CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2007-R-02

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

JANUARY 16, 2007

5:30 P.M.

 

 

I.          CALL TO ORDER

 

            With a quorum present, Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez, called the meeting to order.

 

II.        PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

            Mayor Pro Tempore called the meeting to order.

 

III.       ROLL CALL

 

            In attendance:

 

            Mike Garza,                                                                             Council Member, District I

            Hector Garcia,                                                                          Council Member, District II

            Michael Landeck,                                                                     Council Member, District III

            Johnny Rendon                                                                         Council Member, District V

            Gene Belmares,                                                                        Council Member, District VI

            Juan Chavez                                                                             Council Member, District VII

            Juan Ramirez,                                                                           Mayor Pro Tem, District VIII

            Gustavo Guevara, Jr.,                                                               City Secretary

            Cynthia Collazo,                                                                       Acting City Manager

            Rafael Garcia,                                                                           Assistant City Manager

            Horacio De Leon,                                                                     Assistant City Manager

            Valeria Acevedo,                                                                      City Attorney Interim

 

            Motion to excuse Mayor Salinas and Cm.  Amaya.

 

            Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

            Second:  Cm.  Garza

            For:     6                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

IV.       MINUTES

 

            None.

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

            Recognitions

            a.  Recognition of the City of Laredo Sisters Cities Youth Committee.

 

                 Postponed.

 

            b.  Recognition of Department, Esther Garcia, Community Development Department, on

                 her selection as January 2007 Employee of the Month.

 

                 Ronnie Acosta, Community Development Director, reported that Ester Garcia has been             working for the Department of Community Development in different capacities for nine years.  She said that she has grown with the department starting as a housing eligibility technician in the housing rehab program and has become a vital part of administrative staff as an Administrative Assistant II.   She said that Ester Garcia plays a major a roll in preparing the City’s consolidated plan which serves as an application to

                 the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for CDBG home and

                 ESG program funding which this year represented over five million dollars in funding to

                 the community of Laredo.  She also serves as a project manager for multiple projects

                 which is an activity funded through the development block grant and helps to ensure

                 compliance with federal program requirements.  In addition, she oversees the emergency

                 shelter grant program and works very closely with service providers in our community in

                 helping address local homeless needs.  She is exceptionally reliable and diligent when

                 given an assignment.  You can count on her to get the job done with minimal

                 supervision.  She is a team leader and sets an example that others can follow.  In addition

                 to her normal work load she has been selected recently to participate in the City of

                 Laredo’s Leadership program.  During December 2006 she was instrumental along with

                 fellow department staff in coordinating a very successful holiday celebration for the 189

                 elderly residents who live at the Hamilton Housing Apartments.  Her efforts in

                 coordinating activities in contributions from different individuals and private entities

                 provided Hamilton residents an afternoon of festivities, entertainment, and gifts.  The

                 elderly residents truly enjoyed themselves and were greatly appreciative. 

 

            Communiqués

            a.  Presentation by the Streets of Laredo regarding 2007 Popeyes Jamboozie Festival

 

                 Rafael Torres, Chairperson for the Festival, extended an invitation to the Mayor, City                              Council, and all the citizens of our community to the 2007 Jamboozie Festival during

                 January 27th. 

 

            b.  Presentation by Minita Ramirez, President Elect, regarding the 2007 Washington

                 Birthday Celebration.

 

                 Minita Ramirez, President Elect of the Washington Birthday Celebration, reported that it            was her honor to represent the many volunteers that make up the yearly celebration.  It is

                 through the efforts of countless volunteers, the cooperation of many different

                 organizations and the financial support from the great community that makes WBCA an

                 exciting month long celebration comprised of over 28 events held to promote the City.               She thanked the City Council for their support.  WBCA is the affirmation of local, state,                  national, and international initiatives and recognizes positive efforts of the schools,                            youth, business community and religious organizations.  Most important she thanked the

                 City leaders and the numerous city staff members that support the events.

 

 

            Citizen comments

            Citizens are required to fill out a witness card and identify themselves at the microphone.              Comments should be relevant to City business and delivered in a professional manner.  No             derogatory remarks will be permitted.  There is a time limit of three minutes per speaker.

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

            a.  Appointment by Council Member Hector Garcia of Triana Volpe to Parks and                                        Recreation Committee.

 

                 Motion to approve.

                       

                 Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

                 Second:  Cm.  Garza

                 For:     6                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

           

VII.     GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

            1.  A.  Request by Council Member Hector Garcia

                        1.  Discussion with possible action on allowing the use of City owned vacant lots

                             located at the Laredo International Airport during the Jalapeño Festival.

 

                             Cm. Garcia explained that he had placed this item on the agenda to assure that                                       the City of Laredo will be free from liability during the Jalapeno Festival.

 

                             Jose Flores, Airport Director, said that he had placed information regarding the                          item in the Council’s Friday packet.  The information included the noticeable

                             element of the lease agreement and liability insurance was one of the concerns. 

                             WBCA will insure the festivities and the event at the airport.  He further

                             explained that there is a rent assessment of $200 a day for two days. 

 

                             Motion to allow the use of the City owned vacant lots located at the Laredo

                             International Airport during the Jalapeno Festival to the WBCA.

 

                             Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                             Second:  Cm. Garza

                             For:      6                                         Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                        2.  Discussion with possible action on allowing one street banner during the WBCA

                             festivities.

 

                             Motion to allow a one street banner during the WBCA festivities.

 

                             Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                             Second:  Cm. Landeck

                             For:    6                                           Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

 

                  B.  Request by Council Member Gene Belmares

 

                        1.  Discussion with possible action regarding the streets to be included in the 2006-

                             2007 Street Recycling Project for District VI.

 

                              Cm. Belmares said that the Engineering Department has prepared a street paving                       program which has been issued to Council over the last four years.  He advised                         that he has some blocks pending from 03-04 and 04-05 fiscal year; however, he                             said that he would like to switch some of the blocks.  He asked staff to delay

                              street recycling in the Regency area because they are pending a water line and to

                              concentrate on five blocks around the baseball fields.  He asked the Acting City                         Manager to take primary interests in resurfacing the principal arterials. 

 

                              Alejandro Lambrada, Public Works Director, said that Cutler will be in Laredo                         by February 2007.  The deadline to change orders for some of the streets would

                              be March 1, 2007 if no milling is required.

 

                              Cm. Belmares informed Council that he would review the list with Alejandro                                          Lambrada and return to Council with street change recommendations for District                       V.  

                              

                        2.  Discussion with possible action on creating isolation fencing for the swimming

                             pool ordinance.

 

                             Cm. Belmares said that the City of Laredo has adopted the International                                    Construction Code 2006 which speaks to a lot of changes in the Ordinance that                        the City of Laredo wanted to make regarding pool safety.  He advised that there                             are items missing that other municipalities throughout Texas abstract from the                                        ICC and put into separate ordinances.  He suggested remanding the item back to                       City staff to review the material and search for overlapping or gaps that may                                          need strengthening and return to City Council with recommendations.                  

                             

                        3.  Discussion with possible action regarding deteriorating street conditions in

                             District VI.

 

                             Cm. Belmares advised that he had met with several engineers regarding the                                streets of Laredo.  He said that he was puzzled as to why the streets conditions                                      seem to be worse in the last couple of years as opposed to prior years.  He asked                     if it was a question of specifications that the City of Laredo is asking the                                          development community to place in the roads or are there other issues

                             causing the deteriorating. 

 

                             Rogelio Rivera, Engineering Director, said that the deteriorating street conditions                        has to do with a conglomeration of issues.  He said that the budgetary constraints

                             of Public Works has taken them away from the maintenance. He said that the                                        watering and over watering of yards also take a tremendous toll on Laredo

                             streets.   He also discussed the problems with the Metro bus taking the route on                        the streets that are not constructed for that type of traffic.

 

                             Cm. Belmares instructed the City Manager to step up the enforcement on the                                         irrigation systems in the City.  He also asked the City Manager to step up the

                             enforcement on the truck route.  Finally, he instructed staff to look at the current                        specifications for roads.

 

                        4.  Discussion with possible action on implementing a water distribution action plan                         for Summer 2007.

 

                             Cm. Belmares said that it is early in the season and the City of Laredo is not                                          using a lot of water but acknowledged a lot of water breaks.  He said that the City

                             needs to be proactive and have a plan for the summer month water breaks.

           

                             Carl Schwing, Utilities Director, said that on March 15, 2007 the TAMIU tank

                             will be in service.  By that time, all river water intake pumps will have been

                             rebuilt including the motors and switch gear and returned to service.  Staff would

                             have repaired valves to the high service pumps.  He too agreed that the City of                                      Laredo needs to actively enforce the conservation levels which is a requirement

                             by the Texas Water Development Board.  He further commented that staff has                                      replaced the pumps at Lago Vista and they will be replacing switch gear pumps,

                             motors and valves at the Hendricks and Lyon facilities.  Finally, he said that they                        are in the final stages of establishing a program for water loss studies by zone

                             throughout the city. 

 

                             Cm. Belmares instructed the Acting City Manager to return to Council with a                                         drafted plan addressing the water distribution action plan for Summer 2007.  He                        reminded the City that the City of Laredo is under the stage III conservation.

 

                             Acting City Manager explained that the City is issuing PSA’s reminding the                                viewing public that the City is under a stage III water conservation plan. 

 

VIII.    PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

            2.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a

                 budget amendment appropriating operating funds from the Federal Transit                                 Administration Grant No. TX 90X706 from Fiscal Year 2005-2006 in the amount                         $526,487.00 to be used for operating expenses in Fiscal Year 2006-2007 increasing the                Federal contribution from $3,700,000.00 to $4,226,487.00 and decreasing the sales tax

                 match for operations from $5,693,440.00 to $5,166,953.00 and amending the Transit

                 Sales Tax Fund by transferring $526,487.00 into Transit Sales Tax Fund by transferring

                 $526,487.00 into Sales Tax Reserve and reducing transfer to operations by $526,487.00.

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

                 Second:  Cm.  Chavez

                 For:      6                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

                 Second:  Cm.  Garcia

                 For:      6                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

            3.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2006-2007

                 annual budget by decreasing the grant award amount by $66,618.00 due to an 8 month             award pending full application from the Texas Department of State Health Services for

                 the Prevention Services for HIV Prevention Project of the City of Laredo Health

                 Department for a total amount of $133,236.00, contract period beginning January 1,

                 2007, through August 31, 2007, and amending the Full-Time Equivalent positions by

                 deleting one unfilled Community Service Aide position to reallocate funds for other

                 program personnel.

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

                 Second:  Cm.  Rendon

                 For:      6                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

                 Second:  Cm.  Rendon

                 For:      6                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

            4.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City’s Capital Improvement

                 Fund-Los Obispos Remediation Project FY 2006-2007 Budget by appropriating

                 revenues and expenditures in the amount of $36,000.00.  The revenues derive from the              settlement agreement between the City of Laredo and Mario Gonzalez, d/b/a MG

                 Builders.

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Garza

                 Second:  Cm.  Landeck

                 For:      6                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Garza

                 Second:  Cm.  Belmares

                 For:     6                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

            5.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend the

                 Fiscal Year 2006-2007 budget by allocating the Utility late fees and appropriating

                 revenues and expenses in the amount of $131,290.00 to the Utility Billing Division

                 provided by projected increases in the Utility Late Fees.  Funds will be used to purchase

                 an Automated Interactive Voice Response (IVR) Customer Service System and cover

                 temporary personnel costs for the non-deposit special revenue collection project.

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

                 Second:  Cm.  Belmares

                 For:      6                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

                 Second:  Cm. Garcia 

                 For:      6                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council   

 

            6.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Ordinance 2004-O-291, which

                 established the rental rates on all multi-family apartment properties acquired through the

                 FAR Part 150 Airport Noise Compatibility Program and managed by the Laredo

                 Municipal Housing Corporation (LMHC) by revising the rental rate structure to ensure

                 the units’ marketability.

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                 Second:  Cm. Belmares

                 For:      6                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Belmares

                 Second:  Cm. Garza

                 For:      6                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council  

 

                

            7.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Ordinance 2003-O-143, which

                 established the rental rates for the single-family properties purchased through the Laredo

                 International Airport FAR Part 150 Noise Compatibility Program and managed by the

                 Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation by revising the rental rate structure of vacant

                 properties to ensure the marketability of the properties. 

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Belmares

                 Second:  Cm. Chavez

                 For:      6                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Belmares

                 Second:  Cm. Rendon

                 For:      6                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

            8.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the

                 City of Laredo by authorizing a Special Use Permit and drilling permit for oil and/or gas

                 extraction on 4 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”,

                 located east of Interstate Highway 35 south of termination of South Unitec Drive.  The

                 Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the Special Use                                           Permit.  (District VI)

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                 Second:  Cm. Garza

                 For:      6                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Belmares

                 Second:  Cm. Chavez

                 For:      6                                         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 authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for a child daycare center on Lot

                 687, Block 41, Del Mar Hills, Section 3, Area “A” Subdivision, located at 804 Eden                                Lane.  The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended denial of the zone                                            change.  (District VI) 

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                 Second:  Cm. Rendon

                 For:      6                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ron Whitehawk, on behalf of Mr.  & Mrs. Jose Reyes, stated that this is an older                      neighborhood and that only one person protested against the noise change request.  He

                 requested that the zone change request for a child daycare be approve.

 

                 Cm. Belmares expressed the concerns of the neighbors and asked that there be a couple           of restrictions including prohibiting a message boards and the request of brick pavers

                 for the parking areas.  

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce with the following amendments:

 

                 1.  The Conditional Use Permit shall be issued to Jose Homero and Sylvia Reyes and is                   non-transferable.

                 2.  The Conditional Use Permit is restricted to the letter, Exhibit “A”, shich is made part                   of hereof for all purposes.

                3.  The Conditional Use Permit is restricted to the site plan.

                4.  The site shall comply with all parking requirements.

                5.  The site shall provide trees and shrubs.

                6.  Signage will be limited to a 3’ x 4’ sign attached to the building.

                7.  No message boards are allowed.

                8.  Brick pavers must be used for parking areas.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Belmares

                 Second:  Cm. Chavez

                 For:     6                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Belmares

 

IX.       INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

 

            10.  Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a lease agreement by and between the

                   Laredo Transit Management, Inc., and the City of Laredo Department of Community

                   Development for the lease of 6,628 sq.ft. of building space at the Laredo Transit Center

                   located at 1301 Farragut (East), second and third floors (East) for a monthly sum of

                   $4,586.44 for a term of three (3) years commencing on February 1, 2007.  This action

                   is contingent upon the continued availability of funding.

 

                   Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

X.        FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES 

 

            Motion to waive the reading of Ordinance # 2007-O-001, # 2007-O-002, # 2007-O-003, #             2007-O-004, # 2007-O-005, # 2007-O-006,and  #2007-O-007.

 

            Moved:  Cm. Belmares

            Second:  Cm. Garcia

            For:     6                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            11.  2007-O-001  Amending the City of Laredo’s FY 2006-2007 annual budget by

                                         authorizing the addition of one (1) Investigator position by

                                         reclassification of one (1) officer position in the Laredo Police

                                         Department’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Agency (HIDTA)

                                         program.  There is no cost to the City of Laredo’s General Fund.  Funding

                                         is available from within the HIDTA program. 

 

                                         Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2007-O-001.

 

                                         Moved:  Cm. Belmares

                                         Second:  Cm. Rendon

                                         For:      6                             Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                   2007-O-002  Amending the City of Laredo FY 2006-2007 budget by appropriating

                                         revenues and expenditures in the amount of $257,702.00 in additional                                                   funds from the Texas Department of State Health Services for the Public                                    Health Preparedness and Epidemiology Program-Pandemic Influenza                                                    Work Plan of the City of Laredo Health Department for a total grant                                                     amount of $932,099.00, and extending the grant period which ends                                           December 31, 2006, an additional eight (8) months.  The term period                                                    from September 1, 2005, through August 31, 2007; amend the FY 2006-                                 2007 full-time equivalent positions, and authorizing the City Manager to                                          execute the contract.  

 

                                         Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2007-O-002.

 

                                         Moved:  Cm. Belmares

                                         Second:  Cm. Rendon

                                         For:      6                             Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                   2007-O-003  Amending the City of Laredo FY 2006-2007 Annual Budget for the South

                                        Texas Regional 9-1-1 System Fund by adding one (1) full time equivalent                                  (FTE) position. The position would be responsible for assisting the four

                                        county region of Jim Hogg, Starr, Webb, and Zapata counties with 9-1-1

                                        database matters.   Funding in the estimated amount of       $22,000 for the

                                        remaining eight months of the fiscal year is available in the 9-1-1                                                Regional Fund.

 

                                        Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2007-O-003.

 

                                         Moved:  Cm. Belmares

                                         Second:  Cm. Rendon

                                         For:      6                             Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                   2007-O-004  Amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2006-2007 annual budget by

                                        decreasing the grant award amount by $44,012.00 from the Texas

                                        Department of State Health Services for the Prevention Services for HIV-

                                        Infected Persons Project (PSHIP) of the City of Laredo Health Department

                                        for a total amount of $69,993.00 for contract period beginning January 1,

                                        2007 through August 31, 2007 and amending the Full Time Equivalent

                                        positions.

 

                                        Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2007-O-004.

 

                                         Moved:  Cm. Belmares

                                         Second:  Cm. Rendon

                                         For:      6                             Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                   2007-O-005  Authorizing the City Manager to execute an Easement and Underground

                                         Service Agreement Document WR16640801 with AEP Texas Central

                                         Company (AEP) consisting of approximately 22,440.17 square feet of

                                         Land within the Laredo International Airport Passenger Terminal

                                         Subdivision, recorded Volume 16, Pages 45-47, Webb County Map

                                         Record, Webb County, Texas, for the installation of underground

                                         electrical facilities to serve Laredo International Airport at 5210 Bob

                                         Bullock Loop; providing for an effective date.

 

                                         Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2007-O-005.

 

                                         Moved:  Cm. Belmares

                                         Second:  Cm. Rendon

                                         For:      6                             Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                   2007-O-006  Amending the City of Laredo’s Land Development Code Book, Chapter

                                        24: Article V, Section 24.80 Model Subdivision Rules; and amending

                                        Appendix A: of the Laredo Land Development Code; and providing for

                                        publication and effective date.

 

                                         Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2007-O-006.

 

                                         Moved:  Cm. Belmares

                                         Second:  Cm. Rendon

                                         For:      6                             Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                  2007-O-007 Amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances, Chapter 28 (Streets,

                                       Sidewalks and Public Places), Article III-Civic Center, Division 2-Rental                                   Rates for Facility, Personnel and Equipment Services, by providing for a

                                       one time waiver of approximately $5,790.00 in fees for the use of the Civic

                                       Center Facilities and Equipment during the 5th International Sister Cities

                                       Festival to take place from January 23-28, 2007. 

 

                                       Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2007-O-007.

 

                                       Moved:  Cm. Belmares

                                       Second:  Cm. Rendon

                                       For:     6                                Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

XI.       RESOLUTIONS

 

            12.  2007-R-001  Authorizing the City Manager to accept a donation from Wal-Mart  

                                        Corporation in the amount of $500.00.  Funds will be deposited in the                                                   Friends of the Library Fund and used to expand the Laredo Public                                            Library’s Summer Reading Program.

 

                                        Motion to approve Resolution # 2007-R-001.

 

                                        Moved:  Cm. Belmares

                                        Second:  Cm. Rendon

                                        For:     6                               Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

            13.  2007-R-003  Declaring the City of Laredo’s intent to work in partnership with Webb

                                        County on the construction of a fifth international bridge crossing joining

                                        the Mexican State of Tamaulipas and the State of Texas and to be located

                                        within the corporate limits of the City of Laredo for the purpose of

                                        meeting the needs of the area’s growing populous;  and authorizing the

                                        city manager to hold formal discussions with Webb County for the

                                        purpose of drafting a memorandum of understanding that will further

                                        reflect the intentions of both parties and which will further the best

                                        interests of both city and county residents; and rescinding Resolution no.

                                        2002-R-025 and Resolution no. 2004-R-067.

 

                                        Postponed.

 

            14.  2007-R-004  Authorizing the City Manager to enter into and execute an Interlocal

                                        Governmental Agreement pursuant to the Texas Government Code,

                                        Chapter 791, between the City of Laredo and the County of Webb, in

                                        which the Webb County Sheriff’s Department and the Laredo Police

                                        Department require the formation of a mutual aid law enforcement task

                                        force to mutually assist each other in the areas of the traffic control, crowd                                 control, and general law enforcement both within and beyond the city

                                        limits during the various Washington’s Birthday Celebration festivities

                                        scheduled from January 25, 2007 to February 18, 2007.

 

                                        Motion to approve Resolution # 2007-R-004.

 

                                        Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                                        Second:  Cm. Garza

                                        For:     6                               Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

XII.     MOTIONS

 

            15.  Consideration to authorize the purchase of one truck in the total amount of $28,439.00,

                   through the Houston Galveston Area Council of Governments (H-GAC) cooperative

                   purchasing program’s contract pricing.  This truck will be purchased from Philpott Ford

                   and will be assigned to the Public Works creek cleaning operation which is funded by

                   the Solid Waste department.  Funding is available in the Solid Waste Fund.

 

                   Motion to approve with correction to buy from Cooperative Board Program. 

 

                   Moved:  Cm. Belmares

                   Second:  Cm. Garcia

                   For:     6                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            16.  Consideration to authorize the purchase of Trackwise Application Software, Release

                   6.0 from Sparta System, Inc. in the total amount of $44,640.00.  The Trackwise

                   Software is a web based tracking system that electronically logs, manages and follows               the action items of the citizen complaint reports.  Funding for this software upgrade is            available from the 2006 Public Property Finance Contractual Obligation (PPFCO) bond        proceeds.

 

                   Motion to approve.

 

                   Moved:  Cm. Belmares

                   Second:  Cm. Garcia

                   For:     6                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            17.  Consideration for approval of change order no. 2 an increase of $58,005.00 for the

                   balance of quantities actually constructed in place and to add thirty-three (33) calendar

                   days to the construction contract time, acceptance for substantial completion of the Los

                   Obispos Unit-5 Remediation Project, Phase II and approval of payment in the amount

                   of $118,896.15 to LEH Contractors, Inc., San Antonio, Texas.  Final construction

                   contract amount is $1,375,828.00.  Funding is available in the Los Obispos Phase II.

 

                   Motion to approve.

 

                   Moved:  Cm. Belmares

                   Second:  Cm. Garcia

                   For:     6                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            18.  Consideration for approval to award a construction contract to the sole bidder Cutler

                   Repaving, Inc., Lawrence Kansas, in the bid amount of $625,753.70 for the 2006-2007

                   Street Recycling Project (160 Blocks).  Funding is available in the Capital

                   Improvement Fund.

 

                   Motion to approve.

 

                   Moved:  Cm. Belmares

                   Second:  Cm. Garcia

                   For:     6                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            19.  Consideration for approval of change order no. 1, an increase of $86.53 for the balance

                   of quantities actually constructed in place and to add one hundred eighty one (181)                                  calendar days to the construction time, acceptance of the Santa Rita Park Phase I,

                   Project 1 and approval of final payment in the amount of $41,296.91 to Zertuche

                   Construction, Inc.  Funding is available in the Community Development 27th and 28th

                   Action Year Grant.

 

                   Motion to approve.

 

                   Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

                   Second:  Cm.  Garcia

                   For:     6                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            20.  Consideration to exercise the renewal option for an additional three month period for            

                   contract number FY06-092 awarded to the low bidders, Hollon Oil Company, Weslaco,

                   Texas and Arguindequi Oil Company, Laredo, Texas, for the purchase of lubricants for

                   the Fleet Maintenance Division.  The bid pricing will be firm for a three-month period                 and all items will be purchased on an as need basis.  Funding is available in the Fleet

                   Maintenance Fund.

 

                   Motion to approve.

 

                   Moved:  Cm. Belmares

                   Second:  Cm. Garcia

                   For:     6                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            21.  Consideration to exercise the renewal option for one (1) additional year for contract                                 number FY06-013 to vendors, Gulf Coast Paper, Corpus Christi, Texas, Patria Supply,            Laredo, Texas; and Laredo Janitorial Solutions, Laredo, Texas; for providing general            janitorial supplies for all City departments.  This contract establishes the contract                    pricing for those janitorial supplies most commonly utilized by City departments.  All

                   items will be purchased on an as needed basis and funding will be secured from the

                   user department budgets.

 

                   Motion to approve.

 

                   Moved:  Cm. Belmares

                   Second:  Cm. Garcia

                   For:     6                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            22.  Consideration for approval of change order no. 1 a decrease of $7,854.00 for balance of

                   quantities actually constructed in place, acceptance of the Fire Fighting/Public Safety                  Training Facility Phase II and approval of final payment in the amount of $1,000.00 to          Marshall Company, Ltd., Corpus Christi, Texas.  Final construction contract amount is           $1,389,869.32.  Funding is available in the General Fund/Fire Department.

 

                   Motion to approve.

 

                   Moved:  Cm. Belmares

                   Second:  Cm. Garcia

                   For:     6                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            23.  Consideration for approval to award a professional services contract to Chapman &

                   Associates, Inc., Magnolia, Texas, for an amount not to exceed $89,400.00 for the

                   Resident Project Representative (RPR) for the Laredo International Airport Projects. 

                   Funding is available in the Airport Construction Fund/Grant #49-Project Engineer Fees.

 

                   Motion to approve.

 

                   Moved:  Cm. Belmares

                   Second:  Cm. Garcia

                   For:     6                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            24.  Consideration for approval to award a professional services contract to South Texas

                   Laboratories, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for an amount not to exceed $74,800.00 to provide             laboratory, sampling and testing services of materials for quality assurance of the

                   Laredo International Airport Construction of Northeast Cargo Apron (Phase II) General

                   Aviation Apron (Phase II) and Southwest Cargo Apron Concrete Pads.  Funding is

                   available in the Airport Construction Fund-Grant #49.

 

                   Motion to approve.

 

                   Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                   Second:  Cm. Garza

                   For:     6                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            25.  Authorizing the City Manager to amend the 2005 Consolidated One Year Action Plan               by canceling the Central Laredo Senior Citizen Center Project totaling $45,000.00 in                        31st Action Year (AY) 2005 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds,                                and reprogramming the $45,000.00 for the construction of sidewalks in District IV.

 

                  Motion to approve.

 

                   Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                   Second:  Cm. Garza

                   For:     6                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            26.  Consideration to award a consultant contract to Pemberton Professional Services, LLC

                   in the amount of $83,000.00 for the update of City of Laredo Parks and Open Space                            Master Plan.  Funding is available in the Parks and Recreation Department Fiscal Year              2006-2007 operating budget.

 

                   Motion to approve.

 

                   Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                   Second:  Cm. Garza

                   For:     6                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            27.  Authorizing the City Manager to approve payment from the City’s Arena Renewal and

                   Replacement Account for repairs done to the roof due to high winds causing damage to             the roof membrane in a total amount not to exceed $2,200.00.  Funding is available in           the Sports and Community Venue Account.

 

                   Motion to approve.

 

                   Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                   Second:  Cm. Garza

                   For:     6                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            28.  Approving monthly adjustments to the tax roll.  The amount to be adjusted for the

                   month of December 2006 represents a decrease of $61,423.54.  These adjustments are

                   determined by Webb County Appraisal District and by court orders.

 

                   Motion to approve.

 

                   Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                   Second:  Cm. Garza

                   For:     6                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

 

            29.  Consideration to exercise the renewal option for contract FY06-027 to Southern

                   Sanitation, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated annual amount of $68,513.04, for providing

                   trash collection services for large volume containers.  These services will be required

                   for various City operations such as the Airport, Bridge System, Civic Center, Parks and

                   Recreation, Public Access, Fleet Management, Traffic, Transit, Municipal Housing,

                   Environmental Engineering, Fire, and Utilities.  The contract vendor is also required to

                   provide these containers for special events such as the household collection event. 

                   Funding is available in the respective departmental budgets.

 

                   Motion to approve.

 

                   Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                   Second:  Cm. Garza

                   For:     6                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            30.  Consideration for approval of change order no. 6, an increase of $268,878.99 for

                   additional modifications to Building E to the construction contract with Leyendecker

                   Construction, Laredo, Texas, for the City of Laredo Bridge of Americas Modification

                   Project (El Portal).  Funding is available in the Improvements Other Than Buildings –

                   Bridge System. 

 

                   Motion to approve.

 

                   Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                   Second:  Cm. Garza

                   For:     6                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            31.  Consideration for approval of the selection of consultant SCS Engineers, Bedford,

                   Texas, for the New Type I Cell in the City of Laredo Municipal Landfill located at

                   6912 Hwy. 359 and authorization to negotiate a professional services contract. 

                   Funding is available in the Solid Waste Fund. 

 

                   Motion to approve.

 

                   Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                   Second:  Cm. Garza

                   For:     6                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            32.  Consideration for approval of amendment no. 6 an increase of $75,906.00 to the

                   architectural/engineering contract with Frank Architects, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for the

                   Gateway to the Americas Bridge (Bridge I) Access, export lot and parking lot

                   modifications for additional professional services to design and provide construction

                   phase supervision.  Funding is available in the Architectural Fees/Bridge System –

                   Construction Projects.

 

                   Motion to approve.

 

                   Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                   Second:  Cm. Garza

                   For:     6                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

 

            33.  Consideration to authorize the emergency purchase of one (1) American LaFrance

                   custom liberty pumper truck from American LaFrance Gulf Coast, Houston, TX in the               estimated total amount of $352,874.00 through the Houston Galveston Area Council of                    Government’s (H-GAC) cooperative contract.  This is a replacement for the fire                               pumper truck that was damaged beyond repair in the vehicle rollover on IH 35.    This

                   replacement fire truck will be delivered within 120 – 150 calendar days.  American

                   LaFrance will also loan a fire truck to the City of Laredo for $1.00 until this

                   replacement truck is delivered.

 

                   Motion to approve.

 

                   Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                   Second:  Cm. Garza

                   For:     6                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

XIII.    EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

            The City Council hereby reserves the right to go into executive session at any time during             this public meeting, if such is requested by the City Attorney or other legal counsel for the             City, pursuant to his or her duty under Section 551.071(2) of the Government Code, to             consult privately with his or her client on an item on the agenda, or on a matter arising out           of such item.

 

XIV.    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. Garza

            For:     6                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

                       

            34.  2007-RT-001  Authorizing the City of Laredo to file an application with the U. S.

                                           Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, Section

                                           5309 earmark for Fiscal Year 2006-2007, in the amount of

                                           $1,943,557.00 for design and construction of the proposed new

                                           administrative/ operations/maintenance facility, and authorizing the City

                                           Manager to execute all related documents.

 

                                           Motion to approve 2007-RT-001.

 

                                           Moved:  Cm. Belmares

                                           Second:  Cm. Garza

                                           For:     6                            Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

            35.  Consideration to award contract number FY07-022 to the low bidder, Mitchell Adding

                   Machine Co., Inc. /DBA Mitchell Time & Parking, Austin, Texas, in the total amount

                   Of $103,810.00 for the purchase and installation of parking garage toll equipment at the

                   Transit Center.  A trade in allowance for the existing toll equipment in the amount of

                   $25,000.00 will reduce the total purchase cost to $78,810.00.  The equipment will be

                   purchased utilizing grant funding.

 

                   Motion to approve.

 

                   Moved:  Cm. Belmares

                   Second:  Cm. Chavez

                   For:     6                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                   Motion to adjourn as the Laredo Mass Transit Board and reconvene as City Council.

 

                  Moved:  Cm. Belmares

                  Second:  Cm. Garza

                  For:     6                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

XV.      ADJOURNMENT

 

Supplemental Agenda

January 16, 2007

 

I.          GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

            A.  Request by Council Member Mike Garza

 

            1.  Discussion with possible action on allocating up to $35,000 from District III                              Discretionary Funds for additional improvements at Century City Park.  These funds will                 be reimbursed by District One Discretionary Funds upon receipt of the proceeds from                         the bond issue.

 

                 Motion to allocate up to $35,000 from District III Discretionary Funds for additional                                improvements at Century City Park.  These funds will be reimbursed by District One

                 Discretionary funds upon receipt of t he proceeds from the bond issue.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                 Second:  Cm. Garza

                 For:     6                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0  

 

            B.  Request by Council Member Hector Garcia.

 

            1.  Discussion with possible action on extending the deadline for the Parks Dedication                     Ordinance.

 

                 Motion to return to City Council within thirty days with the Parks Dedication Ordinance.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                 Second:  Cm. Garza

                 For:     6                                          Abstain:  0                                            Against:  0

 

II.        Staff Report

 

            2.  A.  Presentation by Miguel Pescador, Parks Department Director, regarding Parks                          Dedication Ordinance, with possible action.

 

                       Motion to postpone.

                       

                        Moved:  Cm. Belmares

                        Second:  Cm. Chavez

                        For:      6                                  Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

           

III.       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.

 

IV.       Adjournment                                                                                                   Time:  8:08

 

            Moved:  Cm. Garcia

            Second:  Cm. Chavez

            For:     6                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0