CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS
5:30 P.M.
MINUTES
M96-R-44 DECEMBER 16, 1996
I. CALL TO ORDER
With a quorum present Mayor Saul N. Ramirez, Jr. called the meeting
to order.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Saul N. Ramirez, Jr. led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
ATTENDANCE:
SAUL N. RAMIREZ, JR. MAYOR
JOSE R. PEREZ, COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT I
LOUIS H. BRUNI, " , DISTRICT II
ALFONSO I. "PONCHO" CASSO, " , DISTRICT III
CECILIA MAY MORENO, " , DISTRICT IV
ELISEO VALDEZ, JR., " , DISTRICT V
JOE A. GUERRA, " , DISTRICT VI
MARIO GEORGE ALVARADO, " , DISTRICT VII
CONSUELO "CHELO" MONTALVO, " , DISTRICT VIII
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR., CITY SECRETARY
FLORENCIO PENA, III, INTERIM CITY MANAGER
JERRY BRUCE CAIN, ACTING CITY ATTORNEY
Cm. Casso came in at 5:40 p.m.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2. City Council Meeting of November 18, 1996
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
3. Amending the provisions of the City of Laredo's code of
ordinances Chapter 2, Article II, Sec. 2-16, which sets forth
the departments of the City; and 2-17 which sets forth the
divisions in each department; thereby deleting the
transportation department and adding two departments being the
traffic and bridge department and the airport department; and
modifying the divisions within the applicable departments;
providing for publications and providing for effective date.
(Mayor Saul N. Ramirez, Jr.)
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
4. Authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute a lease with
Terry E. Priestap for approximately 2,040 square feet
constituting Building #1328 located at 4015 North Jarvis Avenue.
1. Lease term is for one year commencing November 1, 1996 and
ending October 31, 1997 and may extended for one year ending
October 31, 1998. 2. Monthly rent shall be $200.00 and
will be adjusted annually during the primary term and
extension term of this lease according to changes in the
Consumer Price Index.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
5. Approving and authorizing the execution of a 17' wide utility
easement for electrical facilities located at the R.G. Barry
leased premises at the Laredo International Airport to Central
Power and Light Company and authorizing the Interim City Manager
to execute all necessary documents of conveyance effectuating
same.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
6. Authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute a lease
agreement with the County of Webb on behalf of the Laredo-Webb
County Community Action Agency to establish a Head Start Program
Child Development Center on the properties legally described as
Lots 5 and 6, Block 113, Eastern Division, located on the 200
Block of West Kearney Street, in the City of Laredo, Webb
County, Texas;
1. Lease term is for five years commencing January 1, 1997 and
ending December 31, 2002 and may extended for one five year
term ending December 31, 2007.
2. Yearly rent shall be $1.00, providing for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
VI. FINAL READINGS
Motion to waive the final reading of ordinances #96-O-220,
#96-O-221, #96-O-222, #96-O-223, #96-O-224, #96-O-225,
#96-O-226, #96-O-227, #96-O-228, and #96-O-229.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
7. 96-O-220 Ordinance amending Ordinance 90-O-130 dated August 20,
1990, by correcting the square footage from 232 square
feet to 240 square feet of the closure of a certain
section of Garza Street, between San Eduardo and San
Francisco Avenue abutting Lot 8-A, Block 353, Western
Division and correcting the square footage from 233.90
square feet to 269.29 square feet for the closure of a
certain section of San Eduardo Avenue between Garza and
Callaghan Streets also abutting Lot 8-A, Block 353,
Western Division, of the City of Laredo, Webb County,
Texas; and providing for an effective date. (Consuelo
"Chelo" Montalvo)
Motion to approve Ordinance 96-O-220.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
8. 96-O-221 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a
lease with U.S. Cellular for a ground and antenna lease
at the water tank at the Anzon America location for use
as a cellular antenna site.
1. Lease term is for ten (10) years commencing
December xx, 1996, and ending December xx, 2006 and
may be extended for one (5) year option ending
December xx, 2011.
2. Monthly rent shall be $600.00 and will be adjusted
annually during the primary term of this lease
according to changes in the consumer price index.
Providing for effective date. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance 96-O-221.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
9. 96-O-222 Ordinance authorizing the issuance of a conditional use
permit for a flower and gift shop, on lots 7 and 8,
Block 601, Eastern Division, located at 1002 and 1008
Chihuahua Street providing for publication and
effective date. (Louis H. Bruni)
Motion to approve Ordinance 96-O-222.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
10. 96-O-223 Ordinance amending the zoning ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 1, 2, and 3, Block 817,
Eastern Division, located at 1501 thru 1511 Market
Street, from R-O (Residential/ Office District) to B-1
(Limited Business District); providing for publication
and effective date. (Alfonso I. "Poncho" Casso)
Motion to approve Ordinance 96-O-223.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
11. 96-O-224 Ordinance adopting an Annual Budget for fiscal year
1997 for Mineral Leases Fund, and amending General Fund
budget to reflect changes in the accounting for
proceeds from mineral leases revenues. (Cm. Bruni)
Motion to approve Ordinance 96-O-224.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
12. 96-O-225 Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1996-1997
annual budget by increasing estimated revenues and
appropriations in the General Fund by $260,000 for
Flood Protection Planning, by transferring appropriated
city funds in the amount of $47,500 for the project,
and authorizing the City Manager to implement said
budget providing for publication and effective date.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance 96-O-225.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
13. 96-O-226 Ordinance approving an amendment to the contract with
the Texas Department of Health and budget in the amount
of $6,700 in supplies for the City of Laredo Health
Department, Laboratory Services Division, for the
period beginning September 1, 1996, August 31, 1997.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance 96-O-226.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
14. 96-O-227 Ordinance approving an amendment to the budget in the
amount of $28,778 for the Chronic Disease Prevention
Program, Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Project, of
the City of Laredo Health Department for the period
beginning July 1, 1995, through June 30, 1996; and
increase revenue line item 226-0000-323-4055 from
$43,630 to $72,408 and expenditure line item 226-6019
from $43,630 to $72,408. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance 96-O-227.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
15. 96-O-228 Ordinance approving an amendment to the contract with
the Texas Department of Health and Budget in the amount
of $142,492 for the neural tube defect project of the
City of Laredo Health Department for the period
beginning October 1, 1996, through September 30, 1997;
and increasing revenue line item no. 226-0000-323-4053
from $0 to $142,492, and increasing expenditure line
item no. 226-6052 from $0 to $142,492. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance 96-O-228.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
16. 96-O-229 Ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 1996-97 Annual
Budget of the West Martin Field Fund to reflect the
projected revenues and expenses required to execute a
contract with the Nuevo Laredo Tecolotes baseball team
to play 20 games at West Martin Field during the 1997
Mexican League baseball season. Projected revenues are
$193,090 and projected expenses are $187,614.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance 96-O-229.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. RESOLUTIONS
17. 96-R-142 Appointing the nominee of the Mayor and City Council
members to an Ad Hoc Noise Committee. City Council
directed staff to develop this resolution and the
Interim Police Chief will be the lead staff person
assigned to this committee.
Motion confirming the appointment of Gilbert Garcia as
the nominee of Cm. Bruni.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
18. 96-R-150 Appointing the nominee of the Mayor and City Council
members to an Ad Hoc Ordinance Review Committee. City
Council directed staff to develop this resolution.
Motion confirming the appointment of Alfonso Ornelas as
the nominee of Cm. Perez.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
19. 96-R-156 Declaring the Public Necessity to acquire thirty-two
parcels of land as utility easements for the Chacon
Creek Interceptor Project and authorizing the City
Attorney to institute condemnation proceedings to
acquire those parcels that staff is unable to acquire
through negotiations due to conflicts of ownership,
owner refusal to sell, and/or inability to locate a
listed owner; said parcels being situated in Webb
County, Texas, and being more particularly described
as:
Parcel 1 - Being the surface only of 1.01 acres of land, more or
less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of a certain 119.3 acres
of land, more or less, in Survey No. 2149, Abstract No. 594,
Certificate No. 1526, Original Grantee R. H. Rains, and Porcion
No. 36, Abstract No. 473, Original Grantee Laureano Salinas; also
being out of a 119.3 acre tract as described in a deed from
Francis J. Richter and Wife, Majorie C. Richter, to Francis
Richter Farm Partners, recorded in Vol. 1, pp. 243-245, Webb
County, Real Property Records, Webb County, Texas.
Parcel 2 - Being the surface only of 2.08 acres of land, more or
less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of 226.522 acres, more or
less, in Webb County, Texas, out of Jose M. Diaz Porcion 35,
Abstract No. 546, to the extent of 144.722 acres, and out of R.
H. Rains Survey No. 2149, Abstract No. 594, to the extent of
81.8 acres; also being out of a 226.522 acre tract as described
in a deed from Paul Garza, Jr. & J. C. Trevino, Jr. to Paul
Garza Jr., & J. C. Trevino Jr., recorded in Vol. 1338, pp. 533-
536, Webb County Deed Records, Webb County Texas.
Parcel 3 - Being the surface only of 0.09 of an acre of land,
more or less, in Webb County, Texas, out of Jose Miguel Diaz
Porcion 35; also being out of a 1.55 acre tract of land as
described in a deed from Helen Richter Watson, Horace E. Watson,
Julia S. Watson, Horace E. Watson, III, Jonathan E. Watson,
Julia Fondren Watson, Julia Watson Jones, James Kenton Jones,
Jr., Julia Elizabeth Jones and Margaret Helen Jones to Dolly R.
Investment Properties, recorded in Vol. 1027, pp. 538-540 Webb
County Real Property Records, Webb County, Texas.
Parcel 4 - Being the surface only of 0.47 of an acre tract of
land, more or less, in Webb County Texas, being out of 43.6 acres
of land out of the west part of Porcion 35, Original Grantee Jose
A. Miguel Diaz, also being a tract of land as described in a deed
from Maria Merriweather Lafon and husband L. A. Lafon to Louis A.
Lafon, Jr., Diana M. Lafon and Josefine M. Lafon, recorded in
Vol. 351, pp. 84-86, Webb County Texas.
Parcel 5 - Being the Surface only of a tract of land containing
0.24 of an acre more or less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of
a 4.52 acre tract of land as described in a deed from Palmito
Estates Inc. to Martha Cadena McDonald, recorded in Vol. 136, pp.
546-548, Webb County Deed Records, Webb County, Texas.
Parcel 6 - Part 1 - Being the surface only of a 0.082 of an acre
of land, more or less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of a
60.91 acre tract of land as described in deed from Sister Maria
De La Paz Ubach to the Congregation of the Servants of the Sacred
Heart of Jesus and of the Poor, recorded in Vol. 509, pp. 806-
811, Webb County Real Property Records, Webb County, Texas.
Parcel 6 - Part 2 - Being the surface only of a tract of land
containing 0.152 of an acre, more or less, in Webb County, Texas,
being out of a 60.91 acre tract of land as described in deed from
Sister Maria De La Paz Ubach to the Congregation of the Servants
of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Poor, recorded in Vol. 509,
pp. 806-811, Webb County Real Property Records, Webb County,
Texas.
Parcel 6 - Part 3 - Being the surface only of a tract of land
containing 0.203 of an acre of land, more or less, described in a
deed from Sister Maria De La Paz Ubach to the Congregation of the
Servants of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and
the Poor, recorded in Vol. 509, pp. 806-811, Webb County Real
Property Records, Webb County, Texas.
Parcel 7 - Part 1 - Being the surface only of 0.71 acres of land,
more or less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of Block number
1047, Eastern Division of the City of Laredo and approximately
two blocks of land on the west boundary of the Mary M. Furrh
property as described in a deed from John DeWitt Furrh, Jr. to
Mary M. Furrh, recorded in Vol. 133, pp. 518-519, Webb County
Deed Records, Webb County, Texas.
Parcel 7 - Part 2 - Being the surface only of 0.02 of an acre of
land, more or less, in Webb County, Texas being out of a strip of
land lying to the north of Tinaja Street 44.3 feet wide of the
west end and 8.8 feet wide of the east end as described in a deed
from John DeWitt Furrh, Jr. to Mary M. Furrh, recorded in Vol.
133, pp. 518-519, Webb County Deed Records, Webb County, Texas.
Parcel 8 - Being the surface only of 0.95 acres of land, more or
less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of the H. Garcia Grant,
Eastern Division of the City of Laredo as described in a deed
from Daniel H. Withoff and wife Teresa Withoff, et al, to Marcel
C. Notzon and wife Nora Lee Notzon, and Mrs. Maria Luisa Ostos
Haynes, recorded in Vol. 397, pp. 333-340, Webb County Deed
Records, Webb County, Texas.
Parcel 9 - Part 1 - Being the surface only of 0.19 of an acre of
land, more or less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of Lot
numbers 2, 3, 6, and 7, Block number 2089, Eastern Division of
the City of Laredo described in a deed from Adelaida R. Hein to
Jorge O. Gutierrez and Gabriel A. Palacios, recorded in Vol.
112, pp. 860-862, Webb County Real Property Records, Webb County,
Texas.
Parcel 9 - Part 2 - Being the surface only of 0.19 of an acre of
land, more or less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of Block
number 2090, Eastern Division of the City of Laredo as described
in a deed from Adelaida R. Hein to Jorge O. Gutierrez and
Gabriel A. Palacios, recorded in Vol. 112, pp. 860-862, Webb
County Real Property Records, Webb County, Texas.
Parcel 9 - Part 3 - Being the surface only of 0.16 of an acre of
land, more or less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of Block
number 2091, Eastern Division of the City of Laredo as described
in a deed from Adelaida R. Hein to Jorge O. Gutierrez and
Gabriel A. Palacios, recorded in Vol. 112, pp. 860-862, Webb
County Real Property Records, Webb County, Texas.
Parcel 10 - Being the surface only of a 0.08 of an acre of land,
more or less in Webb County, Texas, being out of the south one
hundred feet (S 100') of Lots One and Five of Block 2107-A,
Eastern Division of the City of Laredo as described from Octavio
Guajardo and wife, Rosa Elena Guajardo to Benito Gonzalez and
Guadalupe Cimiano, recorded in Vol. 1504, pp 704-706, Webb County
Real Property Records, Webb County, Texas.
Parcel 11 - Being the surface only of 0.07 of an acre of land,
more or less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of Block number
2167, Eastern Division, of the City of Laredo as described in a
deed from Sinesio Martinez and wife, Maria Montalvo Martinez to
Jesus Javier Martinez, Hector Felipe Martinez, and George Ricardo
Martinez, recorded in Vol. 513,
pp. 766-768, Webb County Real Property Records, Webb County,
Texas.
Parcel 12 - Being the surface only of 0.02 of an acre of land,
more or less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of Block 2126,
Eastern Division, of the City of Laredo as described in a deed
from M-G Investments to Gonzalez Land and Cattle Company,
recorded in Vol. 685, pp. 382, Webb County Real Property Records,
Webb County, Texas.
Parcel 13 - Being the surface only of 0.033 of an acre of land,
more or less, in Webb County, Texas being out of Lot number 1 of
Block number 1779, Eastern Division of the City of Laredo as
described in a replat recorded in File Number 257294; dated
August 10, 1979, Webb County Real Property Records, Webb County,
Texas.
Parcel 14 - Being the surface only of 0.033 of an acre of land,
more or less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of Lot number 2 of
Block number 1779, Eastern Division of the City of Laredo as
described in a replat by Roberto Gonzalez, recorded in File
Number 257294; dated August 10, 1979, Webb County Real Property
Records, Webb County, Texas.
Parcel 15 - Being the surface only of 0.033 of an acre of land,
more or less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of Lot Number 3 of
Block 1779, Eastern Division of the City of Laredo as described
in a replat by Roberto Gonzalez, recorded in File Number 257294;
dated August 10, 1979, Webb County Real Property Records, Webb
County, Texas.
Parcel 16 - Being the surface only of 0.033 of an acre of land,
more or less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of Lot number 4 of
Block number 1779, Eastern Division of the City of Laredo as
described in a replat by Roberto Gonzalez, recorded in File
Number 257294; dated August 10, 1979, Webb County Real Property
Records, Webb County, Texas.
Parcel 17 - Being the surface only of 0.027 of an acre of land,
more or less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of Lot number 5 of
Block number 1779, Eastern Division of the City of Laredo as
described in a replat by Roberto Gonzalez, recorded in File
Number 257294; dated August 10, 1979, Webb County Real Property
Records, Webb County, Texas.
Parcel 18 - Being the surface only of 0.012 of an acre of land,
more or less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of Lot Number 6,
Block Number 1779, Eastern Division of the City of Laredo as
described in a replat by Roberto Gonzalez, recorded in File
Number 257294, dated August 10, 1979, Webb County Real Property
Records, Webb County, Texas.
Parcel 19 - Being the surface only of 0.12 of an acre of land,
more or less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of Block number
2154, Lots 5,6,7,8 Eastern Division of the City of Laredo as
described in an Oil, Gas, and Mineral Lease from Guillermo
Cavazos and wife Maria Luisa Longoria de Cavazos, to South Texas
Exploration Company, recorded in
Vol. 470, pp. 335-338, Webb County Deed Records, Webb County,
Texas.
Parcel 20 - Being the surface only of 0.28 acres of land, more or
less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of a 20 acre tract of land
as described in a deed from A. H. Bruni, J. C. Martin and John
A. Valls, as independent executors of the Estates of A. M. Bruni
and Consolacion H. Bruni to Eloy B.
Moreno, recorded in Vol. 158, pp. 362, Webb County Deed Records,
Webb County, Texas.
Parcel 21 - Being the surface only of 1.04 acres of land, more or
less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of an 88.5135 acre tract
of land as described in a deed from J. C. Martin, Jr. and J. C.
Martin, III to Cheyenne Development Partnership, recorded in Vol.
160, pp. 468-480, Webb County Real Property Records, Webb County,
Texas.
Parcel 22 - Being the surface only of 1.51 acres of land more or
less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of Porcion 30, Jose F. C.
Moreno, Original Grantee; also being out of a 17.72 acre tract of
land known as Share No. 2 of the Moreno Partition as per plat
recorded in Vol. 1, pp. 81 of the Plat Records of Webb County,
Texas, also described in a deed from
Concepcion B. Moreno, et al, to Eloy B. Moreno, recorded in Vol.
88, pp. 609-610, Webb County Deed Records, Webb County, Texas.
Parcel 23 - Being the surface only of 2.18 acres of land, more or
less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of a 354.72 acre tract (K-
5) as described in a deed from Killam & Hurd LTD. to Killam Oil
Company, recorded in Vol. 684, pp. 459-468, Webb County Deed
Records, Webb County, Texas.
Parcel 24 - Being the surface only of 0.67 acres of land, more or
less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of Porciones 28 and 29;
also being out of a 35 acre tract as described in a deed from
Alejandro E. Villarreal, Jr. and wife, Frances A. Villarreal to
Keith Asmussen and wife, Marilyn Asmussen, recorded in Vol. 437,
pp. 44-46, Webb County Real Property
Records. Webb County, Texas.
Parcel 25 - Being the surface only of 1.81 acres of land, more or
less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of a 162.125 acre tract
(K-2) as described in a deed from Killam & Hurd LTD. to Killam
Oil Company, recorded in Vol. 684, pp. 459-468, Webb County Deed
Records, Webb County, Texas.
Parcel 26 - Being the surface only of 0.03 of an acre of land,
more or less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of Lot number 6,
Block number 2102, Eastern Division of the City of Laredo as
described in a deed from Andrea R. Davila and husband Francisco
Salvador Davila to Belia Holguin, recorded in Vol. 1056, pp. 179-
181, Webb County Deed Records, Webb County, Texas.
Parcel 27 - Being the surface only of 0.07 of an acre of land,
more or less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of Lot number 5,
Block number 2102, Eastern Division of the City of Laredo as
described in a deed from Andrea R. Davila and husband Francisco
Salvador Davila to Maria Guadalupe Rodriguez, recorded in Vol.
1056, pp. 182-184, Webb County Deed Records, Webb County, Texas.
Parcel 28 - Part 1 - Being the surface only of 0.08 of an acre of
land, more or less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of Lot
numbers 1, 7, and 8, Block number 2172-A, Eastern Division of the
City of Laredo as described in a deed from Vincent A. Schorsch,
recorded in Vol. 1516, pp. 374, Webb County Deed Records, Webb
County, Texas.
Parcel 28 - Part 2 - Being the surface only of 0.05 of an acre of
land, more or less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of Block
number 2172 A, Eastern Division of the City of Laredo as
described in a deed from Vincent A. Schorsch, recorded in Vol.
1516, pp. 374, Webb County, Texas.
Parcel 29 - Being the surface only of 0.05 of an acre of land,
more or less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of Lot numbers 6
and 7, Block number 1480, Eastern Division of the City of Laredo
as described in a deed from Maria R. Vergara to Carlos J.
Vergara, recorded in Vol. 158, pp. 81, Webb County Deed Records,
Webb County, Texas.
Parcel 30 - Part 1 - Being the surface only of 0.19 of an acre of
land, more or less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of Lot
numbers 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, Block number 1778, Eastern Division of
the City of Laredo as described in a deed from E. J. Dryden to
Laredo Optimist Club, Inc., recorded in Vol. 254, pp. 296-297,
Webb County Deed Records, Webb County, Texas.
Parcel 30 - Part 2 - Being the surface only of 0.08 of an acre of
land, more or less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of Block
number 1873, Eastern Division of the City of Laredo as described
in a deed from E. J. Dryden to Laredo Optimist Club, Inc.,
recorded in Vol. 262, pp. 143-144, Webb County Deed Records, Webb
County, Texas.
Parcel 30 - Part 3 - Being the surface only of 0.18 of an acre of
land, more or less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of Block
number 2159, Eastern Division of the City of Laredo as described
in a deed from E. J. Dryden to Laredo Optimist Club, Inc.,
recorded in Vol. 262, pp. 143-144, Webb County Deed Records, Webb
County, Texas.
Parcel 31 - Being the surface only of 1.12 acres of land, more or
less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of 190.9 acres of land,
consisting of 43.1 acres of land out of Porcion 32 and 147.8
acres of land out of Porcion 31; also being out of a 190.9 acre
tract of land as described in a deed from A. H. Bruni, J. C.
Martin and John A. Valls to Filomeno Garcia and Guadalupe
Martinez de Garcia, recorded in Vol. 166, pp. 11-12, Webb County
Deed Records, Webb County, Texas.
Parcel 32 - Being the surface only of 0.44 of an acre of land,
more or less, in Webb County, Texas, being out of a 15.1 acre
tract of land known as Share No. 1 of the Moreno Partition out of
Porciones 30 and 31 as per plat recorded in Vol. 1, pp. 81 of the
Plat Records of Webb County, Texas.
Motion to adopt Resolution 96-R-156.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
20. 96-R-157 Authorizing the Interim City Manager to accept a grant
from the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission
in the amount of $250,000.00, with the city designating
$166,666.67, in matching funds and/or in-kind services
for a total of $416,666.67, to implement the Ecology
Demonstration Showcase at the father Charles McNaboe
Recreational Complex for the period from November 1,
1996, through December 31, 1998, and authorizing the
Interim City manager to execute all documents related
thereto.
Motion adopting Resolution 96-R-157.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
21. 96-R-158 Authorizing the Interim City Manager to accept a grant
from the Texas Department of Health in the amount of
$192,828.00, for the Tuberculosis Prevention/Control
Projects of the City of Laredo Health Department for
the period beginning January 1, 1997, through December
31, 1997; and authorizing the Interim City Manager to
execute said contract.
Motion adopting Resolution 96-R-158.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
22. 96-R-159 Authorizing the Interim City Manager to accept a
supplemental grant from the U.S. Department of Justice
in the amount of $750,000.00, with the City designating
$407,658.00, in matching funds for a total of
$1,157,658.00, for a three year funding of the
"Universal Hiring" Program beginning May 1, 1996
through April 30, 1999. This is a grant established by
the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services
(COPS) within the U.S. Department of Justice to hire
additional sworn law enforcement officers. The City
will be able to hire ten additional officers under this
program.
Motion adopting Resolution 96-R-159.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
23. 96-R-160 Authorizing the Interim City Manager to accept a grant
from the Texas Department of Transportation in the
amount of $10,000.00, with the City designating
$10,000.00, in matching funds for a total of
$20,000.00, for funding of the City's Safety Belt
Enforcement Program for the period of October 1, 1996,
through September 30, 1997. This program is in its
sixth year of funding and pays for overtime salaries to
police officers to enforce the Safety Belt Law.
Motion adopting Resolution 96-R-160.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
24. 96-R-161 Authorizing the Interim City Manager to accept a grant
from the Texas Department of Transportation in the
amount of $22,500.00, with the City designating
$7,500.00, in matching funds for a total of $30,000.00,
for funding of the City's Speeding/Selective Traffic
Enforcement Program for the period of October 1, 1996,
through September 30, 1997. This program is in its
third year of funding and pays for overtime salaries to
police officers to enforce the Speeding Law.
Motion adopting Resolution 96-R-161.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
25. 96-R-162 Directing publication of notice of intention to issue
City of Laredo, Texas combination tax and revenue
certificates of obligation, series 1997-B, in the
principal amount of $3,665,000 for the purpose of
paying all or a portion of the City's Contractual
obligations for the acquisition of fire trucks and
related equipment; acquisition of library equipment and
construction of improvements at New Main Library;
purchase and acquisition of material recycling facility
from Southern Sanitation Services, Inc; and for paying
legal, fiscal, architectural, and engineering fees in
connection with such projects. The projects are as
follows: Fire Department equipment consisting of one
aerial truck and two pumpers at $1.1 million, Library
equipment and underground utilities construction at
$1.5 million, acquisition of Municipal Recycling
facility (MRF) at $900,000.00, and contingency and bond
related costs at $165,000.00.
Motion adopting Resolution 96-R-162.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
26. 96-R-163 Directing publication of notice of intention to issue
City of Laredo, Texas combination tax and waterworks
system revenue certificates of obligation, series 1997-
A, in the principal amount of $2,860,000, for the
purpose of paying all or a portion of the City's
contractual obligations for improvements and extensions
to the City's Waterworks System and for paying legal,
fiscal, and engineering fees in connection with this
project. The projects are as follows:
High Service Pump Station at the Jefferson Water
Treatment Plant at $1.5 million, Information Collection
Rule (ICR), an EPA mandated water quality monitoring
program at $400,000.00, Extension of a water line to
the Fire Training Facility proposed to be constructed
on Highway 359 (2 miles) at $800,000.00, and bond
issuance contingencies and related costs at
$160,000.00.
Motion adopting Resolution 96-R-163.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VIII. MOTIONS
27. Authorizing the Interim City Manager to submit a grant to the
Office of National Drug Control Policy in the amount of
$356,085.00, for seventh year funding of a multi-agency Financial
Disruption Task Force for the period beginning January 1, 1997,
through December 31, 1997. The task force works in concert with
the Laredo Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to
identify and remove drug related assets. There is no cash match
required in order to apply for this grant.
Motion authorizing the Interim City Manager to submit a grant to
the Office of National Drug Control Policy in the amount of
$356,085.00, for seventh year funding of a multi-agency Financial
Disruption Task Force for the period beginning January 1, 1997,
through December 31, 1997.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
28. Authorizing the City of Laredo, Texas, to file an annual
application for operating assistance with the Department of
Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, United States of
America, in the amount of $4,693,787 for fiscal year 1996-97,
under the Federal Transit Act as codified at 49 U.S.C. Chapter
53, as amended, and authorizing the City Manager to execute the
application and all related documents.
Motion authorizing the City of Laredo, Texas, to file an annual
application for operating assistance with the Department of
Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, United States of
America, in the amount of $4,693,787 for fiscal year 1996-97,
under the Federal Transit Act as codified at 49 U.S.C. Chapter
53, as amended, and authorizing
the City Manager to execute the application and all related
documents.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
29. Authorizing the Interim City Manager to submit a grant
application to the Texas Department of Transportation in the
amount of $37,500.00, with the City designating $12,500.00, in
matching funds for a total of $50,000.00, for funding of the "El
Protector" Traffic Safety Education program for the period of
October 1, 1996, through September 30, 1997. This program will be
in its third year of funding.
Motion authorizing the Interim City Manager to submit a grant
application to the Texas Department of Transportation in the
amount of $37,500.00, with the City designating $12,500.00, in
matching funds for a total of $50,000.00, for funding of the "El
Protector" Traffic Safety Education program for the period of
October 1, 1996, through September 30, 1997.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
30. Authorizing the Interim City Manager to submit an application to
the Texas Historical Commission for a Texas Recorded Historical
Subject Marker for Bruni Plaza.
Motion authorizing the Interim City Manager to submit an
application to the Texas Historical Commission for a Texas
Recorded Historical Subject Marker for Bruni Plaza.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
31. Authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute a cost sharing
agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for remedial
investigation at the Laredo International Airport, formerly the
Laredo Air Force Base, fire fighting training pits. The City's
Airport Fund's share is $19,000.00 out of an estimated cost of
$185,000.00 for this project.
Motion authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute a cost
sharing agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for
remedial investigation at the Laredo International Airport,
formerly the Laredo Air Force Base, fire fighting training pits.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
32. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER, Sam's Wholesale Club,
Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $11,098.00, for the purchase of
folding chairs and folding tables for the four recreation
centers. One hundred and fifty chairs and fifty tables will be
distributed to each center. Funding is available from the Parks
and Recreation Capital Outlay budget.
Motion to award a contract to the low bidder, Sam's Wholesale
Club, Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $11,098.00, for the
purchase of folding chairs and folding tables for the four
recreation centers.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
33. Award of contract to the SOLE BIDDER, Sico North American, Inc.,
Minneapolis, MN., in the amount of $14,563.00, for the purchase
of a mobile folding stage deck and related items for use at the
Laredo Civic Center. Funding is available from the Civic Center's
Capital Outlay budget.
Motion to award a contract to the sole bidder, Sico North
American, Inc., Minneapolis, MN., in the amount of $14,563.00,
for the purchase of a mobile folding stage deck and related items
for use at the Laredo Civic Center.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
34. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER, Newman Signs, Jamestown, N.
Dakota, in the amount of $22,044.80, for the purchase of 1,850
traffic signs. Forty-two different styles will be purchased for
new and replacement projects. The bid pricing is approximately
5% less than the previous sign purchase.
Motion to award a contract to the low bidder, Newman Signs,
Jamestown, N. Dakota, in the amount of $22,044.80, for the
purchase of 1,850 traffic signs.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
35. Award of contract to Orange Ford Lincoln Mercury, Orange, Texas
in the amount of $335,257.00, for the purchase of seventeen,
replacement police package sedans. Due to the critical need for
these public safety vehicles, staff is recommending authorization
to purchase these vehicles from Orange Ford who will deliver
fifteen vehicles within ten days. The City did receive lower
bids, however all other vendors require a ninety to one hundred
and twenty day (3 to 4 months) delivery schedule. All vehicles
will be assigned to the Police Patrol division.
Motion to award a contract to Orange Ford Lincoln Mercury,
Orange, Texas in the amount of $335,257.00, for the purchase of
seventeen, replacement police package sedans.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
36. Approving the scope of work for the International Port of Entry
Cargo Inspections computer Simulation Model, a project of the
Laredo Urban Transportation Study. Proposals will be opened on
January 31, 1997, with a tentative bid award on February 17,
1997.
Motion approving the scope of work for the International Port of
Entry Cargo Inspections computer Simulation Model.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
37. Approval of bid specifications and authorization to advertise for
bids to purchase larger size, vandal proof street name signs to
be installed in CDBG areas with priority to intersections with
missing or faded street name signs. A total of 4,800 street name
sign blades for 1,200 intersections will be purchased with an
estimated cost of $48,000. The installation of these larger
street name signs facilitates the street identification by
emergency vehicles. Bids will be received on January 3, 1997,
with a tentative bid award on January 20, 1997.
Motion approving of bid specifications and authorization to
advertise for bids to purchase larger size, vandal proof street
name signs to be installed in CDBG areas with priority to
intersections with missing or faded street name signs.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Casso was not present to vote.)
38. Approve specifications for accessing an additional water bearing
formation in the Santa Isabel water well. The work is intended
to increase the yield of the existing well. Bids will be received
on January 7, 1997, with a tentative bid award on January 20,
1997.
Motion approving specifications for accessing an additional water
bearing formation in the Santa Isabel water well.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Casso was not present to vote)
39. Approval of bid specifications and authorization to advertise for
bids for the purchase of eighteen school warning beacons for the
Laredo Independent School District and the United Independent
School District. Ten school flashers are being proposed for the
L.I.S.D., six for U.I.S.D. and two additional for any new
requests. The cost for each flasher should not exceed $750.00.
Bids will be received on January 3, 1997, with a tentative bid
award on January 20, 1997.
Motion approving bid specifications and authorization to
advertise for bids for the purchase of eighteen school warning
beacons for the Laredo Independent School District and the United
Independent School District.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 2
(Cm. Casso was not present to vote) Cm. Perez
Cw. Moreno
40. Approval of bid specifications and authorization to advertise for
bids on traffic signal poles and traffic controller cabinets for
traffic signal projects. This equipment will be utilized for the
installation of traffic signal lights at Guadalupe/Monterrey,
Chihuahua/McPherson, Monterrey/Lyon, Taylor/McPherson, and
Washington/Main. The total cost for each intersection shall not
exceed $45,000.00. Bids will be received on January 3, 1997,
with a tentative bid award for January 20, 1997.
Motion approving bid specifications and authorization to
advertise for bids on traffic signal poles and traffic controller
cabinets for traffic signal projects.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
41. Approval of the construction plans and authorization to advertise
for bids for sidewalks, storm drainage, and curb and gutter
improvements on Calton Road, Maher Avenue and Thomas Avenue (3
streets) around the New Laredo Police Station with tentative
award on January 20, 1997. Funding is available in the Capital
Improvement Fund/Police.
Motion approving the construction plans and authorization to
advertise for bids for sidewalks, storm drainage, and curb and
gutter improvements on Calton Road, Maher Avenue and
Thomas Avenue (3 streets) around the New Laredo Police Station.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
42. Award of an engineering contract to G.G. Salinas Engineering
Company, Laredo, Texas, to provide surveys, design and the
preparation of plans and specifications for an amount not to
exceed $35,000.00 for the City of Laredo and the Laredo
Independent School District (LISD) Sidewalk Program. Funding is
available in Capital Improvement Fund/School Sidewalks and in the
Community Development 20th Action Year.
Motion awarding of an engineering contract to G.G. Salinas
Engineering Company, Laredo, Texas, to provide surveys, design
and the preparation of plans and specifications for an amount not
to exceed $35,000.00 for the City of Laredo and the Laredo
Independent School District (LISD) Sidewalk Program.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 2
(Cm. Casso not present to vote) Cm. Perez
Cw. Moreno
43. Award of an Professional Services Contract to Trinity Testing
Laboratories, Inc., for an amount not to exceed $19,670.00 for
quality control testing during the construction of Street
Improvements Project 59 which will include Subgrade and Fill for
Pavement, Asphalt Stabilized Base, Asphalt Surface Course, and
Concrete Testing. Funding is available in the Street Fund -
Testing Fees account.
Motion awarding Professional Services Contract to Trinity Testing
Laboratories, Inc., for an amount not to exceed $19,670.00 for
quality control testing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
44. Award of an Architectural/Engineering contract to Zuniga
Engineering Company, Laredo, Texas, to design and prepare plans
and specifications for an amount not to exceed $12,000.00 for a
New Air Conditioning System and its accompanying Roof Structural
Support for the Bridge Administration Building located at the
Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge No. 2. Funding is available
in Bridge Fund/Construction Project Bridge Improvements.
Motion awarding Architectural/Engineering contract to Zuniga
Engineering Company, Laredo, Texas, to design and prepare plans
and specifications for an amount not to exceed $12,000.00 for a
New Air Conditioning System and its accompanying Roof Structural
Support for the Bridge Administration Building located at the
Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge No. 2.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
45. Award of a professional consulting services contract for an
amount not to exceed $42,087.00, to Naismith Engineering, Inc.,
Laredo and Corpus Christi, Texas, to conduct risk based
assessments of Underground Storage Tank sites, in compliance with
Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) RG-17
rules and regulations, at 4200 Bartlett (LPST ID No. 101133) and
518 Flightline site 6, (LPST ID No. 101536) and to complete the
necessary paperwork for TNRCC reimbursement.
Motion awarding professional consulting services contract for an
amount not to exceed $42,087.00, to Naismith Engineering, Inc.,
Laredo and Corpus Christi, Texas, to conduct risk based
assessments of Underground Storage Tank sites.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
46. Acceptance of the Lift Stations and Related Improvements Project
in South Laredo and approval of final payment in the amount of
$49,480.93 to Lambda Construction Company, Harlingen, Texas.
Final construction contract amount is $591,568.50. Funding is
available in Sewer System Fund.
Motion accepting of the Lift Stations and Related Improvements
Project in South Laredo and approval of final payment in the
amount of $49,480.93 to Lambda Construction Company, Harlingen,
Texas.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
47. Approval of change order no. 2, a decrease of $1,348.00 for the
balance of quantities actually constructed in place, and to
extend the contract time by 47 days due to inclement weather,
utility conflicts, and materials delays, acceptance of the Four
Neighborhood Recreational Centers, and approval of final payment
in the amount of $139,926.32 to Sedona Contracting, Inc., San
Antonio, Texas. Final construction contract amount is
$2,726,296.00. Funding is available in the Recreation Centers
Capital Outlay account.
Motion approving change order no. 2, a decrease of $1,348.00 for
the balance of quantities actually constructed in place, and to
extend the contract time by 47 days due to inclement weather,
utility conflicts, and materials delays, acceptance of the Four
Neighborhood Recreational Centers, and approval of final payment
in the amount of $139,926.32 to Sedona Contracting, Inc., San
Antonio, Texas.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
48. Approval of amendment no. 2, an increase of $6,400.00 to the
engineering contract with Camp, Dresser & McKee, Inc., Austin,
Texas, for the New High Services Pump Station and Clearwell at
the Jefferson Street Upper Water Treatment Plant to provide the
Construction Phase Services for the Repairs to the North Lyon
Water Storage Tank located at the intersection of Lyon Avenue and
Meadow Street. These services were not anticipated, however, due
to the technical nature of the work, staff recommends that the
design engineering firm oversee the construction phase of this
work. Current a/e contract amount is $281,300.00. Funding is
available in Waterworks Systems Fund.
Motion approving amendment no. 2, an increase of $6,400.00 to the
engineering contract with Camp, Dresser & McKee, Inc., Austin,
Texas, for the New High Services Pump Station and Clearwell at
the Jefferson Street Upper Water Treatment Plant to provide the
Construction Phase Services for the Repairs to the North Lyon
Water Storage Tank located at the intersection of Lyon Avenue and
Meadow Street.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
49. Approval of change order no. 1, an increase of $68,119.51 to the
construction contract with Ramex Construction Company, Inc.,
Houston, Texas, for steel casings due to water encountered during
the excavation of the foundation piers as allowed per contract,
and to add 20 calendar days to the contract time, installation of
voice/data system, and miscellaneous electrical changes/additions
to the City of Laredo New Main Library. New construction
contract amount is therefore $5,701,119.51. Funding is available
Capital Outlay/Building.
Motion approving change order no. 1, an increase of $68,119.51 to
the construction contract with Ramex Construction Company, Inc.,
Houston, Texas, for steel casings due to water encountered during
the excavation of the foundation piers as allowed per contract,
and to add 20 calendar days to the contract time, installation of
voice/data system, and miscellaneous electrical changes/additions
to the City of Laredo New Main Library.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
50. Approval of amendment no. 1, an increase of $40,040.00 for
additional inspection services to the Resident Project
Representative contract with Hickey & Associates, Inc., Laredo,
Texas for the New Laredo Airport Passenger Terminal in compliance
with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. This
amendment will bring the total contract amount to $231,784.80.
Funding is available in the Inspection Fees account.
Motion approving amendment no. 1, an increase of $40,040.00 for
additional inspection services to the Resident Project
Representative contract with Hickey & Associates, Inc., Laredo,
Texas for the New Laredo Airport Passenger Terminal
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
51. Approving an amendment to the lease by and between Laredo
Community College District dated August 19, 1986, for the City's
Public Access Center to include a $12,000.00 annual rental fee.
Funding is available in the Public Access Reserve Fund.
Motion approving an amendment to the lease by and between Laredo
Community College District dated August 19, 1986, for the City's
Public Access Center to include a $12,000.00 annual rental fee.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
52. Approving a contract with Colombia Telecom-munications to conduct
a telecommunications infrastructure study for the city of Laredo
in the amount of $26,000.00.
Motion approving a contract with Colombia Telecom-munications to
conduct a telecommunications infrastructure study for the city of
Laredo in the amount of $26,000.00.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
53. Authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute a collective
bargaining agreement between the City of Laredo and the Laredo
Police Officers' Association (LPOA) thru its President Luis
Dovalina for the period October 1, 1996 thru September 30, 1999.
Motion authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute a
collective bargaining agreement between the City of Laredo and
the Laredo Police Officers' Association (LPOA) thru its President
Luis Dovalina for the period April 1, 1996 thru September 30,
1999.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(NOTE: The motion corrected the date of October 1, 1996 which
should read April 1, 1996.)
54. Authorizing the Interim City Manager to amend the City's contract
with Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas, Inc. for Environmental
Assessment Services (EA) associated with the Fourth Bridge and
connecting roadways at an increased cost of $30,889 in order to
provide for the preparation of a traffic analysis and additional
points of study as identified necessary at the public meeting of
September 18, 1996. Contract price will increase from $68,729
plus expenses to $99,618 plus expenses.
Motion authorizing the Interim City Manager to amend the City's
contract with Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas, Inc. for
Environmental Assessment Services (EA) associated with the Fourth
Bridge and connecting roadways at an increased cost of $30,889 in
order to provide for the preparation of a traffic analysis and
additional points of study as identified necessary at the public
meeting of September 18, 1996.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IX. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
55. Authorizing the City Manager to remove parking meters from the
southside of the 1300 Block of Houston as requested by the
General Services Administration, Region 7, (Federal Courts).
These parking meters generate approximately $5,000.00 annually
but there were concerns to make the federal building a safer
place for the public and Federal Court staff.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
56. Authorizing the City Manager to transfer funds from the Capital
Improvement Reserve Appropriation account to the Capital
Improvement line items for $22,600.00. These monies are needed to
relocate warning flashing beacon equipment from Jacaman Road/Loop
20 to Casa Verde Road/Loop 20 for $5,000.00, and for trenching at
Hwy 359 from Aldama to 1.0 mile east on Loop 20 for future street
lights as widening of Hwy 359 is currently undergoing $8,000.00.
These two projects are being undertaken so as not to incur
additional costs once these projects are begun by the Texas
Department of Transportation. Installation of a flasher at US 59
and Heritage (Proposed Boy Scouts Camps Entrance) as previously
approved by City Council for $9,600.00.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
57. Authorize the City Manager to proceed with settlement which
involves the transfer of $200,000 from Risk Reserve Fund 594 to
conclude settlement of the lawsuit styled Sandra Salinas v. City
of Laredo.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
58. Authorizing the Interim City Manager to enter into contracts with
the providers listed below to provide professional health care
services for amounts not to exceed the indicated amounts to
clients of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period
specified below:
PROVIDER TOTAL DATE
PROGRAM NAME AMOUNT GRANT/TERM
La Familia Dr. G. Villarreal l5,600 9-1-96 thru 8-31-97
TB ELIM. Dr. L. Mendoza 18,000 10-1-96 thru 9-30-97
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
59. Request for Executive Session to discuss the possible settlement
of pending litigation pursuant to Section 551.071 of the Texas
Government Code, being City of Laredo vs. Gateway Centennial
Development Company Inc., et.al., Cause No. C-91-0143-D2 in 111th
Judicial District Court of Webb County, Texas.
Motion go into executive session to discuss the possible
settlement of pending litigation pursuant to Section 551.071 of
the Tex. Gov. Code, being the City of Laredo vs. Gateway
Centennial Development Company Inc.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
After executive session Mayor Ramirez announced that no formal
action was taken.
Motion to instruct the Legal Staff to proceed with the
settlement.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
60. Discussion and possible action concerning providing fire
department services to Webb County.
Motion to discuss this item together with A(1) and #69.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
61. Request for Executive Session to discuss litigation relating to
alleged violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act pursuant to
Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code.
Motion go into executive session to discuss litigation relating
to alleged violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act pursuant to
Section 551.071 of the Tex. Gov. Code.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
After executive session the Mayor Protem Casso announced that no
formal action was taken.
X. COMMUNICATIONS
a. Recognizing the City of Laredo 1996 Employee of the Year.
Ms. Edna Coronado from Administrative Services announced that Mr.
Jose Esquivel, Senior Mechanic from the Fire Department, had been
selected as the Employee of the Year for 1996.
b. Cm. Alvarado publicly thanked Mr. Carnie Guerra and family for
their campaign in Toys for Tejanitos.
XI. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION AND PRESENTATION
62. Requests by Mayor and City Councilmembers for discussion and
presentation.
A. Requests by Councilmember Jose R. Perez
1. Discussion and possible action concerning continuing fire
services to Webb County, and to direct staff to continue
developing the methodology for assessing charges for all parties
concerned.
This item was discussed in item #69.
B. Requests by Cm. Louis H. Bruni
1. Discussion and possible action concerning the results of the
internal audit conducted at the Fleet Maintenance Division with
possible Executive Session pursuant to Section 551.074 of the
Texas Government Code to discuss personnel matters in relation
to this internal audit.
Cm. Bruni stated that in January, 1995 he sent a letter to Mr.
Vargas requesting an audit of the Fleet Maintenance Division,
the audit was completed in June of 1995. Recently, a year and a
half later they got the final
draft of this internal audit and this report has serious
accusations and serious problems that he sees. For instance, in
the cost and repairs to some of our police cars, when they were
purchased they spent $11,999.00 and some of our Police
Department cars have a total investment of over $34,000.00. He
said this does not make sense that if you paid $12,000.00 and
you have $34,000.00 invested in repairs something is wrong. He
added there are other vehicles that have repairs in excess of
50% of the purchase price. One vehicle had repairs in excess of
200% of its purchase price.
The report lists about 15 different vehicles where the fuel tank
size allows for only 20-gallon capacity, but yet somehow someone
manage to put 29.8 gallons in it. He added that vehicle #1291
has capacity for 25 gallons yet they manage to put 42.2 gallons
in it. He said that apparently there is a serious problem on
how they can get this much gasoline in a gas tank. He said that
vehicle #1298 has a 25 gallon gas tank, but they managed to put
72 gallons in it.
On November 4, 1994 a vehicle was auctioned, however the
maintenance records indicate that they have been fixing flat
tires on it. How do we fix or repair vehicles that we don't own
anymore?
On one of the police vehicles, within a year and a half we spent
$4,485.00 on transmission repairs and we have three different
transmissions put in.
Also mechanics spent six hours fixing a siren, why not buy a new
one and move on.
He concluded by stating that this report is full of serious
problems, that it was a waste of taxpayers money and asked staff
how all these things happened, why it took so long to get this
report, and what we are going to do to safeguard the taxpayers
money.
Florencio Pe¤a, Interim City Manager, stated that he can't
answer as to why it wasn't provided, anytime prior to July of
1996 when he came on board. He added that in the last five
months they have been looking at this audit and have implemented
many recommendations, there are still very serious problems, and
he wants council to consider expanding the audit, the problems
will be addressed and some changes have already implemented.
Mayor Ramirez stated that he wants to see the definitive steps
that have been taken on the part of Mr. Joe Guerra to safeguard
a lot of these things happening now, and expand the audit to get
more detail into the audit. That we proceed to prosecute to the
full extent of the law because we will not tolerate people
scheming of any of our operations because it is not conducive to
good government. On the third component we should hold our
comments to generalities and let staff and the internal auditors
work on the specifics and details and as soon as they are
prepared to come with us on a thorough report that they do so,
but whenever they feel they are ready to proceed with filing
charges at the District Attorney's office, that by consensus at
this time, they authorize them to proceed in filing those
charges at the D.A.'s office.
Cw. Montalvo requested that the Audit Department gives a
report to council directly instead of the City Manager.
Mayor Ramirez stated that we should get the reports or whatever
comes out, when it comes out and that it come to them (Mayor and
Councilmembers) at the same time.
2. Discussion and possible action concerning the possible placement
of a Terminal Automated Radar Display and Information System
(TARDIS) at the Laredo International Airport.
Mr. Bruce Earle stated that we need to update our airport by
installing the radar installation information system in line for
future traffic and air commerce.
Motion to find the funding to implement the Terminal Automated
Radar Display and Information System for the Laredo
International Airport.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Perez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
3. Discussion and possible action concerning future City Council
approval of all detention ponds and the status of the ordinance
requiring the concrete lining of all future detention ponds.
Motion to table.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
4. Discussion and possible action on the bidding process of the
City of Laredo.
Mr. Charles Martens spoke on the bidding process and asked
council to let the bids be turned in and opened at the same
time.
Florencio Pe¤a, Interim City Manager, informed Council and
Mr. Martens that the changes are in effect now.
5. Status report on the Chacon Creek Interceptor Project, with
possible action.
Motion to table.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
6. Status report on the Santos Trailer Park, with possible action.
Motion to table.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
C. Requests by Councilmember Alfonso "Poncho" Casso
1. Discussion and possible action regarding the selection of a City
Manager with possible Executive Session pursuant to Section
551.074 of the Texas Government Code.
Mayor Ramirez asked staff to post a Special Meeting for
January 13th at 5:30 p.m. for discussion and possible action in
the selection of a City Manager.
D. Requests by Councilmember Eliseo Valdez, Jr.
1. Discussion and possible action concerning the status of the
Zamudio Warehouse located on Taylor Street as it relates to
compliance with City Ordinances and hazardous materials handling
and storage procedures.
Cm. Alvarado said there was a spill sometime ago and wants to
know what corrective action was taken and asked whether they
were cited. He added that sometime ago they went before the P&Z
Commission for a zone change or a special use permit, they made
some type of agreement with the residents of the area and they
have not come thru with the agreement.
Benny Salinas, Building Department Director, stated that the
location is zoned MS which is a permitted use on that area. He
did some research and did not find any special use permit and
they are registered with the Fire Department for haz-mat. One
of the concerns from the residents was that the fence was down
on Taylor and that has been put up recently.
Mr. Aldo Tatangelo stated that there was a moratorium issued on
warehouses, that no warehouses would be built unless they were
the warehouse district. Warehouses cannot be permitted on
neighborhoods and unless strong measures are taken there will
always be these problems.
Mike Garza, Acting Fire Chief, reported that in regards to the
hazardous material permit, this firm is currently in compliance
with the permit and added that this firm was recently in the
middle of the controversy due to the fact that there were some
drums sitting outside in part of the area that had been thought
to be containing hazardous material or hazardous waste which was
the center of much discussion between the environmental group
and other people interested in hazardous materials. He
understands that a few months ago the materials were removed
from the premises and are not there anymore.
2. Discussion and possible action concerning the Police
Department's personnel scheduling, (Gang Unit, Investigators,
Patrols, Street Level Narcotics Unit) and what they are
proposing to do for the holidays, with a crime statistics report
for the last three months for District V.
Agustin Dovalina, Interim Chief of Police, stated that they will
be implementing alternative deployment plans to assist in
patrolling areas where they have experienced or are expected to
experience a high rate of property crime. Most residential
areas are being targeted for an increased level of patrol
surveillance at peak hours. To accomplish this, they will be
modifying existing patrol, detective and special investigative
units scheduling to take care of this objective. This includes
the temporary re-assignment of some gang unit investigators,
COPS, and narcotics units personnel for ready patrol deployment
and to concentrate on some of the targeted residential areas.
They will also be re-scheduling the traffic section officers for
increased traffic enforcement during peak traffic hours;
especially during the late evening to early morning hours during
the holiday season. Furthermore, since school will be out for
the next 2-3 weeks, they will also be
re-scheduling the Student Resource Officer (SRO's) to assist
increased patrol surveillance objective. He continued by saying
that they also have a large contingency of certified bike patrol
officers which will also be utilized in the deployment plan.
With the additional traffic enforcement grants including the
STEP grants, they will have additional police officers on patrol
as well.
He concluded by saying that they will utilize every possible
resource available to ensure that we have the most optimum level
of police officers out in full force during this season.
3. Discussion and possible action concerning the enforcement of
ordinances after hours (tractor trailers with freezer units
parking in empty lots in neighborhoods).
Cm. Valdez stated that after hours some trucks are parked on the
sidewalks or on the street, but if they are parked on private
property he does not know how these trailers make it to private
property inside the neighborhoods that are way off the truck
routes. He would like to see somebody on a 24-hour call to
enforce the ordinance and wants that someone go by Cedar and
Clark, another location about half block from Roli's Dance Hall.
Florencio Pe¤a, Interim City Manager, asked that Cm. Valdez give
them the general location or a general address because code
enforcement officers can work at night as well, so they can
program them and spot them at night, they can have code
enforcement officers on call. He added there is a staff
committee and they are looking at ways of amending our existing
ordinance that deals with tractor trailers in residential areas.
They will try to get a recommendation to deal more
comprehensively with that kind of problem.
Cm. Valdez stated he will give staff a specific addresses.
E. Requests by Councilmember Joe A. Guerra
1. Discussion and possible action regarding the creation of a
right-of-way maintenance crew for the Public Works Department to
maintain double frontage lots.
This item was discussed together with F(4).
Joe Guerra, Public Works Director, stated that one of the
biggest problems that he has is double frontage lots, there are
over 10 miles of sidewalks that they have to clean, not only the
sidewalks, but they also have trees along the sidewalks, they
have palm trees, and he asked Cm. Alvarado if that is what he
wants, for them to clean all the palm trees, and get out all the
grass out? If this is what he wants it will take a lot of time
and money.
Cm. Alvarado stated his main concern was to determine whether
these areas are the city's responsibility to maintain, then if
we determine that we are responsible for the maintenance then we
need to address the issue to see how it can be addressed.
Cm. Guerra stated that it has been established that we are
responsible, they went out and surveyed the areas, Mr. Pe¤a
stated that he could find funds to address this problem by
furnishing more equipment and manpower to Public Works.
Mayor Ramirez said that in new subdivisions pavement of
sidewalks is already required, but not in other areas. He
suggested that in the areas where pavement of sidewalks is still
not required and where we don't have them, let's set up a policy
to go in there, do it and assess them just like we assess for
paving. He said that they had talked about
using environmentally safe chemicals to kill the weeds and we
haven't been using that.
Mr. Guerra stated that they have used the chemicals.
Mayor Ramirez stated that if we took a more aggressive approach
in killing those weeds with environmentally safe chemicals would
help a great deal.
Motion to look into the possibility of maintaining these
right-of-ways at least on a quarterly basis, at least once every
three months.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Bruni and Cm. Casso were not present.)
F. Requests by Councilmember Mario Alvarado
1. Request for study from traffic department on setting up stop
signs along Rancho Viejo Road and Bristol Road to slow down the
speed.
Motion to instruct staff to provide a traffic study to set up
stop signs along Rancho Viejo Road and Bristol Road.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Follow up on the request for the legal department concerning
resolution of union membership, collection, and direct deduction
of union dues.
Mayor Ramirez entertained a motion that clearly states that they
have to bring to the table 150 members and when they
bring the 150 members they can start deducting the dues.
Cm. Alvarado stated that it was very clear from the last time
that they discussed it, what was not clear was the fact that
there was another union who was presently on board, which is why
he was asking legal direction because this other union is crying
fowl play.
Jerry Cain, Acting City Attorney, stated it is not mandatory
that the city collect association dues for anybody, however the
city may under a state statutes. It says that the city or any
municipality may collect dues at the request of association
members and the key words are "of a bonafide employee
association", so now it's up to council to decide for purposes
of the City of Laredo what a bonafide employee association is.
If they can do that by the establishment of some kind of
numerical or percentage basis, then that's what they need to
adopt in this policy.
Motion to allow the unions to come up with 150 dues paying
members within 6 months or nobody get any deductions.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
3. Request for the Traffic Division to set-up speed limit signs on
Riverside Road from Calton Road to Mann Road, and a stop sign at
the intersection of Riverside Road and Mann Road.
This item had been taken care of by Mr. Landin.
4. Discussion with possible action requesting Public Works to
address maintenance of the sidewalk area on the north side of
Bristol Road in the Delwood Subdivision.
This item was discussed with item E(1).
5. Request for the Traffic Division to conduct traffic study at the
intersection of Santa Maria and Industrial Boulevard for the
possible placement of a traffic signal light.
Cm. Alvarado wanted to know if a traffic study had been
conducted at this location.
Mr. Murillo stated they had initiated a traffic count late last
year, but basically because of the funding it was not included.
Motion to instruct staff to conduct a traffic study at the
intersection of Santa Maria and Industrial Boulevard for the
possible placement of a traffic signal light.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
G. Requests by Councilmember Consuelo Montalvo
1. Presentation by Alejandro Arreguin concerning building permit
fees.
Ale Arreguin stated that excessive and illegal permit fees
was his concern and that after 1992 the fees were increased and
if the figures are compared between 1992 and 1993 they collected
$754,000.00 and in 1993 when they raised the figures it jump up
to $1,897,555.00 which is over 150% increase. Comparing the
totals of '93, '94, and '95 the total amount collected in those
years is $4.4 million, if the case is that 60% profit is made
they have overcharged the people that get building permits over
$2.6 million, and this is not counting 1996. He added that the
property owners are the ones affected. He said that the fees
collected are not equal to the service the city provides and
added this fees need to be reduced now.
Benny Salinas, Building Code Director, reported they have been
reinforcing the standard building code, and in the code there is
a suggested fee schedule, in the 1991 edition the fees schedule
almost doubled, some of the fees were excessive, especially the
plan check fee. There was an ordinance consequently that was
brought up to council, and was changed, the maximum plan check
fee that we now have is $1,500.00 because they felt it was
excessive, there is an ordinance to that effect putting a
ceiling on the plan check fee.
Cm. Alvarado asked if this is comparable to what other
municipalities are doing as far as the rate structure.
Mr. Salinas stated that our fees are compatible with other
municipalities. He would like to revisit that issue with other
cities and see how they are doing, get comparisons and see
whether they are accessible.
Cm. Guerra wants to know how the city figures the base rate
structure?
Mr. Salinas stated that the schedule is based on the
construction cost and on the amount that the contractor is going
to be spending. That doesn't mean that they accept their
figures completely, they also based themselves on data collected
on a national construction scale as comparison, plus then they
compare with their fees schedule which is how they arrive to the
fees.
2. Presentation by Aldo Tatangelo concerning the downtown area.
Aldo Tatangelo reported on the improvements done to several
areas in downtown and added that these 20 projects were
committed by him as Chairman of the Laredo Chamber of Commerce.
The list included such improvements as:
1. Removal of brick wall to enable LNB to paint warehouse on
corner of 800 of Hidalgo.
2. Painted wall on 1200 block of Convent.
3. Painted office of Laredo Transportation Company.
4. Painted building of parking of lot of J.C. Martin - 900 Block
of Hidalgo.
5. Painted wall parking lot-City of Laredo on the 900 Block of
Lincoln. '
6. Painted fence on 802 Lincoln house.
7. Painted building on corner Lincoln and San Bernardo.
8. Painting on Farrias resident, St. Augustine and 800 Block of
Iturbide.
9. Painted Auto Shop on 800 Block of Iturbide.
10. Painted wall on 904 Iturbide.
11. Painted wall on 914 Block Iturbide.
12. Painted door and windows of Plaza Theater.
13. Painted Conoco Station at 1000 Matamoros & Flores.
14. Painted wall parking lot 1000 Farragut across HEB.
15. Painted Canopy Restaurant corner street St. Augustine and
Farragut.
16. Painted canopy corner 800 Block Farragut and Santa Urusla.
17. Painted windows and doors Santa Ursula.
18. Painted carriage house rear on 800 Block of Farragut.
19. Painted canopy corner of Flores 600 Block of Lincoln.
20. Painted wall of building Richter and old LNB, Aldo Tatangelo
Walkway of St. Augustine St.
He concluded by requesting that the lighting and improvements
downtown be done.
XII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
63. Public hearing concerning the application by Ernesto Benavides,
III, and David Martinez to amend the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of
the City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a Special Use
Permit for a Sexually Oriented Business on Lot 9, Block 1, Tejas
Industrial Park, Unit V, located at 8307 San Lorenzo Drive; with
possible Executive Session under Section 551.071(1)(A) of the
Texas Government Code. This item was tabled at the December 2,
1996 City Council Meeting in order that the item could be
properly posted to go into executive session should staff feel
the need to do so.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for a
Sexually Oriented Business, on Lot 9, Block 1, Tejas Industrial
Park, Unit V, located at 8307 San Lorenzo Drive, providing for
publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Marina Sukup, Director of Planning, reported that this item was
tabled from the last council meeting.
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance
and concur with the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: Abstain: 0
Cw. Moreno
Cm. Valdez
Ordinance Introduction: City Council except Cm. Bruni and
Cm. Valdez
64. Public hearing concerning the application by Del A. Trautman to
amend the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning a 8.5846 acres out of Porcion 25, Abstract 50, as
further described by metes and bounds, located south of Del Mar
Boulevard east of Country Club Drive from R-2 (Multi-Family
Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District).
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning a 8.5846 acres out of Porcion 25, Abstract 50,
as further described by metes and bounds, located south of Del
Mar Boulevard east of Country Club Drive from R-2 (Multi-Family
Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Casso
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Bruni
65. Public hearing concerning the application by Graciela Botello to
amend the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning 5.332 acres out of Porcion 25, Abstract 50, as further
described by metes and bounds, located on Del Mar Boulevard east
of the Winfield Subdivision from R-1 (Single Family Residential
District) to B-1 (Limited Business District).
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning 5.332 acres out of Porcion 25, Abstract 50, as
further described by metes and bounds, located on Del Mar
Boulevard east of the Winfield Subdivision from R-1 (Single
Family Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Business District);
providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mr. Tomas Ramirez spoke in favor of the zone change request.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Guerra
66. Public hearing concerning the application by Graciela Botello to
amend the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning 3.1 acres out of Porcion 25, Abstract 50, as further
described by metes and bounds, located on Del Mar Boulevard east
of the Winfield Subdivision from R-1 (Single Family Residential
District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District).
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning 3.1 acres out of Porcion 25, Abstract 50, as
further described by metes and bounds, located on Del Mar
Boulevard east of the Winfield Subdivision from R-1 (Single
Family Residential District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential
District); providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Guerra
67. Public hearing concerning the application by Robert Muller, LTD.,
to amend the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lots 1, 2, and 3, Block 10, Interamerica Distribution
Park, Phase V, located on Killam Industrial Boulevard east of
Atlanta Drive, from M-1 (Light Manufacturing District) to R-2
(Multi-Family Residential District).
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lots 1, 2, and 3, Block 10, Interamerica
Distribution Park, Phase V, located on Killam Industrial
Boulevard east of Atlanta Drive, from M-1 (Light Manufacturing
District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District); providing
for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Perez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Alvarado
68. Public hearing concerning an ordinance amending Section 31-92(A)
pertaining to the schedule of Sewer Rates of Chapter 31
(Utilities) of the Code of Ordinances by increasing the minimum
rate from $5.50 to $8.50, for residential customers; and from
$10.00 to $13.00, for commercial customers; increasing the
escalating rate structure by approximately 14 percent for
commercial and residential customers; and providing for
publication and effective date.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending Section 31-92(A) pertaining to the schedule of
Sewer Rates of Chapter 31 (Utilities) of the Code of Ordinances
by increasing the minimum rate from $5.50 to $8.50, for
residential customers; and from $10.00 to $13.00, for commercial
customers; increasing the escalating rate structure by
approximately 14 percent for commercial and
residential customers; and providing for publication and
effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Perez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 5 Against: 3 Abstain: 0
Cm. Perez Cw. Moreno
Cm. Bruni Cm. Valdez
Cm. Casso Cw. Montalvo
Cm. Guerra
Cm. Alvarado
Ordinance Introduction: City Council except Cw. Moreno,
Cm. Valdez, and Cw. Montalvo
69. Public hearing concerning an ordinance amending Chapter 12 of the
Code of Ordinances of the City of Laredo entitled Fire Prevention
and Protection, by creating a new Article III, entitled
Industrial Districts and a new section 12-61, entitled
"Industrial District Designation", and creating a new section 12-
62. Authorizing a methodology for allocation of Fire Protection
Costs; authorizing the City Manager to enter into and execute
said "Industrial District" Fire-Fighting Services contracts on
behalf of the City of Laredo, and providing for publication and
effective date.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending Chapter 12 of the Code of Ordinances of the
City of Laredo entitled Fire Prevention and Protection, by
creating a new Article III, entitled Industrial Districts and a
new section 12-61, entitled "Industrial District Designation",
and creating a new section 12-62. Authorizing a methodology for
allocation of Fire Protection Costs; authorizing the City manager
to enter into and execute said "Industrial District" Fire-
Fighting Services contracts on behalf of the City of Laredo, and
providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Rene Garcia representing various warehouses expressed concern if
and when this is going to happen and if this is fair and
equitable. He asked the question if they will be footing the
bill for everybody in the county and that 30 days was not enough
to study this issue at length. He wants time to sit down and
look at the numbers and is concerned if they will be getting the
service and if they will pay the fees that an immunity to
annexation clause be provided.
Evan J. Quiroz, owner of eight (8) acres in UNITEC Park, spoke
against the adoption of fire protection costs for the industrial
parks and he urged council to get back to the original contract
which is more equitable.
Gene Belmares expressed his concern over the extra charges to be
assessed and asked that council should contract with the county
with an equitable amount. He also asked that Cm. Bruni abstain
from voting because of business ties he has with county
businesses.
Aldo Tatangelo stated that this is not a valid contract and was
against the contract. He added that the county should have their
own fire station and that it is not fair to the City of Laredo
taxpayers.
Florencio Pe¤a, Interim City Manager, reported that staff had
identified three industrial districts (Unitec, Pinto Valle, and
Commerce Center) and have come up with three methodology
alternatives.
Conrado Hein, Finance Director, explained the methodology with
adjusted tax rates. The following were the 3 proposed
protection costs:
1 - $ 0.118484
2 - 0.177726
3 - 0.236967
Mr. Alberto Magnon, representing the Fernando & Eduardo Garcia
properties, stated that the owners are ready to pay their fair
share adding that council has to take a stand but not to hold the
owners hostage until the negotiations are settled.
Mr. Murray Basse from the International Commerce Center stated
that council needs to contact the owners of the lots before
committing to any agreements and that the starting point should
be a specific rate to warehouses and not to include vacant lots.
Cm. Bruni stated for the record that there will not be one day
when they will be without service.
Motion to close the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Casso
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to introduce the ordinance with the rate of $0.236967.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Casso
For: 4 Against: 5 Abstain: 0
Cm. Bruni Cm. Perez
Cm. Casso Cw. Moreno
Cm. Alvarado Cm. Valdez
Cw. Montalvo Cm. Guerra
Mayor Ramirez voted against the introduction of the ordinance to
break the tie.
Motion to introduce the ordinance with the rate of $0.118484.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Perez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
70. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo's 1996-1997 budget in
the amount of thirty thousand five hundred fifty nine dollars
($30,559) to reflect expenditures for the purchase of equipment
for the Laredo Police Department and authorizing the City Manager
to implement said budget.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1996-1997 budget in the
amount of thirty thousand five hundred fifty nine dollars
($30,559) to reflect expenditures for the purchase of equipment
for the Laredo Police Department and authorizing the City Manager
to implement said budget.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Casso
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 1
Cm. Perez
71. Public hearing concerning an ordinance amending the City of
Laredo's Special Police Program 1996-1997 budget in the amount of
$96,228.00, for a supplemental grant to the Cops Ahead Grant from
the U.S. Department of Justice for the first year funding of the
"Universal Hiring" Program for the period of October 1, 1996
through September 30, 1997, and authorizing the Interim City
Manager to implement said budget.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's Special Police Program
1996-1997 budget in the amount of $96,228.00, for a supplemental
grant to the Cops Ahead Grant from the U.S. Department of
Justice for the first year funding of the "Universal Hiring"
Program for the period of October 1, 1996 through September 30,
1997, and authorizing the Interim City Manager to implement said
budget.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
72. Public hearing concerning approval of an amendment to the
contract with the Texas Department of Health and a budget in the
amount of $192,828, for the Tuberculosis Prevention/ Control
Projects of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period
beginning January 1, 1997, through December 31, 1997.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Approval of an amendment to the contract with the Texas
Department of Health and a budget in the amount of $192,828, for
the period beginning January 1, 1997, through December 31, 1997;
and increasing Revenue Line Item No. 226-0000-323-4071 from $0 to
$192,828.00, and Expenditure Line Item No. 226-6057 from $0 to
$192,828.00.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
73. Public hearing to transfer Designated Fund Balance for
contingencies to Unreserved Fund Balance and amending the City of
Laredo's 1996-1997 General Fund budget to appropriate from the
Unreserved Fund Balance $288,000 as a Reserve Appropriation for
Capital Improvements to be used only upon the prior approval of
City Council and authorizing the City Manager to implement said
budget.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance to transfer Designated Fund Balance for contingencies
to Unreserved Fund Balance and amending the City of Laredo's
1996-1997 General Fund budget to appropriate from the Unreserved
Fund Balance $288,000 as a Reserve Appropriation for Capital
Improvements to be used only upon the prior approval of City
Council and authorizing the City Manager to implement said
budget.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Perez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 1 Abstain: 0
Cw. Moreno
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
XIII. MOTION TO RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MASS TRANSIT BOARD
Motion to recess as City Council and convene as the Laredo Mass
Transit Board.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
74. Approval of change no. 3, an increase of $430,730.00 to the
Intermodal Transit Center construction contract with Ramex
Construction Company, Houston, Texas, for the finish-out
improvements to the Intercity Bus Service Facility of the
Intermodel Transit Center. Current construction contract amount
is $8,511,282.09. Funding is available in the Transit System
Improvements other than Building - Transit Center. Motion to
approve change no. 3, an increase of $430,730.00 to the
Intermodal Transit Center construction contract with Ramex
Construction Company, for the finish-out improvements to the
Intercity Bus Service Facility of the Intermodel Transit Center.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 1 Abstain: 0
Cm. Guerra
75. Approval of change no. 4, an increase of $188,068.71 to the
Intermodal Transit Center construction contract with Ramex
Construction Company, Houston, Texas, for the Laredo finish-out
improvements of the east tower tower's second and third level
floors redesigned for relocation of City of Laredo Offices,
installation of a four inch PVC Conduit required for the City of
Laredo's I-Net System, and miscellaneous electrical and
architectural revisions. Current construction contract amount is
$8,699,350.81. Funding is available in the Transit System
Improvements other than Building -Transit Center.
Motion to approve change no. 4, an increase of $188,068.71 to the
Intermodal Transit Center construction contract with Ramex
Construction Company.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 1 Abstain: 0
Cm. Guerra
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn. Time: 10:45 p.m.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE MINUTES CONTAINED IN PAGES 01 TO 45
ARE TRUE COMPLETE AN CORRECT PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETGING HELD ON THE 2ND DAY OF DECEMBER, 1996. A CERTIFIED COPY IS ON
FILE AT THE CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE.
________________________
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR.
CITY SECRETARY