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CITY OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING M2007-R-020 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS I. CALL TO ORDER With a quorum present Mayor II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Salinas led in the Pledge of
Allegiance. III. ROLL CALL In attendance: Raul G. Mike Garza, Council
Member, District I Hector Garcia, Council
Member, District II 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., Horacio De Leon, Assistant
City Manager Jesus Olivares, Assistant
City Manager Raul Casso, IV. MINUTES Approval of the minutes of Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS Recognitions Recognition of Joel Moreno of the
Parks & Recreation Department on his selection as October Employee of the Month. The Mayor and City Council
publicly recognized Joel Moreno on his selection as October Employee of the Month. Communiqués Cm. Garza congratulated Cm. Garcia
on his ability to secure the 2009 Cm. Garcia said that he and
Mr. Guevara, representing the City of Conference to be held in Cm. Landeck also congratulated Cm.
Garcia for being awarded the bid for the 2009 National/International Cm. Amaya mentioned the renaming
of the Eliseo Valdez, Jr. Parks scheduled for Cm. Rendon thanked the Parks &
Recreational Department for organizing and assisting with the self defense course. He advised residents that the City of Cm. Belmares congratulated Mary Cm. Chavez explained that he had
missed the last Council meeting because he was attending a Transportation Association Committee. He explained that the event was very successful and that it is very
important to take care of the transportation funding. Cm. Ramirez congratulated former
Vice-President Al Gore for being chosen as a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in his
efforts in drawing attention to the global warming. He mentioned
the ribbon cutting ceremonies in Mayor Salinas also congratulated
the Steve La Mantia family for their work in the community. He said
that he has received hate mail from individuals that are in favor of constructing a wall between 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 Appointment by Mayor Motion to approve. Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second: Cm. Rendon For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 VII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND
PRESENTATIONS 1.
A. Request by Mayor 1.
Discussion with possible action on increasing recreational activities
for senior citizens. Mayor Salinas stated that the City of provide recreational activities
including meals, bingos, etc. He said
that senior citizens would enjoy a place where they can go
and participate in different activities free of charge. Miguel Pescador, Parks &
Recreational Director, said that he has provided information in the packet on Friday breaking down
information regarding senior citizens.
The City of Action Agency by the Farias Elementary
Area. The centers provide different activities such as modified aerobics, lotteria,
crafting, and dancing. He said that the centers provide local trips for the citizens. He said that he would research into further
expanding their senior programs. He assured the Mayor that he would approach
the private sector regarding
sponsorship.
Mayor Salinas said that the
residents in citizens. 2.
Discussion with possible action on providing security for the senior
citizens at the Hamilton Hotel. Mayor Salinas expressed his concerns for
the safety of the senior citizens at the Hamilton Hotel. He instructed the City Manager to be proactive
in providing security for senior citizens. He instructed staff to have a strong police
presence at the hotel which would include a heavy patrol or a
unit parked at the site. Deputy Chief Moncivias stated that he
has instructed patrol officers in that area to stop at the hotel and make contact with the
citizens. He said that the sergeant of
the Police Department left his telephone number to
the manager. He advised that the City
has initiated a prostitution and bar detail
and he would add the Hamilton Hotel detail and report back to Council. Mayor Salinas asked Deputy Chief
Moncivias for a security assessment of Hotel.
B. Request by Council Member Mike Garza 1.
Discussion with possible action on appropriating discretionary funds
not to exceed $50,000.00, to place a traffic light at
the intersection of Motion to approve the appropriating
discretionary funds not to exceed $50,000.00 to place a traffic light at the
intersection of Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 C. Request by Council Member Hector J. Garcia 1.
Discussion with possible action on the vandalism and/or theft of City equipment. Cm. Garcia expressed his concerns for
the vandalism and/or theft that is occurring within the City of City Manager, force to be able to look at all the
internal controls in all departments.
He advised that they would compile a report that would
be completde at the end of the week.
He noted that he would return to Council with a
report and recommendations. He further
explained that staff is in the process
of initiating material in place audits.
He advised that he has a telephone line in his
office where all city employees or concerned citizens can place a call at any time to indicate
problems within. He explained that the
City will also install a tracking device on all
city equipment. 2.
Discussion with possible action on the possibility of becoming a
plastic free community. Cm. Garcia explained that the reason he
placed this item on the agenda is because he has noticed that in
District II and throughout the City that there are plastic bags littering roadways, creeks, businesses and the
lake. He noted the fact that the bags
are not biodegradable. and Dr.
Rukmani Vaswanth. Rukmani Vaswanth , Instructor at allowed to present a presentation to
City Council on plastic bags. She
explained that their presentation is called the Urban
Tumbleweed. She said that plastic
posses problems because single use plastic
bags are hazardous to biological organisms. Their recommendation is for the City
Council to initiate a study to develop an ordinance banning single use plastic
bags. Robert Saucedo, Manager of Wal-Mart on reusable shopping bag program to ensure
their customers are given a better opportunity to live better by reducing the plastic
bags in the land field. He introduced
a sample bag that will be offered to customers to
use instead of plastic and they will be sold for one dollar. He added
that Wal-Mart is trying to do their part in reducing and eliminating the use of plastic bag use. Motion to instruct staff to send this
item to the Citizens Environmental Advisory Committee and return to Council with a
proposal within sixty days and implementation within six
months of becoming a plastic free community. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Ramirez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 D. Request by Council Member Johnny Rendon 1.
Status report on the Jacaman Road Improvements Project, with possible
action. John Orfilia, completed in the next three weeks and
then they will begin with the southern part.
He noted that they will lay asphalt at the
end of the project and open the section for vehicular traffic. He said that the project would be completed
in the latter part of December. E. Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore Gene Belmares 1.
Discussion with possible action to consider an Interlocal agreement
with
Community College for business
expansion and retention services.
(Co-sponsored by Council Member Johnny Rendon) Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares requested to
postpone this item for the next meeting. 2.
Status report on the waterline replacement program at Regency
Subdivision, with possible action. Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares stated that
he had received calls from concerned constituents asking why the project of
the waterline replacement program for Regency Subdivision has been stopped. Carl Schwin, Assistant Director for
Water moved to Winzer and they are starting to
make connections to the new lines. The
department is hoping to expedite the
installation. He advised that staff
will be patching street cut areas. Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares stated that
he preferred that the City proceed with installing the lines and he would
appropriate his discretionary funds to go back and recycle the streets. He suggested appropriating the money for
the street recycling the later part of December. 3.
Status report on the Stone Creek Killam and Borchers area
drainage/park project. Riazul Mia, Environmental Director,
advised that he had a meeting with the developer of Stone Creek Killam and Borchers area
drainage park and noted that the cost for the project is $600,000 for the park and
$360,000 for drainage. He noted that
Mr. Killam was out of town so
he was unable to provide Council with the amount they will be providing for the project. He emphasized that the City has funds for
the project but would return to Council once they have a
final figure from the engineer/developer.
improvements; however, some of the
improvements have already taken place which should bring the amount down to
$88,000. Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares asked the
City Manager to migrate $56,000 from the fields and the playground at a
standstill for the moment so we can give the residents and return in the ’08 bond issuance to
locate the funds for the remaining items such as trees and a playground. 4.
Presentation by Tom Wade for a workshop with Dr. Barry Lawrence, Texas
A&M Roger Creary, Laredo Development
Foundation, announced the he was present to invite Council to attend a
workshop with Dr. Barry Lawrence, Texas A & M Tom Wade, President of Logistics, encouraged
Council to attend the seminar and gave the following presentation: Workshop Goals To make Port Laredo (s) the most
efficient and competitive port in the region o
Updating our local government officials on global
logistics issues and concerns. o
Give our local government officials first hand a look into
corporate boardroom o
discussion on logistics. o
Set goads for Port Laredo (s) improvements. Agenda Presentation by Dr. Barry Lawrence on
Global Logistics (1 hour) o
Corporate priorities o
Maquila activities and strategies o
Product flows o
Port capabilities Questions and answers Open forum to workshop participants Current port operations How these items impact the ports New transportation capabilities New ports NAFTA Flows F
Barry Lawrence Harvey Hubbell Professor in Industrial
Distribution Program Coordinator, Industrial
Distribution Program, Director, Thomas and Director, Supply Chain Systems
Laboratory, PhD.,
Operations Management, 1999 MBA Finance, 1992, BBA, Finance 1980, Dr.
Barry Lawrence is the Director of the Industrial Distribution Program
and the Supply Chain Systems Laboratory at Harvey Hubbell Professorship in
Industrial Distribution. As a faculty
member of the Industrial Distribution Program he is
involved in graduate, undergraduate, and professional continuing education
teaching activities, funded research projects, journal publications, academic society meeting
and publications, and industry presentations.
His teaching activities surround classes in
logistics, Supply Chain Management, distribution information systems, and distribution
strategy. He is a frequent speaker for
distribution associations and private firms on topics
ranging from inventory asset management, best practices, transportation to in F.
Request by Council Member Juan Chavez 1.
Discussion with possible action on naming the Liendo Overpass. Cm. Ramirez expressed his
dissatisfaction with changing the name of the as follows: the bridge represents a young soldier by
the name of the armed forces when he was fourteen
years old. He became a captain when he
was 19 years old. He fought in the revolution with General
George Washington. He has three battleships named after him including a missal
submarine. His portrait hangs in the U. S. Senate along with George
Washington’s. He further explained
that the City should not name a bridge after a Judge
that has received DWI’s because it would be a disgrace to take the name of an
honorable general who fought for this country and replace it with a man that is dispensing
justice but received a DWI. He said
if the City replaces the name it would send a
message that you can break the law and still be honored. Cm. Chavez addressed Council by stating
that Judge Hector J. Liendo was very instrumental in the way that Cm. Landeck said that it is a pity that
the City of will note that parks and roadways are
not named after people that are still living.
He advised that he does not know where to
draw the line for naming the parks. He
addressed concerns for naming a bridge
after a political figures that is still very much involved in politics. He said that it really disturbs him to be
naming a bridge after Judge Hector Liendo or a park after Eliseo
Valdez, Jr. Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares said that he
remember that the City is working on a draft of a park and dedication ordinance that
was presented at the Parks Board and presented at the Library
Committee at one time. Raul Casso, was a proposed policy for the naming of
parks, but it did not rise to the level to be considered by the Council. He added that it was scheduled to be
discussed by an ad-hoc committee but they were abolished. He noted that there was reviewed criteria
that Council could consider for city
facilities. Cm. Garza said that he brought the item
to Council almost a year ago and staff has not returned to Council for
recommendations. He said that if
Council considered establishing guidelines that it should
be retroactive. He noted that the City
of several establishments that are named
after people that are still alive and he believes that it should be done in memorial instead of
people that are still alive. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Chavez Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
4 Against: 3 Abstain: 1 Cm.
Ramirez Cm.
Rendon Cm.
Landeck Mayor
Pro Tempore Belmares G. Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez 1.
Discussion with possible action on waiving fire prevention drill fees
at the senior citizen homes, during the month of
October. Cm. Ramirez said that he was surprised
to find out that if the fire prevention drills the senior citizen’s are charged. He asked Council to waive the fee at the
Senior home. Motion to approve and bring back an
amendment ordinance waiving the fee for fire prevention drill fees at the senior
citizen homes. Moved:
Cm. Chavez Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against:
0 Abstain: 0 2.
Discussion with possible action on installing street lights between
Sanchez and Coke Street (on the west side). Director, has completed a cost estimate
for the installation of lights but has not completed a six block study. He gave an estimate value of $5,000.00 for
the lights. Miguel Pescador, Parks & Recreation
Director, said that Parks is providing lighting to the west. He noted that he has a total of $3,400
dollars for the project. Motion to approve the use of District
VIII discretionary funds for installing street lights between Sanchez
and Moved:
Cm. Chavez Second:
Cm. Garcia
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 3.
Discussion with possible action on developing a master plan for
improvements to upgrade the downtown
area. Cm. Ramirez said that the City of said that he would also like to see
staff keep the downtown area cleaner. Cm. Garcia said that he would like to
see a master plan. He firmly stated
that the City of He added that Council needs to make a
commitment and see it to fruition because they have been making promises to no
avail. He noted that the city needs a point of
action. He suggested placing a time line on this
item. The Mayor said that business owners of
downtown are interested in cleaning and upgrading the downtown area. He said that downtown owners are very
committed to the downtown area. VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Department Fiscal Year 2007-2008 annual
budget by appropriating revenues and expenses; and accepting a continuation
grant from the Texas Department of State Health Services in the estimated amount of
$4,378,851.00 for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program for the City of Laredo through Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Garza For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second:
Cm. Rendon
For: 8 Against: Abstain: Ordinance Introduction: City Council 3.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of 2007-2008 annual budget by appropriating
revenues and expenditures in the amount of $68,716.00 in additional funds from the
South Texas Development Council and amending the full-time equivalent
positions by creating one (1) full-time Caseworker position with benefits for the
Department’s HIV/Ryan White Program for a total award amount of $401,433.00 for a period from Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain:
0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second:
Cm. Rendon For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 4.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager
to accept a $7,694.00 donation from Falcon National
Bank and amending the City of Year 2007-2008 Capital Improvement Fund
Budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $7,694.00
for the purchase of scoreboards for two (2) baseball fields located at Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Chavez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second:
Cm. Rendon For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 5.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of 2007-2008 annual budget in the amount of
$10,000.00 from the Texas Department of Transportation’s Commercial Motor
Vehicle Selective fund overtime salaries for Police
Department Officers. The grant period
is from October 1, 2007 through Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: Abstain: Ordinance Introduction: City Council 6.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager
to accept and execute the Federal Transit
Administration (FTA) Grant, Section 5309, TX-03-0299-00, in the amount of $1,943,557.00 with a
local match of $485,889.00 and to amend the Fiscal Year 2007-2008 Transit System
Capital Grants budget by appropriating said grant revenues and increasing expenditures by
$2,429,446.00 for the new transit facility.
Motion to open the public
hearing. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Rendon
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 7.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of 2007-2008 which includes $50,000.00 from the Texas
Department of Transportation Routine Airfield Maintenance Program (RAMP)
Grant TXDOT CSJ No. M822LREDO and transferring $50,000.00 in matching funds
from the for an effective date. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore 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. Rendon For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 8.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Fiscal Year
2007-2008 Regional Administration Fund by
decreasing revenues and expenditures in the amount of $69,798.00 for administrative, equipment
and program budgets for Jim Hogg, Starr, Webb, and Zapata counties for the period
from 31, 2008. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 9.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning
Ordinance (Map) of the City of machine establishment on the East 2/3 of
204
and the northerly 7,716 sq. ft of Jarvis Avenue Right-of-Way between & Santa Clara Streets, Eastern
Division, located at & Zoning Commission recommended
denial of the Conditional Use Permit. District III Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
table. Moved:
Cm. Landeck Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 10. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of on Permit. District III Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ron Whitehawk, on behalf of the
property owners, stated that that property owners are the petitioners before Council and
they bought it with the intent of a used car business. He submitted a petition of seven names
of neighbors within the area approving of the business. Rosa Cortez, property owner, requested
approval of the zone change for a used car sales location. Ricardo Saenz spoke in favor of the
zone change requests. Motion to close the public hearing,
override Planning & Zoning Commission and introduce. Moved:
Cm. Landeck Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Landeck 11. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of located at Residential District) to R-2
(Multi-Family Residential District). The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval
of the zone change. The proposed use is multi-family. District III Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore 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. Landeck Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Landeck 12. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of at 1601, 1603 and 1605 R-O (Residential/Office
District). The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change. The
proposed use is apartments and an office. District III Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Landeck Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Landeck 13. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Residential District). The
Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change. The
proposed use is single-family residential. District
IV Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second: Cm.
Garza For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Rendon For: 8 Against:
0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Amaya
14. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of attached Exhibit “A”, located at Family Residential District) to R-2
(Multi-Family Residential District). The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended
approval of the zone change. The proposed use is multi-family. District VI Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares 15. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of vehicles enterprise on Lots 7, 8, 9
and the west 5.5 feet of Lots 4, 5, and 6, Block 857, Western Division, located at Commission recommended denial of the
zone change. District VII Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Cm. Chavez mentioned that the fourth
item should be removed. Motion to close the public hearing,
override, and introduce. Moved:
Cm. Chavez Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Chavez 16. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of body and paint shop on Street. The Planning &
Zoning Commission recommended approval of the Conditional Use Permit. District V Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ron Whitehawk, on behalf of property
owner, stated that the owners own lots six, seven, and eight. The owner has had a used car sales
operation for many years. The problems that he has been facing is
that he buys the cars elsewhere and there is minor work that needs to be done to the
vehicles to bring them up to par. The
minor repairs may include touchup painting. He explained that he has set aside one of
the lots to be able to sublease for the minor touchup
for his cars and to the general public.
He assured Council that the application
is fully aware of all laws that pertain to paint/body shops. He asked Council’s indulgence
on required items # 6 which states that he should plant trees and shrubs. He asked if he
would be allowed to provide the Parks & Recreation Department with the plants
instead. Miguel Pescador, Parks & Recreation
Director, said that the city has accepted donations through Rotary Clubs and
other private organizations. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce; however, property owners must donate trees and shrubs to the Parks
& Recreation Department to plant where they please. Moved:
Cm. Rendon Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Rendon 17. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Phase I, located at 3 (Community Business District).
The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change. The
proposed use is multi-family residential. District II Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Garcia 18. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of attached Exhibit “A”, located at the
northwest corner of Bob Bullock Loop and Commercial District). The
Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of
the zone change.
The proposed use is commercial. District VI Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input.
Motion to close the public
hearing and introduce. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Belmares 19. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of attached Exhibit “A”, located at the
northeast corner of Bob Bullock Loop and Commercial District). The
Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change. The
proposed use is commercial. District VI Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Rendon Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second: Cm. Chavez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares
20. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of attached Exhibit “A”, located at the
intersection of from R-1 (Single Family Residential
District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District). The Planning &
Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change. The proposed
use is multi-family residential. District VI Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Chavez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares 21. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending Chapter 24, Article VI, of The Laredo Land Development Code, Special
Permit Procedures Section 24-93 by creating Section 24.93.11: Nationalization of
Vehicles Permit for said use, adding Section
24.65.13 (12) B-3 – Community Business District, deleting
Section 24.65.14 (17): B-4 - Highway Commercial District, and amending Section 24.63.2: Permitted Land
Uses; providing for publication and effective date. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Garcia
Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second: Cm. Rendon For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council IX. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES 22. Authorizing the City Manager to execute an
amendment to the lease agreement for approximately 2,600 square feet
constituting approved on 2, 2002 by Ordinance No.
2002-O-307. Lessee wishes to further
amend said lease agreement in order to change lessee’s
name from Dairy Process, Inc. to International Dairy Products, Inc., and change
Lessee’s mailing address from 4608 Daugherty Avenue, Suite B, 78041.
All other terms and conditions remain unchanged and in effect;
providing for an effective date. Ordinance Introduction: City Council 23. Authorizing the City Manager to grant a
Right-of-Entry to the in City-owned property along the Rio
Grande Riverbend from the northern to the southern City limits, to solely
conduct for visual observations for environmental studies of possible actions, including
improvements to existing patrol roads, the construction of new patrol roads, and the removal of
giant cane within a 300-foot-wide corridor parallel to the land along said riverbend, consisting
of: all of Blocks 015, 016, 15, 017, 018, 019, 57, 58, 613, 614, 615, 616, 140, 141, 143,
144, 149, 150, 151, 152, 568, 709, 710 & 450A, Eastern Division, City of Laredo, all
of Blocks 414, 415, 416, 419, 424, 426, 425, 428, 431, 431A, 434, 434A, 437, 437A, 516, 517, 613, 614, 615,
628, 629, 630, 631, 643, 644, 645, 646, 657, 658, 659, 660,
666, 667, 668, 669, 670, 671, 672, 672A, 673, 674, 675, 676, 677, 679, 680, 708,
708B, & 724, Western Division,
City of 22.087 acres tract located in Porcion
18, a 58.00 acres tract located in Porcion 21, an 18.00 acres tract located in the River
Oaks Park Subdivision, a 10.59 acres tract located in Porcion 22, an 138.513 acres tract
located partly in Porcion 36 and partly in Porcion 37, a 22.00 acres tract located in
Porcion 37 and a 31.00 acres tract located in Porcion 38.
Said Right-of-Entry being described on attached Exhibit 1; and
providing for an effective date. Introduction Ordinance: City Council X. FINAL Motion to waive the final reading of
#2007-O-199, # 2007-O-200, # 2007-O-201, # 2007- O-202, # 2007-O-203, # 2007-O-204, # 2007-O-205, #
2007-O-206, # 2007-O-207, # 2007- O-208,
and # 2007-O-209. Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 24. 2007-O-199
Amending the City of Laredo annual
budget by authorizing the City Manager to accept, execute and appropriate
revenues and expenditures for the Local Health System- Office of Public Health Practices (OPHP)
continuation grant in the amount of $306,835.00 to
provide prevention, disease control, and health promotion activities from
the Texas Department of Health Services and $169,187.00 in program income. The grant has a term period from Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007-O-199. Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Rendon For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2007-O-200 Amending the City of Laredo Technician
position with benefits, (salary/ fringes amount of $47,697.00) in the
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007-O-200. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm. Rendon For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2007-O-201
Amending the Subdivision Ordinance of the City of Laredo by: Creating Chapter
2, Section 2-3.4, Administrative Approval of Plats, Amending Chapter 3: Subdivision Design Standards, establishing
standards in conformance with the Association of State
Highway and Transportation Officials
(AASHTO) publication of “A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and
Streets”, increasing the diameter of dead-end streets from 80 feet to 100 feet,
establishing pavement standards in conformance with the (AASHTO)
Guide for Design of Pavement Structures, and establishing pavement specifications for
public and private streets based on expected traffic loads
and pavement structures; providing for
publication and
effective date.
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007-O-201. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm. Rendon
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2007-O-202 Accepting a grant awarded and amending the
City of Laredo FY 2007- 2008 budget by increasing revenues and
expenses in the amount of $45,000.00 for
an Interdiction project awarded by the Office of the National Drug
Control Policy (ONDCP) High Intensity Drug Motion to adopt
Ordinance 2007-O-202. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm. Rendon For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2007-O-203 Amending the City of Laredo Special Police
2007-2008 Annual Budget in the amount of
$44,687.00. The Office of Justice
Assistance Grant Program is
contributing the full grant amount of $125,687.00 with no match amount obligated to
the City of
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007-O-203. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm. Rendon For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2007-O-204
Authorizing the City Manager to accept a Direct Aid Grant from the Texas State
Library – Loan Star Libraries Program in the amount of $30,722.00 for new public
computers and the replacement of backlit components for the current
LCD computer terminals and amending the City of Laredo FY 2007-2008 Annual
Budget Revenues and Expenditures in the amount of $5,722.00.
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007-O-204. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm. Rendon For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2007-O-205 Authorizing the City Manager to accept a
grant in the amount of $50,000.00 from the Office of the
Governor, the Division of Emergency Management (GDEM) and to amend the City
of Laredo FY 2007-2008 Annual Budget in the same amount. The Office of the Governor, the Division of Emergency Management has
made a project grant available in order to organize and deploy state
agency and local government law enforcement
personnel and equipment to participate in a project to enhance border security along the
Texas-Mexico border. Funds will be used to pay overtime, fringe benefits,
and operational expenses from
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007-O-205. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm. Rendon For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2007-O-206 Amending the City of Laredo FY 2007-2008
Annual Budget by appropriating
expenditures in the amount of $500,000.00 in the Laredo Police Department Trust Fund. Funding will be used to purchase operational
materials, supplies, and capital outlay equipment. Equipment items include surveillance equipment,
tactical entry equipment, and patrol motorcycles. Funding is available in the Police Trust
Fund opening balance. Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007-O-206. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm. Rendon For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2007-O-207
Authorizing the City Manager to accept a donation from Wal-Mart Corporation in the amount of $1,000.00
and to amend the City of
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007-O-207. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm. Rendon For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2007-O-208 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007-O-208. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm. Rendon For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2007-O-209 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a
lease and joint use agreement with the Laredo Independent School District,
copy of which is attached as Exhibit 1; said agreement is for a
term of 5 years and pertains to the following
City property block 240, eastern division, Galveston Street between
Mcdonnell and Monterrey; and Mier Street between Mcdonnell and Monterrey, to be used as part of the
land for the J.C. Martin Elementary School presently being
reconstructed; and providing for effective date. the possibility of being able to work on
these said lots to have a joint use for soccer/park use.
Edmundo Lopez, Construction
Administrator for utilization
of properties that the district owns. He
further stated that the
item would need to be placed on the
agenda of School district for consideration. said that he did not see any legal
issues on this item and he understands that they administration is in favor of
meeting the city on this item. Motion to
adopt Ordinance 2007-O-209. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Mayor Pro Tempore began chairing the
meeting, Mayor Salinas was not present. XI. RESOLUTIONS 25. 2007-R-076
Confirming the Mayor’s appointment of five (5) representatives from
the City
of Laredo, to serve on the board of directors of the South Texas Development
Council for the period of October 1, 2007 to September 30, 2008; the appointments must include three
(3) elected City Officials and two (2) non-governmental members that
represent the general interest groups
of business and community based organizations. Motion to
approve Resolution 2007-R-076 including Cm. Garza, Cm. Rendon, and Cm. Garcia. Staff members shall be Jesus Olivares,
Ronnie Acosta, Heberto Ramirez, and
Norton and Fred Dickey. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 26. 2007-R-080 Authorizing the City Manager to execute
grant agreement CSJ No. M822LREDO with the Texas Department of
Transportation under the Routine Motion to approve Resolution 2007-R-080. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 27. 2007-R-081 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into
and execute a reimbursement contract between the City of
Motion to approve Resolution 2007-R-081. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 28. 2007-R-083 Authorizing the City Manager to execute an
Interlocal Agreement by and between the City
of Laredo and Webb County for the establishment and operation of a
3-1-1 Center. Funding is available in
the Motion to postpone. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 29. 2007-R-084 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into
an agreement with the Drug Enforcement Administration, in the amount
of $15,573.00. The agreement’s
purpose is to reimburse costs for overtime incurred by the Laredo Police
Department in providing resources for OCDETF (Organized Drug
Enforcement Task Forces). The term of
this agreement is from
Motion to approve Resolution 2007-R-084. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XII. MOTIONS 30. Approving Cooperative Agreement No.
HSTS0208HSLR197 with the Department of Homeland Security-Transportation
Security Administration (TSA) to reimburse the Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 31. Authorizing the City Manager to contract
with the following consulting firms for intergovernmental,
informational, and advocacy services to be provided to the City of * McWilliams & Associates (Andrea
McWilliams), * Miller & Van Eaton,
P.L.L.C. (Gerry Lederer), * Government Relations,
Inc. (Allynn Howe), $60,000, plus $5,000
out of pocket expenses.
Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm. Ramirez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 32. Consideration to authorize the purchase of
computers, computer software, and other services offered through the State of Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Landeck For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 33. Authorizing the City Manager to consider
awarding a one (1) year professional service contract FY07-114 with an
option to renew for one (1) year to perform drug and
alcohol testing pursuant to the City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy and Procedure to two (2) contractors: A.G. Pellegrin, MD and Carlos H. Hornedo,
D.O. Funding is available in the health
benefits budget of the Employee Health and Wellness Division. The cost of this contract is not to exceed
$25,000.00 on a yearly basis for each selected provider for a
total budgeted expense not to exceed $50,000.00. Cm. Garza stressed his campaign for a
city-wide drug testing program. He
said that if the City agrees to make all City
employees go for a drug test that there would be a higher amount and that the city should
go out for proposals for that amount. would consider the additional amount
within the budget for the City of and Alcohol Policy. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Landeck For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 34. Amending the contract with Turner, Collie
& Braden, Inc., Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 35. Consideration for approval of change order
#2 to Jimmy Closner and Sons Construction Co., Inc., Mercedes,
Texas, an increase in the amount of $12,216.50, for the construction
of the Mines Road Work Order #2 – Water Main and Pump Station Project, for the balance quantities
actually constructed in place, acceptance of the project, approval of final payment,
and extending the contract time for an additional 97 calendar days. The
revised contract amount is $2,004,432.25. The new construction time including this change order will be
836 calendar days. Acceptance of project is subject to TWDB approval. Funding is
available in the Colonias Project Fund and Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 36. Consideration for approval to award a
professional services contract to Chapman & Associates, Inc., Magnolia, Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 37. Consideration to authorize the approval of
amendment of the professional services contract dated April 2, 2007 with
Kimley-Horn and Associates, Austin, Texas, for the performance of
professional services related to the Downtown Signalization Project, is amended
such that both: the fee is increased
by $76,321.00 from $250,000.00 to $326,321.00, for additional
professional services and to extend the contract by an additional 120 days. Funding is available in the MPO Account. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 38. Consideration for approval to award a
construction contract to the lowest bidder ALC Construction, LLC,
Street Drainage
Improvements – Phase II. Contract time
is one hundred ten (110) working days. Funding is available in the 2003 C.O. Issue
and 2006 C.O. Issue. Motion to postone. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 39. Consideration to award a contract to the
lowest bidder Jimmy Closner & Sons, Mercedes, Texas, in the estimated
amount of $1,385,472.50 for the Upper Zacate Creek Multi-purpose
Detention Pond Project. These improvements include installation of erosion control measures, channel
excavation, irrigation system, fencing, and construction of an access road. Funding is available in the 2007 C.O.
Bonds. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 40. Consideration for approval to award a
professional services contract to FQR Architects, Inc., Laredo,
Texas, in association with HMG and Associates, San Antonio, Texas, Synergy Structural Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 41.
Consideration for approval to award a construction
contract to the lowest bidder Closner Construction Company, LC, Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 42. Consideration to authorize the purchase of
one (1) cab and chassis truck with a ten cubic yard concrete mixer in the
amount of $132,988.00 through the Buyboard Cooperative Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Chavez Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 43. Consideration to exercise the renewal
option for contract number FY07-133 awarded to HD Supply
Waterworks, Motion to approve. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second: Cm. Garza For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 44. Consideration to award contract number
FY07-172 to the low bidders: 1. 2. Pathmark for the purchase of
traffic signal assemblies and related materials required for traffic signal upgrades for the following
locations: Winfield-Alexander, the Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 45. Consideration to award an annual
miscellaneous auto parts contract number FY07-173 to the following
multiple bidders: 1. Gonzalez Auto Parts, 2. O’Reilly Auto Parts, 3. Napa Auto Parts, 4. Full Service Auto, 5. Laredo Wholesale, 6. Texas Fleet Supply, 7. Texas Alternator, for
the purchase of miscellaneous auto parts for the Fleet Department. This contract establishes discount
percentage pricing for those miscellaneous auto parts
not covered in the general automotive parts contract. These vendors have offered percentage discount pricing from
their general catalogues. All items
will be
purchased on an as needed basis. Funding
is available in the Fleet Management Fund. Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 46. Award of a professional services contract
with Mejia Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 47. Award of a professional services contract
with Espey Consultants, Inc. in the amount of $199,775.00 to provide consulting
services for the Phase I of the Canal Street Drainage Improvements Project for the
City of Laredo, Texas. The project
consists of drainage study, evaluation of the
existing systems, evaluation of alternatives with cost estimates and economic feasibility
study for the flood mitigation along Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 48. Approving monthly adjustments to the tax
roll. The amounts to be adjusted for
the month of September 2007 represent a
decrease of $7,066.65. These
adjustments are determined by Webb County Appraisal
District and by court orders. Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 49. Refund of property tax in the amount of
$1,828.32 to the following taxpayers; 1.
A refund of property in the amount of $822.00 payable to First
American Real Estate Tax due to an
overpayment. Account #980-60001-170. 2.
A refund of property tax in the amount of $504.21 payable to
Homecomings Financial due to an
overpayment. Account #985-60005-320. 3.
A refund of property tax in the amount of $502.11 payable to AMC
Mortgage Services due to an
overpayment. Account #983-51001-240. Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XIII. STAFF REPORTS 50. A. Discussion
with possible action to consider Police Officer Gilbert Vazquez, III first request for an extension of
injury leave with pay in accordance with 143.073 (b) of the Dan Migura, Human Resources Director, said
that Officer Gilbert Vazquez, III was injured on on
release from his doctor stating that he is
ready to return; however, he is expected to return to work within 90
days. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm. Ramirez For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XIV. EXECUTIVE SESSION The City Council hereby reserves the right to
go into executive session at any time during this public meeting, if such is
requested by the 51.
Request for executive session pursuant to Texas Government
Code Section 551.072 for legal advice regarding consideration for the
purchase of real property for park purposes located at Lot 5, Block 9, Crown
Ridge I Subdivision, also known as the 400 block of Shiloh Drive, and in
order to avoid any detrimental effect that open session on the same might
have on the City's ability to negotiate with third parties; and, return to
open session for possible action. Motion
to go into Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.072
for legal advice regarding consideration for the purchase of real property
for park
purposes located at 400
block of session
on the same might have on the City's ability to negotiate with third parties;
and, return
to open session for possible action. Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 After Executive Session Mayor Salinas
announced no formal action was taken. Motion to authorize to obtain appraisals, surveys,
and other studies necessary for the determination of fair
market value, and to negotiate with third parties for the purchase of real property for
park purposes located at also know as the 400
block of Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second:
Cm. Chavez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XV. RECESS AS THE MASS
TRANSIT BOARD Motion to recess as the Laredo City
Council and convene as the Laredo Mass Transit Board. Moved:
Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 52. Motion to waive bus fare collection to and
from the HEB “Feast of Sharing” to be held at the Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XVI. RECESS AS THE AS
THE LAERDO CITY COUNCIL Motion to recess as the Laredo Mass
Transit Board and convene/adjourn as the Laredo City Council. Motion
to adjourn. Time: Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 I, Gustavo
Guevara, Jr., _____________________________ Gustavo
Guevara, Jr. |