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CITY OF LAREDO SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING M2007-SC-03 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1110 HOUSTON STREET LAREDO, TEXAS 78040 JUNE 25, 2007 12:15 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
With a quorum present, Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares called the meeting to order.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tempore led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
In attendance:
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 Jesus Olivares, Assistant City Manager Anthony McGettrick, Acting City Attorney
Motion to excuse Mayor Raul G. Salinas and Council Member Mike Garza.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Garcia For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mayor Pro Tempore was chairing the meeting.
IV. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Request by Council Member Juan Chavez
Discussion with possible action to reschedule certain items in the 2007 Bond sale and directing those funds to improve the water flow of all creeks, channels, and storm water structures in the hardest hit areas of the City. (Co-sponsored by Mayor Raul G. Salinas)
Cm. Chavez stated that the reason he had placed this item on the agenda is because the first thing that he found out when he became a City Council Member is when you pinpoint and area of interest, the funds are not there and it may take years for that particular project. He noted that the City does not have the money to fix imperfect infrastructure. After reviewing the City of Laredo Proposed Bond 2007 Bond Issue, which was submitted by staff, he said that there are items that he feels can be expunged from the list. He suggested deleting the following items: Fire Department Headquarters Bldg., Fleet Management Facility, Municipal Golf Course, Northwest Recreation Center, Municipal Water Park, and Airport Truck Route Reconstruction.
City of Laredo Proposed Bond 2007 Bond Issue
Zacate Creek Upper Reaches Pilot Channel Ph II $1,220,000 $ 1,220,000 McPherson Acres Drainage Improvements $ 780,000 $ 780,000 Fire Department Headquarters Bldg. $1,590,000 $ 600,000 Fire/Law Enforcement Training Center $ 250,000 $ 250,000 Fleet Management Facility – Design $2,600,000 $ 600,000 Building Department Parking Lot $ 110,000 $ 0 District Wide Projects by District $2,000,000 $ 2,000,000 Municipal Golf Course – Design $5,600,000 $ 5,600,000 Independence Regional Park Phase I $1,390,500 $ 1,390,500 Market Street Courts $ 300,000 $ 300,000 Eleden Recreation Center $1,759,500 $ 1,759,500 Northwest Recreation Center/Pool $1,000,000 $ 1,000,000 East Side Rec Center $1,000,000 $ 1,000,000 Municipal Water Park $5,000,000 $ 5,000,000 Airport Truck Route Reconstruction $
989,000 $ 500,000 Del Mar Widening Fenwick to Broadcrest $ 400,000 $ 400,000 River Road Construction LCC to Santa Isabel $1,225,000 $ 0 Truck Route Intersection Ann/Jefferson $ 250,000 $ 250,000 City Wide Street Paving $ 0 $10,835,000 Upgrade – Traffic Signal Controller $ 100,000 $ 200,000 Upgrade – Traffic Signal Spanwire $ 150,000 $ 300,000 Downtown Lighting Project 0 $ 500,000
Motion to accept proposal as submitted by staff.
Moved: Cm. Ramirez Second: Cm. Garcia For: 4 Against: 2 Abstain: Cm. Garcia Cm. Landeck Cm. Amaya Cm. Chavez Cm. Rendon Cm. Ramirez
V. PUBLIC HEARING AND INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCE
1. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances Chapter 33, Article VII entitled “Storm Water Fee” by amending the storm water rates for residential and multifamily customers and the rate for additional meters for commercial customers, and defining the credit procedures and providing for publication and an effective date. The proposed rate will increase from $2.25 to $4.5. the revenue collected from the fee increase will be used to fund Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for drainage improvements.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Garcia For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Remy Salinas said that he was concerned that the proposed fee is a 100% increase and if he understands the storm water fee this fee is going to be bore by the citizens. He said throughout the entire Council discussion he has never heard mention of developers. He added that this is a case where developers can take the expense in form of an impact fee. He pointed out that several months ago the City Council discussed forming an Impact Fee Committee which did not come to fruition. He suggested implementing a fee for developers because it is the only fee allowed by law in this district. He spoke against creating additional fees that would impact the citizens.
Cm. Garcia instructed the City Manager to place the creation of the Impact Fee Committee on the next City Council agenda for discussion
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Rendon For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
VI. MOTION
Amending the Community Development Housing Rehabilitation Program Policy & Procedures Manual to allow for the use of Housing Rehabilitation Program funds for emergency assistance to meet and urgent need in the community, as certified by the City Manager. Proposed is the provisions of individual grants of up to $2,000 to eliminate emergency conditions related to clearance, removal, and repair of those items that pose an immediate threat to the health and safety of the household. Funding is available in the 31st and 32nd Action year Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Housing Rehabilitation Program.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Ramirez Second: Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. 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.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Garcia For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
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