Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm.
Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm.
Garcia 7. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 7 and the
north 9 feet of Lot 8, Block 905, Western Division, located at 3520 Juarez Avenue,
from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to R- 3 (Mixed Residential District).
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of the zone change.
(District VII) Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Chavez Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm.
Chavez 8. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 5 and 6,
Block 990, Eastern Division, located at 1820 Chihuahua Street, from R-O
(Residential/Office District) to B-3 (Community Business District). The Planning and Zoning
Commission recommended approval of the zone change. (District III) Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Landeck Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm.
Landeck 9.
Public hearing
and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing a
Conditional Use Permit for a child daycare on Lot 9, Block 2, Town East Subdivision Phase I,
located at 3417 West Fiesta Loop. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended
approval of the zone change. (District II) Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm.
Garcia Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm.
Garcia 10. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing a
Special Use Permit for mini storage/warehousing, on Lots 1, 2,
3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, Block 1068, Eastern Division, located at 1320 South Meadow Avenue. The Planning and
Zoning Commission recommended approval of
the zone change.
(District III) Motion to
open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia
Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Landeck
Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Landeck 11. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 0.85
acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit
“A”, located at the east termination of Havanna and Imperial Drives, from AG (Agricultural District) to
R-1A (Single-Family Reduced Area District). The Planning and
Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change. (District
VI) Motion to
open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia
Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was
no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Rendon For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm.
Belmares 12. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 9.89
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 AG (Agricultural
District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District). The Planning and Zoning Commission
recommended approval of the zone change. (District VI) Motion to
open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia
Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against:
0 Abstain: 0 There was
no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya 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 rezoning Lot 1,
Union Park Subdivision, located at 5701 San Dario Avenue, from B-3 (Community
Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District). The Planning
and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the zone change. (District V) Motion to
open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Richard
Morales Jr., on behalf of the adjacent property owners, spoke against the zone change request. Motion to
close the public hearing and go with Planning and Zoning recommendations.
Moved: Cm. Rendon
Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 14. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to implement
a south bound pedestrian toll free
crossing for the week of December 18, 2006 through December 24, 2006. Motion to
open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore
Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was
no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 15. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing and allowing under the Act governing the Texas Municipal
Retirement System, “Updated Service Credits” in said system for service
performed by qualifying members of such system who will begin employment with the City of Laredo on
or after January 1, 2007; providing for increased prior and current service
annuities for retirees and beneficiaries of deceased retirees of
the City; and establishing an effective date for such actions. Motion to
open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia
Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was
no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm.
Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 16. Public
hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2006-2007 annual budget by
appropriating expenditures in the amount of $252,589.00 in the Laredo Police Department Trust
Fund. Funding will be used to purchase
operational materials and supplies and
capital outlay equipment. Items
include surveillance equipment, tactical entry
equipment, and other needed items.
Funding is available in the Police Trust Fund
opening balance. Motion to
open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Chavez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was
no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council VIII. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES 17. Authorizing
the City Manager to execute a Lessor’s consent to an assignment of lease from
Gateway Rent-a-Car, LLC (seller/assignor) to Border Rent A Car, LLC, for that
certain lease dated August 28, 2006,
between the City of Laredo and Gateway Rent-a- Car, LLC,
approximately 171 square feet of office and counter space located in car rental
space #4 within the airport passenger terminal and 17 parking spaces located within the
ready return parking lot located at 5210 Bob Bullock Loop at the Laredo
International Airport; providing for an effective date.
Introduction Ordinance: City
Council 18. Closing as
public easement a triangular section of Blaine Street between Smith and Ejido Avenues, situated in the Eastern
Division, City of Laredo, County of Webb, Texas, as shown in Exhibit “A”, and
providing for an effective date.
Introduction Ordinance: City
Council 19. Authorizing
the City Manager to execute an assignment of leasehold interest from Labata
Service, Inc., approved by Ordinance No. 2001-O-024 dated January 16, 2001, for a vehicular parking lot located at
5003 Maher Avenue at the Laredo International Airport to
Aero Center, Inc., and amending Section 1.02, Term, by adding an early termination clause that effectively
terminates the lease agreement without notice from Lessor
effective the date Lessee’s sublease of Hangar No. 162 expires, providing for
an effective date.
Introduction Ordinance: City
Council 20. Authorizing
the City Manager to execute an assignment of leasehold interest from Labata
Services, Inc., approved by Ordinance No. 2003-O-091 dated April 7, 2003, for
approximately 12,000 square feet constituting the west section of
Hangar No. 1309 located at
the International Airport to Aero Center, Inc., providing for an effective
date. Introduction
Ordinance: City Council 21. Amending
ordinance 2006-O-205 dated August 28, 2006 which provided for the submission
of 81 proposed amendments to the
Charter of the City of Laredo to the voters on Tuesday, November 7, 2006,
in order to correct a clerical error in
setting forth the change proposed for section
10.01 (a)of the charter, to harmonize it with the answer to
that proposed change which the voters made on related proposition no. 55 on which they
voted favorably on November 7, 2006
Introduction Ordinance: City
Council IX. FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES Motion to waive the final reading of Ordinances Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Rendon For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 22.
2006-O-282 Amending the Zoning
Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for a
nationalization of vehicles enterprise on Lots 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9, Block
605, Western Division, located
at 2619 San Dario Avenue. (As amended) Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-282. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Garcia For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-283 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 4.91 acres, as further described by metes
and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located on the south side of Lomas
del Sur Boulevard and west of future
Ejido Avenue, from AG (Agricultural District) to B-1 (Community Business
District). (District I) Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-283. Moved: Cm.
Belmares Second:
Cm. Garcia For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-284 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning of 6.15 acres, as further described by
metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located south of Lomas del
Sur Boulevard and west of future Ejido Avenue, from AG (Agricultural
District) and R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District ) to R-2
(Multi-Family Residential District). Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-284. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Garcia For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-285 Amending Chapter 24, Article IV, effects of
districts and general regulations section 24-63.2: permitted
land uses of the Laredo Land Development Code, to designate an adult
day care center as an allowable land use in a B-4. (Highway Commercial
District); providing for publication and effective date. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-285. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Garcia For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-286 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) (4) and
(c), of The Laredo Land Development Code, by deleting
Subparagraphs (a)(4), which establishes location requirements of one thousand
(1000) feet of another Amusement Redemption Machine Facility, and amending
(c), which establishes measurement criteria for Amusement
Redemption Machine Establishment, providing for publication
and effective date. (As amended) Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-286. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Garcia For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-287 Providing for the adoption of a limitation
on the total amount of taxes that may be imposed by the City on the
residence homestead of a disabled individual or an individual 65 years of
age or older pursuant to Section 1-b (h), Article VIII, Texas Constitution and
in accordance with Subtitle C, Chapter 11, Section 11.261 of the Texas
Property Tax Code. Once approved the City of Laredo may not
repeal or rescind this limitation. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-287. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Garcia For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-288 Authorizing the City Manager to execute
Interlocal Cooperation Contract with the Texas Department of Public
Safety and adopting Chapter 706 Transportation Code “Denial of Renewal of
License for Failure to Appear” and authorizing the collection of
$30.00 administrative fee per case reported as per Section 706.006
Transportation Code, and amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 20,
Section 20-37, by adding Subsection (k) and providing for severability,
publication and an effective date. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-288. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Garcia For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-289 Amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year
2006-2007 General Fund by appropriating revenues and expenditures
in the amount of $144,235.00 for the lease purchase financing of necessary
cardio and strength equipment for the recreation centers and
authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget amendment. Funding for the lease will be contingent on
funding availability for the current and
subsequent three fiscal years. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-289. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Garcia For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-290 Amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year
2006-2007 Waterworks Fund by drawing down $100,000.00 from the
Waterworks opening balance and appropriating the $100,000.00 to Utility
Billing Division. These funds will be used for the acquisition of meter
reading hardware/software equipment. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-290. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Garcia For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-291 Amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year
2006-2007 Airport Construction Fund revenues and expenditures by
recognizing the Texas Department of Transportation Routine Airfield
Maintenance Program (RAMP) Grant for $50,000.00, transferring out $20,000.00,
local match, from the Airport Operating Fund and increasing the RAMP
Grant expense account by $40,000.00. Funding is available in Airport
Construction Fund 2007 RAMP Grant, providing for an effective
date. (As amended) Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-291. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Garcia For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-292 Authorizing the City
Manager to accept payment in the amount of $30,939.28 on behalf of KLLM, Inc, as
settlement arising from accident at US 59 and Springfield that resulted in
damages to City property and to amend the City of Laredo FY 2006-2007
Traffic Signal Budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures
for the purchase of replacement equipment and materials utilized at this intersection
and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-292. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Garcia For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-293
Amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2006-2007 annual budget by reducing the amount by $43,980.00 to
reflect the actual amount of $56,917.00 from the South Texas
Development Council for the HIV/AIDS Health and Social Services
Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for a seven (7) month
term beginning September 1, 2006 through March 31, 2007. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-293. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Garcia For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-294 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into
agreement with the Drug Enforcement Administration in the amount
of $15,573.00 and amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2006-2007
Annual Budget by $429.00. The agreement’s purpose is to reimburse
costs for overtime incurred by the Laredo Police Department in providing
resources for OCDETF (Organized Drug Enforcement Task Forces). The term of this agreement is for October 1, 2006 through September
30, 2007. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-294. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Garcia For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-295 Amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year
2006-2007 Contractual Obligation Fund by appropriating
$30,000.00 from a trade-in of fire equipment and appropriating the same
increase funding for Fire Department equipment. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-295. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Garcia For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-296 Authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo,
Texas, Public Property Finance Contractual Obligations, Series 2006, in
the principal amount of $3,680,000, for the purchase of police
department fire suppression system equipment for computer/dispatch radio
room, police cars, cameras and radios for patrol cars, police cameras,
police weapons, computer hardware and related software for fire department,
fire trucks, trailers, cars, vans, ambulances for EMS, heart monitors for
generators, municipal department trucks, vehicles, backhoes, street
sweepers, trailers, street striper equipment, signal solar powered message
display, movable filing system, computer related hardware and software
for city departments and animal cages; authorizing amendment to City’s
budget to appropriate such proceeds for purposes authorized herein;
approving sale of contractual obligations; authorizing the execution of
a private placement letter; and ordaining other matters relating to the
subject. Peter Tart explained that the Contractual
Obligations are being sold to fund miscellaneous personal property
equipment and they will be repaid in five years at an interest rate of
3.586. He stated that the Bank of
America will purchase these obligations and the
City of Laredo will receive the money on December 14, 2006. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-296. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Garcia For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-297 Amending the City of Laredo Code of
Ordinance as follows: Chapter 2, Article II, Division 3, Section 2-61(a)
Military Leave, Subsection (3) to include those employees that have been
called for active duty locally for the purpose of the border/security
operations also known as Operation Jump Start. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-297. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Garcia For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-298 Amending Chapter 14, Garbage, Trash and
Refuse Article II, rates for garbage and refuse collection and
landfill operations, Section 14-9, Rates, of the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances
by changing Section (a) to increase the garbage collection fee to
nine dollars ($9.00) per month as passed by motion of City Council at the
August 8th budget workshops, and to change section (3) to add
inter-local agreements and to stipulate a fee
of thirty dollars ($30.00) per ton for residential garbage; to change Section (I) to modify the landfill days
of operation to be closed Sundays; and to provide for effective date sixty
(60) days from date of introduction and publication one (1) time in a
newspaper of general circulation in Laredo, Texas. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-298. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Garcia For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-299 Authorizing the City Manager to execute an
Estoppel Certificate and Lessor’s Approval of Assignment of the
lease agreement approved by Ordinance No. 2001-O-042 dated February
20, 2001, as amended between the City of Laredo, as Lessor, and
FedLaredo Partnership, L.P., a Pennsylvania limited partnership. Said lease agreement is to D & P Enterprises, a Nevada Corporation, as
Assignee, for approximately 2.82 acres at the Laredo International
Airport; providing for an effective date. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-299. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Garcia For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-300 Designating as a one-way eastbound that
three (3) block section of Zaragoza Street, between Convent Avenue
and Santa Maria Avenue; as a one-way southbound that two (2) block
section of Santa Maria Avenue, between Grant Street and Water Street; as
a one-way northbound that two (2) block section of Convent Avenue,
between Water Street and Grant Street; and as a one way westbound that
six (6) block section of Grant Street, between Convent Avenue and Santa
Cleotilde Avenue, providing for the installation of appropriate signs
to indicate one-way traffic in the designated directions and providing for
publication and effective date. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-300. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Garcia For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-301 Amending Ordinance No. 2002-O-265 by
authorizing the City Manager to execute a site ground lease agreement
addendum by and between the City of Laredo, a municipal corporation and
San Antonio MTA, L.P. D/B/A Verizon wireless, to that certain ground
lease dated October 21, 2002, a copy of which is attached hereto and made
a part hereof, to increase the overall ground space area at 8711
McPherson by 297 square feet to approximately 0.015 acres as described on
the attached Exhibit B-1; and Annual rent will be increased by
$7,500.00 per annum prorated to coincide with the anniversary of the
lease commencement date and on the first day of each year of the lease
commencement anniversary date thereafter. All other terms and conditions of the lease
remain in full force and effect. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-301. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Garcia For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-302 Authorizing the City Manager to execute all
necessary documents to effectively convey two easements to AEP
Texas Central Company to provide electrical power to the El Portal
Plaza and to the plaza entrance monument.
Said easements being: (1) a 144 square foot tract of land out
of Block 08-B, Western Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas; as
described by Metes and Bounds and Survey attached as Exhibits A and B,
and (2) a 1,180 square foot tract of land out
of Block 08-B, Western Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas; as
described by Metes and Bounds and Survey attached as Exhibits C and D;
and providing for an effective date. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-302. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Cm. Garcia For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 X. RESOLUTIONS 23.
2006-R-110 Resolution of the
City of Laredo suspending the effective date of the AEP Texas Central Company’s requested rate
changes to allow the City time to study the request and to establish
reasonable rates; approving cooperation with other cities within AEP Texas Central
Company’s service territory; authorizing intervention in the
proceeding at the Public Utility Commission; retaining counsel to
represent the City; requiring reimbursement of cities’ rate case
expenses; requiring notice of this resolution to the company. Motion to approve Resolution #
2006-R-110. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XI. MOTIONS 24. Authorizing
the issuance of a request for proposals (RFP) for the downtown
signalization study. The
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has budgeted $250,000.00
for the project and funding is available through the (MPO) account. Motion to
approve.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Chavez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 25. Authorizing
the issuance of a request for proposals (RFP) for the Safe, Accountable, Flexible,
and Efficient Transportation Equity Act:
A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA- LU) Compliance Project. The Metropolitan Planning Organization
(MPO) has budgeted $65,039.00 for the project
and funding is available through the (MPO) account. Motion to
approve. Moved:
Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Chavez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 26. Award of
professional services contract with Crane Engineering & Sherfey Engineering (in association with Frank
Architects and Hydrologic Group) in the amount of $529,000.00, to provide
consulting services for Upper Zacate Creek
Multipurpose Detention Pond Project for the City of Laredo,
Texas. Funding is available in the Environmental
Services, 2005 C.O. and Transit System FTA Grant #274. Motion to
approve with the amendment to add up to $50,000.00 to the design of the park.
Moved: Cm. Rendon
Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 27. Consideration
to award contract number FY07-015 to the low bidders, Gateway Uniforms,
Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $90,000.00, Mike’s Western Wear, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated
amount of $5,000.00 and Iron Age, San Antonio, Texas, in the
estimated amount of $1,000.00 for the purchase of safety footwear for city maintenance personnel. Funding is available in the respective
departmental budgets. Motion to
approve.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second:
Cm. Chavez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 28.
Consideration to award contract number FY07-018 to the low bidders:
Caldwell Country
Chevrolet, Caldwell, TX in the total amount of $69,840.00 for the purchase of
five (5) vehicles; Planet Ford,
Caldwell, TX in the total amount of $465,085.00 for the purchase of twenty six (26) vehicles;
and Sames Motor Company, Laredo, TX in the total amount of $89,512.30 for the
purchase of five (5) vehicles. Utilizing
the local bidder’s preference provision of the Texas Local Government Code 271.905, the City Council may choose
to award contracts to the following: low bidder, Caldwell Country
Chevrolet, Caldwell, TX in the total amount of $69,840.00 for the purchase of five (5) vehicles; low
bidder and utilizing the local bidder preference provisions, Sames Motor Co., Laredo,
TX in total amount of $324,057.70 for the purchase of twenty one (21) vehicles;
and Planet Ford, Caldwell, TX in the total amount of $233,635.00 for the purchase
of ten (10) vehicles. Funding is
available from Contractual Obligation Public Property
Finance Obligation (PPFCO) bond proceeds and department operational
budgets. Francisco
Meza, Purchasing Department Manager, reported that they are recommending three
different bidders. He stated that they
are allowed to use the local preference.
He also stated that Sames Motor Company is within the 3 percent
allowed by state law and City Council can choose to award the contract to them
as the lower bidder with local preference.
Mr. Meza commented that they would be getting twenty one vehicles
instead of five if they decide to go with Sames Motor Company. Motion to
approve with local preference.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 29.
Consideration for approval of amendment No. 2, increase of $105,549.74
to the professional services contract with Juarez
Engineering Company, Laredo, Texas, for the water
and sanitary sewer improvements on the Piedra China Street/Texas/Milmo Avenue
area in South Laredo Project for Phase II of the project to address paving
and associated
drainage improvements. Current
engineering contract amount is
$173,984.74. Funding is
available in the CDBG 31st Action Year. Motion to
approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 30.
Consideration for approval of the selection of Sepulveda &
Associates for the Fire Department
headquarters building at Fire Station No. 5 at 2600 Bartlett Avenue and authorization to negotiate a
professional services contract.
Funding is available in the 2006 C.O. Issue. Motion to
approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 31.
Consideration to award Section F-Mechanical Joint Cast Iron fittings
for contract number FY06-130 to the low bidder,
National Waterworks, Inc., San Antonio, Texas, in the
estimated amount of $71,564.97. Staff
has reviewed the items submitted for this section to assure compliance with our
requirements. These materials are
purchased on an as needed basis by the Utilities
Department-Water Operations for construction and repair
projects. Funding is available in the
Utilities Department budget. Motion to
approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 32. Authorizing
the City Manager to award the contract to the lowest qualified bidder System
Control & Instrumentation in a total bid amount of $292,685.00 for the
water system SCADA Improvements
Project. Funding is available in the
Waterworks Construction Project Account. Motion to
approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 33.
Consideration for approval of Change Order No. 1 to Ramos Industries
Inc., for the construction of Tanquecitos I
wastewater and water distribution improvements. This change order consists of extending the
contract time to an additional 30 days and an increase in the material cost 2.9
percent for a total contract amount of $1,776,680.66. This change order is subject to the
approval of the TWDB. Funding is
available in the Colonias
Project. Motion to
approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 34. Authorizing
the City Manager to execute a contract for the purchase of 75.9375 ac/ft per annum municipal water rights from
Paula Sladek LeGros, Trustee of Paul L. Sladek, for the sum of
$136,687.50. Funding will come from
Water availability balances. Motion to
approve. Moved:
Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 35. Consideration to continue requesting
donations from private organizations for City
legislative events held in Austin, Texas and Washington, D.C. Motion to
table.
Moved: Cm. Garcia
Second: Cm. Landeck For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 36.
Consideration to award contract FY07-016 to the low bidder, Nueces
Power Equipment,
Laredo, Texas, in the total amount of $124,642.00 for the purchase of two backhoes for the Public Works
Department. Funding is available in
the 2006 Public Property Finance Contractual
Obligation bond proceeds. Motion to
approve. Moved:
Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 37.
Consideration to award annual supply contract number FY07-012 to the
low bidder JJJ
International & Safety, Inc., Laredo, Texas, in the estimated
amount of $138,737.00 for providing traffic marking paint for
the Traffic and Airport Departments.
The contract pricing is approximately 1% less that
the previous contract period. This
contract establishes the unit pricing for
traffic paint and glass beads used for street and runway/taxiway striping for a one year
period. All items will be purchased on
an as needed basis. Funding is available in the Traffic Safety
and Airport Grounds Maintenance budget. Motion to
approve.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 38.
Consideration to award annual contract number FY07-019 to the
following vendors: Gonzalez
Auto Parts, Napa Auto Parts, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Texas Fleet Supply, and Laredo Wholesale, Laredo, Texas in the
estimated amount of $60,000.00 for the purchase of miscellaneous auto parts
for the Fleet Department. This
contract establishes discount percentage
pricing for those miscellaneous auto parts not covered in the
automotive parts contract. These
vendors have offered percentage discount pricing from their general
catalogues. All items will be purchased
on an as needed basis and funding will be secured from
the Fleet Maintenance budget. Motion to
approve.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 39. Consideration
to award contract number FY07-029, to the low bidder, GT Distributors, Inc.
Austin, Texas in the amount of $49,492.80 for the purchase of seventy (70)
rifles for the
Police Department. Funding is
available from 2006 Contractual Obligation Public
Property Finance Obligation (PPFCO) bond proceeds. Motion to
approve.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 40.
Consideration for approval to award a contract to Duke-Energy, Laredo,
Texas, in the amount of
$53,581.00 for a relocation of a gas line obstructing proposed construction of drainage improvements at the Muller
Road intersection with the Zacate Creek Upper Reaches
Project. Funding is available in the
2005 C.O. Bond. Motion to
approve.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 41.
Consideration to amend contract number FY05-073 currently awarded to
Landfill Service
Corporation, Apalachin, NY, in the amount of $85,500.00. The proposed amendment
would increase the current contract to $428,553.12 in order to provide funding
for the remainder of the contract term.
This contract provides the equipment and
material for an alternative daily cover system for the landfill
operation. Funding is available in the Solid Waste Fund. Motion to
approve.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 42.
Consideration to authorize the purchase of fifty-five (55) sets of
structural fire fighting protective
uniforms from Dooley Tackaberry, Deer Park, Texas, through the Houston Galveston Area Council of Governments
(HGAC) cooperative contract pricing in the total amount of $99,558.25. The set includes the fire coat, trousers,
knee boots, gloves, hoods, suspenders, and helmets. Funding is available in the Fire
Department’s Fund. Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Garza For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 43. Authorizing
the Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau to place a temporary promotional banner for the V Annual
International Sister Cities Festival scheduled for January 26,
2007 through January 28, 2007. The
banner will be installed at the intersections for Springfield and
Hillside Roads and at the Calton and Yeary Roads from January 12 through the end of the
Festival on January 28, 2007. Motion to
approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia
Second: Cm. Garza For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 44.
Consideration to reject the apparent low bid of Ramos Industries to
rehabilitate Phase 2 of the
General Aviation Apron, construct Phase 2 of the North East Cargo Apron, and construct Cargo pads at the Southwest
Apron in the amount of $7,377,195.50 and consideration to award the bid to Price
Construction the lowest responsible bidder in the amount
of $7,477,980.90 for said construction work.
Funding is available in Airport Construction Fund-FAA Grant
49. Motion to
approve low bidder Ramos Industries. Moved:
Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Garza For: 7 Against: 1 Abstain: 0 Cm. Belmares 45.
Consideration to authorize the purchase of one dump truck in the total
amount or $88,843.00 through the Houston
Galveston Area Council of Governments (HGAC) cooperative purchasing program’s
contract pricing. This truck will be
assigned to the Parks and Recreation Department. Funding will be made available from the
2006 Public Property Finance Contractual
Obligation bond proceeds. Motion to
approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia
Second: Cm. Garza For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 46. Consideration for approval of change order
No. 1 to Rhino Builders, LTD, Laredo, Texas for
the amount of $37,651.00 to install the 24 inch diameter pipe with bends and caps to avoid future conflict with the
drainage work currently under construction on Del Mar
Blvd. This change order brings the
total contract amount to $1,117,978.50.
Funding is
available in the 2004 Water Bond Issuance. Motion to
approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia
Second: Cm. Garza For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 47.
Consideration for approval of change order no. 5 to add one hundred
ninety-five (195) calendar
days to the construction contract time with Leyendecker Construction, Laredo,
Texas, for
the City of Laredo Bridge of Americas Modification Project (El Portal) for additional
design changes. Frank Rotnofsky mentioned that several
issues were discovered and there will be a
modification of Building E. Rafael
Garcia reported that everything will be finished with the exemption of
Building E.
He stated that all lanes will be opened on January 22, 2007. He mentioned that the first lane and the pedestrian lane will be
opened on December 11, 2007. Motion to add
only one hundred ninety-five (195)
calendar days.
Moved: Cm. Garcia
Second: Cm. Landeck For: 6 Against: 2 Abstain: 0 Mayor Pro Tempore
Ramirez Cm. Chavez 48.
Consideration to exercise the renewal option for contract FY03-025
awarded to National Reimbursement Services, Inc.
(NRS), Houston, Texas for providing billing services
for the Fire Department’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) operation. NRS will be
responsible for obtaining reimbursement for services provided by our EMS division
utilizing their expertise in dealing with Medicare and private insurance companies.
The original term of this contract was for a three-year period with options to renew
for three additional one-year terms. Staff is requesting authorization to exercising
the renew option for the first of the three additional year terms. NRS will charge the
City 10% of all collections received as a result of their billing activities.
It is anticipated that with the services
provided by NRS the City’s collection rate will increase
by approximately twenty percent. In
addition, they are required to provide, at no cost to
the City, new and specialized computer equipment for each ambulance crew with
docking stations for these computers at the Fire Stations and at both
hospitals. Motion to
table.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Garza For: 7 Against: 1 Abstain: 0 Cm. Garza 49. Authorizing
the City Manager to approve Change Order No. 2 in the amount of $64,800.55
to Balch Machine Company for the pump repair project at the Jefferson WTP Raw Water Pumphouse #2. The change order will cover the additional
work identified
as necessary improvements and modifications that could not be examined due the
operation of the equipment. Funding is
available in the 2004B Revenue Bonds. Motion to
approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Garza For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND
PRESENTATIONS 50. A. Request by Mayor Raul G. Salinas 1. Discussion
with possible action on creating a committee to address substance and drug abuse issues in the city and for
the City Council to participate by appointing the members of the group. Postponed by
Mayor Salinas. B. Request by Council Member Mike Garza 1. Discussion
with possible action for reports from internal and external auditors on projected reviews. Veronica
Urbano Baeza, Internal Auditor, explained that the audit plan is comprised by
taking a risk assessment into account. She mentioned that the audit done to those departments
that handle large quantities of cash, and the frequency of non-compliant departments. She also stated that she takes into account
any follow up audits that have been conducted on previous audits and any
letters from management, allegations, anonymous tips, thefts, or wrong doings. She
commented that an audit plan is in place. Cm. Garza
expressed his concern on conducting audits on a reactionary basis and not on regular basis. Cm. Landeck
asked for a historical frequency distribution as to which department and division were audited in the last number
of “x” years. Rosario
Cabello, Finance Director, explained that internal audits are prepared on
items such as cash handling, compliance and payroll and are done randomly on
an annual basis. She also stated that the
City is audited on an annual basis by external auditors as well. City Council
suggested to send it back to the Audit Committee for a recommendation. 2. Discussion
with possible action on the projected IH 35 landfill property and other City owned properties. Horacio De Leon, Assistant City Manager, reported
that he had provided a list of properties acquired over the last five years. He stated that the property on IH-35 was initially purchased in 2002 for a future
landfill; however, different actions have been done
by City Council. He mentioned that one
action was the possibility of using water wells found on the property as a secondary
water source. He mentioned that studies
were done and it was not feasible. He concluded
by stating that the property is currently appreciating in value. Erasmo Villarreal, Building
Director, stated that the GEO Testing was done and high producing water wells were discovered on
the property. Motion to solicit an RFP for
a grazing lease and seek appraisal of the property. Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 C. Request by Council Member Johnny Amaya 1. Discussion
with possible action to allocate $45,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds, previously
allocated for the acquisition of property in City Council District IV, to be used to fund
sidewalks, speed humps and the purchase and installation of sunshades at various parks. Motion to
approve. Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Mayor Pro-Tempore Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2. Discussion
with possible action on the installation of speed humps on the 3400 block of Buenavista from Saunders to
Bartlett; on McClelland from San Jose to Plum; on the 1800 block of San Jose from
McPherson to McClelland; and appropriating $18,000.00 from District IV
discretionary funds. Motion to
approve. Moved: Cm. Amaya Second:
Mayor Pro-Tempore Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 D. Request by Council Member Johnny Rendon 1. Status report
of the Gale Street bridge, with possible action. Alejandro Labrada, Public Works Director, reported
that he had submitted a status report on October 16, 2007. He mentioned that they are 60 days behind
because of the rains, holidays, utility relocations, and
elevation discrepancies. He stated
that he wants to open a section of the bridge by the end of
December 2006 and the project should be completed six weeks after that. E. Request by Council Member Gene Belmares 1. Discussion
with possible action on securing funding for the San Isidro/McPherson traffic
light. Robert
Murillo, Traffic Department Director, reported that the latest estimate for
the traffic light is at $118,000.00. He stated that Cm. Belmares provided them
with $60,000.00; however, the balance owed is
$58,000.00. He also stated that the
poles have been ordered but funding
is still needed for the rest of the materials. Cm. Belmares
instructed staff to start the formal process of requesting funds and the dedication of those funds to the City. 2. Discussion
with possible action on the installation of a speed humps on the 400 &
500 blocks of Merlin Drive, and
appropriating funds from District VI discretionary funds. Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Mayor Pro-Temp Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 3. Discussion
with possible action on rescinding rental increases for tenants on the
airport flight line. Motion to
rescind the rental increase for tenants on the airport flight line as
amended. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Garza For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 4. Consider a
motion amending that motion previously adopted by City Council at the Special City Council Meeting
of November 13, 2006, to pay the entire amount due the former city manager
immediately, either this week, next, or whatever and to obtain an outside legal opinion to interpret the
current contract between the former city manager and the City
of Laredo for the benefit of future city manager contracts; and if that legal
opinion determines City Council
shouldn’t have made certain payments, then City Council will
decide at that time whether to look for a way to get the City’s money back and how that could be
accomplished; and to amend that motion by deleting the word “immediately” as to the
timing of the payment and instead to pay the former city manager in accordance with
the terms of his contract, at the time he designates. Motion to
approve. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Rendon For:
5 Against: 3 Abstain: 0 Cm. Garcia Cm.
Garza Cm. Amaya Cm.
Landeck Cm. Rendon Cm. Chavez Cm. Belmares Mayor Pro-Tempore Ramirez Cm.
Garza stated that the ICMA contributions can not be included with the payment
as originally intended and medical
benefit coverage needs to be as per the recommendation of staff. Cm. Belmares emphasized that
the motion will only remove the word “immediately”. Valeria Acevedo, Acting City
Attorney, clarified that the motion will only remove the word “immediately” as to the timing and
is leaving “to pay the City Manager in accordance with the terms of his
contract”. She asked if staff is to
rely on the legal opinion of Cox, Smith and Mathew as to
the pay out. Cm. Garza
confirmed her question and added to rely on staff’s input as well. F. Request by Council Member Juan Chavez 1. Update on the
proposed slow moving vehicles ordinance regulating heavy equipment and construction vehicles on
the road. Postponed by Cm. Chavez for the next
meeting. G. Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore Juan Ramirez 1. Discussion
with possible action on allowing vendors to resubmit bids for the available sites located at following
intersections: Grant and Salinas;
Farragut and Flores; Convent and Iturbide; Lincoln and Convent;
Hidalgo and Convent; Zaragoza and Convent; Salinas and Lincoln; Santa
Maria and Zaragoza; and Flores and Hidalgo. Cm. Ramirez spoke on
allowing the “paletero” vendors to resubmit their bids on the mentioned intersections. Dr.
Hector Gonzalez, Health Department Director, stated that all mobile vendors have a permit and individual cart
vendors are not allowed downtown unless they have a contract. He also stated that mobile vendors can not
sell if they do not have a permit. He mentioned that the license is effective
for two years and they receive a picture identification card. He also mentioned that they are now getting
a background check. Motion to allow the vendors
to rebid on the intersections mentioned by Cm. Ramirez and amend the Ordinance to add his
locations. Moved: Mayor Pro-Tempore Ramirez Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2. Discussion with possible action on financial report
for LEC. Martin Aleman, Budget Director, reported that he had
sent a memo with documentation on November 3, 2006 to the Council Members
indicating the financial information from 2002 through September 2006. He reported that the arena submits
information on a monthly basis and he recaps the information. He stated that he had updated the City Council previously.
Mr. Aleman mentioned that the information is based on ticket sales and revenues from events and that the parking
revenue is not part of the City, but a part of the Laredo Entertainment Center. 3. Consideration to change the order of the City
Council agenda for Council Member items and to implement a rotational schedule of
General Council Discussions and Presentations beginning with City
Council District #1 in December and allowing each subsequent District to be listed first in the order
of General Council Discussions and Presentations. Cm. Chavez suggested that on the first Monday of the
month the General Council Discussions and Presentation order should begin with
District 1 and on the following meeting begin with District 8. Cm. Garza agreed to change the order and suggested
that District 1 begin followed by District 2 at the next meeting and so on. Mayor Pro-Tempore Ramirez emphasized that
General Council Discussions be at the start of the agenda after appointments. Cm. Landeck
suggested they begin, for example, with District 8 and then at the next City Council meeting begin
with District 7. Motion to approve the order
to begin with District 1 then District 8 and place the General Council Discussions before
public hearing. Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Valeria
Acevedo, Acting City Attorney, asked City Council for a motion to amend the Priorities and Procedure Manual. Motion to instruct staff to
amend the Priorities and Procedure Manual. Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 4. Discussion
with possible action on funding for the TAMIU Flamenco Ballet. Mayor Pro-Tempore Ramirez requested $5,000.00 for
the TAMIU Flamenco Ballet. Martin
Aleman, Budget Director, reported that the organizations activities needs to
bring people to the hotels, in other words “heads on beds”. Janice
Weber, Library Director, reported that the Hotel/Motel Funding has a certain percentage that can be spent on the arts
and historical preservation. She also
reported that the
committee concentrated mostly on “heads-on-beds” and they plan to eliminate the arts. Cynthia Collazo, Acting City
Manager, stated that she was in agreement with Cm. Garza to bring the Chair forward to speak to
City Council. Mayor
Pro-Tempore Ramirez suggested that $2,000.00 be taken from his promotional funds. Motion to instruct staff to take
$2,000.00 from the Promotional account from Mayor Pro-Tempore Ramirez; $1,000.00 from
Mayor Salinas; $500.00 from Cm. Chavez;
$500.00 from Cm. Amaya; Cm. Belmares if
allowed and donate it to the TAMIU Flamenco Ballet. Moved: Mayor Pro-Tempore Ramirez Second: Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XIII. STAFF REPORTS 51. A. Discussion with possible action to consider
Police Officer Omar H. Moreno, Jr.’s third 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, reported that Mr. Moreno returned to work today and needs to extend
his injury leave with pay to nineteen days.
He also stated that there is a
possibility that he may need another surgery. Motion to approve
19 days of injury pay. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 B. Update report and discussion in regards to
the questions raised at the pre-bid meeting for the lease of 600 living unit
equivalency with possible action. The provisions for sewer are made available
though the over sizing of the wastewater line extensions for the Colonias Project on
SH 359 and the Texas Mexican Rail Road right of way. Pablo Martinez, Utilities Director, reported that initially they wanted to accommodate homeowners to be able to tie
into the system and purchase single living unit equivalencies per dwelling. He mentioned that one thousand living unit equivalencies were available, but as time
passed developers became interested in developing along Highway 359 and they
approached the City to purchase those living unit equivalencies. He stated that they decided to lease it as
to not show any preference.
He also stated that they presented this to the Water Issues Committee and mentioned to them that there were three
developers requesting this capacity. He reported that the Water Issues Committee
gave approval to the lease and they went through the bid process. He reported that he had a list of questions
that needed to be addressed. Cm. Belmares instructed staff to include the
questions in Friday’s packet to have Council study them and address them at the
Utilities workshop on Wednesday, November 27, 2007. 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. 52. Request for
Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.072 in order to
deliberate the possible purchase, exchange, lease or value of the North ½ of Lot 10, Block 162, Western Division,
City of Laredo, Texas, because deliberation in an open meeting would
have a detrimental effect on the position of the City Council in negotiations with a third person; and
return to open session for possible action. Motion to
go into Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.072 in order to deliberate the
possible purchase, exchange, lease or value of the North ½ of
Lot 10, Block 162, Western Division, City of Laredo, Texas, because deliberation in an open meeting would
have a detrimental effect on the position of the City Council in
negotiations with a third person; and return to open session for possible action.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Garza For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 After Executive Session Mayor Salinas
announced that no formal action was taken. Motion to
authorize the City Manager to acquire the North ½ of Lot 10, Block 162, Western Division, in the amount not to
exceed $215,000 plus approximately $600.00 for closing costs. Seller will pay for the title policy.
Moved: Mayor Pro-Tempore
Ramirez
Second: Cm. Garza For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 53. Request for
Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code, Section 551.071 (1) (A) to consult with the Attorneys
for the City of Laredo about a contemplated litigation in the matter of Hilda
Negrete vs. City of Laredo, et al., and return to open session for possible action.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Garza For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 After Executive Session
Mayor Salinas announced that no formal action was taken. 54. Request for
Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071 (1) (A) to
consult with attorneys on possible settlement of case of City of Laredo v. Brothers Paving, Inc., Cause No.
2006CVF 00133, in the 111th District Court, Webb County, Texas;
and return to open session for possible action.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Garza For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Motion to
authorize the City Attorney to settle the case on the basis discussed. Moved:
Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 After
Executive Session Mayor Salinas announced that no formal action was taken. 55. Request for
Executive Session pursuant to Section 551.071 (1) (A) of the Texas Government
Code to consult with attorneys representing the City of Laredo regarding pending litigation of Martha
Escamilla, Maria Gloria Gonzalez, and Webb County vs. the City of
Laredo, Cause No. 04-05-00456-CV and return to open session for possible action.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Garza For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 After Executive Session
Mayor Salinas announced that no formal action was taken. Motion to authorize the
City attorney’s to proceed as discussed. Moved: Cm. Landeck Second:
Cm. Belmares For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 3 Cm.
Garza Cm. Garcia Cm.
Amaya
XV. RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MASS TRANSIT BOARD 56.
Consideration to award annual contract number FY07-019 to the
following vendors; Gonzalez Auto Parts, O’Reilly Auto
Parts, Texas Fleet Supply, and Laredo Wholesale in the estimated
amount of $45,000.00 for the purchase of miscellaneous auto parts for the Transit System. This contract establishes discount
percentage pricing for those miscellaneous auto parts not covered
in the automotive parts contract.
These vendors have offered percentage discount
pricing from their general catalogues.
All items will be purchased on as needed basis and
funding will be secured from the Transit budget. Motion to
recess and convene as the Laredo Mass Transit Board.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Chavez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Motion to
approve.
Moved: Cm. Chavez Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XVI. RECESS AS THE LAREDO MASS TRANSIT BOARD,
RECONVENE AS THE LAREDO CITY
COUNCIL AND ADJOURN Motion to adjourn as the Laredo Mass Transit board,
reconvene as the Laredo City Council and
adjourn. Moved: Cm. Garza Time: 10:57 Second: Cm.
Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 I, Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary, do hereby certify that
the above minutes contained in pages 01 to 37 are true, complete, and correct
proceedings of the City Council meeting held on November 20, 2006. ____________________________________ Gustavo
Guevara, Jr. City
Secretary |