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CITY OF LAREDO CITY COUNCIL MEETING M2007-R-11 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1110 HOUSTON STREET LAREDO, TEXAS 78040 JUNE 4, 2007 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, Mayor Pro Tem, District VI Juan Chavez Council Member, District VII Juan Ramirez, Council Member, District VIII Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary Carlos Villarreal, City Manager Cynthia Collazo, Deputy City Manager Horacio De Leon, Assistant City Manager Jesus Olivares, Assistant City Manager Anthony McGettrick, Assistant City Attorney
IV. MINUTES
Approval of the minutes of January 2, 2007, January 9, 2007 and January 16, 2007.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Recognitions
a. Recognition of Council Member District IV Scholarship Award recipients.
City of Laredo Council Member District IV Johnny Amaya presented awards to 28 students totaling $16,800.00.
The following report was submitted:
Since Johnny Amaya took office he has consistently given to deserving students from across the community. He has awarded a total of 84 scholarships in the amount of $48,600. The scholarship committee awards and continues to reach across the community by including students from both school districts, Texas A & M International University and Laredo Community College. A total of 28 recipients were selected this year and each student will receive a $600.00 scholarship.
They are as follows:
Nixon High School: Martin High School United High School
Leonela Gutierrez Jonathon Cuenca Eduardo Gonzalez Jessica Espinoza Isbeth Casas Anna Beatriz Tristan Rebecca Longoria United South High Esmeralda Cabrera Vicky Cortez Nancy Torrez Roberto Garza Jose Lozano Emmanuel Romero Gabriel Villarreal Leticia Gonzalez LBJ High Maria Teresa Cruz Cigarroa High School Arturo Fuentes Neldy Pena Kimberly Pena Rosalba Lopez Vanessa Ann Garcia Alexander High Liza Acosta St. Augustine High Chelsea Renee Dovalina Yajaida Osoria Jorge Lopez Community College Texas A & M University Saida M. Gonzalez Jesus Reyes Jacqueline Hernandez
Communiqués
Carlos Villarreal, City Manager, informed Council that the City of Laredo City Attorney and City Secretary has been served with a temporary restraining order signed by the 49th District Court Judge Joe Lopez indicating that the City shall not take action on the “The Laredo Town Center”. He advised that there would be no public comments on the item. The restraining order will be in effect until June 18, 2007.
Cm. Garza announced the one year anniversary as City Council Member for himself and two other council members. He noted that it has been a great year and council members have been able to accomplish many positive projects throughout the community. He continued by naming a couple of projects including submitting scholarships valued over seven thousand dollars to high school students in District I.
Cm. Garcia congratulated the 2007 Graduating Class from all high schools in Laredo. He wished everyone a safe and joyous summer.
Cm. Landeck shared that he was very excited to be a part of the City as a Council Member. He added that he believes that the one year anniversary marks wonderful changes for the community.
Cm. Amaya thanked Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer; Roberto Murillo, Traffic Engineer; and Alejandro Labrada, Public Works Director; for installing the speed humps in the Buena Vista Subdivision.
Cm. Rendon thanked the Public Works Department for working on the erosion at Zacate Creek. He said that he is receiving calls from individuals expressing their satisfaction with the project. He advised that he has been fortunate to distributed over $7,500 of scholarships to different graduating seniors from surrounding schools.
Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares congratulated Cm. Garza, Cm. Landeck, and Cm. Chavez on their Council anniversary and noted that it has been a pleasure serving with them. He also congratulated the Council Members for their scholarship programs. He congratulated students who graduated from high school. He thanked everyone who participated in the town hall meeting held for the North Central Park. He also thanked the City of Laredo Leadership class for assimilating material for their project on the Mercy Regional Medical Center.
Cm. Chavez encouraged graduating seniors to pursue a college degree.
Cm. Ramirez advised that Ms. Saenz and Ms. Nigolacio, from Laredo Center for the Arts, presented him a logo for the City of Laredo that will be part of a quilt that will be made for the All American City competition. He further explained that participating cities will include a section for the quilt. He displayed a picture of the new Plaza Theater with the lights on.
Mayor Salinas congratulated all the students that graduated. He said that he had attended a kindergarten graduation and several high school graduations. He commended all the parents of graduating students. He continued to say that he is looking forward in attending the All American City competition.
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.
Chendo Carranco spoke on the possibility of a third bridge site and the old Mercy Regional Medical Center.
VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
None.
VII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
1. A. Request by Council Member Mike Garza
1. Discussion with possible action on acquiring and protecting identified wetlands and green space locations.
Cm. Garza explained that the reason that he brought this item forward was to give him an opportunity to look at city owned property where there may be environmental issues that Council needs to consider with the Environmental Department and the Citizens Advisory Committee. He said that he would like to protect the wetlands before issues are brought to Council with concern. He instructed the City Manager to complete an extensive report and return to Council with recommendations.
Riazul Mia, Environmental Services Director, advised that staff has been calculating the wet lands/green space through the technology of the GIS. The green space ordinance will protect the green space. The acreage that was calculated was 1,124 unplatted acres and there are 383 acres of lakes and stock tanks.
Cm. Garza asked if these properties that have been identified can be systematically identified for protection.
Riazul Mia explained that there is a map that includes the properties and individuals may view the map on the City of Laredo web site.
Cm. Landeck instructed the City Manager to identify the green space within platted areas.
2. Discussion with possible action on creating a zoning disclosure notice before the sale of real property.
Cm. Garza explained that the reason he placed this item on the agenda was because of frustrations voiced to him by property owners that purchase property and are not allowed to use the land for the purchased intent because it is in the wrong zone. He requested a resolution that would prevent frustration from property owners by creating a zoning disclose notice before the sale of real property.
Keith Selman, Planning Director, said that the City of Laredo staff would need to research the material to see if the City can initiate an ordinance that would create a notice before the sale of real property.
Carlos Villarreal, City Manager, voiced that the City of Laredo has initiated this research before and the problem occurs when the property owners mislead the new property owner. He agreed that staff would need to initiate a study with all the title companies and return to Council with recommendations.
Cm. Garza explained that his goal is to provide documentation to the buyer in English and in Spanish so they will not be mislead during the sale transaction process. The new buyer should sign the document for proof of understand their zoning. 3. Discussion with possible action on Planning and Zoning fees for zone changes.
Cm. Garza noted that he brought his item forward because he wanted to educate himself of the zone change process fees. He asked the City Planner to give a brief overview of the fees and how they are tabulated for zone changes.
Keith Selman, City Planner, explained the different steps that staff must follow in order to allow zone change requests. He advised that each zone change requests requires for staff to inspect the property, paper notice, and many other steps; however, prior information is considered when property owners consider changing their zone for a second time.
Cm. Garza instructed the City Manager to reevaluate the fee structure for the zone changes to allow for a reduction in the fee if staff has pertinent information on file. He also instructed him to provide the true costs of fee structure to determine if the City is receiving their cost back and return to Council with recommendations.
Keith Selman, City Planner, said that fees are designed to offset the cost incurred for providing services associated with the application. Each zone change request is charged with a new application fee. If the applicant has been denied by the legislative body and he returns for an inspection on a new site he is charged a new fee; however, if the zoning requests is in cycle before they came to the legislative body and the applicant corresponds to staff that they are rethinking the zone then they are not charged a new application fee. The difficulty in the action is determining how long should staff wait to charge a fee for reconsideration.
Carlos Villarreal, City Manager, asked Cm. Garza to allow staff some time to return to Council because the One-Stop Shop will be opening and they would be initiating comprehensive reports for Council regarding the customers and the services that they receive. They will also complete a report with complete recommendations for the facility. 4. Discussion with possible action requiring all city contracts to have a local representative component.
Cm. Garza informed Council that there is an ordinance in Corpus Christi, Texas that requires local representation for professional services and contracts. He instructed the City Manager to initiate a study on the local representative components.
City Manager, Carlos Villarreal, said that he would like to bring back a policy statement that Council can vote on regarding a local representative component. He said that he does not agree with the requirement for all components. There are some contracts that are specialty items that cannot be handled by individuals including the planning of a golf course. If this ordinance is considered the City of Laredo would need to pay for the additional representation. He added that he would return to Council with recommendation on the study on the local representative components.
B. Request by Council Member Hector J. Garcia 1. Discussion with possible action to have police presence in the neighborhoods during the summer months.
Cm. Garcia said that every year there is an increase in vandalism within the neighborhoods. He asked the City Manager to instruct the Police Department to increase their neighborhood patrol in summer months.
Fructoso San Miguel, Assistant Chief of the Laredo Police Department, said that he would expedite the increase of patrol in the neighborhoods. He informed Council that the Department has increased the Department by nineteen officers because of summer school. He said that the officers are school resource officers that will return to duty on campus when the summer is over.
C. Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez
1. Discussion with possible action regarding parking on sidewalks.
Cm. Ramirez said that he brought this item to Council because he is receiving a lot of calls from the elderly that are trying to walk in the neighborhoods and they can’t because of tractor trailers and cars on the sidewalks.
Fructoso San Miguel, Laredo Police Department, agreed to increase enforcement on violators that park on sidewalks.
2. Discussion with possible action regarding the timeline for implementing civil service.
Mayor Salinas announced that an agenda would be posted regarding the timeline for implementing civil service by next week.
VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
2. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Convention and Visitors Bureau Budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $38,000.00 for the All America City Award Program and accepting the donations from various businesses and/or agencies that will help defray the cost of the competition.
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 with a correction in the amount of $54,000.00.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Belmares For: 7 Against: 1 Abstain: 0 Cm. Landeck
Ordinance Introduction: City Council except Cm. Landeck 3. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2006-2007 annual budget by reducing the amount by $2,515.00, to reflect the actual amount awarded of $165,085.00, as per federal mandate to the Texas Department of State Health Services funding to the Tuberculosis Prevention & Control Federal Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007.
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 and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council 4. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the fiscal year 2006-2007 budget by allocating the Utility Late Fees and appropriating revenues and expenses in the amount of $90,000.00 to the Utility Billing Division provided by projected increases in the Utility Late Fees. The funds will be used in the Bank Service Fees line item to pay for the increased costs of fees for credit card payments made by the Utilities’ customers.
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. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council 5. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Colonias Project, Wastewater and Water Annual Budgets by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $277,357.00 from the Water & Wastewater Fund and appropriating the transfer in and expenditure in the amount of $277,357.00 for the Colonias Project Fund.
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. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council 6. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo fiscal year 2007 Waterworks and Sewer System Operating Funds and 2007 Waterworks and Sewer Revenue Bond Fund budgets by appropriating a draw down of $334,800.00 and $1,319,000.00 respectively from the opening balance and appropriating it for Machinery and Equipment acquisition. The Operating Funds will be reimbursed from the proceeds of a proposed 2007 Waterworks and Sewer Revenue Bonds.
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: City Council 7. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo fiscal year 2007 Debt Service Fund and 2007 Certificate of Obligation Fund Budgets by appropriating a draw down of $6,000,000.00 from the opening balance and appropriating it for Machinery and Equipment acquisition. Debt Service Fund will be reimbursed from the proceeds of a proposed 2007 Certificate of Obligation Bond.
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: City Council 8. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo fiscal year 2007 Solid Waste Operating Fund and 2007 Solid Waste Revenue Bond Fund Budgets by appropriating a draw down of $2,814,720.00 from the opening balance and appropriating it for Machinery and Equipment acquisition. Solid Waste Operating Fund will be reimbursed from the proceeds of a proposed 2007 Solid Waste Revenue Bond.
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: City Council 9. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2006-2007 approved Full Time Equivalent (FTE) Positions for the Utilities Department by creating five (5) Water Conservation Inspectors under the Water Conservation Program for a total estimated salary expense of $55,364.71. Funds are available in the Water Availability Fund.
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. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council 10. Public hearing and introductory ordinance accepting a grant and amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2006-2007 budget by increasing revenues in the amount of $54,445.00 and increasing expenditures in the amount of $57,885.00 to reflect the actual grant amount of $679,130.00 awarded by the Office of the National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), at no cost to the City, to fund the Laredo Financial Task Force. Funds will be used to pay personnel salaries, travel and operational expenses from January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007.
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: City Council
11. Public hearing and introductory ordinance accepting a grant awarded and amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Budget by decreasing expenditures in the amount of $828.00 to reflect the actual grant amount of $99,916.00 awarded by the Office of the National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), at no cost to the City, to fund the STX Multi-Agency Drug Related Corruption Task Force. Funds will be used to pay overtime, fringe benefits and operational expenses from January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007.
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: City Council 12. Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Federal Planning Funds (PL112) in the amount of $30,000.00 and amending the City of Laredo 2006-2007 General Fund Budget to match PL112 Budget by increasing revenues by $30,000.00 and expenditures by $30,000.00. The PL112 funds come from the 2006-2007 approved Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP).
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: City Council
13. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning .72 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located at 18211 F.M. 1472, from AG (Agricultural District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District). The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended denial of the zone change. District VII
Motion to table.
Moved: Cm. Chavez Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IX. FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES
Motion to waive the final reading of Ordinances 2007-O-084, 2007-O-090, 2007-O-091, 2007-O-092, 2007-O-093, 2007-O-094, 2007-O-095, 2007-O-097.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
14. 2007-O-084 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a Ground Lease with T-Mobile Texas, LP, a Delaware limited partnership, for ground space at 2417 N. New York Avenue, Laredo, Webb County, Texas and being more fully described in Exhibit “A” of Ground Lease, to construct on such premises an equipment building or cabinets on a platform and a 110’ monopole tower (“Tower”), more fully described in Exhibit “C” of the lease agreement, for the purpose of providing cell services and for co-locations, if approved by Landlord, and related equipment for use in connection with its communications business. The term of the lease is five (5) years commencing June 5, 2007 and ending June 4, 2012 with four (4) successive renewal terms of five (5) years. Annual base rent shall be $15,000.00 each year during the term of the lease and will be increased by five percent (5%) on each anniversary of the commencement date, providing for effective date.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2007-O-084.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2007-O-090 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a two (2) year concession agreement between the City of Laredo and Miguel Angel Inclan, D.B.A “La Sabrosita” for the right to sell food and non-alcoholic beverages from a cart at the corners of Lincoln and Convent, and Hidalgo and Convent for a total lease amount of $565.00 per month.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2007-O-090.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2007-O-091 Authorizing the City Manager to sign the supplemental agreement to the standard utility agreement of March 12, 2007, with the Texas Department of Transportation, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit A; authorizing and amendment to the Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Sanitary Sewer Construction TXDOT improvements line item to increase the amount appropriated to $81,310.00 for construction of a wastewater line at the Highway Loop 20 from 0.2 miles North of Spur 400 to 1.68 miles North of US Highway 59; and authorizing Kiewit Texas Construction L.P. to construct the sanitary sewer line as proposed in the supplemental agreement No.1 U-11024 approved by the Texas Department of Transportation.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2007-O-091.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2007-O-092 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing a Special Use Permit for a communication tower on .92 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; providing for an effective date and publication.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2007-O-092.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2007-O-093 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 9.98 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located North of Shiloh Drive East of Livingston Drive, from R-1 (Single-Family Residential District) to R-2 (Multi-Family ResidentialDistrict); providing for an effective date and publication.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2007-O-093.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2007-O-094 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning all of Blocks 1713 and 1782 and 15,433.46 square feet out of New York Avenue, bounded on the North by the South line of Chacon Street, on the East by the West line of Block 1782, Eastern Division, as further described by metes and bounds in attached “Exhibit A”, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District); providing for an effective date and publication.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2007-O-094.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2007-O-095 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for a duplex on Lots 1, 2 and 3, Block 998, Eastern Division, located at 1803 Chacon Street; providing for an effective date and publication. (As amended)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2007-O-095.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2007-O-097 Defining the actual and necessary expenses which may be reimbursed to the Mayor and Council Members pursuant to Section 2.02 of the City Charter and providing for the procedures for such reimbursement. (As amended)
Motion to amend Section 2, letter f, by replacing paid in place of annual.
Moved: Cm. Chavez Second: Cm. Garza For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Anthony McGettrick, Assistant City Attorney, amending Section 6: should Read, “no final payment may be paid on any reimbursement for expenses until the supporting paperwork is provided as required by section 5, (not section 3).
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2007-O-097 as amended.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
X. RESOLUTIONS
15. 2007-R-040 Accepting the donation of a twelve-foot-wide Utility Easement from Melton Truck Lines, Inc., in order to provide sanitary sewer services to the Gutierrez Industrial Park, Phase I, Subdivision, and surrounding areas. Said Utility Easement being a strip of land 12.00 feet in width, containing 1,429.23 square feet or 0.328 acres, more or less, lying over, under, across, and upon a portion of that certain 20.00-acre tract conveyed to Melton Truck Lines by deed recorded in Volume 1077, Page 153, Official Public Records, Webb County, Texas, situated in Porcion 22, Abstract 277, Maria Jesus Sanchez, Original Grantee; and described by Metes and Bounds and Survey attached as Exhibits A and B.
Motion to approve Resolution 2007-R-040.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
16. 2007-R-043 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into and execute a finance/ownership lease with Baystone Financial Group, through the Houston Galveston Area Council of Governments (HGAC) cooperative purchasing program contract, for the acquisition of twenty five vehicles (25) for the Police Department for the total amount of $451,033.20; and authorize that the finance/ownership lease transaction include a $100,000.00 down payment; and authorize that sixteen of those vehicles be purchased from Dallas Dodge, Dallas, Texas in the principal amount of $300,311.00 and that nine (9) vehicles be purchased from Caldwell Country Chevrolet, Caldwell, Texas, in the principal amount of $204,023.00. Funding for the lease purchase payments and the down payment is available in the Police Trust Fund budget.
Motion to approve Resolution 2007-R-043.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
17. 2007-R-044 Expressing support and granting ratification of the City of Laredo’s application, to the Texas Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program, which seeks funding to enhance the school zone of four elementary schools consisting of: Arndt, Colonel Santos Benavides, Fasken and Malakoff. If selected and fully funded, the total amount of state funding will result in one hundred percent (100%) of the total estimated cost of $51,080.00 with zero matching funds.
Motion to approve Resolution 2007-R-044.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
18. 2007-R-045 A resolution expressing official intent to reimburse $6,000,000.00 associated with the purchase of machinery and equipment for various City wide projects. Funds will be reimbursement from a proposed bond issue.
Motion to approve Resolution 2007-R-045.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
19. 2007-R-046 A resolution expressing official intent to reimburse $1,653,800.00 associated with the purchase of machinery and equipment for various Utilities System projects. Funds will be reimbursement from a proposed bond issue.
Motion to approve Resolution 2007-R-046.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
20. 2007-R-047 A resolution expressing official intent to reimburse $2,814,720.00 associated with the purchase of machinery and equipment for the Solid Waste Department. Funds will be reimbursement from a proposed bond issue.
Motion to approve Resolution 2007-R-047.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
21. 2007-R-048 Authorizing the sponsorship of a Texas Enterprise Fund application in the amount of $1,900,000 to the State of Texas’ Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism Division by Eagle Tube Industries, L.L.C., in support of the construction of the $106,000,000 Eagle Tube Copper Manufacturing Plant to be located in Laredo, Texas at the Unitec Industrial Park.
Motion to approve Resolution 2007-R-048.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XI. MOTIONS
22. Award of a construction contract to the lowest bidder Landmark Structures Inc., Fort Worth, Texas in the amount of $2,477,659.00 for the construction of the Sierra Vista 2.0 Million Gallon Elevated Storage Tank to be located Northeast of Hwy 83 and La Pita Mangana Rd. The 2.0 Million Gallon Elevated Storage Tank will provide adequate pressure to the immediate area and will provide the adequate water storage capacity for the summer peak demands. The contract will be awarded with a construction time of 400 calendar days. Funding is available in the 1997, 1999, 2000, 2005 and 2006 Water Bond Issuance.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
23. Consideration to award contract FY07-114, to Dr. Ike’s Home Center, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $25,000.00, for the purchase of Portland cement and concrete mix sacks. These materials will be purchased on an as needed basis by the Utilities, Public Works, and Parks and Recreation Departments for construction and repair projects. The term of this contract will be for a period of six (6) months with an option to extend for two (2) additional six (6) month periods. The City did receive a lower bid from Leyendecker Lumber, however, this bidder could not hold the bid pricing for the six (6) month period and has asked that their bid be withdrawn. Funding is available in the respective departmental budgets.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
24. Consideration to award contract FY07-102 to the low bidder, Rankin Automatic Transmission, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $123,940.00, for providing automatic transmission repair service for the City’s automotive fleet. The term of this contract is for a one (1) year period with an option to renew for two (2), one-year renewals. All repair work is secured on as needed basis. Funding is available in the Fleet Maintenance Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
25. Consideration to award contract number FY07-112, to the low bidder, Ace Netting, Austin, TX, in the amount of $61,800.00, for the purchase and installation of 1,600 linear feet of nylon netted barrier at the City’s Solid Waste facility. This nylon netted barrier will be installed on the north perimeter and south east corner of the City Landfill. Funding is available in the Solid Waste Services budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
26. Consideration to exercise the renewal option for one (1) additional year for contract FY05-098, to Corpus Christi Harley-Davidson, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated annual amount of $25,000.00, for repair parts and service for the Police Department’s motorcycle fleet. The term of this contract is for a one (1) year period with an option to extend this contract for two (2) additional, one (1) year terms. This is the last contract extension. Funding is available in the Fleet Maintenance budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Chavez For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
27. Consideration to award contract number FY07-099, to SCS Engineers, Bedford, TX in the estimated amount of $25,210.00 for providing groundwater sampling, analytical, reporting, statistical analysis, and methane monitoring at the Solid Waste facility. The City did receive a lower bid from Talon/LPE however SCS Engineers offers the best value to the City based on their experience with the municipal landfill requirements. Funding is available in the Solid Waste Services budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Chavez For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
28. Consideration to award an annual service contract FY07-119 to the sole bidder, Freedom Construction, Laredo, Texas in the estimated amount of $25,000.00 for furnishing cleaning services for domestic sewage back-ups into private properties. The frequency and number of service calls will vary depending on the City’s need. Funding for this service is available in the Utilities Department-Wastewater Collection Division.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Chavez For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
29. Consideration to award contract FY07-104, to the low bidders for the purchase of water and wastewater treatment chemicals for the Utilities Department. The term of this contract shall be for a period of two (2) years: The low bidders are: Acetylene Oxygen Corporation (AOC), Laredo, TX; Altivia Corporation, Saint Gabriel, LA; Atlantic Coast Polymons Inc., Austin TX; Bay Chemical and Supply Co., Odem, TX; F2 Industries, LLC, Smyrna, TN; Penncco, Inc., San Felipe, TX; Leah Bond Polydyne, Richboro, GA; and Skyhawk Chemicals Inc., Houston, TX. Approximately $1,200,000.00 is spent on an annual basis. Funding is available in the Water and Wastewater Treatment Division’s operating budgets.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Chavez For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
30. Consideration to exercise the renewal option for contract number FY06-130 awarded to, HD Supply Waterworks, San Antonio, Texas, in the estimated amount of $71,564.97 for the purchase of mechanical joint cast iron fittings, for the Utilities Department. These materials are purchased on 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. Garza Second: Cm. Chavez For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
31. Motion to modify the Health Benefit Plan Language to expand the pre-existing coverage provision by adding credible coverage; and providing for an effective date April 1, 2007.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Chavez For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
32. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with the Laredo Entertainment Center for hosting the 2007 Miss Texas USA® pageant including rehearsal, production, set-up and tear down at a cost not to exceed $128,000.00. Funding is available in the Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau FY 2006-2007 budget in the Miss Texas Division.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
33. Consideration to authorize the purchase of public safety answering point (PSAP) equipment and mapping software through the Houston Galveston Area Council of Governments (HGAC) contract in the total amount of $33,977.00. The equipment and mapping software will be installed at the Jim Hogg County Sheriff’s Office and Zapata County Sheriff’s Office. Funding is available in the 9-1-1 Regional Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
34. Consideration to ratify the expenses authorized by the City Manager for repairs to the Fire Department’s aerial truck (AT2) by American LaFrance Gulf Coast, Houston, TX in the total amount of $30,237.62. The expenses incurred include inspection services of the aerial ladder device and the necessary repairs. Repairs were needed to certify that the ladder device is in compliance with applicable National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines. Funding is available in the Capital Improvement Fund budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
35. Consideration to award contract FY07-125, to the SOLE BIDDER, Landfill Service Corporation, Apalachin, NY, in the estimated amount of $534,400.00 for providing material for an alternative daily cover system for the landfill operation. The term of this contract shall be for a period of two (2) years and includes the purchase of a storage silo, applicator machine, and the purchase of the fiberized cement mortar which includes the use of recycled materials to replace the use of on-site natural soils to cover the daily solid waste at the disposal area. The City is currently required to cover the waste on a daily basis with a minimum of six inches of compacted soil. This system uses approximately one quarter inch of material and will further reduce the overall need for soil for cover. Funding for this contract is available in the Solid Waste Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
36. Consideration to award service contract FY07-127 to the sole bidder, Camino Agave, Laredo, Texas in an amount not to exceed $210,000.00 for the hauling of fill dirt from the TXDOT - US 83 Three Point Over Pass construction site to the City’s Solid Waste facility. The TXDOT project contractor Price Construction is allowing the City to take as much dirt as needed with the condition that the City pays for the hauling services. The Solid Waste Department will need approximately 60,000 to 70,000 cubic yards of fill dirt for a twelve month period. Funding is available in the Solid Waste Department Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
37. Award a construction contract to the lowest responsible bidder to be announced at the City Council Meeting for the construction of the 24 inch Water Transmission Main along Del Mar Blvd. from McPherson to Loop 20 – Phase B Project. The project consist of constructing a 24” water transmission line to tie-in at the existing 24 inch water main at McPherson north of Del Mar and at the existing stub-out at Loop 20 and Del Mar. The contract will be awarded based on the Base Bid with the options of Alternates #1 and/or #2. The construction time is 270 calendar days. Funding is available in the 2004 Water Bond Issuance.
Tomas Rodriguez, Utilities Director, announced that the lowest responsible bidder was Qro Mex in the amount of $2,576,511.50.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
38. Consideration to award contract 07-110 to A-1 Dry Cleaners, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $57,720.00 for dry cleaning services for uniformed police officers for a term of one year with an option to renew for one additional year; and consideration to award contract FY07-109 to Valu Care Cleaners, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $6,900.00 for providing dry cleaning services for non uniformed police officers for a period of three (3) months. The City must provide dry cleaning services as a condition of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The term of these agreements shall be for one year with an option to renew for one (1) additional year. Funding is available in the Police Department Budget.
Motion to postpone.
Moved: Cm. Rendon Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
39. Consideration to authorize the City Manager to sign a letter to sign a letter of intent with selected equipment provider to ensure that vehicles and other equipment scheduled purchase with Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Contractual Obligation Bond proceeds are reserved and remain available for purchase until the formal purchase award of contract is completed of approximately $3,275,200.00 for items listed below. The intent of this action is to allow the vehicle and equipment providers to order vehicle chassis and schedule for production of those vehicles and equipment that have a six (6) to twelve (12) month delivery schedule.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XII. STAFF REPORTS
40. A. Presentation by 2006-2007 City of Laredo Employee Leadership Development Program participants on the feasibility of consolidating all City offices under one roof with an emphasis on the old Mercy Hospital Building, with possible action.
Cm. Garza commented that Council has not had time to review the information provided to them on the Mercy Hospital Building. He said that he has reviewed some of the numbers and would like to meet with staff.
Motion to table.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
B. Discussion with possible action to consider including the evaluation of a 3rd site known as the D.D. Hachar Trust site for the construction of the proposed Fifth International Bridge in South Laredo. The City-County Government Issues Committee met on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 and made a motion to consider the evaluation of both sites and a superficial analysis of the 3rd site for both sides, the U.S. and Mexico.
Cm. Garza voiced that a presentation was given to the City-County Government Issued Committee and it is their recommendation to move in considering the evaluation of a 3rd site known as the D. D. Hachar Trust site for the construction of the proposed Fifth International Bridge in South Laredo.
Carlos Villarreal, City Manager, concurred with Cm. Garza’s statement in confirming the third site. He informed Council that recently he has continued researching the issue and he has had the opportunity to meet with a consultant by the group proposing the third site. He advised that they would be walking the river and searching for a site and after they provide a “footprint” at their cost he would return to the City-County Government Issues Committee with recommendations.
Motion to include the third site.
Moved: Cm. Chavez Second: Cm. Garza For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
C. Discussion with possible action to consider the selection of an engineering firm to evaluate the Presidential Permits and Environmental Assessments submitted to the State Department by both the City of Laredo and Webb County and determine the location that will be most feasible and cost effective to both governmental entities. The City-County Government Issues Committee met on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 and agreed to the ranking of those non-local engineering firms that have not performed any work for the City or County. The firms are listed on attached Exhibit “A”.
Carlos Villarreal, City Manager, said that he would like for City Council to be able to agree to the list of the engineers in accordance’s to the stakes drawn at the meeting in order to negotiate with the engineers. He requested an amount not to exceed $50,000 between both entities.
Motion to consider the selection of an engineering firm to evaluate the Presidential Permits and Environmental Assessments submitted to the State Department by both the City of Laredo and Webb County and determine the location that will be most feasible and cost effective to both governmental entities not to exceed $50,000. The City-County Government Issues Committee met on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 and agreed to the ranking of those non-local engineering firms that have not performed any work for the City or County. The firms are listed on attached Exhibit “A”.
Brown Engineering Compay Poznecki-Cmarrillo & Associates, Inc. Maluof Engineering International, Inc. Deshazo Tang & Associates, Inc. Chiang Patel & Yerby, Inc. W P & Associates Architects
D. Discussion with possible action on approving priorities and projects for the 2007 Bond Sale.
RECAP OF PROPOSED BOND ISSUANCE FY 2007
Tax supported: CO’s $49,000,000 Self Supporting (Equipment): Solid Waste $ 2,814,720 Waterworks System $ 348,800 Sewer System $ 1,319,000 Fleet Management System $ 100,000 Self Supporting Solid Waste $ 4,600,000 Waterworks System $ 7,453,500 Sewer System $ 7,125,500
Total $72,781,520
Motion to accept the 2007 Bond Sale Schedule.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second: Cm. Chavez For: 8 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.
41. Request by City Attorney, pursuant to Section 551.071 (2) of the Texas Government code, to consult with the governing body concerning pending sale to Laredo Town Center, LP of Lots 1, 2, & 3, Block 2, Laredo International Passenger Terminal Subdivision, on matters relating to the sale in which it is his duty to consult with client in executive session.
Motion to go into Executive Session pursuant to Section 551.071 (2) of the Texas Government code, to consult with the governing body concerning pending sale to Laredo Town Center, LP of Lots 1, 2, & 3, Block 2, Laredo International Passenger Terminal Subdivision, on matters relating to the sale in which it is his duty to consult with client in executive session.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Garza For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
After Executive Session the Mayor announced that no formal action was taken.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn. Time: 9:06
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
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