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CITY OF LAREDO SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING AND CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP M2007-WSC-01 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1110 HOUSTON STREET LAREDO, TEXAS 78040 APRIL 23, 2007 11:30 a.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 Michael Landeck, Council Member, District III Johnny Amaya, Council Member, District IV Johnny Rendon, Council Member, District V Gene Belmares, Council Member, District VI Juan Chavez, Council Member, District VII Juan Ramirez, Mayor Pro Tempore, District VIII Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary Carlos Villarreal, City Manager Cynthia Collazo, Deputy City Manager Horacio De Leon, Assistant City Manager Valeria Acevedo, Acting City Attorney
Motion to excuse Cm. Mike Garza and Cm. Hector Garcia.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Landeck For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IV. MOTIONS
1. Consideration to authorize the City Manager to issue a permit to the Mary Help of Christians School for the installation of a banner to advertise their Spring Jamaica, located across 101 Del Mar Boulevard to be hung for a period not to exceed 10 days from issuance of permit; and to require that Mary Help of Christians School will sign a release of liability to the City of Laredo.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Consideration to authorize the purchase of traffic signal poles and arms required for the Winfield – Alexander Parkway traffic signal project and modifications to the existing Alexander High School traffic signal pole due to the widening of the street, from Pelco Structural LLC, Claymore, OK, in the total amount of $38,237.00. [This signal light will not be relocated] These items are being purchased through the State of Texas cooperative purchasing program utilizing a TX DOT open market purchase contract. Delivery is within 65 – 70 calendar days. Funding is available from 2006 Contractual Obligation bond proceeds.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
3. Amending motion made on April 16, 2007 by endorsing House Bill 3594 regarding One Stop Border Inspection Facilities and supporting State Representative Richard Raymond’s efforts to pass such bill.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 1 Cm. Landeck
V. WORKSHOP PRESENTATION
Presentation on a joint partnership with Webb County for the construction of a proposed Fifth International Bridge and a Railroad Bridge; with discussion and possible action.
City Manager Carlos Villarreal requested direction and parameters from Council. He stated that there will be a meeting next week with the committee members to discuss and meet with the County to negotiate items related to the construction of the Fifth International Bridge along with the rail bridge. He commented that it is staff’s feelings to be able to become partners in the construction of the rail bridge. He stated that they need parameters from the Council as to two sites that exist. He recommended that an independent party be involved to view the two sites and make a recommendation to the Council and County. He added that this independent party would look at the following information: size of the span; environmental mitigation; existing infrastructure on the Mexican side; the length of the road; infrastructure to the highway; and some of the infrastructure at both sites. He also mentioned that there is a third site sandwiched between Rio Bravo and El Cenizo. He reported that an analysis has been done on both sites to attain them and which includes getting a Presidential permit. He reiterated that it is his recommendation to reach an agreement with the County and have an independent source that would look at both sites.
Mr. Villarreal stated that staff recommends beginning negotiations with the County and agree in principal to be partners with them. He noted that the percentages will be determined later. He also requested to be partners in the construction of the rail bridge with the County of Webb.
Cm. Belmares concurred with the City Manager.
Motion to be partners with Webb County on the Fifth Bridge and with the rail bridge as well.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 5 Against: 1 Abstain: 0 Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez
Cm. Belmares stated that his only concern with the third site is if there is enough room and conductivity at the site. He emphasized focusing on the two sites because of the speed, but at the same time keep an eye on the third site because it may offer more flexibility in the future.
Mr. Villarreal added that staff will bring back to Council funding options.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn. Time: 12:58
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
I, Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes contained in pages 01 to 03 and they are true, complete, and correct proceedings of the City Council meeting held on April 23, 2007.
______________________________ Gustavo Guevara, Jr. City Secretary
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