CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS
5:30 P.M.
MINUTES
M-98-R-04 FEBRUARY 2, 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 Perez 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, III, CITY MANAGER
JAIME L. FLORES, CITY ATTORNEY
Motion to move up items A(1), #50, #25,
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IV. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
2. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with South Texas
Workforce Development Board for approximately 10,552 square feet
constituting Building No. 979 located at 4717 Daugherty Avenue.
1. Lease term is for one (1) year commencing September 1, 1997 and
ending August 31, 1998, and may be extended for two (2) terms of
one (1) year each ending August 31, 1999 and August 31, 2000.
2. Monthly rent shall be $4,221.00, and will be adjusted annually
according to changes in the Consumer Price Index. Previous monthly
rent was $3,342.52.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
3. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Jose Santos for
approximately 4,612 square feet constituting Building No. 1112 located
1603 E. Calton Road.
1. Lease term is for one (1) year commencing October 1, 1997 and
ending September 30, 1998. 2. Lease may be terminated by either
party upon giving a ninety (90) day written notice. Monthly rent
shall be $1,020.00. Previous monthly rent was $971.46.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
V. FINAL READINGS
Motion to waive the final reading of ordinances #98-O-020,
#98-O-021, #98-O-027, #98-O-029, #98-O-030, #98-O-031,
#98-O-032, #98-O-033, #98-O-034, #98-O-035, #98-O-036,
#98-O-037, #98-O-038, #98-O-040, #98-O-041, #98-O-042,
#98-O-043, #98-O-044 and #98-O-045.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
4. 98-O-020 Authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo, Texas
Combination Tax and Revenue Certificates of Obligation,
Series 1998-B, in the principal amount of $16,160,000.00,
for the purpose of paying all or a portion of the City's
Contractual Obligation for the construction of drainage
improvements; construction of street improvements and
repairs; construction of a New Public Works Building;
repairing and remodeling the Canizalez Gym, Old Library
Building, and Municipal Court Building; acquisition of
municipal vehicles and equipment for municipal departments,
together with a Landfill Collection System, and the
acquisition of land for a Municipal Landfill, and for
paying legal, fiscal, architectural, and engineering fees
in connection with such projects; and other matters
relating thereto.
Noe Hinojosa, with Estrada Hinojosa, announced they opened
bids at 4:30 p.m. on the sale of $6,415,000 combination tax
and sewer system revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series
1998A, and $16,160,000 of combination tax and revenue
Certificates of Obligation series. They received three
bids on the sewer C.O.'s with the lower bid provided by
William R. Hough & Company with an interest rate of 4.955%,
the second lowest was Southwest Securities with a 5.0371%.
On the Series 1998-B which is a larger loan of $16,160,000
the lowest bid was 4.9653% by William R. Hough. Five bids
were received on that loan.
They recommended that they award the bid to William R.
Hough.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
5. 98-O-021 Ordinance authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo, Texas
Combination Tax and Sewer System Revenue Certificates of
Obligation, Series 1998-A, in the principal amount of
$6,415,000.00 for the purpose of paying all or a portion of
the City's Contractual Obligation for improvements and
extensions to the City's Sewer System, and acquisition of
land in connection therewith, and for paying legal, fiscal,
and engineering fees in connection with this project and
other matters relating thereto.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
6. 98-O-027 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.
(City Council)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
7. 98-O-028 Ordinance amending Section 24.63.2 of the Laredo Land
Development Code by allowing pawn shops in
B-3 (Community Business District). (City Council)
Motion to approve.
Moved :
Second:
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
8. 98-O-029 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).
(Joe A. Guerra)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
9. 98-O-030 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).
(Louis H. Bruni)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
10. 98-O-031 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). (Joe A. Guerra)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
11. 98-O-032 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). (Louis H. Bruni)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
12. 98-O-033 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). (Louis H. Bruni)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
13. 98-O-034 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). (Louis H. Bruni)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
14. 98-O-035 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). (Louis H. Bruni)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
15. 98-O-036 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). (Louis H. Bruni)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
16. 98-O-037 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). (Louis H. Bruni)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
17. 98-O-038 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.
(Joe A. Guerra)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
18. 98-O-039 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). (Cecilia M. Moreno)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
19. 98-O-040 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).
(Eliseo Valdez Jr.)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
20. 98-O-041 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).
(Eliseo Valdez Jr.)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
21. 98-O-042 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 Blvd., from
B-1 (Limited Business District) to B-3 (Community Business
District). (Joe A. Guerra)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
22. 98-O-043 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). (Joe A. Guerra)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
23. 98-O-044 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). (City Council)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
24. 98-O-045 Amending Chapter 21 Offense and Miscellaneous provisions,
Article V. Alarm Systems of the Code of Ordinances to the
City of Laredo.
(City Council)
Cw. Moreno stated that thee last time this item was before
council they requested that the ordinance be amended so
that citizens who are over 65 years old would not have to
pay the fee and would not be subjected to the false alarm
fees. The registration fee was eliminated, but they did
not eliminate the false alarm fees.
Motion to table.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Casso
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VI. RESOLUTIONS
25. 98-R-08 Request for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government
Code Section 551.071(1)(a)(b) to discuss pending litigation
and a settlement offer in Cause No. E-96-2-C1, styled City
of Laredo v. Jacaman Investment Group Ltd., et.al, and
return to open session for possible action thereon.
Motion to go into Executive Session pursuant to Texas
Government Code Section 551.071(1)(a)(b) to discuss pending
litigation and a settlement offer in Cause No. E-96-2-C1,
styled City of Laredo v. Jacaman Investment Group Ltd.,
et.al,
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
After Executive Session Mayor Protem Perez announced that
no formal action was taken.
Motion to authorize the acceptance of the terms of the
settlement offer in the airport condemnation case styled
the City of Laredo v. Jacaman Investment Group Ltd.,
et.al. in Cause No. E-96-2-C1 in the amount of $3.4
million for the acquisition of 114.77 acres of land as
needed for the extension of Runway 17L,35R at the Laredo
International Airport.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to move item #48.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
26. 98-R-023 Accepting a grant from the Texas Department of Health in
the amount of $70,176.00, for the HIV/AIDS Housing
Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Project of the
City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning
February 1, 1998, through January 31, 1999.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
27. 98-R-025 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into an
agreement with the Department of Treasury/U.S.
Customs Service of the reimbursement of $105,000.00 for
funding the joint Operation-Cooperation to Search for
stolen vehicles and contraband crossing into Mexico at the
City's International Bridges. These monies will be used to
pay overtime wages for police officers involved in this
Operation. This will be the 9th year the City has entered
into this agreement and is at no cost to the City.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
28. 98-R-026 Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application
to the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division in
the amount of $79,641.00, with the City designating
$35,527.00, in matching funds for a total of $115,168.00,
for funding a Domestic Violence Grant under the Violence
Against Women Act (VAWA) for the period of June 1, 1998
through May 30, 1999.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
29. 98-R-027 Supporting the Texas Unified Statewide Plan on Community
Service and Volunteerism.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
30. 98-R-028 Resolution expressing the opposition of the City Council of
the City of Laredo to the designation, by the Texas
Department of Public Safety, of the Camino Columbia as the
designated Non-Radioactive Hazardous Materials/Cargo Route
for the City of Laredo and the surrounding area.
Cw. Moreno stated that it is not Camino Colombia, it was
the bridge, they never talked about the road they talked
about the bridge. She added that within the discussion
that was talked about requesting that they consider the
outcome of the city's hazardous material committee, that
should be incorporated in there. She said that they are
not saying that it should be in one place or another,
council is saying that they should consider the
recommendations from that committee also.
Cm. Casso stated he does not know why they are voting in a
resolution of a road that doesn't even exist and does not
support this resolution. He is opposed to designating it
as a non-hazardous route.
Mr. Pena stated that they did received a response from
TxDot advising that they would not be taking any action on
signage and enforcement of the use of Bridge I and Bridge
II for hazardous material until the city and the state get
together and resolve the issue.
Motion to table.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
31. 98-R-029 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into and execute an
Interlocal Government Agreement pursuant to the Vernon's
Texas Government Code, Chapter 791, between the City of
Laredo and the County of Webb, in which Webb County
Sheriff's Department and the City's Law Enforcement Agency,
namely the Laredo Police Department, require the formation
of a Mutual Aid Law Enforcement Task Force to mutually
assist each other in the areas of traffic control, crowd
control, and general law enforcement both within and beyond
the city limits during the various Washington's Birthday
Celebration festivities scheduled for February 12, 1998
through February 22, 1998.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Note: At this time Mr. Pena advised that they
need to read the opening of the bids of the Certificates of
Obligation and the C.O.'s for the sewer and read the
interest rates (Item #4 and #5)
Motion to bring back item #4 and #5.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to move items C(1)(2)(3).
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Casso
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. MOTIONS
32. Refund of property taxes in various amount to the following
individuals or companies:
a. The Laredo National Bank in the amount of $839.81 as a result of a
clerical error.
b. Ricardo and Diana V. Martinez in the amount of $862.97, as a result
of a double payment.
c. Hurd Urban Development, L.C. in the amount of $698.45, as a result
of a double payment.
d. The Laredo National Bank in the amount of $551.97, as a result of a
clerical error.
e. The Laredo National Bank in the amount of $936.56, as a result of a
clerical error.
f. E.J. Laurel in the amount of $680.26, as a result of a double
payment.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cw. Montalvo was not present.)
33. Approval of bid specifications and authorization to advertise for bids
for the following:
a) Laboratory Services for Groundwater Samples and Testing at the City
Landfill- Public Works Department
b) Collection and Disposal Services Contract for used automotive motor
oil and filters - Public Works Department
c) Pool Chemicals - Parks and Recreation Department
A tentative bid of award date for items a, and b, is scheduled for
March 16, 1998. A tentative bid of award date for items c, and d, is
scheduled for March 2, 1998. Funding is available in the respective
Department's operating budgets.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For : 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
34. Authorizing the advertisement for Request for Proposals (RFPs) from
area professional firms interested in providing consultant services
for Repairing and Remodeling the Canizales Gym located at 1600
Guadalupe Street. Funding is available from proceeds of C.O. Sale.
Cw. Moreno wanted to know about the drainage on the 1200 Block of
Frost because when they appropriated monies she specifically stated
that this project should be one of the first projects.
Gabriel Martinez of Engineering Department, stated that they have not
gone out on RFP's but they have started on the surveys and it is being
designed in-house.
Mr. Pena stated they will give her a report on the time frame at the
next council meeting.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
35. Authorizing the City Manager to solicit proposals from interested
engineering firms to update the Airport Layout Plan (ALP) and Airport
Property Map for the Laredo International Airport in accordance with
all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines, regulations and
requirements.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
36. Authorizing the City Manager to solicit proposals from qualified
consultants to design and prepare engineering plans, and
specifications for implementing the Storm Water Management and Ecology
Demonstration park at Laredo Community College campus on a fast tract
basis.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
37. Authorizing the City Manager to solicit Request for Bid Proposals from
qualified environmental contractors for the removal of 2 - 5000
gallons underground storage tanks from the City of Laredo Airport
located at 518 Flightline #132.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
38. Award of a contract to the SOLE BIDDER, Holt Company of Laredo, Texas,
in the amount of $327,942.00, for the purchase of two new motor
graders. This equipment will be used for all City paving projects.
These graders will be purchased using a total cost format. The
contract vendor included a five year maintenance cost and a guaranteed
repurchase price if the City decides to sell these graders. This
equipment will be delivered within ninety days. Funding is available
in the Public Works capital outlay account.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
39. Award of a contract to the SOLE BIDDER, Dionex Corporation, Houston,
Texas, in the amount of $17,900.00, for the purchase of one ion
chromatography for use in the City's in-house laboratory. This
specialized equipment is used to expedite both groundwater and surface
water analysis of cations such as sodium, ammonium, lithium,
potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Funding is available in the
department's operation budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
40. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER, All America Sales Corp., Houston,
Texas, in the amount of $17,470.89, for the purchase of nine, police
vehicle lightbars and accessories. This equipment will be installed
on the new vehicles scheduled to
be delivered in April, 1998. Funding is available in the Police
Department's operating budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
41. Award of supply contract to the LOW BIDDERS MEETING SPECIFICATIONS,
Javalina Ready Mix, Laredo, Texas ($1,053,800.00), for the purchase of
ready mix cement, as required for all city paving and construction
projects. The City is in receipt of a letter from Javalina Ready Mix
addressing the City's concerns with material failures as per City
Council direction. Javalina Ready Mix agreed to be responsible for
all costs associated with replacing any concrete work where the
material does not meet the City's testing criteria.
The City did receive a lower bid for ready mix concrete from City
Ready Mix, Laredo, Texas, however, this company did not submit the
required laboratory test reports for each class of concrete. The
submission of these reports is stipulated in the City's bid
specifications. Also, City Ready Mix submitted several conditions as
to their delivery of concrete to job site that are not acceptable to
the City. A total of three bids were received for this purchase.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
42. Award of a professional services engineering contract to B.W.
Zimmerman & Associates, Harrisburg, PA, for an amount not to exceed
$105,517.00, to provide engineering services for the Toll System
Upgrade and Electronic Toll Collection Implementation to include
conceptual plan, design, construction implementation, system testing
phases for three of the existing international bridges and an option
to include the proposed fourth international bridge at additional cost
in the future. Funding is available in Bridge System Toll Plaza
Improvements.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
43. Award of an professional services contract to Raba-Kistner
Consultants, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for an amount not to exceed
$22,178.00, to provide Laboratory, Sampling and Testing Services of
materials for quality control for the E.D.A. Project No. 08-01-03080
- Airport Medical Infrastructure Improvements Arkansas Avenue
Extension. Funding is available in the EDA Airport Medical Park
Professional Services -Testing Fees.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
44. Approval of change order no. 1, an net increase in the amount of
$1,725.31, to Holmes and Shaw, Inc., San Antonio, Texas, for
additional services to print and mail the 1997 tax statements and tax
rolls. The original purchase order amount was $8,393.13. The
additional services were necessary due to an increase in the number of
accounts and for preparing the mail addresses with the ZIP + 4 format
in order to qualify for postage savings.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
45. Approval of amendment no. 1, an increase of a total of $2,227.50, to
Applied Earth Sciences, Inc., Corpus Christi, Texas, for the cost
overrun due to unforeseen situations, such as missing lifting eyes and
fiberglass construction, from the City of Laredo Airport Fuel Farm
current contract. Original contract with Applied Earth Sciences is in
the amount of $29,500.00. This amendment will bring the contract to
$31,727.50.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
46. Approval of the modified plans for the Market Street Tennis Courts
Improvements Project to add an office/training room per staff
recommendations, and the award of a construction contract to the
Lowest Bidder, Paragon Builders, Inc., Laredo, Texas, in the amount of
$133,000.00. Funding is available in the amount of $47,000.00 from the
balance remaining in the Recreational Centers.
Cw. Moreno wanted the item explained and asked that the wording be
changed.
Mr. Pena said what is meant in this item is that there are the
additional $47,000.00 needed to award this contract.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
47. Approval to solicit bids for the purchase of fence materials to
construct the Extension of a Fence at the City of Laredo Cemetery
using city crews and contract labor, with a tentative award date of
March 16, 1998. Funding is available in the Capital Improvement Fund
Cemetery Improvements.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
48. Authorize the advance of 1.4 million from the General Fund to the
Airport Construction Fund (formerly titled as the New Airport Fund) in
connection with the purchase of land for the Municipal Airport
pursuant to the settlement of Cause No. F-96-2-C1 City of Laredo v.
Jacaman Investment Group, which advance will constitute and interfund
borrowing and shall be reimbursed from Certificates of Obligation to
be issued by the City of Laredo International Airport no later than
August 30, 1998.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Bruni stated for the record, "that the two actions that the City
Council has taken will greatly improve the noise problems that the
City is having south of Laredo International Airport and in the County
Club Estates east of our main primary runway. This action will enable
this city to purchase this land and extend the runway 2,000 feet to
the north and our noise abatement problems that have been with us for
a long time that seem to be getting closer." He thanked council for
these expenditures and in helping him solve the problems that have
plagued District II pertaining to noise abatement.
49. Award a contract to Betty Ann Kane & Company in the amount of
$4,000.00, per month for Washington liaison services.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cw. Montalvo was not present)
VIII. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
50. Status report regarding the implementation of the City of Laredo FAR
PART 150 Airport Noise Compatibility Program and installation of the
Terminal Automated Radar Display Information System (TARDIS).
Jose Luis Flores, Airport Director, reported that they are still
waiting for FAA to provide the funding. To date, there is no airport
in the nation that has received any noise monies to implement their
noise programs. He remains optimistic, because in his conversations
with FAA they have indicated that they are working with us in trying
to get this first grant for Laredo. He added that through the action
taken tonight, to acquire additional acres will enable them to extend
one of the runways to mitigate the noise impact on the south end and
south east of the airport.
In reference to the TARDIS System, he said that as of last week we
were connected to the Houston Control Center. The data is coming
through the tower at this time, however the installation of the
equipment that requires FAA officials to come down from Dallas/Ft.
Worth or Oklahoma City is being scheduled. They are working out the
details to reimburse them for the travel expenses and hopefully they
will soon have that concluded as well.
He concluded by saying the data is coming through, it has been
connected, they just need to get the FAA officials to install the
equipment. It is not operable, the equipment is not installed and
that it will be installed within next three or four weeks.
Cm. Bruni asked for a status report on this issue every first Monday
of every month.
51. Status report contracting for jet passenger service with possible
action. Consider scheduling a joint City Council and Airport Advisory
Board workshop to discuss proposals for passenger jet service to and
from the Laredo International Airport.
Mr. Pena stated that in order to consider jet service City Council
might need to ask the voters to consider adopting an economic sales
tax to guarantee the revenues that will be required.
Jose Luis Flores, Airport Director, updated on the status of the
meetings with American Airlines and Continental. He said they
received two proposals from the two airlines, they are in the process
of making a recommendation. They would like to host a joint Airport
Advisory Board and City Council Meeting to go in details on each of
the two proposals received. In the process they have inquired as to
the legality of city contracting for jet service and do have a legal
opinion that precludes and does not allow for the city to contract
with private enterprise to provide any guarantees. He explained that
other cities such as Amarillo and Brownsville which have a guarantee
program provide this through a 4A Sales Tax Corporation. He said
they need the mechanism and it seems that the only way they can do it
is through a 4A or 4B Sales Tax. He further explained that what they
would like to do is freeze the trench hole of passenger activity that
they have now because one of the proposals calls for a guarantee of 25
additional one trip passengers (25 going and 25 coming).
Cm. Bruni had concerns about the attitude that Continental Express is
taking with the city and with the type of equipment that Continental
Express is using. He read a memorandum sent to Councilmembers dated
January 8th in reference to a Continental emergency of January 6th
with 23 passengers on board which departed the Laredo International
Airport on January 6th at approximately 6:30 a.m. and at approximately
6:44 safely returned to Laredo International Airport after declaring
an in-flight emergency. The FAA safety office was made aware of the
incident, the flight was cancelled, the aircraft was inspected and
repaired by local aircraft mechanics, and as additional precaution the
aircraft was fared to Houston without passengers. He said this is not
the first time in recent days that Continental Airlines has had a
major emergency in flight. He thinks that they should send a strong
letter to Continental who is being the most difficult airline that
they have spoken to in getting jet service that their type of
equipment is not acceptable to this City. He added that FAA has said
that this type of aircraft has repeated uncontrollable engine surges,
has icing problems, and there are no more of this type of aircraft
flying up east because they have big problems with the icing on their
wings.
He further stated it is the duty of Continental and American to give
us what every size city that has this kind of population has. He
asked that they address a letter to Continental and tell them our
displeasure with the type of equipment they are using and also our
displeasure of the rates because it is more expensive to fly from
Laredo to Houston than it is from San Antonio to Hong Kong.
Motion to authorize the City Manager and the legal staff to write a
letter to Continental Airlines expressing concern of the type of
equipment that they are using to service the Laredo/Houston route and
voicing our dissatisfaction with their rates, but most of all the
safety problem that is all over the National Transportation Safety
Board Reporter (this report comes out on a monthly basis that reports
that every other month there is a tragedy with one of those type of
aircrafts).
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Casso
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Mayor Protem Perez was chairing the meeting, not voting.)
(Cm. Alvarado stepped out momentarily.)
(Cw. Montalvo was excused from the meeting.)
Mr. Flores stated they are proposing to contract with an F100 Jet, a
737 or DC9 and as the commuter type of aircraft that is service today,
both airlines (American and Continental) have a program to face this
aircraft out of service. It will
be gradually replaced they are starting to get the regional jets.
Cm. Bruni stated that regional jets that they are proposing
will never make it to Laredo because they only bought 40 and we will
never see them.
Cm. Casso said that staff is asking council to consider the 4-B sales
tax issue to the voter during May or August 1998 election and he wants
to see a public referendum on this issue on May. He thinks that the
4-B sales instead of the
4-A is the route to go because it gives them more latitude and the 4-A
is more for industrial development. He said that 4-B is for
industrial development plus parks and any things they want to do plus
jet service. He thinks it should be placed on the election for May,
to bring out more voters, and that way it can become an issue during
campaign time.
Motion that the economic sales tax be placed for public
referendum for the May election.
Moved : Cm. Casso
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Casso added that he thinks that the only solution to the traffic
congestion is a staging area, a voucher system, and added that these
monies from the economic sales tax can be used for a staging area.
He also wanted an explanation in reference to the Memorandum of
Understanding, so that they can get service in July or August. He
wants to vote on the MOU on the next meeting when the cost is
presented to them. He hopes that all the
$3 million that it will generate will not all go to jet service.
Mr. Pena explained that by experiences with other cities that have
tried the economic sales tax, and said that the more specific they are
about the projects, the greater the likelihood of passage because
people know what they are going to get. He strongly urged council
that if they are going to move fast for May, that they need to move
fast to identify projects that the voters can see other than jet
service, because they need to fast track this issue. They have two
choices, "jet Service" or "Jet Service, 12 months and these other
projects.
Mr. Pena stated that they need to come back to council in reference to
a time frame, decide if they are going to add other projects to this
list, the projects have to be
identified at least 45 days prior to May 2nd, so they have until the
middle of March to identify these projects. He said they can set a
special workshop with the council to deal with the projects
specifically during the month of February.
52. Consideration and action on setting a date of either February 24 or 25
to meet with our Legislative Liaison, Mario Martinez and Bob Strauser
to discuss State Legislative Strategies.
Florencio Pena, City Manager, stated that as part of the contract with
Mr. Martinez he has committed to be here with council a day to
discuss current legislative issues, annexation, taking away our right
to regulate public right-of-ways, issues dealing with Senate Bill 1,
etc. He added that he would like an opportunity to brief staff, City
Council and possibly set a session for the public sector, the county,
the school districts to join in and listen to some of the
presentations that will be made.
Cm. Perez asked that they invite Betty Ann Kane from the federal
liaison.
Mr. Pena announced that a workshop will be set to meet with the City's
Legislative Consultant for February 25, 1998 at 5:30 to meet with
council and exchange ideas.
53. Presentation by Joe M. Guerra, Director Public Works Department on
Creek Cleaning Efforts throughout the City.
Oscar Medina, Assistant Director of Public Works, stated there are
approximately 1,082 acres in creeks and easement that they maintain.
During the last three years City Council has made efforts by adding
personnel to help and continue with the maintenance of these creeks.
Note: There was a 10 minute video presentation showing some of the
more problem areas, the advantages and disadvantages of creek
cleaning.
He explained Town Lake Creek has a problem with the narrowness along
the sides of the creek, water is not flowing well. There is capital
improvement project to concrete this creek, but it is two or three
years away.
On Cimeron Creek behind the Hidden Meadows area they've had many
problems, they have proposed to maybe put some concrete pipe and
minimize the problem, but Engineering staff has calculated that the
pipes would be too small, it would have to stay an open channel and it
would have to be concrete lined which would be an expensive
proposition.
He also pointed other areas such as Calle del Norte, Avon, Antonia
Street in which they cannot get into at all and they will install
concrete pipe. He gave an overview of the Manadas Creek area, Rancho
Viejo area, Flecha Lane area, and Chaparral area,
Cm. Bruni wants a list (per district) as to what has been cleaned and
what is being proposed for cleaning. He pointed that most of the
cleaning has been in District VII.
He reported there are 14 employees working the creeks, in two crews of
seven each, additional six employees work on right-of-ways, sidewalks
or easements. They have one mower, one backhoe, and three dump
trucks for the whole city. He further stated there is a report that
has been submitted to council in reference to this issue and areas
they will the cleaning throughout districts.
Cm. Bruni suggested that if there is any additional funding left, that
they should sub-contract some of the creek cleaning and identify some
of the private property where these creeks are and get them cleaned.
IX. COMMUNICATIONS
a) Mayor Protem Perez proclaimed Mercy Regional Medical Center Day,
February 12, 1998, publicly read and presented the proclamation to
staff of Mercy Regional.
b) Cm. Guerra read letter sent to him by A.R.I. regarding the Purchasing
Department. The letter reads as follows:
"With all due respect, I am under the impression that the City of
Laredo Purchasing Department does not want to do business with me. I
have never been called upon or seen any notices in public regarding
advertising supplies. It is my understanding that the City of Laredo
Purchasing Department continues to call San Antonio for pricing. I
find this very
disturbing that our City feels that they must look elsewhere other
than to their local taxpayer!"
Cm. Perez asked that the issue be referred to the Purchasing Director
and that he look into this matter.
c) Mrs. Juan Hernandez spoke of the city ordinance that prohibits semi-
trucks parking in residential areas, enforcement and fines. She said
her husband is self-employed truck driver, her business is at the home
located at 3102 Sta. Barbara and has been fined for this. She added
that the fines are causing a severe drain in their finances, truck
stops are always full and congested and they are unable to park their
trailer there besides they live 13 miles away from the truck stop and
has to leave her children unsupervised and unattended to take her
husband at early morning hours, and how can she be expected to drive
to pick him up every day. She wanted to know when this ordinance was
adopted because they were never aware of it.
Cm. Valdez said that there was discussion of a certain area at the
Park and Ride facility for tractor trailers, and wants to know if they
ever came up with fees, or ideas as to how they were going to
implement the program.
Mr. Pena stated he recalls that conversation, but does not recall if
there was action taken, but he will revive that issue.
Cm. Bruni stated they were going to study the whole ordinance
pertaining to 18-wheelers and tractors. What they were trying to do
with that ordinance was keep the 18-wheelers out of the R-1 areas, but
staff never got back to council with their recommendations. He
remembers hearing that the tractor park that belongs to individuals
would be grandfathered in, not the major companies that have a
terminal. After discussion he asked that the issue be brought on the
next agenda. That staff come back with recommendations and that staff
investigate with the legal staff in reference to the grandfathered
clause, because in District II there are many tractors that parked in
residences. He wants clarification on the ordinance and wants that
people that have this problem are not cited until the ordinance has
been looked at and until they have had recommendations from staff.
Keith Selman, Planning Director, stated that there is no grandfathered
provision in the ordinance, trucks were prohibited in all single
family residential districts which included R-1, R-S, R1-MH, and R-1A.
As per direction of council staff has been consolidating all
ordinances and code
of ordinances that are scattered around, consolidating them into one
trucking ordinance.
Mr. Pena stated that if the owner can provide proof of operation,
prior to 2 1/2 years, there is a way to consider them grandfathered,
consolidated with the ordinance that they are doing, they will
specifically mention that in the new one. He said they will explore
these issues and will come bring back to Council.
Cm. Casso wants to go on record stating that he received calls of
residents complaining about tractor trailers parked at Guatezmozin
Street and in other residential areas and that he will call them
tomorrow to tell them that the issue was discussed tonight and tell
them what is being proposed about the proof of operation prior to 2
1/2 years plus that he does not know if this is going to pass.
Mayor Protem Perez asked staff get in touch with Mrs. Hernandez and
see under what classification her property falls under.
X. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION AND PRESENTATION
54. Requests by Mayor and City Councilmembers for discussion and
presentation.
A. Requests by Mayor Pro Tem Jose R. Perez
1. Recognizing United States Cellular for their generous assistance in
making the City's Community Oriented Policing Services Program (COPS)
a success by donating 12 cellular phones with free unlimited calling
time to the Laredo Police Department.
Mayor Protem Perez recognized Marcela Canales, representing U.S.
Cellular, for their donation.
Chief Dovalina presented the plaque to Mrs. Canales on behalf of the
Police Department.
B. Requests by Councilmember Louis H. Bruni
1. Requesting City Council approval to instruct staff to identify
potential sites to acquire and construct a recreational facility in
District II, and to include in the 1998-99 Community Development Block
Grant Program Budget.
Cm. Bruni stated that District II is lacking recreational facilities
and said there is a small part in District II in the southern part
adjacent to Hachar Elementary where maybe they can get CDBG monies.
He also asked that staff identify a site on Spur 400 for recreational
facilities. He wants to know what they can do to expedite facilities
in District II.
Cm. Perez stated these two would be good projects for the Economic
Development sales tax.
Cm. Bruni wants to see this item on the CDBG projects in April, wants
to see a site and the what it is going to cost.
Cindy Collazo stated they will start planning within 30-45 days and
will be coming to council and provide them with
listing of project, then council can prioritize projects.
Cm. Valdez asked that staff also look at the Raquel Gonzalez property
in his district, she is willing to negotiate with the city.
Motion to instruct staff to identify potential sites to acquire, such
as the southern part adjacent to Hachar Elementary, and an area around
Spur 400. To incorporate Cm. Valdez's request, the Raquel Gonzalez
property along Zacate Creek, to construct recreational facilities.
That staff identify potential sites, possible cost and possible
funding for 1999 making it reference to the Master Plan and that a
report be brought back to council on 1st meeting March 1st.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cw. Montalvo was not present)
(Mayor Protem Perez was chairing the meeting, not voting)
2. Discussion and possible action on the Ropa Usada establishment located
at 2601 Ash Street.
Cm. Bruni stated it was completely unacceptable that there is a ropa
usada establishment adjacent to Milton Elementary School. He found
out that in 1983 this area was zone M-1, it is in the middle of an R-1
area and wants an explanation as to how it got zoned as an M-1. There
are 18-wheelers parked in front of the establishment, it bothers the
residents day and night by its day/night activities, there is trash
and ropa usada all the way out to the city easement and he thinks that
is not acceptable. He said that the Fire Department should
investigate this, because it is an old building with no sprinkler
system and would like staff to explain how an
M-1 got put in the middle of an R-1. He wants a legal opinion as to
how they can rescind that particular ordinance and put it back to its
original R-1 status because that is no place for a ropa usada
establishment.
Mr. Antonio Pena who lives in front of the establishment stated that
there are rigs parked outside, besides there are other types of
ongoing activities, such as ironworks. He spoke against the ropa
usada establishment and asked that council do something about it.
Cm. Bruni wants that Code Enforcement go out there and look at the
building, wants a report from the Fire Department as to what is going
on, and thinks that is not conducive to an R-1, because there are 18-
wheelers which are out of the truck route. He instructed legal staff
to come back with an interpretation of what happened back in 1983 with
the planning process whereby an M-1 ended in the middle of an
R-1.
Fire Chief Ramirez stated that this is not a ropa usada business, it
is a phone recycling business from Barry of
Laredo. He said there are numerous violations in the building, they
have been cited, they have 10 days in which to meet the requirements
of the Fire Safety Code Standards.
He identified some items that must be corrected within ten days such
as unsafe wiring, unsafe electrical box, sprinkler system, fire alarm
system, loose storage outside the building and fire extinguishers are
not adequate the way they.
Cm. Bruni asked that they react on this as soon as possible, because
it is a public threat and a public safety issue, it is adjacent to a
school, he wants this problem remedied as soon as possible.
Keith Selman, Planning Director, stated that if council wants to
change the zoning category, that they just need to make a motion
directing staff to proceed and initiate a rezoning on the property.
Cm. Bruni want legal staff to see if we are acting within our legal
means and if we are, if we can change it, he wants it changed.
Mr. Pena stated that it becomes a non-conforming status and it can
continue to operate as a non-conforming, they can change the zoning
law, but the use continues to be there.
Cm. Bruni said lets change the zoning, it can continue operating, but
they are going to be cited.
Mr. Selman stated the current zone is M-1, and it can operate under
its current use.
Mr. Jesus Laurel stated this is not a ropa usada warehouse, it is made
out of steel, since the 1980's it was zoned M-1
and was rented to a brick and tile company, then after that it was
rented to someone fixing trucks, lately they have Mr. Gonzalez who
has rented for two years for recycling stuff. He has had problems
selling the product, and has stacked it outside. He added he has
spoken to him in reference to the cleaning already and he will do it.
Mr. Eduardo Gonzalez stated that he will clean outside the premises,
and do whatever he needs to do inside the building. He will talk to
fire staff to see what needs to be done, he will empty the front
offices and clean up. He want to know if he can continue operating.
Motion to instruct staff to proceed to initiate to rezone the
property.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Casso
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
3. Discussion and possible action on a creek maintenance problem at the
3600 block of Galveston
Motion to table.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
4. Discussion and possible action on adding the 3300 block of Lane the
1600, 1700, and 1800 block of Milmo to the current Street Paving
Project.
Motion to table.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
5. Status report on the Montgomery India Drainage Project with possible
action.
Cm. Bruni wants to know the status pertaining to the percent of
completion and when the due date of the contract is
for completion.
Mr. Gabriel Martinez of the Engineering Department, stated that the
project is about 70% complete. Most of the project accounted for is
the underground work which is all in place. What is pending is the
patch work on the streets where the streets were torn to install the
underground storm drain lines. It's been a month or two since the
ground system has been in place, but there has been a delay on the
part of the contractor in going back in resurfacing those streets. He
said that on the first part the contractor was delayed because his
paving sub-contractor bought out of his obligation with the general
sub-contractor and then the general sub-contractor was forced to find
another paving contractor to go and refinish the patch work on the
streets.
On the second part, what caused delayed was that the material was
faulty and they instructed the contractor to remove it and replace
that equipment with corrective material and so far that has not been
done yet.
Cm. Bruni questioned what was on the original specifications and what
has the Engineering Department instructed the general contractor to
do?
Mr. Martinez stated that the specifications allowed for the removal
and replacement of the existing base material. In an effort to speed
up the process of repaving, they have met with the contractor and he
has proposed a savings to the city. If they elect not to replace the
existing caliche base and just resurface over the existing base.
Cm. Bruni questioned if we are doing a patch job?
Mr. Martinez stated that is what is being considered in order to
expedite the work.
Cm. Bruni stated this project has been going on for a year, for three
months there was nobody there, the underground infrastructure was
already in place. He added to expedite a project that has been
delayed for whatever reasons for three months to him is not expediting
anything. He wants to make sure that the project is done properly,
the monies were appropriated, and now it looks like they are only
doing a big patch job. He said that part of the delay was because
staff would not instruct them to remove the faulty material. He said
we need to expedite the project and would like that it be completed by
the date on the contract, the contract was for 120 working days.
Cm. Bruni stated this council goes out for bids, they present bidders
with bid specifications on what he is bidding on, then staff takes it
upon themselves to change the bid specs how they feel they can
expedite matters or for whatever reason, in lieu of the fact, do they
have the authority to do that, or do they have to come to City Council
and present that information?
Mr. Martinez stated they do not have that authority and they have not
done that yet. What they are doing now is filling the trenches where
they install the pipe, they have not done the patch work all the way
across the street. They still have a proposal to submit to the City
Manager as a credit to the city and as a change order if that is the
way that's going to be proposed. The preferred method would be to
stick to the original plans.
Mr. Pena clarified that the work has not been done, only the filling
of the trenches which is part of the specifications, so there is still
an opportunity to do as originally plan.
The time frame of this contract has not gone beyond the time limit it
has until late March to complete the contract.
Motion to reaffirm the original specifications and that the
project be completed on its anniversary date or when due.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
6. Discussion and possible action on establishing a police substation at
Heritage Park.
Cm. Bruni stated he has a received a call from Mr. Snow and from the
developers of Heritage Park who are willing to donate an existing
structure that exists at Heritage Park to see if we can incorporate
some kind of Police Substation.
Motion to instruct the Police Chief to look into possibly expanding
the services.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
There was no second.
Mr. Pena stated that the cost of expanding services is about $500,000
a million to operate yearly, they have four existing COP Districts,
they added four more as part of 1997-98 budget, and just got a grant
to add one more which was authorized for this fiscal year. There are
no funds appropriated for it this year, but certainly the will put it
into the budget process in mid summer and council can consider adding
more districts at that time.
Agustin Dovalina, Police Chief, echoed what the City Manager said,
they have a number of COP work stations fully functioning. With
respect to the COPS a workshop held and one of the recommendations
that they did make with respect to expansion of this program included
two particular areas given the statistical information derived. Two
of the areas pretty much next in line as far as recommendations are
concerned are Police District VIII, the area is located in the north
west section of the city, and the other area to be in Police District
II around mid south/east section of the city. He is awaiting
direction as to where to proceed, there is a supplemental grant which
allows to hire 10 additional police officers and based on statistical
information the next on line would be for Police District VIII.
He explained that there are six in place, two awaiting completion of
remodeling, next in line would be Police District VIII and subsequent
to that one would be Police District II.
Cw. Moreno asked that they add the one mentioned (Heritage Park) after
those two.
C. Requests by Councilmember Alfonso "Poncho" Casso
1. Discussion and possible action on holding a public referendum on May
2, 1998 General Election regarding the elimination of truck lines on
IH-35.
Items C(1)(2) and (3) were taken and discussed together.
Cm. Casso spoke on the danger of the truck lines referred to him by
two firefighters previously. He said these firefighters were
concerned about the long truck lines on
IH-35 and asked that he try to get them off because there have been
accidents before and someone got killed before and they will continue
happening. He told them that he does know we need to get them off but
there will be a lot of controversy and he will be caught in the
crossfire.
He added he placed the item and action was taken on a staging area.
He asked staff for a study and that they bring it
back before council and nothing really happened, he has not received a
report or knows if anybody has received one.
On November 17, 1997 he brought the issue and the issue turned into a
huge war. He called Cm. Bruni and Cm. Guerra and asked if they could
co-sponor an item. Cm. Bruni told him it would cause a lot of
problems, but that it is not his intent, his intent is to draw
attention to this serious problem. He said they wanted to re-route
everything to Colombia, but they were not trying to ram everything
down people's throat, primary the industry. They just wanted
everybody to wake up to the gravity of the problem. The only thing
that came out of that experience was that they had a task force
create. What prompted him to do something was the deaths of two young
boys and what irritated him was when a candidate for City Council
blames this council because they did not take the recommendations of
the Laredo Transportation Association regarding a 5% hike on the toll
bridges. For an individual to exploit the tragic deaths of two boys
for his own political campaign is unacceptable.
He added that he had taken a $4,000 poll, one of the questions asked
people in the community was what issue was the most important issue
facing this community? The most important issue was re-routing
trucks on IH-35. The question was, "Some people say that we need to
re-route the truck traffic that now that travels IH-35 to and from
Mexico because its creating terrible traffic congestion and is a
serious safety hazard. Other people say we should keep the trucks
traveling down IH-35 because re-routing them would hurt local shops
and restaurants that depend on the truckers business." The poll
showed 71% of the people wanted to re-route trucks, 23% said keep the
trucks in IH-35, 16% said pro or con (it depends), and 8% do not know
or do not have an opinion.
He added that they asked males/females about re-routing trucks and the
poll was as follows: 76% of the females wanted the trucks re-route,
64% of the males wanted it re-routed, 31% of the males said keep the
trucks in IH-35,
and 16% females said keep them on IH-35.
The point he is trying to make is that "people want the trucks off IH-
35". He said he knows we cannot prohibit the trucks from using the
interstate, but it is against the law to for those trucks to be
stacked up there for miles and nothing is being done. He pointed that
every time the Police Department gets blamed for something, and it is
not the Police Department's responsibility to be policing interstate
highway because that is not city owned. He wants to know where the
Department of Public Safety is? The department of DPS is real eager
to re-route all hazardous cargo to the Colombia Bridge. He said he is
not trying to restrict any of the commercial traffic from using any of
the bridges they want or using the truck routes that are designated
all he is saying is that they should not be stacked up for miles on
IH-35 and turn the highway into a parking lot because it is not a
parking lot. The problem is not going away, it will get worst because
the new bridge is not going to be available for another two years.
The answer is not to dedicate the third lane for commercial truck
traffic.
He wants to know what they are going to do to remove the trucks from
IH-35? What type of a system are they coming up with, to allow to
release only trucks onto that interstate?
He pointed that before the meeting he received information saying that
he cannot hold a referendum on the issue because holding the
referendum would supersede federal law. So now we are not able to
hold a referendum even though the majority of the people want those
trucks off IH-35.
He said we have to come out with a system tonight on what they are
going to do about now allowing the trucks to backup for miles because
it is illegal. He also wants to know why DPS has not taken any
action? They have been advocating their responsibility to the city
and he does not think it is right and thinks that we should not absorb
that cost either by raising tolls.
He wants to know what happened to the staging area report that he
asked for approximately six months ago? In reference to the voucher
system or release system, they have spoken
about that issue prior and there has been no report on this either.
In reference to the task force, he said that unfortunately the task
force consisted of special interest groups, there was no citizen
participation, only political persons who just want to get their names
in the paper or be seen on TV because they were running for City
Council.
On the short terms solution that they came up such as opening Bridge I
and having a small staging area by the mall, there was also discussion
about closing Scott Street during certain hours but nothing came of
it, so nothing really happened.
He wants to know what they are going to do in the meantime,
because the new bridge will not happen until two years from now. The
problem needs to be solved, the thing is nobody wants to do anything.
He wants the status of the staging area, what ideas staff has, and
wants to know what they're going to do?
Florencio Pena, City Manager, stated that the task force basically
recommended several things in December:
1) Based on the Mexican Customs Director recommendation was to open
the hours of operation at Bridge I to expand them to midnight. That
would relieve a substantial amount of congestion. The city would
monitor that and see if we would have to implement the staging area
which would be at the River Drive Mall parking lot. They are prepared
to start that staging area at the request of City Council or the task
force if they meet again. The task force will meet within 90 days to
see what the status was of the congestion as it related to the opening
of Bridge I to midnight. The issue of the staging area is an issue of
putting additional trucks on Scott and also on the truck route of Anna
and Sta. Rita and certainly that can be done. He added that hopefully
they can eliminate or reduce the number of hours of operation, add
Bridge II as part of that decision. He said that since the task
force was appointed by City Council, and the task force was to explore
and continue exploring these alternatives he feels that they should
continue doing that.
He thinks that the work of the task force was complete, they felt it
was sense of continuing to evaluate this situation, and to continue
making recommendations and improvements to it.
He said that the construction of IH-35 is not yet complete TxDot
representatives are present and there are still a number of signs that
point to the fact that construction is still ongoing, the leveling of
that road is still very difficult to drive, and they hope it will be
finished soon.
The city is working with TxDot in developing signage and developing
the designation of the inside lane possibly to restrict the trucks to
an inside lane. There are different alternatives that the task force
may want to evaluate including shifting the hours of operation at
Bridge I and II to provide different flow of traffic.
At the present time there is 53% of the trucks are crossing on Bridge
II, 26% are crossing on Bridge I, and 22% at Colombia. They can
implement different hours of operation to distribute that load as
council sees fit. Different hours of operation could impact this
distribution, constructing a staging at the Riverdrive Mall could
impact this distribution. The peak periods for crossing is between
2:00 and 8:00 p.m. at night. Those are the periods of time, if they
are going have any adjustment that would have any impact on
congestions and those are the hours that have to be regulated.
Mr. Pena stated they are planning a new bridge and are closed to
getting the diplomatic notes exchanged. They have completed the
realignment study, but presently the Texas Department of
Transportation does not include a construction of direct connects unto
IH-35 and what that means is that the trucks that are coming from
Mexico into U.S. at Bridge IV are going over to Mines Road. Yes, they
will be going over Mines Road because there will be a grade separation
but when they get to IH-35 they will come to a "Stop". They will come
to a "stop" because TxDot has not provided the funding to get those
trucks onto IH-35.
Cm. Perez said that on pursuing the idea of the task force, he would
like to see that they meet one more time and then get together with
staff to formulate a recommendation, get cost estimates on all the
options available, and then come back and adopt the plan.
Cw. Montalvo wants a meeting set with the Transportation Ad Hoc
Committee so they can go over with the options, and formulate a plan,
together with staff so they can report back to City Council and adopt
some of the options. She added she wants to make it clear that they
will just be talking to the transportation industry, to get feedback
from them and nobody else.
Cm. Bruni stated the task force has met twice already,
and recommendations were passed weeks ago, the recommendations are
there, but they don't have any new recommendations, how can they say
that they need to meet together again with the same industry if they
are recommending the same thing.
Note: Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary, left the meeting at this
time due to official business in Nuevo Laredo.
Florencio Pena, City Manager, stated he does not believe the task
force felt that was the conclusion, that it was the decision and that
there was no other decision. The issue of Scott vs. Lafayette was
deferred, the issue of changing the hours of operation are still
opened.
Cm. Casso stated that they had already told Mr. Pena what needed to be
done, to change the hours, get the staging area by the mall and now
they come and tell them that it has not been done, and that they need
to meet again. He further stated that it is a waste of time, they
need to solve the problem now. There are two objectives and it is
hard to get to a solution. Their objective is to leave the trucks on
IH-35 and have it dedicated. His is to remove them from there. He
wants to know what it is to start getting them off. The point is that
they need to have somewhere where these trucks can go in the meantime
until they have TxDot give them the millions of dollars that they need
for the necessary infrastructure because they will continue to have
the same problems in two years but its going to be going northbound.
They need a short term solution now.
Cm. Bruni suggested that a meeting be set up, and that staff met with
DPS who are in charge of policing IH-35 because they are never seen on
IH-35. He said it is not only the city's responsibility, and added
that he would like to see more DPS units out there.
Cm. Alvarado stated that the situation is that in order to move the
trailers out of IH-35 they have to move them somewhere else and his
question is where do they move them to? Any other place that they
move them to, at this point and time, is to route them to Colombia
Bridge or move them through the Anna Truck Route. Right now the only
way to get out to the Colombia Bridge is Milo and Milo is heavily
congested already. Santa Maria which is the national truck route to
get the Anna Truck Route, is under construction for the drainage
project and will be under construction for the next six to eight
months. So again, he would like to go ahead and make some major
changes that the people could see so we can alleviate the traffic that
they see on IH-35, but
they have a lot of construction work being done and it is keeping them
from making that type of decision right now.
He further stated that people from the Lafayette area and Scott Street
do not want them opened as truck routes.
He said that by putting trucks on IH-35 they are keeping them from
schools and from the regular vehicular traffic that exists on the rest
of the community. We cannot take the problem from one area only to
create a bigger problem in another area, they need to have
enforcement, they need to look at ways to distribute the amount of
truck traffic.
Note: Cm. Bruni stepped out at this time. (7:00 p.m.)
Cw. Montalvo stepped out at this time. 7:00 p.m.)
Cm. Casso stated that the issue is that IH-35 is not a parking lot and
they (council) has not done anything to address the problem and it is
going to get worst, they have to come up with a solution now. He said
he is not trying to transfer something to Cm. Alvarado's district or
anybody else's district, they need another type of a system, a voucher
system, a release system, a huge staging area or something else needs
to be done. He wants to know what this council wants to do, once they
decide they can go from that premise on and work that way.
Cm. Bruni suggested that the whole council be included, not just the
task force.
Motion to post a Special Council Meeting for February 9, 1998 at 6:00
p.m., to discuss the plan that they will incorporate, discuss options
and ideas, cost estimates for the staging area so that they can make a
decision.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cw. Montalvo was not present)
Mr. Frances Flynn spoke of several issues such as noise abatement,
traffic, speed limit and enforcement. He stated that the trucks were
standing still and are not to be blamed, the persons killed on IH-35
were killed by speed. He said that speed limit should be lowered.
Mr. Jesus Ponce suggested that there are several alternatives that can
be used if the city, the state and the federal government get
together. 1) The access road from the 18 mile marker on down to Milo
is there already (a two lane road).
The inner lane with proper signage and markings can be used as a
staging area for the trucks. 2) The other alternative is the middle
section of the highway. The middle section can be setup to
accommodate trucks as a staging area. 3) Is sending the trucks down on
the Colombia Bridge, but the Mexican side infrastructure is not
accessible. He has mentioned previously that if they get together
with the Nuevo Laredo representatives maybe that road can be fixed and
made available so that traffic can travel. With proper engineering,
and proper permits it can be fixed. He suggested that they get in
touch with Congressman Bonilla who suggested that NAFTA was the ideal
to have and which thought was the ideal idea to vote for and said they
would take care of the infrastructure later.
Mrs. Anita Hernandez stated that council cannot just decide on what
people want, they have to look on the other side of other citizens
(the truck drivers) who also are taxpayers and said that just like the
kids that got killed on IH-35, they can get killed on the Mines Road
or at Colombia. The problem has to be solved but not by moving the
trucks to another place, because Laredo is growing, the trucking
business is also growing, and because the trucking business is the
heart of Laredo. She said that Laredo needs to be educated as to how
to handle it, everybody needs to be aware that it is there.
Mrs. Patricia Barrera stated it was recommended that drivers stay away
from the far left lane by PD and added that the Police Department is
just a hired hand, that they get instructions from their boss, the
City Manager and the Council. She said she's heard to many stories
from street policemen, concerning Mexican License Plates, concerning
the traffic on IH-35 and the cops tell her the same thing, that they
have orders from up high, that unless there is an infraction, or an
accident, then they address the Mexican plates, otherwise they are not
touched. She has questioned what will be done with the truck traffic
on IH-35, she wants to know who the members of the task committee are
and who they work for? She added that no one has addressed this
issue, the media has been silent on the issue, there have been deaths,
and added that it has been set that the new bridge will be the
solution to all the problems, but if they go by all the estimates,
they will have 12 deaths a year if they continue to three per quarter
which is what has occurred right now. What is more important to this
council and the City Manager, "the breath of life or the bottom line".
Yes, we need to eat, yes the truckers need work, but the majority of
those truckers are not even Texanos, they are Mexicanos and no one has
done a single issue of that.
She added that for Cw. Montalvo, Scott Street is not the solution and
for Cm. Alvarado neither is Lafayette because those are residential
areas, o.k. then lets work with what we have, Santa Maria is under
construction for six to eight months, which is a one part solution,
why don't we use Colombia Bridge as a detour, and can't we be working
in Santa Maria in the interim. She said she had 2-18 wheelers, and
knows the plight of the 18-wheelers that is why that is her argument
against he Mexican plates. As far as she understands the far left
lane is for fast driving not for parked trucks. She asked that if
council cannot act on anything that they give it to the people and let
them make the decision and not wait for another tragic death.
Mr. John Galo stated when the issue was brought before P&Z he made a
suggestion that there are 15 acres located at
Riverside/Calton and the truck route, they can bring in the southbound
traffic coming from Mines Road to come in at Mann Road and once the
truck route is opened on the north then come down Sta. Maria or they
still have the Mann Road option. They have a back entrance into this
15 acres, they can stage there and then exit going east on Calton Road
straight out to 35. There would have to be a release mechanism such
as booths, radio dispatch or maybe they can have them pay the tolls
there. He asked that this idea be looked at again, because it was
dismissed at P&Z.
Mr. George Johnson asked that council think about not sending trucks
through residential streets, if they take them off IH-35 and send them
to residential streets the exits will be clogged and all they are
going to do is move the trucks from the left to right hand lane and
there would be no way to exit. He thinks that they should recommend
that at the next meeting that a consideration be given to lowering the
speed limit during the peak time when the trucks are stacked up.
Mr. Fidel Ramirez said that today at 5:15 this afternoon, the trucks
were only backed up to the Bank of Commerce and wants to know what the
reason for this was. Is this because it is Monday, is it the date,
the aduana opened or closed, extra hours, no traffic, no loads, what
happened? Maybe we want to mimic and someone should inquiry what
happened today and do it every day of the week.
He said that there are trucks, empty tractor trailers with only one
license plate, or no license plate, and one of the
things that might be occurring that is part of our problem might be
that with one set of plates they have two trucks rolling on the
streets. Police Officers do not apparently check all this, where is
the enforcement? Where are they checking for inspection sticker,
license plates, etc.? He asked that a special "all" city council
meeting be held and that not only industry officials be included as
suggested by Cw. Montalvo, but also the general public because we all
pay taxes and certainly the trucking industry contributes but if they
sit down and start taking numbers they are not in the majority. He
concluded by saying that something needs to be done soon, and that
suggestions be tried on a trial basis.
Motion to excuse Cw. Montalvo due to official business in Nuevo
Laredo. (7:25 p.m.)
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mr. Enrique Carballo of 2305 Madison stated his purpose is to expose
the problems if Santa Maria and Lafayette are used as tractor trailer
routes. He mentioned that they cannot expose the problem from one
place to another and was opposed to using Lafayette and Santa Maria.
His suggestion is that they use Bridge III.
2. Discussion and possible action on the implementation of a voucher
system regarding commercial trucks using the International bridges.
Note: Taken with item C(1).
3. Status report on the staging area for commercial trucks.
Note: Taken with item C(1).
4. Status report regarding the naming of an International Trade Advisory
Committee with possible action.
Cm. Casso asked for a written status report on this issue.
D. Requests by Councilmember Joe A. Guerra
1. Discussion and possible action to retain the traffic barricade at the
intersection of North Avenue and Amador Salinas.
Keith Selman, Planning Director, made the presentation.
Motion to retain the traffic barricade at the intersection of North
Avenue and Amador Salinas.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cw. Montalvo was not present)
XI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
55. Public hearing amending the contract with the Texas Department of
Health and Budget in the amount of $70,176.00, for the HIV/AIDS
housing opportunities for persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Project, of the
City of Laredo Health Department for the period from February 1, 1998,
through January 31, 1999.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the contract with the Texas Department of Health
and Budget in the amount of $70,176.00, for the HIV/AIDS housing
opportunities for persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Project, of the City of
Laredo Health Department for the period from February 1, 1998, through
January 31, 1999.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Casso
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
56. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual Budget
by increasing funding to Community Action Agency/Elderly Nutrition
Program, a third party agency, by $20,000.00, from the General Fund
Reserve Appropriation-Salary Savings line item, and authorizing the
City Manager to implement said budget.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual Budget by
increasing funding to Community Action Agency/Elderly Nutrition
Program, a third party agency, by $20,000.00, from the General Fund
Reserve Appropriation-Salary Savings line item, and authorizing the
City Manager to implement said budget.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
57. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual Budget
in the amount of $59,068.00, for additional salary, fringe benefit
costs and direct operating expenses for a Multi-Agency Narcotics Task
Force for the period of June 1, 1997 and ending May 31, 1998.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual Budget in the
amount of $59,068.00, for additional salary, fringe benefit costs and
direct operating expenses for a Multi-Agency Narcotics Task Force for
the period of June 1, 1997 and ending May 31, 1998.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
58. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual Budget
in the amount of $103,111.00, for direct operating expenses, purchase
of a K-9 and purchase of computer equipment for the Multi-Financial
Disruption Task Force awarded by the Office of National Drug Control
Policy for the period of July 1, 1997 and ending June 30, 1998.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual Budget in the
amount of $103,111.00, for direct operating expenses, purchase of a K-
9 and purchase of computer equipment for the Multi-Financial
Disruption Task Force awarded by the Office of National Drug Control
Policy for the period of July 1, 1997 and ending June 30, 1998.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
59. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 U.S. Customs
Service Fund budget in the amount of $105,000.00 and authorizing the
City Manager to enter into an agreement with the Department of
Treasury/U.S. Customs for the reimbursement of $105,000.00, for
funding the joint Operation-Cooperation to search for stolen vehicles
and contraband crossing into Mexico at the City's International
Bridges. These monies will be used to pay overtime wages for police
officers involved in
this operation. This will be the 9th year the City has entered into
this agreement and is at no cost to the City.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 U.S. Customs
Service Fund budget in the amount of $105,000.00 and authorizing the
City Manager to enter into an agreement with the Department of
Treasury/U.S. Customs for the reimbursement of $105,000.00, for
funding the joint Operation-Cooperation to search for stolen vehicles
and contraband crossing into Mexico at the City's International
Bridges. These monies will be used to pay overtime wages for police
officers involved in this operation. This will be the 9th year the
City has entered into this agreement and is at no cost to the City.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
M98-R-04(S) Febraury 2, 1998
SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA
VII. Adopting a schedule of hearings and proceedings, and directing
staff to prepare a service plan for the annexation of 1 parcel of land
totaling 420 acres in accordance with Section 43.052 of the Texas Local
Government Code land which consists of the following:
a) Tract 1: Unitec Industrial Park Tract - 420 acres more or less.
Motion to adopt the timetable for the annexation.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Guerra
For : 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XII. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Adjournment time: 9:30 p.m.
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE MINUTES CONTAINED IN PAGES 01 TO 46
ARE TRUE, COMPLETE AND CORRECT PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
HELD ON THE 2ND DAY OF FEBRUARY, 1998. A CERTIFIED COPY IS ON FILE AT
THE CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE.
________________________
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR.
CITY SECRETARY
Minutes prepared by: Delia Rodriguez, Deputy City Secretary II
Minutes approved on: