CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS
5:30 P.M.
MINUTES
M98-R-03 JANUARY 26, 1998
I. CALL TO ORDER
With a quorum present Mayor Protem Jose R. Perez, Jr. called the meeting
to order.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Protem Jose R. Perez, Jr. led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
IN ATTENDANCE:
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, " , DISTRICT V
JOE A. GUERRA, " , DISTRICT VI
MARIO G. ALVARADO, " , DISTRICT VII
CONSUELO "CHELO" MONTALVO, " , DISTRICT VIII
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR., CITY SECRETARY
FLORENCIO PENA, CITY MANAGER
JAIME L. FLORES, CITY ATTORNEY
Motion waive the regular order of business and move up items
IX - Communication, #14, B(1), and C(1).
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Alvarado was not present.
IV. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
2. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with the Washington's
Birthday Celebration Association, Inc., for approximately one acre of
land located at the north end of the Air Operations Area of the Laredo
International Airport for the purpose of hosting an air show which
will be free to the public.
1. Lease term is for one (1) day commencing on February 22, 1998.
2. Daily rent shall be $1.00.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
Cm. Alvarado came in at 5:40 p.m.
V. FINAL READINGS
Motion to waive the final reading of ordinances #98-O-016,
#98-O-017, #98-O-018, #98-O-019, #98-O-022, #98-O-024,
#98-O-025, and #98-O-026.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
3. 98-O-016 Closing as a public easement a 227.50 square feet parcel of
land more or less (3.5' x 65') out of the 700 block of
Hendricks Avenue between Cortez and Guatemozin Streets, said
parcel of land being encroached by the improvements of the
abutting property being the North 1/2 of Lot 1, Block 605,
Eastern Division, City of Laredo, County of Webb, and
authorizing the sale of "The Surface Only" of said parcel of
land at the adjusted fair market value of $395.85 and
authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents
to effectively convey fee simple title to Irma Yolanda Garcia
and providing for an effective date. (City Council)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
4. 98-O-017 Establishing a 20 MPH maximum speed limit zone on Springfield
Avenue from 150 feet south of Bustamante Street to 150 feet
north of Ryan Street during the specified hours of operation
starting at 7:15 A.M. to 8:30 A.M., and 2:30 P.M. to 3:30 P.M.
to provide for a safer crossing of students attending Alma
Pierce Elementary school, prescribing penalties for violations
and providing for publication and effective dates. (City
Council)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
5. 98-O-018 Approval of an amendment to the contract with the Texas
Department of Health and budget in the amount of $173,829.00,
for the Immunization Action Plan Project of the City of Laredo
Health Department for the period beginning January 1, 1998,
through December 31, 1998.
(City Council)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
6. 98-O-019 Ordinance regarding approval of an amendment to the contract
with the Texas Department of Health and budget in the amount of
$142,492.00, for the Neural Tube Defects Project of the City of
Laredo Health Department for the period beginning October 1,
1997, through September 30, 1998. (City Council)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
7. 98-O-022 Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual Budget
by an increase of $345,000.00, for the sale of three motor
graders to Holt Co. of Texas under the re-purchase program and
the purchase of two new motor graders and the lease or purchase
of a loader. Providing for publication and effective date.
(City Council)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
8. 98-O-024 Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual Budget
in the amount of $15,000.00, for the Speed STEP grant from the
Texas Department of Transportation. The Texas Department of
Transportation's contribution will be $9,750.00, with the City
designating $5,250.00, in matching funds. These funds reflect
the remaining balance awarded to the Laredo Police Department.
The funding for this grant will be from October 1, 1997 through
September 30, 1998. (City Council)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
9. 98-O-025 Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual Budget
in the amount of $10,000.00, for the Occupant Protection STEP
grant from the Texas Department of Transportation. The Texas
Department of Transportation's contribution will be $5,000.00,
with the City designating $5,000.00, in matching funds. These
funds reflect the remaining balance awarded to the Laredo
Police Department. The funding for this grant will be from
October 1, 1997 through September 30, 1998. (City Council)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
10. 98-O-026 Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual Budget
in the amount of $37,500.00, for the "El Protector" grant from
the Texas Department of Transportation. The Texas Department
of Transportation's contribution will be $24,375.00, with the
City designating $13,125.00, in matching funds. These funds
reflect the remaining balance (75%) awarded to the Laredo
Police Department. The funding
for this grant will be from October 1, 1997 through September
30, 1998. (City Council)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VI. RESOLUTIONS
11. 98-R-016 Accepting the donation of a 2.0378 acre tract of land from 4-G
Holdings, Ltd., and Three-B Estates, Ltd., both Texas Limited
Partnerships, for the construction of a fire station along
State Highway 359. Said tract being situated in Porcion 31,
Abstract 3116, Webb County, Texas; being more particularly
described by metes and bounds. Being 2.0378 acres of land out
of Las Cruces Subdivision Unit 1, a 34.5672 acre tract of land,
situated in Porcion 31, Abstract 3116, out of Part A-2,
containing 100.00 acres of Share No. 1 of the A.M. Bruni
Estate as per plat recorded in Volume 2, Page 142, of the Webb
County, Texas, plat records, less and except a 0.875 acre strip
of land along the southerly boundary of Part A-2 acquired for
Highway 359 right-of-way per deed recorded in Volume 287, Pages
62-64 of the Webb County Deed Records.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
12. 98-R-024 Adopting Land Use Assumptions for the purpose of development
water and wastewater impact fees in
accordance with Chapter 395 of the local government code.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. MOTIONS
13. Awarding a supplemental professional service contract between the
Laredo Urban Transportation Study (L.U.T.S.), the City of Laredo and
Rust/Lichliter Jameson by and through the City Manager of the City of
Laredo, Texas in the amount of $11,000.00 or services in the
development of a Hazardous Cargo Community Risk Assessment and Route
Alternative Analysis. The Supplemental contract will increase
modeling and calculations used to determine the risk assessment,
including the addition of 9 links (street/road segments) to the
alternative concepts as requested by the L.U.T.S. and the City of
Laredo.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VIII. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
14. Presentation by Major Lester Mills, Texas Department of Public Safety,
regarding the status of analyses and evaluation of alternative
hazardous cargo routing plans for the City of Laredo.
Major Lester Mills from the Texas Department of Public Safety appeared
before the council. He stated that the letter received from the City
Manager requested that they come and talk about the analyses and
evaluation of the proposal.
On September of 1995 they received a letter from Governor George Bush
designating the Department of Public Safety as a hazardous material
routing agency for the state. That designation of the agency as that
routing agency falls in line with Title 49 of Code of Federal
Regulations Part 397 which requires that the Governor of an agency to
be responsible for designating or approving all hazardous material
routes in the State of Texas. As part of that responsibility they
implemented administrative rules which they filed with the Secretary
of State Office and basically layed out the guidelines that an agency
would have to go through in order to submit a proposal and the steps
that they would take in doing so. Those steps that the entity would
have to go through consistent of those things that are listed in Part
397 of the Federal Regulations. Once they receive that proposal (in
conjunction with the Texas Department of Transportation) will
basically try to determine if the proposal meets all the guidelines
that are required in the regulations and if it has sound basis, if all
of the issues have been addressed and based upon the review of it,
they will try to determine if the route will be approved or
disapproved. If approved they will file notice with the Secretary of
States Office indicating that approval, if not approved then they
submit it back to the entity submitting that proposal and tell them
what was wrong with it and allot them an opportunity to correct it.
He received a phone call from the attorney for Camino Colombia in
April of 1996 in reference to the toll road designation. He informed
that he had been talking with the
Department of Transportation, the City of Laredo, County Officials,
concerning this matter and all issues with the affected parties and
step by step into the process.
On September of 1996 they received an official proposal from Camino
Colombia, Inc. on this matter. In his capacity as Haz-mat Coordinator
for the department he began his review of that proposal. Copies of
that proposal were submitted to the Texas Department of Transportation
and they also started with their process in analyzing their proposal.
They have met in several occasions, discussed this matter between the
agencies, asked question to the Camino Colombia attorney, submitted
questions and they responded back favorably. Because of the proposal
itself they felt a need to come and talk with the city officials about
the proposal. Over a period of time they were able to come to a
decision that the proposal met all the criteria and issued an approval
in November 1997 and published in the Texas Registrar in December.
The proposal as approved and submitted to the Texas Registrar approved
the Camino Colombia Toll Road as a haz-mat route upon the completion
and it also restricted to transportation of hazardous material across
Bridge I and II in downtown
Laredo upon effective filing of that document.
In analyzing the proposal itself they went to great length to take
into account the problems that are faced with the commercial vehicles
and operators across the border and that operate throughout the city.
They took into account the congestion that is faced along the border,
the rush hour traffic, the number of vehicles that cross every day,
the downtown bridges as opposed to the Colombia Bridge, and took into
serious account the potential dangers that are faced with a hazardous
material spill. They have participated in meetings with the Attorney
General's Office and they've had Customs representatives there that
have talked about their problems inhaling some of the haz-materials
that come through that are leaking, and that create potential problems
for them. Obviously, they put a lot of weight on the decision of
Customs to say that they cannot have hazardous material spill at the
downtown bridges that they were more equipped of handling a haz-
material spill at the Colombia Bridge, that was a fact they also took
into account. They also took into account the fact that when they had
the opportunity to be in Nuevo Laredo several months ago visiting with
the transportation industry over there and while they were driving the
long line of trucks waiting across the border they encountered a
trailer that had split in half. They looked at that and thought and
considered what if that had been a hazardous material spill, the
impact that would have had on the densely populated area in the
downtown area during the day. More than anything they did was put a
lot of weight on City Council Members, Mayor and City Leaders and what
your desires were and that is why they made an effort to come down and
visit with the City Manager to follow up on a report that indicated
that you all supported the restriction of the bridges and want to make
sure that is what you all want to do. One of the reasons they are
here today, is because they are still interested in what council has
to say and what are the concerns in this matter.
They met with the transportation industry in Nuevo Laredo
last Wednesday, with the Mayor's Office from Nuevo Laredo and a
representative from the Governor of the State of Tamaulipas was there
also. They told them that they would listen to what they had to say
about this issue. Our decision to approve this route, again based
upon the factors they looked and information they had at hand,
approving the hazardous material route was an easy thing for them
because that toll road once its built obviously should take and divert
any traffic that is coming from the interior of Mexico headed to other
locations away from Laredo should not have come through Laredo and add
to congestion that is here. Their biggest issue was the restriction
of the downtown bridges and they believe that based upon the safety
factor of all those analyses of trying to provide a safer environment
for the people that work on the downtown area, that cross the bridge
every day, to provide some level of safety for them was an important
factor that they placed upon this decision. In looking at the
proposal that was submitted the factors of looking at the number of
vehicles that operate, the mileage, and all the factors that go into
making that proposal, the proposal as submitted did address those
issues. He is aware that there is a subsequent study that was done on
behalf of the City of Laredo that addresses this same issue did not
come to the same conclusion, that proposal that was submitted by
Camino Colombia however they did not get preview to that study until
recently and the information that they had in the proposal itself is
the information that they had to based their decision upon.
Cm. Alvarado questioned if the decision was to move all the hazardous
material to Colombia Bridge.
Mr. Mills answered that is true, base upon the proposal that was
submitted by Camino Colombia, Inc.
Cm. Alvarado stated most of the members supported the concept of the
toll road, at this point we do not have a toll road and what they are
being told is that his office has made a decision at this point to re-
direct hazardous material to Colombia Bridge without the use of the
toll road, in other words there is no toll road to use at this time.
The concern that they have in the community is the fact that a
decision was made at a state level that affects the local community
and the local industry and that the industry nor the city staff was
given opportunity to discuss and have input in that type of a
decision.
Mr. Mills answered that the decision was made at his level, the
designation of the toll road as a haz-material route has no effect on
transportation of haz-material across the
Colombia Bridge. If that transportation crossed the Colombia Bridge
is destined for a location in Laredo. The toll road from his stand
point was not a factors in the restriction of the bridge at the
downtown level. He added that the County Commissioners in their
resolution supported the toll road, they had no reference whatsoever
to the restriction of the downtown bridges.
Cm. Alvarado stated all they are asking is that we have the
opportunity to dialogue and input these concerns with his agency at
his level before making this type of change, there are many people
that are being affected locally and unfortunately, they feel that they
did not have the opportunity to discuss this at his level before
taking this type of action because it will affect Laredo.
Cm. Casso stated the letter referred to was not signed as a governing
body so it does not have a force of law because they did not vote on
that decision together. They signed as supporting the project,
however his position has always been getting all haz-mat from the two
bridges, he does not want them in the downtown area. He said that
they based their decision on the construction of the Camino Colombia
and Camino Colombia is not built yet. He added that he thinks they
were mislead by that document or letter, but that was just to support
the Camino Colombia.
Cw. Montalvo expressed that she was very concerned by the decision
taken because Camino Colombia is a private road, in case of a spill
who is doing the work, that is not even in
place, they still need to find out who will be doing the enforcing of
the cargo.
Mr. Mills stated they had to take the letter into account and it was,
it carries weight when they have all the signatures, it carries
weight. He added they had to pay attention to this. The toll road
being designated as haz-material route, there is nothing in the
requirement in the regulations that would prevent the city of Laredo
from establishing other routes as hazardous material routes. Nothing
will prevent a shipment of haz-mat that is destined for another
location that driver has to obtain fuel, to obtain rest, and that has
to obtain food from using the Mines Road or any other road other than
a toll to come into Laredo. He has to deal with the most direct route
but the regulation says he has to have access to reasonable terminals,
to food and to lodging, so even if you do not use another haz-mat
route for the city and that toll road is built and transportation is
coming from Monterrey going to Dallas and they need to get fuel or
anything they can use any route. He again expressed that nothing will
prevent the city from establishing additional routes for the city.
Cm. Valdez stated when he signed the letter they were approving the
project in concept. Their concern is that they want to maintain and
have the flexibility of re-routing the traffic where ever they want.
Florencio Pena, City Manager, stated that there are two points he
wanted to clarify. On or about November of 1996 when they met on
this topic and Major Mills showed him this letter and he told him at
that time that the letter had no
force and effect, that the letter in fact was a statement by
individual Councilmembers that it was not a collective or legislative
decision and that it really was just an individual opinion. He added
that he was surprised that it had gone this far without any public
policy decision or review of the matter, he did emphasize this to the
council and advised them that unless council took some collective
action as a legislative body, that really the City Council to his
knowledge had never taken a position on the use of Colombia Bridge for
hazardous material. He did state at that meeting that our
Presidential Permit for the Fourth Bridge provides that upon
completion of the Fourth Bridge, that all hazardous material would go
through Colombia and that was a condition of our Presidential Permit.
To the best of his recollection that was the new position of the City
Council. At that time, they were in the initial stages, and point
number two was that they were in the initial stages of developing a
hazardous material route and were in the process of doing the first
level which was identifying hazardous material in our community, they
completed that in about four or five month period. They are now into
level 2 where they are identifying the routes themselves, the
population that abuts them and they are almost complete with that, and
hopefully in about three or four months they will be recommending to
City Council what our hazardous materials route should be. His
request, if council concurs, is that they make a request of DPS and
TxDOT to work with the City. He added that the District Engineer is
part of the Metropolitan Planning Organization and he is fully aware
that we have been planning a hazardous material route for the City of
Laredo, and that council allow them to complete this study and to
submit it either to MPO and/or to the State for reconsideration of
this matter. At the present time they do have a request from TxDot
which have officially asked for permission to place signs at Bridge I
and II prohibiting hazardous materials until we had this meeting and
they have advised them that was not something they could authorize
because the law did go in effect that the registrar did publish as of
January 1, 1998 that all hazardous material is to go through Colombia
Bridge so at the present time TxDot is waiting any further response
from us, but at the preset time they have advise them that they are
not to put up any signs. He added that north bound hazardous
material is going through Colombia (from Mexico to U.S.) as per
directive of U.S. Customs. Loads are coming to Laredo to be
distributed so hazardous material is all over town, except crossing
only through Colombia northbound. What this action is doing is
forcing hazardous material that is going southbound to go through
Colombia Bridge as well.
At the present time there are several maquiladoras on the Nuevo Laredo
side that would find it costly and unlogistically difficult for them
to comply with this provision. He said they need further guidance
from
council and Major Mills consideration as to whether or not they would
defer any further enforcement of this until
our hazardous material route study is completed.
Tom Wade, of the Laredo Transportation Association, stated the only
way they can control movement of hazardous materials in this port is
through zoning laws. The consultants that the city has hired has put
out a preliminary report and their recommendation for hazardous
materials routes are designating the truck routes as they exist today
as hazardous material routes says nothing about restricting Bridge I
and II and says when they build the Fourth Bridges that you'll go on
and take other steps and eliminate some hazardous material routes, but
the focus should start to be on zoning to move hazardous materials
handlers outside of a certain. He asked that they get some sort of
letter or resolution written to postpone the implementation of the
restrictions. The designation of the Camino Colombia toll road is a
non issue in the movement of hazardous material. They were asking
that council consider a resolution opposing this restriction on
Bridges I and II at least until they get some more recommendations
back from the consultants. He added that if they make that
resolution, he is working with the County Attorney's Office on
approaching the Attorney General to see if there is some way that this
implementation can be delayed until a study can be done to find out
basically which one of the consulting groups is going to be right.
Cm. Bruni stated the letter that certain Councilmembers signed except
Cw. Montalvo as far as he is concerned has no weight, positions could
have changed, but this council is not going to be intimidated by
anybody saying that is a suppose violation of some Texas Open Meeting
Act. He thinks they should concentrate on the issues and not by some
supposed letter signed by several Councilmembers.
Mr. Roque Godines stated he studied that road (Nuevo Laredo to
Colombia Bridge) and said it is true, the road is very narrow, but
said that there are worst roads in our city than in that city and what
makes it dangers and Mines Road dangerous is the drivers especially if
they are exceeding the speed limit.
Carlos Lopez, Deputy Director of TxDot Division in Austin, on behalf
of the department was present to appeal that council let the study
being made by the consultant be finish.
They have an issue with the signs that they will need to put up in
order to comply with this order.
Mayor Protem Perez stated that council is in disagreement with the
action taken by the DPS, the letter sent was taken at phase value
which was only for support of. The project as far as the project is
concerned, there is no problem but the problem is with the bridge.
Once the consultants complete the study they will make another
decision. He suggested that council instructed staff to draft a
resolution to defer any action on Bridges I and II.
Mr. Pena stated this is not an action item and he will proceed to
draft the resolution.
Motion to waive the rules of order and move item #33.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: Against: 0 Abstain: 0
15. Presentation by staff regarding the injury leave status of Candelario
Viera, with possible action.
Dan Migura, Administrative Services Director, gave an update report on
the status of Candelario Viera. He said that the last action council
took was on September 29, 1997. Mr. Viera made an appeal to council
to extend his pay leave and council made a decision at that time to
have him utilize his accrue leave, sick leave, and annual leave. He
added that Mr. Viera has been doing that and is currently under doctor
treatment. He has an appointment scheduled for February 18th, and at
that time they will know more about what his status is.
Staff recommends that because City Council has already given him one
year extension, and then he came back and gave him another six months
extension, they recommend that Mr. Viera continue on his pay leave
status and investigate other options such as retirement disability, or
other rehabilitation. He said that as of January 23rd, he had 45 days
of sick leave left (not used), and 66 days of annual leave left, from
August 23rd to January 19th he had used 110 days of sick leave so his
total of leave is approximately 111 days. He is currently using his
sick leave right now (used 110 days).
Attorney Sergio Martinez, representing Mr. Viera, said that last time
council agreed to 90 days and not 110 day. He asked that council
consider the commitment made by council at that time where they
requested Mr. Viera to do something on his own behalf and comply with
90 days sick leave. He asked that they understand that this accident
that happened to him, that it is for a person that has had two serious
operations which occurred while Mr. Viera was working, and therefore
is injury leave and not sick leave. They were requesting six (6)
months extension.
Cw. Montalvo suggested that he use the rest of the sick leave before
coming to council again.
Mr. Martinez stated that if council grants Mr. Viera the six month
extension, Mr. Viera is willing to take the 45 days that he has as
sick leave.
Cm. Valdez said they have a moral obligation, we are looking at 30
years of service, but he suggested that he use up his sick leave and
possibly some annual and wait for the doctors opinion in February and
consider that six month extension.
Mr. Viera stated he is willing to take the 45 days of sick leave, but
also wants the six month extension also. He said it is not only one
injury that he has, there is another one from 1988.
Mr. Martinez said his understanding was that last time it was agreed
that he take sick leave and then he would come back and council would
consider granting an additional six months.
They opted to agree to it and abide by it. He added if granted the
six months, their position (Mr. Viera's and his) is not to come back
with another six months.
Motion to grant Mr. Viera the final six (6) months extension, and he
agrees he will not come back for another extension.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
16. Request for Executive Session pursuant to Section 551.071 of the Texas
Government Code to consult with legal counsel concerning the pending
litigation styled Royal Joint Venture, a Texas Joint Venture Comprised
of LPC Capital Partnership, L.C.I. Group, Inc., Sawco, Inc., a Texas
Corporation, and Modern Form Co., Inc. vs. Louis H. Bruni,
Individually and in his Official Capacity as City Council Member for
District II of the City of Laredo, the Laredo Morning Times, a
Division of the Hearst Corporation, the Hearst Corporation, NRS
Consulting Engineers, and William F. Ueckert Jr., Professional
Engineer, Individually, Civil Action No. L-95-136 in the U.S. District
Court for the Southern District of Texas, and return to open session
for possible action.
Motion to go into Executive Session pursuant to Section 551.071 of the
Texas Government Code to consult with legal counsel concerning the pending litigation styled Royal Joint Venture,
a Texas Joint Venture Comprised of LPC Capital Partnership, L.C.I. Group, Inc., Sawco, Inc., a Texas Corporation,
and Modern Form Co., Inc. vs. Louis H. Bruni, Individually and in
his Official Capacity as City Council Member for District II of the
City of Laredo, the Laredo Morning Times, a Division of the Hearst
Corporation, the Hearst Corporation, NRS Consulting Engineers, and
William F. Ueckert Jr., Professional Engineer, Individually, Civil
Action No. L-95-136 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern
District of Texas.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
After Executive Session Mayor Protem Perez announced that no formal
action was taken.
Florencio Pena, City Manager, stated that the settlement agreement had
been accepted by the plaintiffs and now needed council's action to
accept the terms as follows:
(1) - $150,000 of TML insurance money
(2) - annexation of Unitec area
(3) - capital improvement credit of $200,000
(4) - costs and Attorney's fees paid by each party
(5) - mutual release of all claims
(6) - settlement of Plaintiffs v. Laredo Morning Times
He added that the settlement agreement will remain conditional until
final annexation of Unitec, therefore, the case will be dismissed when
annexation is completed.
Motion to approve the terms of a settlement agreement in
the matter styled Royal Joint Venture, a Texas Joint Venture Comprised
of LPC Capital Partnership, L.C.I. Group, Inc., Sawco, Inc., a Texas
Corporation, and Moderm Form Co., Inc. vs. Louis H. Bruni,
Individually and in his Official Capacity as City Council Member for
District II of the City of Laredo, the Laredo Morning Times, a
Division of the Hearst Corporation, the Hearst Corporation, NRS
Consulting Engineers, and William F. Ueckert, Jr., Professional
Engineer, Individually Civil Action No. L-95-136 in the U.S. District
Court for the Southern District of Texas, and as presented to City
Council on this date in the open session and to instruct staff to
begin annexation proceedings of the Unitec Development area as part of
the terms of the settlement agreement for dismissal of this matter in
court after finalization of such annexation.
Moved : Cm. Casso
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 1
Cm. Bruni
IX. COMMUNICATIONS
a. Profesor Felipe Saldivar R., Director del Archivo Historico
Municipal made a formal invitation to the council of their 150th
Anniversary as a municipality. The function will be held on February
2, 1998 at the Nuevo Laredo Council Chambers and will begin at 7:30
p.m.
b. Mr. Ben Everett, President of Colombia Hospital, publicly thanked the
Council for the approval of their zone change request on the Dillworth
property.
Mr. Blackstone Dillworth also publicly thanked the Council.
c. Cw. Montalvo recognized Larry Dovalina for putting on the Los Dos
Laredo Marathon race this past weekend.
X. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION AND PRESENTATION
17. Requests by Mayor and City Councilmembers for discussion and
presentation.
A. Requests by Mayor Pro Tem Jose R. Perez, Jr.
1. Discussion and possible action regarding conducting an annual
performance appraisal of the City Manager with possible Executive
Session pursuant to Section 551.074(a)(1) of the Texas Government Code
regarding personnel matters.
Motion to go into Executive Session pursuant to Section
551.074(a)(1) of the Texas Government Code regarding personnel
matters.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
After Executive Session Mayor Protem Perez announced that no formal
action was taken.
Motion to amend the City of Laredo contract with the City Manager,
Florencio Pena, specifically section 5.(A)(i) as to the salary of the
City Manager by 10% effective February 1, 1998.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
B. Requests by Councilmember Louis H. Bruni
1. Discussion and possible action regarding the Airport Advisory Board's
recommendation concerning the building remodeling of the Laredo
Morning Times building leased from the city.
Jose Flores, Airport Director, reported that he has not received the
second letter from FAA. He added that the Civil Aviation Security
Field Office Inspector was here a couple of weeks ago and they are
waiting written correspondence from him and hopefully this will happen
within the next week or two.
Motion to accept the recommendation of the Airport Advisory
Board and that the building owned by the Laredo Morning Times and
leased from the City of Laredo be remodeled as per the building plans
submitted to the city building official and that the building permit
be issued as soon as staff sees that should be done and as long as
they comply with the FAA letter.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Casso
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Discussion and possible action regarding the American Heritage Rivers
Initiative.
Motion to table.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
C. Requests by Councilmember Alfonso "Poncho" Casso
1. Discussion and possible action regarding the construction of a
flagpole similar to the one constructed in Nuevo Laredo.
Cm. Casso stated that he would like to see something similar to the
flag that Mexico erected. He saw this flag and thought about doing
something similar to what Nuevo Laredo is doing not to compete with
them but to cooperate with them. He added that if we put a flag the
same size as theirs this would enhance the image and it would show the
bond that these two borders have. He asked for council to support
the idea of putting a similar structure on this side of the border and
put the flag at the edge of IH-35 between the bridge and IH-35.
Nuevo Laredo Mayor Alejandro Garcia explained that the flag was an
initiative of the President of Mexico which was constructed and
maintained by the Mexican Army.
Mr. Rodrigo Geraldo representing some citizens of Laredo stated he had
already suggested this two months ago. He called Cw. Montalvo and
called the Governor of Texas. He suggested Bridge I as the best site.
Motion supporting a similar structure in Laredo at the edge
of the bridge and IH-35; to instruct staff report the cost;
and look into Hotel/Motel Funds if available and if they can be used
for this purpose.
Moved : Cm. Casso
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Discussion and possible action regarding the appearance of two Laredo
police officers in a television political campaign advertisement by
Mayoral Candidate Fausto Sosa.
Cm. Casso stated that he was going to let it slide when he read it in
the Laredo Morning Times on January 13th, about some evidence missing
against Lopez. He added that due to his arrest along with other
Councilmembers for trying to establish the chain of custody regarding
evidence at the Police Department. That was regarding the resurfacing
of video tapes, some other evidence regarding an ax, which happened
while in custody with the Police Department, then they had missing
fingerprints and when he read that Ernie Cavazos, the Assistant D.A.
explained that they would have problems without some of the evidence,
because some evidence was destroyed he thought he would bring it up
and talk about this because they have a serious problem again and
wants to know what happen from the Chief of Police, because all he was
trying to do was help the District Attorney.
Also, he wanted a report from Chief Dovalina on the TV ads.
Some employees from El Metro supposedly were at his campaign
headquarters and they parked their vehicle by the Pizza Hut supposedly
and they went to a 10-7, they got suspended, they lost 10 days without
pay. He does not want to pick on the officers, but nothing happened
to the officers maybe it was a different situation and wants a report
on this. He said is a classic violation and nothing happened. He
added that maybe the officers were off from work, but nevertheless
they were still in uniform. The officers said they were there at the
wrong place at the wrong time because Mr. Sosa didn't tell them that
he was going to filming them which goes to show that the problem that
he has had with Mr. Sosa from the beginning and the reason they ran
him out here from City Hall approximately two years when he was forced
to leave.
Cm. Casso stated he ran a clean campaign, but that he did not
like the way Mr. Sosa ran his, it was an underground nasty campaign
accusing him of a thief on the radio stations, nevertheless he doesn't
tell the officers that he is going to do a TV ad. He added that he is
an attorney he should know the law, just like he should have known the
law when he took out this ads and were in violation of the law also.
Yet he wants to put a cop on every street corner of the City of Laredo
yet he wants to know how he is going to pay for it.
He added that he goes around criticizing a colonia, that there is all
kinds of crime there, that he grew up in that colonia, and for a fact
he knows that he did not grow up in that colonia, he grew up across
the border. He said it upsets him that he does this. He wants to
know how we can have more coordinated law enforcement so this things
don't happen in the future.
Chief Dovalina answered that there was an incident involving some
property relevant to a particular case that was in essence missing,
but not missing to the effect of it being misplaced or something to
that effect, if anything it was destroyed and disposed of. When they
found out, it was alleged that this particular property was missing,
Chief Granados and himself spoke to the property evidence section
custodian and technician regarding the disappearance of these
particular pieces of evidence and they advised us that it was their
understanding that the case had already been closed. It is his
understanding that there was at least two or three people that had
already worked on this particular case and they had direction from the
District Attorney's Office to go ahead and dispose of the evidence.
They set up a meeting with the District Attorney himself, Chief
Granados and him met with Mr. Rubio and Mrs. Notzon and discussed this
particular case involving property that had been disposed of. It was
determined and agreed that the absence of a formal notification
process in which they would be able to advise us specifically when to
dispose of and when not to dispose of, absent that all they had was
basically a verbal type of arrangement. They have immediately
implemented a new process where they will have actual written
verification whenever they advise us that we can go ahead and dispose
of property and that is already in place.
In regards to the ad, they have a situation where they had a citizen
coming forward to the community policing works stations located at
this particular area wanting to talk about the community policing in
general. The officers advised that they had actually seen some camera
people there but they thought nothing of it being anything other than
probably just public information being broadcasted to the citizens
regarding community policing. As far as he knows from the officer,
they spoke to him about community policing, they never told them what
it was about or anything.
3. Discussion and possible action regarding evidence missing from the
evidence room at the Laredo Police Station.
This item was discussed with item 1 above.
D. Requests by Councilmember Cecilia May Moreno
1. Discussion and possible action regarding the accumulation of trash and
debris in that section of McClelland Street that comes to a dead-end
at Clark Boulevard.
Cw. Moreno stated staff has done some cleaning, but her concern is
that the area needs a permanent solution, something that does not
require what it does now. She wants staff to come back with
suggestions maybe beautifying so it is easy to maintain maybe it with
grass, asphalt, or pavement because what has been done only is
barricade it.
Motion to bring back recommendations on how to maintain that area.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain: 0
E. Requests by Councilmember Mario G. Alvarado
1. Discussion and possible action regarding a resolution to support the
Texas Unified Statewide Plan on Community Service and Volunteerism.
Cm. Alvarado read the recommendations of what the Texas Unified
Statewide Plan on Community Service and Volunteerism should adopt by
resolution by January 30, 1998. The plan calls for the following:
(Name your organization) commits to the following (these are from the
Executive Planning Committee):
* Encourage intergenerational activities that support educational
attainment and cross-age tutoring and other education-oriented
service learning. (Name of your organization)
* Highlight collaborate partners at the state level and work with
Welfare-to-Work, Parents as Teachers, early childhood intervention
programs, businesses in schools and Peer Assistance Leadership.
(Name of you organization)
* Service Learning programs which focus on knowledge of and access to
volunteer opportunities (Name of your organization)
* Establish regional Youth Action Councils statewide. (Name of you
Organization)
* Communication among organizations that will lead to sharing models
centered on how to reach volunteers, how to run diverse volunteer
programs and how to reach out to diverse
communities. Ensure connectivity in communities so volunteerism
opportunities are seamless. (Name of your organization)
* Training that examines ways to empower individuals of all ages to
serve. Training to enhance the knowledge base of volunteer
administrators and program directors. (name of you organization)
* Events which strategically reach out to new audiences and
participants. Encourage events that are co-sponsored, including
cross stream training events and focusing on existing volunteer days
such as Make a Difference Day, National Volunteer Week, MLK Day,
etc.
* Work to involve the faith community; learn from religious
institutions and include them in community action plans.
(Name of your organization)
* Provide Web links and publications for resource sharing, training
and networking to include regional and local information such as
lists of grants available and awarded, calendar of events, etc.
(Name of your organization)
* Encourage and assist in development and support of more DOVIAs,
Volunteer Centers and Corporate Volunteer Councils by working with
existing organizations that have such expertise and advocate for
funding support for such organizations. (Name of your organization)
* Strengthen the relationship among USP partners and Executive
Planning Committee Members to include an ongoing working group
meeting regularly. (Name of your organization)
* Increase the recognition of volunteers and volunteer programs
through an awards program. (Name of your organization)
* Build collaborations with existing volunteerism and service
organizations such as the Texas Municipal League, the Chamber of
Commerce, Texas Education Agency. (Name of your organization)
* Connect to other conferences and provide workshops and consultations
about human and financial resources. (Name of your organization)
* Your Organization's Commitment, if different from above
* Work strategically to promote service and volunteerism to new
audiences, to underserved populations and t o youth.
(Name of your Organization)
* Work to have publications reaching new audiences through enhancement
of the database we use by combining databases and sharing mailing
labels. (Name of your Organization)
* Use of a prominent public official or Texas to promote the benefits
and services that volunteerism provide and individual and community.
(Name of your Organization
* Bring media attention to the effectiveness of local volunteer
centers. (Name of your Organization)
* Encourage having "good news" become a daily front page item and
encourage the media to focus on the behind-the-scenes work that
volunteer centers and other such organizations provide in
communities. Media strategies--statewide campaign promoting service
as a tool to gain self-sufficiency and those skills gained through
service. Promote effective programs as models in the media; bring
positive light onto successful programs; provide examples of
positive effects in communities. (Name of your Organization)
* Garner the statistics that show the benefits of volunteerism . (Name
of your Organization)
* Celebrate the national service days. (Name of your Organization)
* Ensure messages are bilingual and culturally sensitive.
(Name of your Organization)
* A large collaborative statewide summit convened to share information
such as the Texas Challenge Summit. (Name of your Organization)
* Your Organization's Commitment, if different from above.
* Incorporate existing training resources and network to assist those
organizations striving towards Theme Two.
(Name of your organization)
* Training--develop cross stream training events focused on getting to
know one another, learning mutual needs, discovering resources and
working together to utilize each other as resource and provide more
efficient and effective services. Include: basic how-to in
volunteer management; leadership training--particularly for youth
and elderly; marketing skills for organizations and individuals;
peer networking; service learning; continuing education; funding
availability. Include partnership building, collaborations and
community mapping so that communities are effectively engaging all
sectors in their plans for service and volunteering partnerships.
(Name of your organization)
* Identify model communities and find good examples of life skills
programming. (Name of your organization)
* Work with existing resources and organizations to bring training to
local communities. (Name of your organization)
* Establish a central "clearing house" for volunteerism (Name of your
organization)
* Statewide Listserv on volunteerism and technical issues.
(name of your organization)
* Expand current opportunities for volunteer managers to get effective
training on how to run volunteer programs as well as to work with
diversity. (Name of your organization)
* Work to build partnership in communities; teach communities how to
collaborate. (Name of your organization)
* Provide peer networking and brainstorming sessions. (Name of your
organization)
* Provide the venue of training opportunities through the Governor's
Volunteer Leadership Conference and other regional trainings. (Name
of your organization)
* Training on how to incorporate volunteerism into the corporate
structure. (Name of your organization)
* Train the trainer opportunities, distance learning opportunities.
(Name of your organization)
* Downlink video conferences as a mode of training. (Name of your
organization)
* Your Organization's Commitment, if different from above
* Sharing of models. (Name of your organization)
* Research other state models of successful statewide partnership with
similar goals. (Name of your organization)
* Get assistance from national organizations such as Points of Light
Foundation to assist in the development of a statewide plan which
addresses building a statewide infrastructure of volunteer centers,
DOVIAs and Corporate Volunteer Council. (Name of your organization)
* Work in partnership with foundations and corporations to urge the
funding of infrastructure-building activities.
(Name of your organization)
* Make service learning a part of the state educational curriculum;
provide higher education learning incentives that incorporate
service learning in college and university programs. (Name of your
organization)
* Advocate for service learning curriculum training as part of
teacher-training certification. (Name of your organization)
* Centralized information dispensed for the field, i.e., via
TxServe. (Name of your organization)
* Recognize successful programs. (Name of your organization)
* Nurture networks. (Name of your organization)
* Create viable business partnerships. (Name of your organization)
* Seek legislation to reinforce the goals. (Name of your organization)
* Governor to endorse and encourage service learning. (Name of your
organization)
* Work with the Association of School Boards and with the Business
Education Coalition. (Name of your organization)
* Recruitment skills to gain good volunteers and good volunteer
manager. (Name of your organization)
* Your Organization Commitment, if different from above.
Motion to instruct legal staff to draft a resolution supporting the
different points outlined by the Executive Planning Committee of the
Texas Commission for National & Community Service.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
F. Requests by Councilmember Consuelo Montalvo
1. Discussion and possible action regarding the waiving of the parking
fees.
Motion to waive the parking fees at El Metro Parking Facility during
the Washington Birthday Parade and celebration.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
18. Public hearing amending Section 24.63.2 of the Laredo Land Development
Code by allowing pawn shops in B-3 (Community Business District). The
Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of this zone
change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending Section 24.63.2 of the Laredo Land Development Code
by allowing pawn shops in B-3 (Community Business District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Keith Selman, City Planner, made the presentation before the council.
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: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
19. Public hearing regarding an application by Yesenia Galvan and Evaristo
Jimenez amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lot 12, Block 2071, Eastern Division, located at 3302 Santa
Clara Street, from R-1 (Single 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 12, Block 2071, Eastern Division, located at 3302 Santa
Clara Street, from R-1 (Single 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. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Guerra
20. Public hearing regarding application by Maria Vasquez amending the
Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 4, Block
8, Moreno Addition, located at 3317 Guerrero Street, from R-1 (Single
Family Residential District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential District). The
Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of this zone change
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
Lot 4, Block 8, Moreno Addition, located at 3317 Guerrero Street, from
R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential
District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Bruni
21. Public hearing regarding application by Jesus V. Cadena amending the
Zoning Ordinance (Map) the of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 4B,
5, 6, 7, and 8, Block 2021, Eastern Division, located at 3200 Block of
Piedra China Street, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to M-1
(Light Manufacturing District). The Planning and Zoning Commission
recommends approval of this zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) the of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lots 4B, 5, 6, 7, and 8, Block 2021, Eastern
Division, located at 3200 Block of Piedra China Street, from R-3
(Mixed Residential District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 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: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Guerra
22. Public hearing regarding application by John Joseph Jacaman amending
the Zoning Ordinance (Map) the of the City of Laredo by rezoning 7.271
acres as further described by metes and bounds, located on the west
side of the Bob Bullock Loop, north the Diamond Subdivision, from R-1
(Single Family Residential District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing
District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of
this zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) the of the City of
Laredo by rezoning 7.271 acres as further described by metes and
bounds, located on the west side of the Bob Bullock Loop, north the
Diamond Subdivision, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to
M-1 (Light Manufacturing 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. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Bruni
23. Public hearing regarding application by John Joseph Jacaman amending
the Zoning Ordinance (Map) the of the City of Laredo by rezoning 5.372
acres as further described by metes and bounds, located on the west
side of the Bob Bullock Loop, north the Diamond Subdivision, from R-1
(Single Family Residential District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing
District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of
this zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) the of the City of
Laredo by rezoning 5.372 acres as further described by metes and
bounds, located on the west side of the Bob Bullock Loop, north the
Diamond Subdivision, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to
M-1 (Light Manufacturing 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. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Bruni
24. Public hearing regarding application by John Joseph Jacaman amending
the Zoning Ordinance (Map) the of the City of Laredo by rezoning 1.523
acres as further described by metes and bounds, located on the west
side of the Bob Bullock Loop, north the Diamond Subdivision, from R-1
(Single Family Residential 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) the of the City of
Laredo by rezoning 1.523 acres as further described by metes and
bounds, located on the west side of the Bob Bullock Loop, north the
Diamond Subdivision, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to
B-4 (Highway Commercial District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Bruni
25. Public hearing regarding application by John Joseph Jacaman amending
the Zoning Ordinance (Map) the of the City of Laredo by rezoning 2.212
acres as further described by metes and bounds, located on the west
side of the Bob Bullock Loop, north the Diamond Subdivision, from R-1
(Single Family Residential 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) the of the City of
Laredo by rezoning 2.212 acres as further described by metes and
bounds, located on the west side of the Bob Bullock Loop, north the
Diamond Subdivision, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to
B-4 (Highway Commercial District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
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
26. Public hearing regarding application by John Joseph Jacaman amending
the Zoning Ordinance (Map) the of the City of Laredo by rezoning 1.469
acres as further described by metes and bounds, located on the west
side of the Bob Bullock Loop, north the Diamond Subdivision, from R-1
(Single Family Residential 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) the of the City of
Laredo by rezoning 1.469 acres as further described by metes and
bounds, located on the west side of the Bob Bullock Loop, north the
Diamond Subdivision, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to
B-4 (Highway Commercial District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Bruni
27. Public hearing regarding application by John Joseph Jacaman amending
the Zoning Ordinance (Map) the of the City of Laredo by rezoning 8.452
acres as further described by metes and bounds, located on the west
side of the Bob Bullock Loop, north the Diamond Subdivision, from R-1
(Single Family Residential District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing
District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of
this zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) the of the City of
Laredo by rezoning 8.452 acres as further described by metes and
bounds, located on the west side of the Bob Bullock Loop, north the
Diamond Subdivision, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to
M-1 (Light Manufacturing 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. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Bruni
28. Public hearing regarding application by Enrique Coronado amending the
Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing the
issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for an income tax preparation
office on Lot 10, Block 274, Eastern Division, located at 2008
Springfield Avenue. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends
approval of this Conditional Use Permit.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for an income tax
preparation office on Lot 10, Block 274, Eastern Division, located at
2008 Springfield Avenue.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Casso not present
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Guerra
29. Public hearing regarding application by Jesus Esparza amending the
Zoning Ordinance (Map) the of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 1
and 2, Block 131, Eastern Division, located at 3520 Springfield Road,
from B-1 (Limited Business 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) the of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lots 1 and 2, Block 131, Eastern Division, located
at 3520 Springfield Road, from B-1 (Limited Business District) to B-3
(Community Business District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mr. Jesus Esparza, owner, spoke in favor of allowing the zone change
request.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cw. Moreno
30. Public hearing regarding application by Ana Bacerra and Adan Trejo
amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) the of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lot 3, Block 848, Eastern Division, located at 1517 San Pedro
Street, 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) the of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lot 3, Block 848, Eastern Division, located at 1517
San Pedro Street, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-3
(Community Business District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
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. Valdez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Valdez
31. Public hearing regarding application by Raquel Valle Senties amending
the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 7
and 8, Block 668, Eastern Division, located at 3901 McPherson Road,
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 Lots 7 and 8, Block 668, Eastern Division, located at 3901
McPherson Road, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-3
(Community Business District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Valdez
32. Public hearing regarding application by Piza¤a Outdoor Advertising
Co., Nereyda B. Piza¤a, amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1B, Block 1, Del Mar Hills Filing #1,
located on the west side of McPherson Road, north of Del Mar
Boulevard, from B-1 (Limited Business 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 Lot 1B, Block 1, Del Mar Hills Filing #1, located on the west
side of McPherson Road, north of Del Mar Boulevard, from B-1 (Limited
Business District) to B-3 (Community Business District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
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. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Guerra
33. Public hearing regarding application by Blackstone Dilworth, amending
the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 57.8
acres as further described by metes and bounds, located at 10610
McPherson Road, from AG (Agricultural 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 57.8 acres as further described by metes and bounds, located
at 10610 McPherson Road, from AG (Agricultural District) to B-4
(Highway Commercial District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mr. Harry Jewett, representing Blackstone Dillworth property owners,
spoke in favor of the zone change request and was present to answer
any questions.
Cm. Bruni read a letter and quoted, "I share the enthusiasm about our
new Colombia Doctors Hospital and the promising future it brings to
our community in the avenues of health,
care, and job opportunities. Any new venture that benefits Laredo is
certainly a welcomed site to the City of Laredo. It is my sincere
wish however, that our eagerness to move our....to move on with our
new hospital, we not forget the serious health care needs of our
elderly and our indigent particularly those who live in deep South
Laredo. We need to make sure that these individuals who are
productive members of our society do not fall through the cracks and
that they too will have easy and readily accessible access to the
quality health care that Colombia Doctors Hospital would provide to
the entire community. I stand ready in my capacity as a member of
this City Council to assist Colombia Doctors Hospital in our quest to
help our working people in need and those marginalized members of our
community. It is only fair and right that we work to ensure that this
wish will become a positive reality."
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Guerra
XII. 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: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
34. Public hearing authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment
(increase) to the Laredo Municipal Transit Systems FY 1997-98
operating budget (revenue and expenditures; fund 558) in the amount of
$9,800.00, to $7,031,497.00, from $7,021,697.00; transferring funds
from the Transit Sales Tax proceeds budget reserve account (Fund 518).
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment
(increase) to the Laredo Municipal Transit Systems FY 1997-98
operating budget (revenue and expenditures; fund 558) in the amount of
$9,800.00, to $7,031,497.00, from $7,021,697.00; transferring funds
from the Transit Sales Tax proceeds budget reserve account (Fund 518).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
35. Public hearing to re-consider the realignment of the El Metro #5
Marcella bus route in order to increase its efficiency and remove a
difficult turning maneuver from Bartlett to Jarvis.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance to re-consider the realignment of the El Metro #5 Marcella
bus route in order to increase its efficiency and remove a difficult
turning maneuver from Bartlett to Jarvis.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and approve the motion.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to adjourn as The Mass Transit Board and convene as City
Council.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Adjournment time: 9:40 p.m.
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE MINUTES CONTAINED IN PAGES O1 TO 38
ARE TRUE, COMPLETE, AND CORRECT PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON
THE 26TH DAY OF JANUARY, 1998. A CERTIFIED COPY IS ON FILE AT
THE CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE.
________________________
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR.
CITY SECRETARY