CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS
5:30 P.M.
MINUTES
M-97-R-29 AUGUST 25, 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, JR., 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 G. ALVARADO, " , DISTRICT VII
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR., CITY SECRETARY
FLORENCIO PENA, CITY MANAGER
JAIME L. FLORES, CITY ATTORNEY
ABSENCES:
Motion to excuse Cw. Montalvo due to illness.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to waive the regular order of business and move up item X-A(1) for
consideration.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IV. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
2. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a partial release of covenant
for the Southgate Subdivision, Unit II-A, Phase II Planned Unit
Development. This release will allow the developer to proceed with
the sale of lots in this development.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
V. FINAL READINGS
Motion to waive the final reading of ordinance(s) #97-O-189, #97-O-190,
#97-O-191, #97-O-192, #97-O-193, and #97-O-194.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
3. 97-O-189 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Dynair
CFE Services, Inc., for approximately 416 square feet
constituting Building #168.
1. Lease term is for one (1) year commencing May 1, 1997 and
ending April 30, 1998 and be extended for one (1) year
ending April 30, 1999.
2. Monthly rent shall be $425.00 and will be adjusted
annually during the primary and extension term of this
lease according to changes in the Consumer Price Index.
Previous monthly rent was $369.51. Leased premises are
used for air freight operations. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-189.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
4. 97-O-190 Closing as a public easement a 513.1 square foot parcel of
land, more or less, out of the 1000 Block of Baltimore
Street between Flores and San Agustin Avenues and the 3500
Block of Flores Avenue between Baltimore and Lafayette
Streets, said parcel of land being encroached by the
improvements of the abutting property being Lot 2, Block
901, Western Division, being more particularly described by
metes and bounds, and authorizing the sale of the "surface
only" of said parcel of land at the adjusted fair market
value of $1,026.20, and authorizing the City Manager to
execute all necessary documents to effectively convey fee
simple title to Victor Alvarez and wife Sara A. Alvarez and
Irene R. Sanchez, a single woman. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-190.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
5. 97-O-191 Closing as a public easement a 465.28 square foot parcel of
land, more or less, out of the 1800 Block of Logan Avenue
between Guerrero and Lane Streets, said parcel of land being
encroached by the improvements of the abutting property
being Lot 7, Block 250, Eastern Division, being more
particularly described by metes and bounds, and authorizing
the sale of the "surface only" of said parcel of land at the
adjusted fair market value of $697.92, and authorizing the
City Manager to execute all necessary documents to
effectively convey fee simple title to Adelina de Leon and
Virginia A. Gonzalez. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-191.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
6. 97-O-192 Authorizing the establishment of a limited-time deferred
payment plan for delinquent customers of the utilities
department who declare themselves willing but unable to pay
the full balance on their account, citing hardship, or
extraordinary circumstances. (Joe A. Guerra)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-192.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
7. 97-O-193 Authorizing the Utilities Department to refuse service to
individuals or business entities who owe prior balances for
services received and who attempt to open an account under a
different name or location for the purpose of avoiding
payment of said rendered services; providing for effective
date and publication. (Joe A. Guerra)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-193.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
8. 97-O-194 Ordinance amending the Capital Grant TX-90-X374 budget line
item Bus Purchases; from $900,000.00 to $983,481.00;
appropriating unused FY 95-96 federal operating funds in the
amount of $66,785.00 and applying previously appropriated
transit sales tax funds for bus purchases, in the amount of
$16,696.00, to serve as the 20% match.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-194.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VI. RESOLUTIONS
9. 97-R-087 Authorizing the City Manager of the City of Laredo to submit
a grant application to the Texas Preservation Trust Fund of
the Texas Historical Commission in the amount of $66,666.00;
and authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary
documents.
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-087.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. MOTIONS
10. Authorizing the City Manager to request proposals for engineering
and/or planning of projects to be funded through the 23rd Action Year
(AY) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in anticipation of
funding to be made available October 1, 1997 by the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Proposals will be sought for the
following projects:
1. Gallagher Street Improvements
2. Zacate Creek Beautification Project
3. Sidewalk Program
4. Tinaja/Chacon Pilot Channel, Phase I
5. Paving Project 61 Engineering
6. El Portal Riverfront Feasibility Study
Motion authorizing the City Manager to request proposals for
engineering and/or planning of projects to be funded through the 23rd
Action Year (AY) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in
anticipation of funding to be made available October 1, 1997 by the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Proposals will
be sought for the following projects:
1. Gallagher Street Improvements
2. Zacate Creek Beautification Project
3. Sidewalk Program
4. Tinaja/Chacon Pilot Channel, Phase I
5. Paving Project 61 Engineering
6. El Portal Riverfront Feasibility Study
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
11. Approval of construction plans and specifications and authorization to
advertise for bids for the Laredo Health Department Canopy for
Perimeter of W.I.C. Building located at 2600 Cedar Avenue with
tentative award September 22, 1997. Funding is available in the
Capital Improvement Fund Health Department Canopy Account.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
12. Approval of the construction plans and specifications and
authorization to advertise for bids for the Azteca Neighborhood Park
and Parking Lot Improvements with tentative award on September 22,
1997. Funding is available in community development CDBG Azteca Park.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VIII. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
13. Authorizing the City Manager to submit a proposal to the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) to reimburse the City Airport Fund a
monthly amount of $18,962.25 or $227,547.00 for FY 1997/98 for air
traffic control services at Laredo International Airport. Air traffic
control services for FY 1997/98 are budgeted at $280,000.00. FAA
funding represents approximately 81 percent of the total cost to
operate the air traffic control tower.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
14. Request the City Council Ad Hoc Committee to select a date to meet
with staff to discuss and recommend a possible pay plan revision for
fiscal year 1997/98.
Mayor Ramirez announced that it was the consensus of the City Council
to set the date of September 8th at 5:30 p.m.
15. Request for Executive Session as authorized by Section 551.072 of the
Texas Government Code, to deliberate a proposed exchange of land
between the United States Federal Government and the City of Laredo,
for the local United States Federal Courthouse Building being
described as All of Block 140, Western Division, and located at 1300
Matamoros, for that section of the 1000 Block of Salinas Avenue
between Washington and Victoria Streets.
Motion to go into Executive Session as authorized by Section 551.072
of the Texas Government Code, to deliberate a proposed exchange of
land between the United States Federal Government and the City of
Laredo, for the local United States Federal Courthouse Building being
described as All of Block 140, Western Division, and located at 1300
Matamoros, for that section of the 1000 Block of Salinas Avenue
between Washington and Victoria Streets.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: Abstain: 0
After executive session Mayor Ramirez announced that no formal action
was taken.
16. Request for Executive Session as authorized by Section 551.072 of the
Texas Government Code to deliberate land acquisition relating to the
Laredo Northwest International Bridge (4th Bridge) to be located on
Farm Road 1472.
Motion to go into Executive Session as authorized by Section 551.072
of the Texas Government Code to deliberate land acquisition relating
to the Laredo Northwest International Bridge (4th Bridge) to be
located on Farm Road 1472.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
After Executive Session Mayor Ramirez announced that
no formal action was taken.
17. Request for Executive Session as authorized by Section 551.072 of the
Texas Government Code to deliberate the possible acquisition of
property at the northwest and southwest corners of FM 3464 and IH-35.
Motion to go into Executive Session as authorized by Section 551.072
of the Texas Government Code to deliberate the possible acquisition of
property at the northwest and southwest corners of FM 3464 and IH-35.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
After Executive Session Mayor Ramirez announced that
no formal action was taken.
IX. COMMUNICATIONS
A. Recognizing the hard work and dedication the following individuals
provided to the City of Laredo in the development of the City's
Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Ordinance:
1. Prof. Monica Schurtman
Immigration and Human Rights Clinic
St. Mary's University School of Law
2. Phillip Doyle
Student Attorney
St. Mary's University School of Law
3. Fr. John Moder
President
St. Mary's University
4. Barbara Aldave
Dean, School of Law
St. Mary's University
5. Frank Cardenas
HazMat Inspector
Mayor Ramirez recognized the above mentioned individuals with the
exception of Father John Moder who was not present and presented them
with plaques in recognition for their hard work and vision on an
effective Haz-Mat ordinance.
b. Cm. Alvarado stated he had a discussion with Gilbert Segovia of El
Metro and the Chairperson of the Traffic/Transportation Committee who
stated there were concerns and recommendations made by the
Traffic/Transportation that were forwarded to Mr. Segovia which were
in turn forwarded to the City Manager. The concerns are the truck
traffic on IH-35. The recommendations made by the Traffic & Safety
Committee were done hoping to get some options that Council and staff
can be instructed to look at, to facilitate those problems.
Mayor Ramirez stated they will hear recommendations, take them under
advisement and asked that Cm. Alvarado sponsor the item for next
agenda.
Mr. Humberto Gonzalez, member of the Traffic/Safety Committee stated
that they have had meetings with the Police Department discussing the
issue to curve the problems on IH-35, but that
the recommendations have not been taken seriously. Several
recommendations made include:
(1) Installing a camera on one of the overpasses so that they can see
some of these tractor trailers crossing over or cutting line.
(2) Sometimes the problems persist because PD does not have the ample
manpower. The board recommended that PD go into a quick solution
program which entails the hiring off duty police officers to have
a detail at I-35 from 3:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. which is the time of
congestion at IH-35.
(3) If they can come to an understanding between City Council and the
Police Department to where they can set up a program to let the
Police Department hire these personnel for 60 to 90 days to see
how it works, he believes that some of these problems will be
eliminated.
Mayor Ramirez asked Cm. Alvarado to sponsor this item for
recommendations from staff for the next council meeting.
Police Sgt. Jose Jalomo reported that they are having a hard time in
keeping trucks in line due to the lack of officers.
X. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION AND PRESENTATION
18. Requests by Mayor and City Councilmembers for discussion and
presentation.
A. Requests by Mayor Saul N. Ramirez, Jr.
1. Nominating:
Pete Saenz
Arturo Santos
Rene Herrera
Jose Lara
Bobbie Martinez
to the Laredo Affordable Housing Board.
Motion confirming the nominations.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
19. Public hearing concerning the application by Manuel Vera and Son
authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for sand and gravel
sales/storage, on Lot 7, Block 2003, South Laredo Industrial Park,
located at 2010 Rotary Street. The Planning and Zoning Commission
recommends approval of this Special Use Permit.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for sand an
gravel sales/storage, on Lot 7, Block 2003, South Laredo Industrial
Park, located at 2010 Rotary Street; providing for publication and
effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Keith Selman, Planning Director, made the presentation before the
council.
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Perez
20. Public hearing concerning the application by Daniel Garcia amending
the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 1, 2
and 3, Block 204, Eastern Division, located at 1502 S. Zapata Hwy.,
from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial
District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of
this zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lots 1, 2 and 3, Block 204, Eastern Division, located at 1502
S. Zapata Hwy., from B-3
(Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District);
providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 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: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Perez
21. Public hearing concerning the application by Jose De Jesus Raygoza
amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
Lot 6, Block 1597, Eastern Division, located at 2606 Cross Street,
from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential
District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of
this zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lot 6, Block 1597, Eastern Division, located at 2606 Cross
Street, from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to R-3 (Mixed
Residential District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mr. Juan Barrera stated that he was against the rezoning change.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Perez
22. Public hearing concerning the application by Elodia Chapa amending the
Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 4, Block
1750, Eastern Division, located at 2919 Cross Street, from R-2 (Multi-
Family Residential District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential District). The
Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of this zone
change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lot 4, Block 1750, Eastern Division, located at 2919 Cross
Street, from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to R-3 (Mixed
Residential District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance introduction: Cm. Perez
23. Public hearing concerning the application by Reno Sand and Gravel,
Irma Garcia authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for sand
an gravel sales/storage, on Lot 1, Block 1, Northeast Complex, located
at 1319 Muller Road. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends
approval of this Special Use Permit.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for sand an
gravel sales/storage, on Lot 1, Block 1, Northeast Complex, located at
1319 Muller Road; providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ms. Veronica Garcia, representing Reno Gravel, stated that they
purchased the building for the purpose of have better mobility with
the trucks and asked that council favors the zone change request.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Bruni
24. Public hearing concerning the application by Adolfo Gonzalez, amending
the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 7
and 8, Block 697, Eastern Division, located at 1219 Chihuahua Street,
from R-O (Residential/Office District) to B-1 (Limited Business
District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of
this zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lots 7 and 8, Block 697, Eastern Division, located at 1219
Chihuahua Street, from R-O (Residential/Office 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: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ron Whitehawk, representing Mr. Adolfo Gonzalez, passed a petition to
council favoring the zone change request.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Casso
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Casso
25. Public hearing concerning the application by Myrna I. Sanchez,
amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
all of Block 53, Calton Gardens Subdivision, located at 5400
Springfield Avenue, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-3
(Community Business District). The Planning and Zoning Commission
recommends approval of this zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning all of Block 53, Calton Gardens Subdivision, located at 5400
Springfield Avenue, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-3
(Community Business District). Providing for publication and
effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ron Whitehawk, representing the developers, spoke in favor of the zone
change request.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Guerra
26. Public hearing concerning the application by Jose De Hoyos, amending
the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 5
and 6, Block 1067, Western Division, located at 1020 Tacuba Street,
from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Business
District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of
this zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lots 5 and 6, Block 1067, Western Division, located at 1020
Tacuba Street, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited
Business District). Providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Mayor
Protem Perez was chairing the meeting.
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Alvarado
27. Public hearing amending Section 24.77.1 of the Laredo Development Code
relating to permitted lot dimensions in certain districts, decreasing
the allowable lot area in the R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area
District) from 4500 square feet to 3700 square feet, reduce the
frontage requirement for R-1A from 42 feet to 37 feet, deleting lot
depth requirements in AG, R-1, R-1A, R-2, RS, R-O, and B-1 districts,
providing minimum lot area requirements for lots intended for non-
service oriented uses such as communication towers and off-premise
signs, and providing for the staggering of side lot lines in R-1, R-
1A, R-1MH, R-2, R-3, and R-0 developments; providing for publication
and effective date.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending Section 24.77.1 of the Laredo Development Code
relating to permitted lot dimensions in certain districts, decreasing
the allowable lot area in the R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area
District) from 4500 square feet to 3700 square feet, reduce the
frontage requirement for R-1A from 42 feet to 37 feet, deleting lot
depth requirements in AG, R-1, R-1A, R-2, RS, R-O, and B-1 districts,
providing minimum lot area requirements for lots intended for non-
service oriented uses such as communication towers and off-premise
signs, and providing for the staggering of side lot lines in R-1, R-
1A, R-1MH, R-2, R-3, and R-0 developments; providing for publication
and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 (Mayor
Protem Perez was chairing the meeting)
Mr. Steve Snow spoke in favor of the depth change provisions.
Cm. Casso was opposed to diminishing the standard without further
study.
Motion to close the public hearing, defer this item for the next
council meeting, break up the items, and bring
bring back with recommendations.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
28. Public hearing concerning the application by East House Properties,
Danny Wyers amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo
by rezoning 1.8117 acres, as further described by metes and bounds,
located on the west side of Remington Drive, south of US 59, from R-1
(Single Family Residential District) and B-3 (Community Business
District) to R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District) Planned Unit
Development. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval
of this zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning 1.8117 acres, as further described by metes and bounds,
located on the west side of Remington Drive, south of US 59, from R-1
(Single Family Residential District) and B-3 (Community Business
District) to R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District) Planned Unit
Development; providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mr. Steve Snow spoke in favor of the PUD provision and stressed that
there needs to be some mechanism established.
Mayor Ramirez stated that the charge is clear to staff,
which is to set up a mechanism to allow for the Plan Unit Development
(PUD) to be more amenable to low and moderate income families.
Cw. Moreno said some lots have three foot sidewalks, they do not
comply with ADA requirements.
Mr. Selman said that they need to look at all of these issues. He
stated he will be more diligent in the reviews of the PUD, the
ordinance as it is set up is more flexible in terms of being a design
element. A developer can come in and provide design alternatives,
there are some minimum standards in terms of size in lots for PUD and
other things. He concluded by saying that it allows for flexibility
and design.
Cm. Bruni that the sidewalks issue be addressed.
Motion to close the public hearing, introduce the ordinance, and that
all PUD requests be suspended until they get this changed.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Bruni
29. Public hearing concerning the application by N.W. House Ltd., Steve
Snow, amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning 12.5 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located
south of Killam Industrial Boulevard, west of FM 1472, from R-1A
(Single Family Reduced Area District) to R-1A (Single Family Reduced
Area District) Planned Unit Development. The Planning and Zoning
Commission recommends approval of this zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning 12.5 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located
south of Killam Industrial Boulevard, west of FM 1472, from R-1A
(Single Family Reduced Area District) to R-1A (Single Family Reduced
Area District), Planned Unit Development. Providing for publication
and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mr. Steve Snow spoke in favor.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Perez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Alvarado
30. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo's FY 1996-97 budget by
transferring $485,000.00 from General Fund to Capital Improvement
Fund, and authorizing the City Manager to amend budget for proposed FY
97-98 projects that can be funded in the current fiscal year through
line-item savings. publication and effective date.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's FY 1996-97 budget by
transferring $485,000.00 from General Fund to Capital Improvement
Fund, and authorizing the City Manager to amend budget for proposed FY
97-98 projects that can be funded in the current fiscal year through
line-item savings.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
31. Public hearing for setting a tax rate of $0.53993 with a maintenance
and operation rate of $.336788 and an interest and sinking fund rate
of $.203142 and a motion to set a date of September 2, 1997 for
adoption of the 1997 tax rate.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Phyllis Colon, Tax Assessor/Collector, presented the following:
1997 Appraisal District Roll for the City of Laredo
1996 1997
Certified assessed value: $4,094,037,677 $4,454,737,723
Certified taxable value: 3,523,521,904 3,806,075,234
Adjusted roll August 1st: 3,538,521,176 3,806,075,234
1997 value of new improvements 159,791,896
1997 value of property annexed into City 9,231,560
1996 Tax Rate 0.526766
1997 Effective Tax Rate 0.523413
1997 Rollback Tax Rate 0.540469
Levy August 1st 19,100,489 (proposed) 20,550,142
Certified collection rate for budget purposes: 95%
1997 Proposed Tax Rate:
Maintenance and Operation 0.336788
Debt Service 0.203142 Total
Rate .............................. 0.539930
Mr. Jesus Ponce asked what was the tax increase.
Mayor Ramirez answered that it was 1 cent increase per $100 property
valuation.
Motion to close the public hearing and set the date of September 2,
1997 for the adoption of the rate.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
M97-R-29(S) SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA AUGUST 25, 1997
X. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION AND PRESENTATION
B. Requests by Councilmember Joe A. Guerra
1. Discussion and possible action to direct staff to
amend Ordinance No. 94-O-077 which authorizes the issuance of a
special use permit for a gas extraction facility for a .86 acre tract
out of Porcion 25, Abstract 50, located at the northeast corner of
McPherson Road and Del Mar Boulevard, by amending the provision for
the placement of structures located within the proximity of the well-
head from 250 feet to 100 feet.
Florencio Pe¤a, Interim City Manager, stated that this item was
brought to their attention late last week and in order to facilitate
the approval process they were able to get it done and placed in
conjunction with Cm. Guerra to get it
in the agenda. He informed Cm. Guerra that they would meet with the
legal staff before the meeting to determine what would be the proper
process to get this permit reviewed. He added that it has been
determined by legal staff that the zoning change process will be
required, so they will have to go back to the Planning and Zoning
Commission and go through the normal hearing process.
Mr. Keith Selman explained that there is a provision on their special
use permit that prohibits any structure to be within 250 ft. of the
well-head, this became acute when they were platting the property.
They have some contracts to build and contract on the site. They
feel it is an encumbrance on the site to have this 250 ft. setback
provision as a radius around the well-head.
Mayor Ramirez stated he has no problems with the request if it is one
that by reducing this area they are going to implement higher
standards of safety that will have to be put in place in lieu of this
250 feet.
Cm. Bruni stated for the record, "that since Enron has purchased this
whole field from Amaco there is about maybe 100 wells in that field.
That particular location has two...right directly across from that
location there is also two other wells..and Enron has spoken to our
office and has related to us that they plan on reworking in possibly
deeping those wells and certainly we work in those wells to try and
recomplete at a shallow zone. So they're in the process of having
heavy equipment move on top of those wells and either deepen with a
rig or rework with a work over rig. In the process of reworking
these wells, entails the removal of that well-head equipment and then
they go in there with a blow out preventor and set it up on top of
that equipment. They go in there to try and kill the well with
drilling fluids so they don't have a blowout like what happened in
Pearsal as they saw in the news media. There was a tremendous
blowout in Pearsal it took many weeks to extinguish, that is also
possible when you rework wells. Blowouts have occurred during the
reworking process of these wells and I don't think it would be in the
best interest of this City Council to allow the encroachment on these
particular well-heads that are inside our city limits. It is an
issue of great concern for the safety of the residents and the
citizens of the City of Laredo and of the children that they not be
allowed within a certain amount of feet of these installations. I
think it would behoove this council as to how the Mayor stated, to
study this issue carefully... study this issue to make sure that
more security is beefed up or the additional enclosures are beefed
like the second well and not like the first well. What we don't want
is to have some tragedy there because the developer knew going that
into this process of drilling and completing that he'd be ripping the
benefits, the royalties coming out of this well. These wells usually
have a life span of 10 years once the well finishes producing gas,
the oil companies go in there and shoot cement into the formations on
their surface casing so that any lingering gas cannot escape, once
that is done a concrete slap or establishment can be placed." He
added he has spoke to some attorneys and the liability would fall
under the developer, the oil company and this City Council both
officially and on their official capacity." He concluded by saying
that to have a fast food restaurant or a convenient store, the
building itself, the wall itself 100 feet from the structure is
totally unacceptable.
Cm. Casso questioned what is the legality regarding the shut down of
those wells? Lets say 100 feet is not safe, why is 200 feet any
safer than 100 feet? Can the city right now actually shut those well
down or not?
Jaime Flores, City Attorney, stated that the City Manager, the
Planning Staff and himself got together to look at those issues and
to put it frankly, they really don't feel that they have the
expertise to proceed with requesting any kind of request to instruct
staff to amend the ordinance. The recommendation he would suggest
would be to go slow on this issue, and take a look at all the safety
issues and concerns with regards to what specifically would take to
tap the casings. He added he does not have the expertise in any of
those areas.
Cm. Casso asked that they do look at the legal issues, but to also
look at the continuation of growth.
J.C. Trevino III, attorney for the developer, stated that right now
the special use permit in effect addresses the 250 ft. setback for
the back well only, not the front well and there was not a special
use permit for that front well. That well has no radius or no
setbacks and that is the one that needs to be addressed, but in
reference to Cm. Bruni's comments they might as well address both of
them and try to satisfy the city and Cm. Bruni's concerns. They will
work with staff, the oil company, legal staff, and City Council and
perhaps come up with something that satisfies everyone.
Cm. Bruni stated for the record that Enron is not happy with the 100
ft.
Motion to send this item to P&Z at their following meeting to meet
all posting requirements and upon review and recommendation that it
be sent to the Ad Hoc Drilling Committee.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XII. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn. Time: 8:35 p.m.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE MINUTES CONTAINED IN PAGES 01 TO 23
ARE TRUE, COMPLETE, AND CORRECT PROCEEDING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON
THE 25TH DAY OF AUGUST, 1997. A CERTIFIED COPY IS ON FILE AT THE CITY
SECRETARY'S OFFICE.
________________________
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR.
CITY SECRETARY