CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS
5:30 P.M.
MINUTES
M-98-R-07 FEBRUARY 17, 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 led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
IN ATTENDANCE:
JOSE R. PEREZ, JR., COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT I
LOUIS H. BRUNI, " , DISTRICT II
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
ABSENCES:
Motion to excuse Cm. Casso.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 4 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Alvarado and Cw. Montalvo were not present and Mayor Protem Perez was
chairing the meeting.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2. City Council Meeting of January 5, 1998
City Council Meeting of January 19, 1998
City Council Meeting of January 26, 1998
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For : 4 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to waive the regular order of business and move up items under
Communications, #43, B(1), and B(4).
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 4 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
3. Amending Article IV which includes Sections 15-59 through
15-73 regarding handling, transportation and transfer of dangerous
articles of Chapter 15 of the City of Laredo Code of Ordinance by
deleting all of the said sections because a new City of Laredo
Hazardous Materials Ordinance has been adopted and inserted into a
newly created Chapter 33; providing for severability; and providing
for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
4. Closing as public easements those sections of the 1900 block of Garden
and Constantinople Streets between Santa Rita and Vidaurri Avenues
situated in the Western Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas
and providing for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: Cw. Montalvo
5. Dedicating as public right-of-way, a tract of City-owned land, located
adjacent to the South Laredo Fire Station, containing 0.3188 acres
(13,889.00 sq. ft.), more or less. Said tract of land being situated
in Block 1191, Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas;
being more particularly described by metes and bounds and providing
for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
6. Ordinance waiving hourly parking fees for February 21, 1998, at the
Laredo Transit Center in cooperative support of the Washington's
Birthday Celebration Association related activities. The maximum
potential loss is approximately $2,346.00, based on full occupancy.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
VI. FINAL READINGS
Motion to waive the final reading of ordinance #98-O-045,
#98-O-046, #98-O-047, #98-O-048, #98-O-049, #98-O-050,
#98-O-051, #98-O-052, and #98-O-053, except #98-O-045 which
was tabled.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 4 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
7. 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)
Motion to table Ordinance #98-O-045.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 4 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
8. 98-O-046 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. (City
Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-046.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 4 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
9. 98-O-047 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. (City
Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-047.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 4 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
10. 98-O-048 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.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-048.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 4 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
11. 98-O-049 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. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-049.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 4 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
12. 98-O-050 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. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-050.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 4 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
13. 98-O-051 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.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-051.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 4 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
14. 98-O-052 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. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-052.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 4 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
15. 98-O-053 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a Lease
with Duty Free International, Inc. d/b/a UETA of Texas,
Inc., for a Specialty Duty Free Retail Shop Concession for
approximately 1,254 square feet constituting suite number
223 on the second (2nd) floor of the airport passenger
terminal located at 5210 Bob Bullock. Lease term is for five
(5) years commencing on the day the new airport passenger
terminal opens for business and will terminate five (5)
years thereafter. Minimum annual rent guarantee of
$25,000.00 or ten (10%) percent of annual gross revenues,
whichever is greater.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-053.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 4 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Alvarado joined the meeting at 6:35 p.m.
VII. RESOLUTIONS
16. 98-R-013 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into and execute an
interlocal government agreement between the City of Laredo
and the County of Webb to provide funding for the Elderly
Nutrition Program at a cost of $20,000.00, contract term for
9 months commencing retroactively January 1, 1998; providing
for severability and effective date.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-013.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
17. 98-R-028 Opposing the decision of the Texas Department of Public
Safety to divert all hazardous materials to Colombia Bridge
and to request that any further transportation decisions
which affect Laredo be coordinated with and determined by
local government.
Motion to table item.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Motion dies due to lack of a second.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-028.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 4 Against: 1 Abstain: 0
Cm. Guerra
18. 98-R-030 Expressing official intent to reimburse costs for settlement
of eminent domain lawsuit City of Laredo vs. Jacaman
Investment Group in Cause No. E-96-2-C1 for the acquisition
of land by eminent domain for the Municipal Airport Runway
17L/35R Runway Extension Project.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-O-030.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
19. 98-R-031 Authorizing the City Manager to accept an endowment from the
Canseco Foundation in the amount of $50,000.00, for
children's programming services at the Laredo Public
Library; and authorizing the City Manager and those
stipulated in the Gift Agreement to sign and submit any and
all related documents as required.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-031.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
20. 98-R-032 Authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant from the
Office of National Drug Control Policy in the amount of
$53,480.00, for funding of the Multi-Agency Major
Organization Investigation Task Force for the period of
January 1, 1998 to December 31, 1998. This grant pays for
overtime, travel, rental services, and equipment and
supplies for two investigators. This grant is in its second
year of funding.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-032.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
21. 98-R-033 Authorizing the acceptance of the donation of a total of
eighteen (18) bicycles from Mercy Regional Medical Center
and Doctors Hospital Inc., for use by the City of Laredo
Fire Department E.M.S. Bike Patrol during certain designated
City of Laredo sponsored functions or events.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-033.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
22. 98-R-034 Declaring the public necessity to acquire the "Surface Only"
of one parcel of land necessary for construction of the
Laredo Northwest International Bridge IV. Said parcel being
Parcel 1 (31.1786 acres of land, more or less), out of
Porcion 19, Abstract 47, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas;
more particularly described by metes and bounds and
authorizing the City
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-034.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
23. 98-R-036 Canvassing the returns of the special runoff election held
on February 14, 1998; and approving the results.
City Secretary, Gustavo Guevara, read the return figures
publicly as follows:
Total Votes Majority
Betty G. Flores 6,773 55.39%
Fausto Sosa 5,454 44.60%
The candidate getting the majority votes as the new Mayor
for the City of Laredo is Betty G. Flores.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-036.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VIII. MOTIONS
24. Approval of bid specifications and authorization to advertise for bids
for the following:
a) Electric Motor Repair - Utilities Department and b) Aerial Truck
Remanufacturing - Fire Department
A tentative bid of award date for the electric motor repair is
scheduled for March 16, 1998. A tentative bid of award date for the
aerial truck remanufacturing is scheduled for April 20, 1998.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
25. Approval of the Aid to Other Agency contract for funding the Del Mar
Little League, Inc., city-wide big league program in the amount of
$3,300.00, for fiscal year beginning October 1, 1997 through September
30, 1998.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
26. Authorizing the City Manager to solicit proposals from interested
engineering firms to prepare engineering plans and specifications to
reconstruct aprons, taxiways and runways to include new construction
of aprons and taxiways as may be needed from time to time by the City
of Laredo, Laredo International Airport during the next five years.
Notice to proceed with A&E services on any one project will be
contingent on the availability of funding for said services and City
Council approval.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
27. Authorizing the City Manager to solicit Requests for Proposals from
interested parties to construct, operate and manage a service station
convenience store, car rental service center and other commercial
development on an approximate 2.5 acre tract of land located north
east of the new passenger terminal and along the Bob Bullock Loop road
at the Laredo International Airport. The proposed lease term is for
twenty years. The Proponent will specify a minimum monthly rental. In
addition to the minimum rental, Proponent shall pay to City a
percentage of gross sales as additional rent. The City would abate the
cost of off-site improvements.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
28. Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application to the
Office of National Drug Control Policy in the amount of $356,086.00,
for 8th year funding for a Multi-Agency Financial Disruption Task
Force for the period of January 1, 1998 and ending December 31, 1998.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
29. Award of a contract to the SOLE BIDDER, Holt Company of Laredo, Texas,
in the amount of $383,364.00, for the purchase of one, 23 cubic yard
landfill elevating scraper for the landfill operations. This equipment
will be purchased using a total cost bid evaluation process. The bid
pricing includes provisions for a five year maintenance contract and a
guaranteed re-purchase price. Delivery of this equipment is expected
within sixty days. Funding is available in the Contractual Obligation
Bond Proceeds.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
30. Award of a contract to the SOLE BIDDER, Holt Company of Texas, Laredo,
Texas, in the amount of $392,406.00, for the purchase of one, landfill
compactor. This equipment will be purchased using a total cost bid
evaluation process. The bid pricing includes provisions for a five
year maintenance contract and a guaranteed re-purchase price.
Delivery of this equipment is expected within sixty days. Funding is
available in the Contractural Obligation Bond Proceeds.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
31. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER, Sports and Recreation Products,
Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $16,554.25, for the purchase and
installation of a playground module at the Azteca playground area
under construction. This module will be delivered within sixty days. A
total of two bids were received for this purchase. Funding is
available from the Azteca Park Project (CD Budget).
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
32. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER, Municipal Pipe and Fabricating
Co., McAllen, Texas, in the amount of $37,463.00, for the purchase of
1,750 linear feet of 18" PVC pipe for wastewater applications and 18
fiberglass manholes for the Utilities Department. These items are
needed for the Highway 59 construction project. A total of four bids
were received for these purchases. Funding for this contract is
available from the Utility Department -Construction Project account.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
33. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER, ACT Pipe & Supply Inc., San
Antonio, Texas, in the amount of $26,083.00, for the purchase of steel
pipe casing. The steel casing is requested for the Highway 59
construction project. Approximately 700 linear feet of 20" steel
casing and 400 linear feet of 24" steel pipe casing will be purchased.
A total of four bids were received for this purchase. Funding is
available in the Utility Department -Construction Project.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
34. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER, Wilson Fire Apparatus, New
Braunfels, Texas, in the amount of $50,007.00, for the purchase of 60
sets of protective clothing (bunker gear) for the Fire Department. The
sets include the protective coat, trousers, boots, gloves, suspenders,
hoods, and helmets. The proposed gear meets all the standards of the
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The bid pricing is
approximately 3% more than the previous year. A total of five bids
were received for this purchase. Funding is available in the Fire
Department - Capital Outlay.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
35. Award of supply contract to the LOW BIDDERS MEETING SPECIFICATIONS,
National Education Systems, Inc., San Antonio, Texas, in the amount of
$132,187.50, for the purchase of 5,000 Spanish language titles
(books/audio visual-CD), and Davidson Titles, Inc., Jackson, TN, in
the amount of $107,111.09, for the purchase of 7,574 English language
titles. This order will increase the book collection by 12,574 new
additions. A total of eight bids were received for this purchase.
Funding is available from Library-Books, Library-Audio Visual, Center
for Non Profit.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
36. Award of an Architectural/Engineering (A/E) Contract to Sepulveda
Associates Architects, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for an amount not to
exceed $51,000.00, to provide surveys, design and the preparation of
plans and specifications for the
Library Conversion (Bruni Plaza) Project. Funding is available in the
Capital Improvement Fund Bruni Plaza.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
37. Award of a construction contract to the Sole Bidder, Cutler Repaving,
Inc., in the amount of $292,485.96 for the 1997-98 Street Recycling
Project (162 Blocks). Funding is available in the Capital Improvement
Fund Street Materials/Cutler Paving.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
38. Approval of change order no. 1, an increase of $7,142.65, to the
construction contract with American Contracting Corporation of Texas,
Laredo, Texas, to provide for improved moisture control for the Re-
Roofing of the Center for the Arts Building Project located at 500 San
Agustin Avenue, Old Mercado Historic District. The original
construction contract amount was $152,000.00 and this change order
brings the contract amount to $159,142.65. Funding is available in the
Construction Project/Center for the Arts.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
39. Approval of change order no. 1, a decrease of $138,348.73, for the
balance of quantities actually constructed in place, acceptance of the
Street Improvements Project 59 (45 Blocks), and approval of final
payment in the amount of $143,817.37, to Ramex Construction Company
Inc., Houston, Texas. The original contract amount was $1,297,971.65.
Final construction contract amount is $1,162,062.92. Funding is
available in the Water Works '94 Bond Construction Paving Project 59;
Sewer System '94 Bond Construction Paving Project 59 and Street Fund
Paving Project 59 Improvements Other Than Building.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cw. Moreno arrived and joined the meeting at 6:55 p.m.
IX. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
40. Presentation regarding the status of the Laredo Northwest
International Bridge (Bridge IV) and the City's loan application to
the Texas Department of Transportation for State Infrastructure Bank
Program funds in support of this project.
Florencio Pe¤a, Interim City Manager, reported that they are at the
stage to begin to finalize the loan application with the Department of
Transportation. He explained the project elements and project cost
allocation. They will be submitting a State Infrastructure Bank Loan
application with TxDot for the amount of $22,531,632.00, they will be
issuing tax exempt bonds for the amount of $3,465,055.00 and will be
considering taxable bonds in the amount of $6,649,524.00 for a total
funding of this project of $32,646,211.00.
He explained the breakdown on the taxable part, they have had
negotiations with GSA over the last six months, but it seems that the
federal government is not going to budge, they do not have the funding
to build the facilities, so they are asking the city to build the
facilities for them, but they will pay rent over a period of 10 years
to offset the entire principle and interest cost. At the end of ten
years the construction and the land would be donated to the federal
government. He said these are the conditions they brought to the city
and that they feel comfortable with that.
He explained the figures of the tax exempt portion and said they
should be able to culminate the TxDot application
within the next 45 days. He explained overall structure of the cost
of the project and said GSA has approved the Master Plan for the
facilities and that they basically have an agreement with them. They
met with the State Department Representative and her counterpart in
Mexico, and they did ask for one additional item other than the Master
Plan which they will be working on this week. Hopefully the
diplomatic notes will be the issue.
He pointed that many things must go forward regardless of the
Diplomatic Notes that they must finalize the application with the
state and the agreement of what the facility is going to look like.
In addition, they have hired an attorney firm from Austin and they
have prepared a draft construction agreement, that is between Mexico
and the City of Laredo, it sets the conditions, time frames, and
performance bonds for the construction of Bridge IV. Our time frame
is still to try to get the bridge portion of the project out for bids,
by May or June 1998, so they can award contract in July.
The plan is to have the bridge operational by October 1999 or December
1999.
There was an overview of the project, on the corridor layout, the
construction funding source, the TxDot proposal and the City's
proposal.
Luis Ramirez, from Texas Department of Transportation, explained the
tentative proposal of Phase I which is to upgrade from the interstate
to the bridge facilities, Phase II which would build the overpass over
the Mines Road, and Phase III which will build the interchange at
Milo.
He said he has to meet with Council, TxDot on a workshop setting, and
have ironed out the application, because the deadline is on March
10th. The Highway Commission will be holding their 1st meeting on
March 23rd, they need the application by March 10th to be able to get
in their agenda. At that meeting they will do their initial review of
the application, and then on the last meeting of April, when it will
be finally approved, funding will then be available in May, so they
can go out for bids and begin construction.
Mr. Pena again emphasized the time frame of March 10th when they must
file the application. The Highway Commission will then make a
decision, they will either say they are going with the full amount if
they are able to justify it, or they won't. If they don't, then
council needs to make a decision whether we want to fund it all
ourselves or what are we going to do. He will set a meeting for
February 23rd at 5:00 before the regular meeting and post the Regular
Meeting at 6:00.
41. Status report regarding an analysis of sites for a recreational
facility/center within District II.
John Vidaurri, Assistant City Manager, reported that they have looked
at two potential sites within District II.
The first site is located on Spur 400 east of Ejido and the second
site at D.D. Hachar. He said they have used National Recreation and
Park Association standards for separation between centers, he showed a
map of the other center locations in this case Farias, Tarver,
Cigarroa and North East Hillside. They covered about a quarter of a
mile, to basically show the service area for each of the centers. He
added that CDA staff has talked to LISD staff and they apparently
agree in concept with the idea of using D.D. Hachar School as a
potential site for the construction of a recreation center. LISD
staff has indicated to CDA staff that they are willing to explore
possibilities of becoming partners with the city for the construction
of that recreational center, if in fact that site is selected. The
area is located in a CDBG target area and it would be eligible for
funding from the Block Program. The cost is approximately $673,000.00
and it excludes site acquisition cost.
On Spur 400 the site is privately owned and they need further work on
the site analysis to come back with potential cost for the use of that
site.
Cm. Bruni stated that the railroad tracks separate the districts in
that area and if they can put a recreation center on the D.D. Hachar
School and get it funded with CDBG Block Grant monies and see if they
can get the land donated by LISD.
Also, look at building a recreation center at Spur 400, because its a
totally different neighborhood, totally divided, and the division is
the railroad tracks. He would like that they pursue the building of
the recreation center on Spur 400 near Ejido. He is already speaking
to the Killam Family about land in that area (approx. acquiring two
acres) or whatever is needed. He asked that they find additional
funding to build the other recreation center.
Mr. Vidaurri stated that a facility is projected in the 1998-2002 CIP
for Spur 400 for the year 2001.
Cm. Bruni said he would like to get funding from CDBG funds for the
Hachar facility and that thinks that it can be done sooner than the
year 2001.
Cm. Valdez asked that they also pursue discussions and negotiations on
the Raquel Gonzalez property for development of an open space
recreation.
Motion to instruct staff to incorporate Cm. Bruni's request into the
Parks & Recreation Master Plan that is already in place, that Mr.
Vidaurri be instructed to bring back any funding mechanisms for this
type of facilities, and that recommendations be brought back within a
period of a month and a half.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
42. Advising the City Council of the practice of allowing off-duty Police
Officers to work security at functions occurring at LIFE Downs and
requesting City Council concurrence thereby allowing this practice to
continue.
The City Attorney asked that a closed session be moved to provide
legal counsel pursuant to Open Meetings Act - Section 551.071(2).
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
43. Update on the status of the Colonias Facility Plan and financial
application; informing Council that legal action has been taken
against Paul Garza and Associates; and requesting authorization to
enter into a contract with TRC Mariah for $34,000.00, to deliver an
environmental information document to the TWDB and get the project
moving.
Florencio Pena, City Manager, stated this is an update on the status
of the Colonias Facility Plan and financial application and read the
action to be taken for the record, "this item is informing Council
that legal action has been taken against Paul Garza and Associates;
and requesting authorization to enter into a contract with TRC Mariah
for $34,000.00, to deliver an environmental information document to
the TWDB and get the project moving."
Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, informed Council that
they have come to the end of a long waited period, in which Mr. Garza
had promised to pay the subcontractors to get the environmental
document to the Water Development Board. That did not happen, so
therefore following council's instructions from January, they sent him
a letter of termination. The letter in essences will take effect 20
days after he receives it at the end of those 20 days, the services
will be terminated.
They left opened a possibility for Mr. Garza to continue onboard the
project if payments are made and in essence if the obstacles to this
projects are removed. Today, around 3:00 p.m. he spoke to Mr. Garza
who offered to send us a check for $18,100.00 and a letter agreeing to
assign the remaining of this balance which is $15,900 to Miriah
Environmental. That would in essence take care of the $34,000 they
were here prepared to ask to let them pay. He said he would be here
later, to deliver those documents and if that is the case, they will
basically have cash to pay Miriah and that would get the environment
document to the board. He asked that the check be made out to Miriah
instead of the city and then we would in turn, have him endorse his
final payment to Miriah also, therefore facilitating that transaction.
If it doesn't happen, he would like to ask that council authorize that
they pay Miriah $34,000 in the absence of this action by Mr. Garza.
Roque Vela, County Commissioner, wanted to know what is the timetable
and when they can expect to have these deficiencies addressed and have
this project finally approved by the Texas Water Development Board.
Commissioner David Cortez thanked Mr. Roman and members of City
Council in assisting in this project.
Motion to authorize staff to pay Mariah $34,000 in the absence of this
action by Mr. Garza.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 4 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to move item B(1) at this time.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 4 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
44. Request for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code
Section 551.071(1)(a) to discuss contemplated litigation regarding
Highland Subdivision Unit III and the North Laredo
Wastewater Reclamation Plant, and return to open session for possible
action thereon.
Motion to Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section
551.071(1)(a) to discuss contemplated litigation regarding Highland
Subdivision Unit III and the North Laredo Wastewater Reclamation
Plant.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
After Executive Session Mayor Protem Perez announced that no formal
action was taken.
Motion instruct the City Manager to:
1) Negotiate the purchase of Highland Park III lots affected by the
North Laredo Wastewater Plant buffer zone.
2) Waive the one-year warranty and adopt the maintenance of the
segment of Shiloh Road affected by the pond seepage, due to
extenuating circumstances.
3) Negotiate an amendment to Sherfey Engineering's contract to include
the design of new sludge handing facilities and to fund the project
from bond residuals as available.
4) Bid the fence project with a maximum amount of 50% of total cost
with a limit of $10,000 to be paid by the city.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
X. COMMUNICATIONS
a. County Commissioners Roque Vela and David Cortez asked they be
included in a committee for the construction of a flag pole and
flag to complement the Nuevo Laredo flag. They stated that the
County has received a donation of $5,000 from Chevron and that we
should join forces between the City, County, and private sector to
work on this project. They estimated the cost of the flag to be
approximately $25,000 and the flag pole between $60,000 and
$70,000.
Mayor Protem Perez stated that they will be contacted by the Metro
Government Committee to meet on this project.
XI. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION AND PRESENTATION
45. 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 the use of any budgeted but
not spent monies for capital improvement projects (CIP) in District I
to be put back into projects within District I.
Mayor Protem Perez stated that past practice was to have all the
projects at the budget workshops outlined as to the way they were
going to take place during the year, they would work on those
projects, some had overruns, or underbudgeted. So they were able to
leverage all those kinds of monies. He said he feels that everybody
wants their monies and that they be spent on their own district, and
if that is the way they are going to do it, then he would like for
that to happen in his district.
Cw. Moreno expressed that District I has received a lot of monies
because they had a lot of needs, not because they were getting their
fair share, they got more than their fair share. She feels they need
to look at the city as a whole, there has been a lot of division on
the spending of monies, and thinks they should put an end to this or a
stop to it.
Cm. Alvarado stated there a many needs throughout the districts, some
are more important than others, they cannot allow themselves to tie up
monies that might be used to take care of some of the special needs by
designating them in this matter. He feels they need to prioritize
when those emergency needs come up they need to prioritize those items
and if there is additional funding that has not been exhausted in the
CIP area then they need to shift them were needed, based on priority.
Cm. Bruni stated some of the funding out there should go to particular
districts, and for Cm. Alvarado to be talking about being against
this, he just got $2-3 million for the Lafayette people that were
being relocated. He asked for six blocks of sidewalks and for Cw.
Moreno to say that they are all looking out for their district, yes
they have to look out for their district. He thinks monies are not
fair and equally distributed.
Cm. Valdez wanted to go on record as agreeing with Cw. Moreno. He
said this needs to stop somewhere, he is supportive of sidewalks,
recreation centers, but here again we cannot tie up the City Manager's
hands freezing him from being being able to take care of emergency
situations such as the one in Chaparral, they have to be based
themselves on priority.
B. Requests by Councilmember Louis H. Bruni
1. Discussion and possible action on instructing staff to start all the
necessary negotiations for a Land Use Agreement with the County of
Webb for the Donation of County owned land on State Highway 59 for the
construction of the City of Laredo's Regional Fire Training Facility.
Cm. Bruni stated that he had spoken to County Commissioner Rick Reyes
about the possibility of investigating the idea of building the fire
training facility on County owned land,
instead of in Hwy 359. The county would deed over to the city for $10
a year. They own approximately 300 acres of land there, right now the
city is doing monitoring on that land, because part that land was a
landfill.
Commissioners Vela and Cortez stated that they want to explore the
possibility on the use of this land. The County would give them the
full support if viable and the safety aspects are overcomed.
Cm. Bruni instructed staff to look at this issue, make recommendations
to the Intergovernmental Committee and while they are studying the
flag issue they can put this on the agenda as well and have staff and
Commissioners see if indeed this can be used to save taxpayers money
and if there is no TNRCC problems maybe then they can work out an
agreement.
2. Discussion and possible action regarding expanding the Brown and Root
Drainage Study to include a master drainage plan for the Laredo
International Airport.
Cm. Bruni said they met with property owners to the south, with other
constituents and with Commissioner Reyes on some concerns that they
had about some runoff coming out of the Laredo International Airport.
They were trying to see if there was private sector monies and if the
county would commit some monies to expand this project.
Jose Flores, Airport Director, reported that he had a meeting at
airport with some private citizens and staff. They expressed concerns
on recent rain events, all of these people have properties that adjoin
the airport or are in the close proximity to the airport. They were
indicating that improvements that were made at the airport have
contributed to additional runoffs onto their properties and they've
experienced some damages. It is a delicate issue for the airport, it
can be resolved by a study of that runoff.
Cw. Moreno asked if this would entail any funding allocation and from
where?
Raj Guntner estimated that the study would cost between $8,000 and
$10,000. They need to look at the funds. Once council authorizes
them to do that, then they have to go back and see where the monies
can be allocated from.
Mr. Pena stated they will look at CIP projects to see which one they
can close out and bring back an amendment to fund this project.
Cm. Bruni asked that maybe they can meet with the County Commissioners
Court because they promised funding on this project, maybe helping on
match funding.
Motion to instruct staff to seek funding, and amend the contract with
Brown and Root drainage project to be included in the Master Plan
because it's an ongoing project.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
3. Status report regarding the ongoing activities of the Police
Department, as well as the establishment of a COPS Workstation in the
Heritage Park Neighborhood.
Cm. Bruni stated he has a petition from the Heritage Neighborhood with
110 signatures.
Police Chief Dovalina reported that they have special
detailed police officers assigned to the Heritage Park area for the
last couple of weeks. The first day they assigned officers there was
February 5th, this included the recreational vehicle, and they were
addressing a couple of the problems issues at that particular park.
The problems included possible gang activity and juvenile crime which
included vandalism and theft. They have made several arrests in the
area, they have had meetings with the residents who are very satisfied
with the fact that they have had a pro-active stand. They will
continue to direct their resources as much as they possible can to
take care of some of the problems.
With respect to Community Policing workstation issue that council has
brought up, they had a workshop last year regarding community policing
all together and what direction council wants them to take with
respect to opening more
workstations in different areas. They conducted studies as per
Council directive, and it was directed that they direct their efforts
at opening up several workstations encompassing council districts. He
advised Council that on this area,
he is awaiting direction from Council.
Cm. Bruni asked if they can keep that ongoing program right now. They
did have arrests made the first night and he would like that Council
allow the Chief to continue his patrols there until they can catch the
other two or three bad apples that live there. Out of 170 families in
that area there are about two or three families that are causing all
the problem and most are unsupervised juveniles.
Chief of Police stated they are addressing the problem and will
continue to target the area, but if there is another problem area they
will have to pull those patrols out and target the other problem area.
It is a matter of having to move around this particular operation, it
is not one that will remain there, it will be moved depending on
circumstances it comes to a matter of funding and personnel.
4. Discussion and possible action regarding the El Metro route #16, TAMIU
Express schedule. (Co-sponsored by Cm. Joe A. Guerra)
Arturo Sanchez III, a TAMIU student, spoke on route concerns, the bus
schedule ends at 8:30 p.m. leaving the university and they have
courses that do not let out until 8:45 to 9:00 p.m. Some of those
courses are graduate student courses and those students can not make
it to the bus on time, so therefore they are not registering for those
courses or they are trying to leave early. He requested having an
additional hour of service Monday through Friday which would extend
the service until 9:30 p.m. (leaving the university). He said he
mailed a letter expressing that possibly for the next 1998-99 school
year if they can have enough funding to service seven days a week to
the university.
Cm. Guerra asked staff to look at the possibility of lowering
the fares to TAMIU employees to the same of the students.
Cm. Valdez asked staff to have a dialogue with TAMIU to assist with
the employee fares.
Mayor Protem Perez asked staff to prepare a report on the status of
the Metro System's Strategic Plan for the next five years and on the
short range plans and that it be sent to the Transit Committee for
evaluation and recommendation.
Motion to instruct staff to extend Route #16 one additional hour of
service as soon as possible from Monday through Thursday (4 hours per
week) and look at the funding possibility.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 4 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
C. Requests by Councilmember Joe A. Guerra
1. Discussion and possible action regarding various taxi cab issues.
Cm. Guerra said there are certain concerns from taxi cab driver/owners
that were experiencing several problems with the regulatory agency
that the city has.
1) These problems have to do with the performance bond requirements.
2) About having to pay a higher fee than the customary fee that they
have been paying in the past.
3) Another concern was about when the situation arises that a taxicab
becomes a disabled through a mechanical malfunction or collision,
if it would be in order for them to operate one that does not have
a meter while they get the taxicab fixed.
Mr. Jesse Ibarra stated went over their grievances, the ordinance
requirements and enforcement, and bond requirements.
Florencio Pena, City Manager, pointed several areas of concern that
Mr. Ibarra is mentioning.
1) The performance bond, our ordinance requires a performance bond of
$1,000 that ensures that they will be providing service, the insurance
company charges them from $50.00 to $100.00 annually, and that is
aside and apart from the insurance that the city requires to protect
the passengers in case of an accident. It is part a an ordinance and
only the City Council can eliminate it. He understands that 65
taxicabs have renewed their permit and have paid this bond, 11 are
still pending compliance. Council may wish to eliminate it if they so
desire, the reason why it is implemented or required is to make sure
the they give service. He feels this requirement should be left in
the ordinance.
Second, the taxicab meters, these are basically to give service in
Laredo. The requirement is that their taxicabs have taxi meters. The
problem is when they have a collision or accident, and the automobile
is inoperable until repaired, they want to replace it with another
vehicle. Mr. Pena stated that there needs to be a system in place,
they would need to amend the ordinance, set a time frame for the use
of this other vehicles, it has to pass inspection, it would have to
specify that they operate for a limited time, and they would have to
comply with all the requirements.
Juan Morales, Taxi Inspector, stated that the ordinance requires that
the taxi cab has a meter in order to operate.
If they implement such a system, he feels they won't be able to
protect the customers in reference to charges. How does the customer
know how much he is supposed to be charged?
Third, they have asked to negotiate tariffs to Mexico. He said that
the ordinance does not permit this in any way and they do not
recommend permit negotiating what will be charged to tourists going
into Mexico. They have to charge a flat drop charge.
Fourth, criminal record investigation, the ordinance requires that a
criminal investigation on taxicab drivers, those were normally done by
the local police department. This year there was a change, they have
asked that the criminal record investigation be done in Austin which
is more comprehensive, it was implemented and they are asking that
this not be done.
Mr. Juan Morales, Taxicab Enforcement Officer, said they are not ready
with any particular recommendation. He wants the committee to first
finish their work and bring all their recommendations.
Cm. Guerra wants that the first two requirements be modified and that
the third issue be left as is. He feels that the taxicab owners will
agree to pay the $6. The two main issues are #1 the performance bond,
if they can waive that requirement and work with them on issue #2,
when a cab becomes disabled to give them a certain amount of time such
as a week, 10 days, etc. in the meantime while they get their vehicle
repaired or replaced.
Cw. Montalvo stated that this issue should be sent back to the
Transportation Committee.
Mr. Pena stated the transportation and airport advisory committees,
they have overseen these functions in the past, council can direct him
to not use the committee on this case, if that's council's wish, but
if council wants to use them, they will have to post a meeting.
Cw. Montalvo stated the taxi cab drivers are in her district and she
has dealt with this issues before, but lately they have been coming to
Cm. Guerra in order to get changes done. She added she has expressed
to Mr. Ibarra that these are the
reason for rules, that they have to abide by the rules that they as
council implement, they have to go through proper channels. If they
continue the practice that anytime someone does not like something,
and they go to another Councilmember to change whatever they didn't
like, then they will never agree that there are rules and that they
must abide by them.
Cm. Guerra stated that they committee is taking to long to make
recommendations, these people have a living to make to support
themselves and their families.
Mr. Pena suggested that we take these four topics be taken to the
Transportation Committee for them to address them and make
recommendations.
Mayor Protem Perez asked for recommendations and or changes by the
March 2nd meeting.
Cw. Moreno stated that comments were made that soliciting was deleted
on a prior ordinance, she wants the City Secretary to check to see
what prior action was taken before, to see what deletions, additions,
and recommendations were done before. That he check to see if both
issues were brought forth and if only one was changed or if they
changed both and was not effectively changed in paper.
D. Requests by Councilmember Mario G. Alvarado
1. Request for staff to schedule a tour of the Border Patrol River Road
Project with possible action. This tour should include
representatives from the International Boundary and Water Commission,
Rio Grande International Study Center, Border Patrol, Army Corps of
Engineers, City Health Department, City Engineering Department, City
Utilities Department, and City Planning Department.
Motion to approve the tour for Thursday, February 26th at
4:30 p.m.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Update from our Legal Department on the noise nuisance ordinance.
Jaime Flores, City Attorney, reported that they finished the drafting
the ordinance on December 23rd. The Police Department will give an
update from that point forward. They will provide City Council with a
draft of the ordinance. He added that it has been routed to the
Police Department, and they were to take comments from there on
forward.
Esterina Pulido stated that the progress to this ordinance
has been very slow and requested that Council and the Mayor place a
proposed nuisance abatement for the city on the agenda at least once a
month in order to check the progress and to expedite the review and if
it all possible have in place before the summer.
Chief Dovalina stated he is chairing the committee, the ordinance was
submitted, they have had a number of meetings, lately they have not
met because there was a matter of scheduling conflicts between some
members, but the final draft was submitted to legal, and they are
waiting for their final draft to distribute to the members to see if
there are any final comments and once that is in place they will
present it to council.
3. Request for a preliminary feasibility study by the Planning Department
of the proposed truck route extension through the CP&L property, with
possible action.
Keith Selman, Planning Director, stated that the road itself will be
incorporated into the study. The request was to identify alternative
routes and better access through west Laredo, this would be a
potential option for doing that. It is included in the RFP. If
council wishes them to work on an alignment before the study is done
and start moving forward on something along those lines, it is up to
City Council.
Cm. Alvarado stated that because of the importance of the Bridge IV
situation, and the traffic congestion in that area that they do
everything possible to move the project along and that they also look
at the visibility of it, if it is something that is not feasible then
council needs to know.
Motion that staff do everything possible to move the project along
and look at the visibility of it, if it is something that is not
feasible that council be made aware of it.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
4. Update on the Orilla Avenue Paving Project, with possible action.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported that the construction plans
are better than 90% complete, the design of the retaining wall has
been one of the major factors delaying this project because there are
two warehouses that are to
close to the right-of-way where the construction will take place and
they need to build a retaining wall about 6-8 ft. high before they
take the existing retaining wall out of the right-of-way, so they can
begin construction. They hope to get the final plans for review in
the next couple of weeks and will probably go to bids in March.
This was part of a former project (Project 43) but because of the
problems with the right-of-way, it got pulled out and they are hoping
to bid it out separately so they can expedite the construction.
Cm. Alvarado stated since they do not expect to pave this area before
the actual work starts the portion of Santa Maria Project, he
requested that Public Works maintain the road because this will be the
only entrance and exit for this area.
E. Requests by Councilmember Consuelo "Chelo" Montalvo
1. Discussion and possible action to direct staff to negotiate with
United Artists Theaters for the purchase of the Plaza Theater for use
as a community facility for fine art activities and directing staff to
utilize HUD Section 108 Loan funds for the purchase and rehabilitation
of said building.
Larry Dovalina, C&V Director, stated that they went and viewed the
facility as a possible place where the city might spent some money in
revitalizing the downtown. They sent a letter to United Artist
representatives asking for the availability of the disposition of the
property and did not receive a response until late December. About
the same time, they were contacted by Ann Vela, Martha Gonzalez and
Margarita Araiza asking if they would be willing to serve on a
committee with a joint public non-profit partnership in trying to
purchase a facility, remodel it, and creating it as a Community Arts
Facility. They told them they would approach Council and ask for
their blessing to allow them to help them out and put this together.
Cindy Collazo, Community Development Director, stated that staff had
approached United Artist with our interest on its sale. They
indicated strong willingness to participate with the city on that.
They discussed this with Mr. Pena that in order to move quicker on
this they would pursue upon council approval, a Section 108 Loan.
They are looking at acquiring the building, rehabilitating it into a
community use facility. The approximate cost would be $1.5 million
and they could incorporate it, upon council's approval in next budget
year.
She added that they wanted to come to council and ask if it was
alright for them to pursue to continue to work on this project and
with HUD at the same time. They will bring back what it will cost and
at that time Council can make a decision, this is not committing
monies yet.
Motion to pursue to continue to work on this project and work with HUD
at the same time.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
46. Public hearing to inform the public about the Local Law Enforcement
Block Grant Program and to solicit input from the public on the
allocation of funds from the grant awarded to
the Laredo Police Department by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Esterina Pulido stated that Police Department should tackle
the crime problems in the needed areas and school areas.
Motion to close the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
47. Public hearing for the voluntary annexation of 420.00 acres, more or
less, of Unitec Industrial Park Tract as described below, as required
by Section 43,052 of the Texas Local Government Code.
TRACT 1: Unitec Industrial Park Tract - 420 acres,
more or less. Petitioner: Royal Joint Venture.
Motion to open public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 1 Cm. Bruni
48. Public hearing to create two new positions as required by a grant,
awarded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency through
the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission to develop a
"HazMat Education and Enforcement Program" for the period from January
1, 1998 through August 31, 1999 and authorizing the City Manager to
implement changes within man years.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance creating two new positions as required by a grant, awarded
by the United States Environmental Protection Agency through the Texas
Natural Resource Conservation Commission to develop a "HazMat
Education and Enforcement Program" for the period from January 1, 1998
through August 31, 1999 and authorizing the City Manager to implement
changes within man years.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
49. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual Budget
in the amount of $31,845.00, for direct operating expenses for a
Multi-Agency Financial Disruption Task Force 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 $31,845.00, for direct operating expenses for a Multi-Agency
Financial Disruption Task Force for the period of July 1, 1997 and
ending June 30, 1998.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 6 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: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
50. Public hearing regarding an ordinance creating and adopting Article XI
of Chapter 19, motor vehicles and traffic, entitled "Truck Traffic" to
include new sections 19-400 through 19-530, with Section 19-512
reserved, thereby organizing current sections and the language of the
code of ordinances as they pertain to truck traffic and adding new
truck provisions; including: truck routes and sign posting,
prohibition of nighttime residential departures from truck route, size
and weight restrictions, oversize and overweight permits to be had at
a central permitting office, oversize vehicle escort service license,
truck parking in residential areas, near schools and in central
business district, trailer parking on streets, adoption of provisions
of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, minimum truck parking
fines, delinquent truck lists; providing for severability; and
providing for an effective date and publication.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance creating and adopting Article XI of Chapter 19, motor
vehicles and traffic, entitled "Truck Traffic" to include new sections
19-400 through 19-530, with Section 19-512 reserved, thereby
organizing current sections and the language of the code of ordinances
as they pertain to truck traffic and adding new truck provisions;
including: truck routes and sign posting, prohibition of nighttime
residential departures from truck route, size and weight restrictions,
oversize and overweight permits to be had at a central permitting
office, oversize vehicle escort service license, truck parking in
residential areas, near schools and in central business district,
trailer parking on streets, adoption of provisions of the Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, minimum truck parking fines,
delinquent truck lists; providing for severability; and providing for
an effective date and publication.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Enrique De La Garza stated that his concern was on the part pertaining
to truck traffic and adding new truck provisions. He asked the only
thing is that he hopes none of the provisions are above and beyond the
federal regulations.
The other concern is the "truck routes". He asked that there be no
more deletions on truck routes either keep what there is or add a few
more truck routes.
He also asked that no more truck routes be deleted in this ordinance
or in future ordinances.
Ginger Reinert, Assistant City Attorney, stated that the truck routes
are essentially the same, there has been some language definition. As
far as the federal motor vehicle safety act, they just adopted the
same thing that the state has. They organized all the sections that
had to do with truck traffic. There are no new regulations above the
city requirements.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
51. Public hearing regarding an ordinance amending the City of Laredo Code
of Ordinances by deleting the contents of sections 19-12, 19-13, 19-
267--19-279, 19-347, 28-2 and 28-5 regarding truck traffic and
amending Section 24.65.0(a) of the Laredo Land Development Code
regarding parking in residential zones, which said sections having
been recodified and revised in the new "City of Laredo Truck Traffic
Ordinance" to be created and adopted in Article XI of Chapter 19,
providing for severability; and providing for and effective date.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances by deleting
the contents of sections 19-12, 19-13, 19-267--19-279, 19-347, 28-2
and 28-5 regarding truck traffic and amending Section 24.65.0(a) of
the Laredo Land Development Code regarding parking in residential
zones, which said sections having been recodified and revised in the
new "City of Laredo Truck Traffic Ordinance" to be created and adopted
in Article XI of Chapter 19, providing for severability; and providing
for and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 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: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
52. Public hearing closing the hearing on the Paving Assessment Street
Improvements Project 60 and fixing a lien and charge.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance closing the hearing on the Paving Assessment Street
Improvements Project 60 and fixing a lien and charge.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, made the presentation before the
council.
Francis Villarreal, State Certified Appraiser, reported that
the property values were enhanced by the values assessed except by 2
parcels on Bayard Street between New York and Canada. On Canada there
is a drainage ditch and these two properties have been eroding toward
the creek, in her opinion they would not be enhanced by the paving.
She recommends no enhancement on both of those parcels (Parcels 108
and Parcel 115).
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
52a. Approval of construction of the Bond Issue Street Paving Assessment
Project 60 (26 Blocks) by the Department of Public Works and the
Utilities Department. Funding is available in the CD Department CDBG
CD Project, Street Fund/Paving Project 60; Water Works '92 Bond-
Construction Project 60, Water Works '92 A Bond Construction Paving
Project 60, Water Works '93 Bond Construction Paving Project 60, Water
Works '94 Bond Construction Paving Project 60; Sewer System '92 A Bond
Construction Paving Project 60, Sewer System '90 Bond Construction
Paving Project 60; and 98 CO Issue Paving Project 60.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
53. Public hearing regarding an ordinance amending Article III, titled
"Tow Services," of Chapter 32, of the City of Laredo Code of
Ordinances, thereby revising the sections for tow services on the
City's Rotation List; providing for permitting, regulations and
penalties; providing for a restructuring of the fees (allowed to be)
charged by tow services, increasing the storage and towing fees;
providing (for the possibility of a centralized City Vehicle Storage
Facility; providing) an increase in the Rotation List Permit Fee;
(distinguishing between average towns and heavy-duty wrecker tows;
calling for a bi-annual review; creating a separate list of tow
services for tows or storage of stolen vehicles returned from Mexico
and the fees charged) providing for severability; and providing for an
effective date and publication.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending Article III, titled "Tow Services," of Chapter 32,
of the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances, thereby revising the
sections for tow services on the City's Rotation List; providing for
permitting, regulations and penalties; providing for a restructuring
of the fees (allowed to be) charged by tow services, increasing the
storage and towing fees; providing (for the possibility of a
centralized City Vehicle Storage Facility; providing) an increase in
the Rotation List Permit Fee; (distinguishing between average towns
and heavy-duty wrecker tows; calling for a bi-annual review; creating
a separate list of tow services for tows or storage of stolen vehicles
returned from Mexico and the fees charged) providing for severability;
and providing for an effective date and publication.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Enrique De La Garza asked that in case of an accident will he be able
to choose his own tow service.
Ginger Reinart, Assistant City Attorney, stated that they will be
allowed to choose their own tow service, but not if they are arrested,
police initiated, or returns from Mexico.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
54. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo's FY 1997-98 annual budget
in the amount of $369,563.00, for the purchase of creek cleaning
equipment and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's FY 1997-98 annual budget in
the amount of $369,563.00, for the purchase of creek cleaning
equipment 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
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
55. Public hearing regarding an ordinance amending the City of Laredo's
1997-1998 Annual Budget in the amount of $53,480.00, for funding of
the Multi-Agency Major Organization Investigation Task Force for the
period of January 1, 1998 through December 31, 1998.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual Budget in the
amount of $53,480.00, for funding of the Multi-Agency Major
Organization Investigation Task Force for the period of January 1,
1998 through December 31, 1998.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
XIII. MOTION TO RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO CONVENTION AND VISITOR'S
BUREAU ADVISORY BOARD
Motion to recess and convene as The Laredo Convention and
Visitor's Bureau Advisory Board.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
56. Approval of a contract with Maverick Video Productions in the amount
of $30,000.00, to produce a Spanish and English tourism video brochure
for the Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
57. Presentation regarding the on-going activities of the Laredo
Convention and Visitor's Bureau.
Larry Dovalina, Convention & Visitors Bureau Director, presented the
Council with a brief case which also contained the report of the
activities of the Bureau.
Ramon Hernandez and Francisco Tamez went over the Bureau's
promotions and advertisements made in their market.
Motion to adjourn as The Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau and
convene as The City Council.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn. Time: 10:30 p.m.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE MINUTES CONTAINED IN PAGES 01 TO 39
ARE TRUE, COMPLETE, AND CORRECT PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
HELD ON THE 17TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 1998. A CERTIFIED COPY IS ON FILE AT THE CITY
SECRETARY'S OFFICE.
________________________
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR.
CITY SECRETARY