CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS
5:30 P.M.
MINUTES
M97-R-16 MAY 5, 1997
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
IN 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, " , DISTRICT V
JOE A. GUERRA, " , DISTRICT VI
MARIO GEORGE ALVARADO, " , DISTRICT VII
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR., CITY SECRETARY
FLORENCIO PENA, CITY MANAGER
JAIME L. FLORES, CITY ATTORNEY
ABSENCES:
Motion to excuse Cw. Montalvo.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Casso was not present, he joined the meeting at 5:40 p.m.
Motion to waive the rules of order and move up item IX.A, B,
X.A(1).
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to waive the rules and move item X.C(4)
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Casso
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to waive the rules and move item D(1).
Moved :
Second:
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IV. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
2. Amending Section 2-17 of Article II, Chapter 2 of the code
of ordinances to create a utilities billing division in the
Utilities Department, and to create a Tax Assessing and
Collection Division in the Tax Department. This amendment
will restructure the Tax and Utilities Departments by moving
the utilities billing function to the Utilities department.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
3. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with United
Exports Trading Association (U.E.T.A.) of Texas, Inc., for
approximately 2,526 square feet out of Lot 10, Block 22, in
the Western Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas,
lying North of the concrete pavement connecting Salinas
Street with Water Street.
1. Lease term is for three (3) years commencing on April
21, 1997 and ending April 20, 2000,
2. Monthly rent will be $720.00, providing for effective
date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
V. FINAL READINGS
Motion to waive the final reading of ordinance 97-O-099,
97-O-100, 97-O-101, 97-O-102, 97-O-103, 97-O-104, and
97-O-105.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mayor Protem Casso was chairing the meeting and Cw. Moreno
was out temporarily.
4. 97-O-099 Ordinance amending the zoning ordinance (Map) of
the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 7, Block 1744,
Eastern Division, located at 2806 Cross Street,
from R-2 (Multi-Family District) to R-3 (Mixed
Residential District); providing for publication
and effective date. (Jose R. Perez Jr.)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-099.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
5. 97-O-100 Ordinance amending the zoning ordinance (Map) of
the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 9, Block 623,
Eastern Division, located at 520 McPherson Avenue,
from M-1 (Light Manufacturing District) to R-3
(Mixed Residential District), providing for
publication and effective date. (Joe A. Guerra)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-100.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
6. 97-O-101 Ordinance authorizing the issuance of a Conditional
Use Permit for warehousing of bagged sand on 15,940
square feet of the North 1/2 of the Texas Mexican
Railway Company Right-of-Way through Block 1082,
Eastern Division, as further described by metes and
bounds, located at 701 Buena Vista Avenue;
providing for publication and effective date.
(Jose R. Perez)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-101.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
7. 97-O-102 Ordinance amending the zoning ordinance (Map) of
the City of Laredo by rezoning the South 1/2 of the
Southwest 1/4 of Block 40, Calton Garden
Subdivision, located at 4601 San Francisco Avenue,
from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1
(Limited Business District); providing for
publication and effective date. (Joe A. Guerra)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-102.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
8. 97-O-103 Ordinance the zoning ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 1, Salazar
Distribution Center, located at 14002 Mines Road,
from B-1 (Limited Business District) to M-1 (Light
Manufacturing District); providing for publication
and effective date. (Consuelo Montalvo)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-103.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
9. 97-O-104 Ordinance authorizing the issuance of a Conditional
Use Permit for a pawn shop on Lot 10, Block 46,
Western Division, located at 1019 Farragut Street;
providing for publication and effective date.
(Consuelo Montalvo)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-104.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
10. 97-O-105 Ordinance authorizing the issuance of a Conditional
Use Permit for a jewelry only pawn shop on Lot 4
and the South 8.56 Feet of Lot 3, Block 9, Western
Division, located at 1102 Zaragoza Street;
providing for publication and effective date.
(Consuelo Montalvo)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-105.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VI. RESOLUTIONS
11. 97-R-050 Opposing Senate Bill 1937 which will severely limit
a local government's right to manage their right-
of-ways.
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-050.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. MOTIONS
12. Approval of a preliminary plan for the Three Points
Affordable Housing Project as prepared by Sanchez and Sanchez
Architects for 32 single family affordable housing dwellings
for low income applicants ranging from $12,000.00, to
$15,000.00/annual income. These homes will be located in an
area bounded by Piedra China on the north, Mercer on the
south, New York on the west and Canada on the east. The
preliminary plan includes one (1) floor plan and four (4)
different elevations (facades). At the March 3, 1997,
meeting, City Council directed staff to develop a project to
provide housing for low income families (those earning
between $12,000.00 and $15,000.00 annually). Staff is
seeking City Council authorization to proceed.
Cm. Perez stated that on a previous meeting it was set up
that these homes were to be built, then they would go through
the process of who would qualify and he had requested then,
that staff look as to how people living in flood areas would
be given the first option of qualifying them as flood victims
or something to that effect.
Erasmo Villarreal of Community Development stated that since
that date some drainage improvements have been done to that
area and there has been no flooding.
Cm. Perez stated he does not have a concern with the drainage
problem, only that these people need to be given the
opportunity to get out of there if they need to. He still
wants these people to get priority or first choice for those
affordable housing if they qualify.
Mr. Pe¤a stated they need to look at this issue more closely,
it is not a relocation type of activity, but if there is
another way to do that they will identify what those areas
are and will bring back a report.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
13. Approval of plans and specifications as prepared by Frank
Architects, Inc., and authorization to advertise for bids
from general contractors for 50 single family affordable
housing dwellings for low and moderate income applicants for
the Los Obispos Affordable Housing Project Phase I, to be
located on Block 2, Lots 1-50 at Los Obispos Subdivision,
Unit V. The final plans include six (6) different floor plans
and six (6) different front elevations (facades) for a home
of approximately 1,100 square feet. A tentative bid award is
scheduled for June 23, 1997.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
14. Approval of bid specifications and authorization to advertise
for bids for the following:
a) uniforms - Police/Fire Departments/Bridge System
b) lawn maintenance services - Utilities Department/Bridge
System
c) purchase of a submersible sewage pump -Utilities
Department - Wastewater Treatment Division.
A tentative bid award is scheduled for June 16, 1997.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
15. Approval of construction plans and specifications and
authorization to advertise for bids for the Alma Pierce
Drainage Improvements. The project consists of extending an
existing storm sewer along Logan Avenue from San Carlos
Street to Ryan Street in order to improve the drainage around
Alma Pierce Elementary School. A tentative bid award is
scheduled for June 16, 1997.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
16. Approval of construction plans and specifications and
authorization to advertise for bids 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. A tentative bid
award is scheduled for June 16, 1997.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
17. Award of a contract to the LOW BIDDER, Gillespie Ford, San
Antonio, Texas, in the amount of $20,820.00, for the purchase
of one 3/4 ton truck for the Community Development
Department. This vehicle will be equipped with a CNG bi-fuel
fueling system. Funding is available in the department's
capital outlay budget and will be used by the newly
established graffiti removal crew. A total of two bids were
received for a bi-fueled vehicle, while a total of three bids
were received for a conventionally fueled vehicle. Delivery
is anticipated within ninety days.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
18. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER, Lucent Technologies
Inc., San Antonio, Texas, in the amount of $53,327.91, for
providing all required materials and installation of a
certified voice and data telecommunications cabling system at
the new Public Library building. The telecommunications
cabling system will support voice and high speed data
communications as well as a Community Antenna TV (CATV)
distribution system and public address system. Funding is
available in the new Main Library Construction Project
Account. A total of three bids were received for this work.
The system will be completed within sixty days.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
19. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER, Brance-Krachy Company,
Inc., Houston, Texas, in the amount of $11,974.00, for the
purchase of two, replacement motors with a gear reducers for
the Utilities Department. These will be installed on #3 and
#4 flocculators at the Jefferson Street Water Treatment
plant. Flocculators mix the chemicals and water during the
second stage of the water treatment process. Funding is
available in the Utilities Department - Water Treatment,
Capital Outlay Account. A total of two bids were received for
this purchase. The motors will be delivered within two
weeks.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
20. Award of annual supply contracts to the LOW BIDDER MEETING
SPECIFICATIONS, U.S. Filter Corporation, Laredo, Texas, in
the estimated amount of $138,648.33, for supplying water line
repair clamps for the Utilities Department. All items will
be purchased on an as need basis. A total of two bids were
received for this purchase. Funding is available in the
Utilities Department - Water Division Account. The contract
pricing is approximately 5% more than the previous contract.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
21. Award of contract to the SOLE SOURCE PROVIDER, New York
Blower, Willbrock, Illinois, in the amount of $15,495.80, for
the purchase of two, replacement fan blowers, for the
Utilities Department. These will be installed at the Zacate
Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant for the removal of hydrogen
sulfide from the primary clarifiers. These blowers create a
vacuum which directs the toxic hydrogen sulfide gases to a
carbon filtering system within the clarifiers. Funding is
available in the Utilities Department - Wastewater Treatment
Capital Outlay Account. Delivery is expected within three
weeks. These blowers are available only from the original
equipment manufacturer.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
22. Award of a construction contract to the LOWEST BIDDER, Pete
Gallegos Paving, Inc., Laredo, Texas, in the amount of
$333,823.00, for the Southgate Pilot Channel Improvements to
be placed over an existing earthen ditch located along the
east side of Canada Avenue, approximately 2,200 linear feet,
and approximately 12 feet wide, from Norton Street to Ireland
Street, curving southwesterly through the drainage easement
located along the east side of New York Street to Southgate
Boulevard. A total of two bids were received for this work.
Funding is available in the Drainage Improvements Southgate
Pilot Channel Account. Construction time is 70 working days.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
23. Award of a construction contract to the LOWEST BIDDER, Ramex
Construction Company, Inc., Houston, Texas, in the amount of
$103,995.00, for the Willow/Chacon Drainage Improvements.
This project consists of the extension of an underground
drainage system to alleviate erosion abutting private
property at mid-block between Texas Avenue and U.S. Highway
83 between Willow and Chacon Streets. A total of two bids
were received for this work. Funding is available in the
Drainage Improvements Willow/Chacon Drainage Improvements
Account. Construction time is 45 working days.
Motion to amend the awarding of the contract by including
the authorization to transfer $46,000 form the Community
Development Block Grant Demolition of Substandard Building in
the 22nd Action Year to cover the total drainage amount.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to approve the contract as amended.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
24. Award of a construction contract to the LOWEST BIDDER MEETING
SPECIFICATIONS, Pete Gallegos Paving, Inc., Laredo, Texas, in
the amount of $313,682.32, for the City of Laredo and Laredo
Independent School District (LISD) Sidewalk Program (13
Schools) for Buenos Aires Elementary, Ochoa/Sanchez
Elementary, J.C. Martin Elementary, D.D. Hachar Elementary,
Kawas Elementary, Ligarde Elementary, Daiches Elementary,
Zachary Elementary, Cigarroa Middle, Memorial Middle, Lamar
Middle, Cigarroa High and Nixon High Schools. The City of
Laredo will pay 50% of the costs as will the Laredo
Independent School District. A total of five bids were
received for this work. Funding is available in the Capital
Improvement Fund School Sidewalks Account and in the
Community Development Department. Construction time is 90
working days.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
Cm. Alvarado withdrew his second.
Paragon Builders, represented by John Charles, argued that
Paragon was the lowest bidder.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, stated that where there is a
conflict between words and numbers, that the words would
govern the bid amounts.
Motion to table for the next meeting to clarify the bid
amount of Paragon Builders.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 4 Against: 0 Abstain: 1
Cm. Perez
25. Approval of change order no. 3, a net increase of $18,201.49,
to the construction contract with Ramex Construction Company,
Houston, Texas, for
a) the installation of two (2) additional security cameras
and various other miscellaneous items
b) to delete the circulation desk screen, and
c) a savings on the interior signage
at the City of Laredo New Main Library. This change order
will also add 87 calendar days to the contract consisting of
21 calendar days for bad weather plus 66 calendar days for
the additional work required for change order no. 3. The
project is scheduled for completion by October 1997.
Original contract amount was $5,641,000.00. This change
order will bring the total to $5,760,003.00. Funding is
available in the New Main Library Buildings Capital Outlay
Account.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
26. Awarding a professional consulting services contract for an
amount not to exceed $126,720.00, to Carter and Burgess,
Inc., Houston, Texas, to develop a Comprehensive Stormwater
Management Ordinance(s) and Best Management Practices (BMP)
guidance manual, as required by the City's National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater requirements.
These ordinances and the BMP guidance manual will govern the
criteria regarding special use permits for detention/
retention ponds, and are the initiation of the Stormwater
Master Planning Process. A total of four firms responded to
the City's request for proposals. Funding is available in
the Environmental Engineering Division.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VIII. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
27. Presentation regarding the status of the lease with the
Laredo Children's Museum.
Florencio Pe¤a, City Manager, stated that there were six
areas of concern with the lease agreement as presented by the
attorney for the Children's Museum. The concerns were:
(1) The operational costs associated with the structure,
apparently the representatives would like the city to pay the
utilities, the ground maintenance, and the building
maintenance. These are items not in the budget and they will
have an impact.
(2) The right of first refusal. The city attorney has some
concerns about the proposed wording.
(3) The non-payment of taxes. Mr. Pe¤a stated that the city
cannot waive taxes, if it is required by state law to pay
taxes then they have to pay them, but he is not sure what the
state law says in reference to non-profit status.
(4) There is a clause in the agreement that makes reference
to sub-leasing. The city should have complete control as to
whether the property is to be sub-leased.
(5) There is a question regarding metes and bounds
description that is not available. They cannot enter into a
lease today, because there is no metes and bounds description
of the property. They will have to conduct a survey to
parcel that out.
(6) Since this property was bought with bond money which was
intended for the purpose of constructing a library, they
would have to conduct a research and determine whether or not
a museum would be an eligible use under the intent of this
bond issue.
Ken Valls, attorney for the Children's Museum, stated that
they may be satisfied with a 25 year lease with a 25 year
option; they will provide the meets and bounds description to
the City Attorney; the sub-leasing needs to be done in order
to provide exhibit space for exhibitors from all over the
country, any other type of sub-lease would have to be
approved by the Council; ad valorem taxes are exempt for this
agency; and that the maintenance of grounds is not an
important issue and they will negotiate with staff.
Motion to direct staff to proceed with a contract formulation
and bring back to Council by May 19th.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
28. Amending the HOME Investment Partnerships Program Policy and
Procedures Manual as it pertains to Downpayment Assistance
Program. The following are the proposed changes:
a) increase the loan amount of $2,500.00, up to a maximum of
$3,000.00,
b) eliminate the 50% match required from the applicant,
c) decrease the 5% interest on the principal loan amount to
0%, and
d) define the deferred payment period to 3 years. After the
deferment period, the eligible borrower(s) will start making
payments on the Downpayment Assistance Loan as per a
predetermined schedule based on the loan amount. There will
not be any prepayment penalties. The repayment period may not
exceed five years. A second Lien Deed of Trust with Vendor's
Lien and Real Estate Lien Note will be recorded against the
property being purchased. The property should remain
affordable for a period of five years. This program is
Citywide and may be used towards the purchase of an existing
or a newly constructed home. The proposed changes will allow
the Citywide program to coincide with the recently approved
Concord Hills Downpayment Assistance Program by providing
qualifying applicants with assistance of up to $3,000.00.
Chris Arthur, representing the Builders Association, asked
council to wait on any recommendation until they have time to
inform the community on how the various programs work and
save the City money.
Motion amending the HOME Investment Partnerships Program
Policy and Procedures Manual as it pertains to Downpayment
Assistance Program.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
The second was withdrawn.
Motion to table.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mayor Ramirez returned to join the council, 8:10 p.m.
He had left at 7:10 p.m.
29. Presentation regarding the status of the City's National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater
discharge requirements and acceptance of the permit issued by
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in compliance
with 40 CFR 122 and 124.
Raj Guntner, Environmental Engineer, made the presentation
before the council. A detail of the requirements is avail-
able for review in the agenda book.
Motion to accept a draft permit as issued by United States
Environmental Protection Agency in compliance with 40 CFR 122
and 124 and comply with the permit conditions.
Moved : Cm. Casso
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
30. Presentation regarding the status of the detention pond
ordinance. An ordinance will be introduced at a subsequent
meeting which will provide for the concrete lining of the
detention pond's embankment.
Raj Guntner, Environmental Engineer, gave a report to the
council stating that a draft of the proposed ordinance was
included in the agenda book for their review and that this
draft will be presented before Planning & Zoning Commission.
31. Discussion and possible action regarding proposed partial
settlement agreement in Cause No. C-95-00259-D2 styled
Jacaman Investment Group LTD., et al. v. City of Laredo with
possible executive session for consultation with City
Attorney, as per Section 551.071 of the Texas Government
Code.
Motion to go into executive session under Section 551.071 of
the Texas Government Code.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to instruct the City Manager and Legal Department to
proceed with settlement.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IX. COMMUNICATIONS
a. Recognizing Les Norton and Dennis Longoria for their
exemplary service to the City of Laredo Fire Fighters' and
Police Officers' Civil Service Commission. Their service to
the City is 16 and 11 years respectively.
Mayor Ramirez recognized Les Norton for his 18 years, as
corrected by Mr. Norton, of exemplary service to the City of
Laredo.
Dennis Longoria was not present.
b. Recognizing the Department of Public Works for their receipt
of the Texas Clean Cities 2000 award.
Mayor Ramirez recognized Raj Guntner from Environmental
Engineering Department and Joe Guerra, Public Works Director
for this award.
c. City Manager Pe¤a announced that there will be a visit by
several officials from the State of Nuevo Leon on issues that
relate to Solidarity Bridge at 6:30 p.m. at Colombia. The
following individuals will be present:
Lic. Fernando Canales Clariond -
candidate for Governor of Nuevo Leon
Jesus Hinojosa - Mayor of Monterrey
Lic. Aldalberto Nunez - Mayor of San Nicolas de los Garza
Senator Mauricio Fernandez
Senator Lic. Luis Santos de la Garza
Lic. Consuelo Botello - Federal Representative
Lic. Jorge Padilla - Ferderal Representative
Lic. Jose Luis Coindreau
Raul Monter
Arq. Antonio Fuentes Flores - coordinator of the event
d. Cm. Alvarado reported on the Laredo Delegation to the Summit
attended in Washington and that a formal report will be
presented at the next council meeting.
e. Cm. Alvarado announced the Mothers Day Concert set for May
8th from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Civic Center free of
admission to the public.
f. Cm. Bruni publicly congratulated El Manana Newspaper owners
on their new office.
Cw. Moreno returned to join the meeting at 8:35 p.m. She had
left at 7:10 p.m.
X. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION AND PRESENTATION
32. Requests by Mayor and City Councilmembers for discussion and
presentation.
A. Requests by Mayor Saul N. Ramirez, Jr.
1. Recognizing the participation of City of Laredo employees in
the 1996-1997 United Way Campaign.
Mayor Ramirez recognized Mrs. Phyllis Colon for her work in
the United Way Campaign who in turned presented the following
awards to various city departments:
The Silver Award to: Police, Airport, Traffic, Bridge, Civic
Center, Health, Public Works, and Finance.
The Golden Award to: Fire, Traffic, City Secretary, and City
Manager.
Mrs. Colon received the Volunteer of the Week Award and the
Mucho Mass Award from the Board of Directors.
B. Requests by Councilmember Louis H. Bruni
1. Status report on the Air Passenger Survey conducted by the
City of Laredo's airport consultant Vesta Rae Associates,
with possible action.
Mr. Jose Flores, Airport Director, and Bill Bouldin,
Marketing Director, made the presentation before the council.
The survey confirms that an extraordinary number of Laredoans
routinely travel to San Antonio to begin their air travel.
Of every 15 air tickets purchased by Laredoans, 8 are bought
here and 7 are bought in San Antonio. The survey revealed
that local air travel is predominantly business oriented, as
opposed to pleasure oriented. Both business and pleasure
travelers listed ticket cost as the main reason they chose to
fly from San Antonio. Dallas and Houston were the principal
destination of the survey's respondents, followed by Las
Vegas, San Antonio, and Mexico City.
A detail report is available for review in the agenda book.
2. Staff presentation regarding a cost proposal for the
inclusion of Ponderosa Street into a current paving program,
with possible action.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported the following cost
estimate:
Street Reconstruction : $39,510.00
Street Overlay ........: 16,170.00
Concrete Valley Gutters: 12,800.00
Subtotal .....: $68,480.00
Testing/Contingencies : 6,848.00
Engineering ...........: 6,848.00
Total ........: $82,176.00
Mayor Ramirez suggested that Public Works continues the with
the repairs until we can find monies to include it into a
paving/reconstruction project.
3. Staff presentation regarding a proposal to deal with the
problem of vehicles accessing Casa Blanca Road from Clubview
Drive.
Mr. Luis Landin, Traffic Manager, stated that he had talked
to Mr. Cliff Wilson, Webb County Road & Bridge Director, and
that they had closed the road together with the assistance
from Joe Guerra, Public Works Director, who placed cables to
barricade the road. He reported that Mr. Haynes would not
participate in any manner.
C. Requests by Councilmember Alfonso I. Casso
1. Discussion and possible action regarding the landfill and the
possibility of producing electricity.
Joe Guerra, Public Works Director, reported that the City of
Laredo government buildings and property pay $4.5 million to
CP&L per year on electricity payments while we receive about
$2 million in franchise fees. He added that there are 155
plants in the U.S. while Japan has 42. These plants burn
everything. The estimated cost of a waste to energy plant is
about $60 million. He concluded by giving Cm. Casso a
brochure with additional information.
2. Discussion and possible action regarding the planting of
cypress trees on Meadow Street in front of both cemeteries.
Cm. Casso suggested that the city considers planting a row of
trees along Meadow and requested that staff comes back with
costs.
Mayor Ramirez requested for staff to provide a cost estimate
for a wrought iron fence along Meadow.
3. Discussion and possible action regarding the parking of
tractor trailers in residential areas.
Cm. Casso stated that he has received numerous complaints and
that our ordinances are not being enforced and it's getting
out of hand.
Richard Perez, Assistant to the City Manager, stated that
staff and Legal Department are in the process of developing a
comprehensive ordinance and they will report to council by
the May 19th meeting.
4. Discussion and possible action regarding the collection of
city taxes by the county.
(Co-sponsored by Councilman Louis H. Bruni)
Cm. Casso stated for the record that an EEOC complaint by
Phyllis Colon was not filed against him nor Cm. Bruni, that
the complaint had been filed against the City Manager only.
Patricia Barrera, Webb County Tax Assessor/Collector, made a
report to the council on the handling of city tax collections
by her office. She reported that an estimated cost of $1.08
per parcel would be the charged to the city for those
services.
Cm. Casso wanted a report from staff on whether we can save
money and how much by contracting with Ms. Barrera and a
report from Mrs. Colon on whether she will need more staff.
5. Discussion and possible action regarding the repaving of
Malinche Street.
Cm. Casso stated that there are two things which need to be
done 1) on Malinche and Willow, Ramex Construction is
destroying residents' front yards. 2) on Malinche Street he
noticed that they are resurfacing certain areas, but when
they get to Guatemozin they stop, the curbs are not complete.
He wants the projects to be finished, he will provide staff
with the names and addresses of the residents, and wants to
see if it can be included in one of the paving projects.
Staff will look at that the section of Malinche from
Guatemozin to Chacon and will come back to council with cost
estimates and a time table.
6. Discussion and possible action regarding the proposed dam by
Webb County.
Cm. Casso stated that he placed this item on the agenda
because the county has taken the lead and believes that the
city should be involved and we should include other cities
especially those upstream. He would also like to invite Raul
Sanchez from St. Mary's University School of Law due to his
knowledge on this item.
Mayor Ramirez told Cm. Casso that he would go to the county
to take an official position.
D. Requests by Councilmember Joe A. Guerra
1. Discussion and possible action concerning a presentation by
Dr. Hector Farias regarding international trade.
Motion to support the following two positions presented by
Dr. Farias:
I. Taxation of international trade services.
The attempt to tax services of freight forwarders, customs
brokers, transportation companies, warehousing, and
distribution was narrowly averted in the House (HB 4).
However, we remain concerned that this issue might be re-
introduced in the Senate version of this legislation. We are
strongly opposed to the taxation of international trade
services and are convinced that Laredo would be negatively
impacted by any such levy.
II. Elimination of Export Certifications.
The House passed HB 4 with language that eliminates the
ability of Mexican walk-in shoppers to obtain export
certifications from customs brokers as a means to obtain a
refund for the sales taxes they have paid on their purchases.
Elimination of this exemption would severely damage our
retail industry, since it would be tantamount to another peso
devaluation (of 8.25% to be exact).
We support the recommendations of the Coalition of Texas
Customs Brokers as presented to State Comptroller John Sharp.
We are concerned that the Senate and final versions of this
legislation will eliminate this exemption to the detriment of
Laredo's retail industry.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Note: Mayor Ramirez left at 7:10 and Mayor Protem Casso was
chairing the meeting.
E. Requests by Councilmember Mario G. Alvarado
1. Discussion and possible action requesting traffic department
staff to review the traffic light signals change sequence
from Del Mar Boulevard and Santa Maria up to Del Mar and
Springfield in order to help improve the flow of traffic.
(Co-sponsored by Joe A. Guerra)
Luis Landin, Traffic Manager, reported that on April 20th the
controller was down and replaced by 1:00 a.m. and was
reprogrammed as before and is presently working fine.
2. Discussion and possible action requesting traffic department
staff to meet with Farias School Administrators to work on a
temporary road block plan during the schools pickup and
dropoff hours.
Mr. Landin reported that he will meet with Farias School
Administrators.
3. Discussion and possible action requesting traffic department
staff for street crossing lines for Farias Elementary School.
Mr. Landin stated that he will work with them and is
presently in the process of placing cross walks.
4. Discussion and possible action requesting Public Works to
setup a schedule for street sweeper maintenance along the
Mines Road area.
Mayor Ramirez stated that the maintenance responsibility of
Mines Road belongs to the State.
Florencio Pe¤a, City Manager, stated that he will check with
Villarreal from TxDOT on this matter and will report on any
discussions with him.
5. Report from Public Works on repair work scheduled for San
Lorenzo Street at the 8300 block area.
Joe Guerra, Public Works Director, stated that San Lorenzo
does not have a black base. He would have to dig it up and
place 6 inches of black base. He will provide a cost
estimate for emergency repairs.
F. Requests by Councilmember Consuelo "Chelo" Montalvo
1. Discussion and possible action to maintain branch library
services at Bruni Plaza.
Motion to table.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
33. Public hearing concerning the adoption of an ordinance
setting the rates to be charged by El Metro for parking at
the Laredo Transit Center, located at 1300 Farragut Street,
Laredo, Texas, and for various miscellaneous fees related to
contract parking as follows:
a) daily parking rate shall be $1.50 per hour or portion
thereof, subject to a daily maximum of $7.50.
b) Contract parking rate shall be $75.00, per month. $40.00,
shall be charged for the initial month of a contract if it
begins on or after the 16th day of the month. Otherwise,
no proportion of the monthly rate shall apply at either
the beginning or end of a contract term.
c) The following miscellaneous fees shall also apply:
1) refundable key deposit: $10.00,
2) replacement charge for damaged key: $10.00,
3) replacement charge for lost key: $25.00.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance setting the rates to be charged by El Metro for
parking at the Laredo Transit Center, located at 1300
Farragut Street, Laredo, Texas, and for various miscellaneous
fees related to contract parking as follows:
a) daily parking rate shall be $1.50 per hour or portion
thereof, subject to a daily maximum of $7.50.
b) Contract parking rate shall be $75.00, per month. $40.00,
shall be charged for the initial month of a contract if it
begins on or after the 16th day of the month. Otherwise,
no proportion of the monthly rate shall apply at either
the beginning or end of a contract term.
c) The following miscellaneous fees shall also apply:
1) refundable key deposit: $10.00,
2) replacement charge for damaged key: $10.00,
3) replacement charge for lost key: $25.00.
Providing for publication and a July 4, 1997, effective
date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mr. Mark Conway and Mr. Mario Perez appeared before the
council stating that they were representing downtown
organizations. They felt that the monthly rate is excessive
and wanted council to make it more affordable to the downtown
employees.
Mayor Ramirez replied that he would like to meet with them
along with Cw. Montalvo to discuss this issue.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
34. Public hearing regarding the adoption of the Los Dos Laredos
Environmental Management Plan. The environmental plan is a
bi-national planning project developed jointly by staff in
Laredo, Texas and Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas.
97-R-049 Resolution authorizing the adoption of Los Dos
Laredos Environmental Management Plan, a Bi-
National planning project.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mary Mahoney, from the Planning Department, made the
presentation before the council.
There was no public input.
Motion to adopt resolution 97-R-049.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to close the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XII. MOTION TO RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MUNICIPAL HOUSING
CORPORATION
Motion to recess as City Council and convene as The Laredo
Municipal Housing Corporation.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
35. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER, Leyendecker Lumber,
Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $23,928.00, for the purchase
of approximately 1,200 cases of floor tile. Orders will be
placed on a monthly basis (100 cases per month) and installed
by Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation staff at the Jose A.
Flores and Tomas Flores Apartment complexes. Funding is
available in the LMHC's Capital Outlay Account. A total of
six bids were received for this purchase. The contract is
approximately 6% less than the previous contract price.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to adjourn as The Laredo Municipal Housing and convene
as Laredo Mass Transit Board.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XIII. MOTION TO RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MASS TRANSIT BOARD
36. Award of contracts to the LOW BIDDER Autophone of Laredo,
Inc., Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $20,160.00, for the
purchase and installation of fifteen mobile radios for the
new transit buses.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to adjourn as The Laredo Mass Transit Board and
convene as City Council.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Casso
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Adjournment time: 9:55 p.m.
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE MINUTES CONTAINED IN PAGES 01 TO 24
ARE TRUE COMPLETE AND CORRECT PROCEEDING OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING HELD ON THE 5TH DAY OF MAY, 1997. A CERTIFIED COPY IS ON FILE
AT THE CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE.
________________________
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR.
CITY SECRETARY