CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS
5:30 P.M.
M-98-R-18 MINUTES APRIL 27, 1998
I. CALL TO ORDER
With a quorum present Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores called the
meeting to order.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
IN ATTENDANCE:
ELIZABETH G. FLORES, MAYOR
JOSE R. PEREZ, JR., COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT I
LOUIS H. BRUNI, " , DISTRICT II
CECILIA MAY MORENO, " , DISTRICT IV
ELISEO VALDEZ, JR., " , 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
JERRY BRUCE CAIN, ASST. CITY ATTORNEY
ABSENCES:
Motion to excuse the absence of Cm. Casso.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Perez was not present at this time, he arrived at 5:40 p.m.
IV. FINAL READINGS
Motion to waive the final reading of ordinances #98-O-060,
#98-O-110, #98-O-111, #98-O-112, #98-O-113, #98-O-114, and
#98-O-115.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. 98-O-060 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, increase in fee for
overweight permits, 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 regulations and penalties; providing
for severability; and providing for an effective
date and publication. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-060.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Casso & Cm. Perez were not present.
3. 98-O-110 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease
with Bowden Medical, Incorporated for approximately
3,588 square feet constituting Buildings #1432,
#1438 and #1439. Building #1432 is located at 1803
Pappas Street, and Buildings #1438 and #1439 are
located at 1719 Pappas Street.
a. Lease term is for one (1) year commencing May 1,
1998 and ending April 30, 1999.
b. Monthly rent shall be $674.10. Previous monthly
rent was $630.00.
Premises are used to store medical equipment and
supplies. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-110.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
4. 98-O-111 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease
with Texas/Illinois Cellular Limited Partnership,
by it's general partner Southwestern Bell Wireless,
Inc., (sub-tenant) to co-located on the existing
self support cellular tower constructed under that
certain ground lease for cellular tower dated
September 1, 1996 between the City of Laredo
(Landlord) and Lar-Tex Cellular Telephone Company
(Tenant) reference 96-0-132, located on a tract of
land out of and a part of Lots 3 and 4, Block 552,
of the Eastern Division of the City of Laredo. The
sub-tenant desires to attach and construct on such
premises cellular phone antennas, and coaxial
cables to the existing tower and install and
equipment building.
1. Term of the lease is 10 years with an option for
2 successive 5 year renewals.
2. Annual rent will be $2,500.00, to be adjusted on
each anniversary dated according to the changes
in the Consumer Price Index. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-111.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
5. 98-O-112 Closing as a public easement PARCEL A, consisting
of 175.09 square feet of land, more or less; and
PARCEL B, consisting of 254.65 square feet of land,
more or less; both parcels being out of and part of
the 400 Block of Price Street between Springfield
and Maryland Avenues. Said parcels of land being
encroached upon by the improvements of the abutting
properties, being Lots 11 and 12, Block 337,
Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb County,
Texas; and authorizing the sale of the "Surface
Only" of said parcels at the combined fair market
value of $1,289.22, and further authorizing the
City Manager to execute all necessary documents to
effectively convey fee simple title to Cristina
Cedillo and Librada Ramirez de Escobedo,
respectively for said parcels being more
particularly described by metes and bounds and
providing for an effective date. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-112.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
6. 98-O-113 Ordinance amending Chapter 30, Taxation, Article
II, Hotel Occupancy Tax, Section 30-17; Levy;
Exceptions, adding Subsections b (1,2,3,4, and 5),
amending Subsection (c), and adding Subsections
(d), (1,2,3, and 4), (e), (f), f(1), and (g) to the
Code of Ordinances.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-113.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
7. 98-O-114 Amending the City of Laredo 1997-1998 (LEOSE)
Account Fund Budget in the amount of $28,307.67.
Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education
(LEOSE) Account for continuing education for Police
Officers for the period of October 1, 1997 through
September 30, 1998. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-114.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
8. 98-O-115 Amending the contract with the Texas Department of
Health and budget in the amount of $285,938.00 for
the HIV/STD Ryan White Care Consortium Project of
the City of Laredo Health Department for the period
beginning April 1, 1998, through March 31, 1999.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-115
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VI. RESOLUTIONS
9. 98-R-026 Amending the submission of a grant application to
the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice
Division in the amount $78,172.00, with the City
designating $36,996.00, in matching funds for a
total of $115,618.00, 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 Resolution #98-R-026.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
10. 98-R-061 Authorizing the Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores,
Metropolitan Planning Organization Chairman, to
submit an application for relief from local match
requirements to the Texas Department of
Transportation for the South Meadow Avenue Bridge
Project.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-061.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
11. 98-R-068 Confirming the appointment by the City Manager of
a member of the Fire Fighters' and Police
Officers' Civil Service Commission of the City of
Laredo.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-068, confirming
Raul P. Garcia, Jr. to serve as a member for the
term of three years from April 29, 1998 to April
28, 2001.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
12. 98-R-069 Supporting the Hamilton Housing Partners Limited,
in their efforts to renovate and convert the
Hamilton Hotel located at 815 Salinas, Laredo,
Texas into 165 residential rental units for
low/moderate income residents including commercial
office spaces located on the first floor of the
hotel in their application to the Texas Department
of Housing and Community Affairs for low income
housing tax credits in the amount estimated at
$9,328,500.00, for a total project cost of
$11,952,850.00. The City of Laredo hereby commits
to make a $1,550,000.00 second lien mortgage loan
to Hamilton Housing Partners Limited, a Texas
Limited Partnership, subject to the approval of a
$1,550,000.00 Section 108 loan from the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development to the
City of Laredo. This loan is subject to the terms
and conditions hereby incorporated in this
Resolution.
Cindy Collazo, Community Development Director,
notified council that the $1.550,000. does not
contain the $150,000.00 for relocation costs. She
was advised earlier by the developer that they
would like that incorporated, bringing the amount
to $1.7 million instead of $1.5 million in case
that additional costs would be needed. They have
no figures now, but will get those figures by
tomorrow, so at this point they are asking that
council consider increasing that amount;therefore,
the amount of payments $148,000.00 instead of
$135,000.00.
Motion to amend the resolution to reflect $1.7
million instead of the $1.55 million.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-069.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Perez came in at this time 5:40 p.m.)
VII. MOTIONS
13. Authorizing the issuance of a request for proposals for the
Laredo Transit Planning Study, which will identify location,
scope, and demand of future transit corridors.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
14. Authorizing the issuance of a request for proposals to update
the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, which covers a 20 year
period and identifies facilities (including but not limited
to major roadways, transit, and intermodal facilities) that
should function as an integrated regional system, in
conformance to State and Federal requirements.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
15. Acceptance of the Jefferson Street Water Treatment Solids
Handling Improvements Project with Lambda Construction
Company, New Braunfels, Texas, as substantially complete;
approval of partial retainage release in the amount of
$64,925.00 which is 2.5% of the total work to-date, and
approval to retain the balance until completion and final
acceptance of the project. Funding is available in the
Waterworks Retainage Payable.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
16. Award of a construction contract for the Street Improvements
on the 2500 Block of South Malinche Avenue between Zacatecas
- Chacota and Parking Lot Improvements for the Cigarroa Park
and South Laredo Fire Station to the Sole Bidder, Ramex
Construction Company, Inc., Houston, Texas; approval of
change order no. 1, a decrease of $43,836.00, to delete the
retaining walls to bring the construction cost within the
project's budget for a net award of contract to Ramex
Construction Company, Inc., Houston, Texas, in the amount of
$137,413.10; and approval of said retaining walls to be
constructed by the Department of Public Works. This is a cost
sharing project with the Laredo National Bank contributing
$97,460.00, and the City's share being $50,000.00, plus
right-of-way dedication and engineering services. Funding is
available in the 1998 Contractual Obligation Issue - Cigarroa
Parking Lot Construction Project.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VIII. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
17. Presentation and possible action on proposed mechanisms of a
joint public/private partnership on improvements in Hilltop
Subdivision, Phase II and authorizing the City Manager to
sign onto the plat.
Florencio Pena, City Manager, stated that this is a project
that was approved by council as part of our 1990 Certificates
of Obligation issue. This is a property located north of
Del Mar Blvd. north of the Springfield Road which is to be
extended by Whataburger. It is a property that has been
somewhat of a problem to the city in a sense that the
property is not platted.
Keith Selman, Planning Director, explained the cost
contribution of the project by infrastructure development.
He identified the share of the city, of G.G. Salinas, and the
Hilltop property owners, and the totals. He explained that
water and sewer services are going to be contributed by G.G.
Salinas initially and then they will be reimbursed through a
reimbursement contract from the property owners for the
extension of the water/sewer services which is an element
they will need to bring back to council. Another element
would be the full construction, the bids, and the general
process there are when they enter into a construction project
of this nature. He said the estimates are higher than what
they actually have in revenue expected, in terms of city cost
in Phase I, as they go into the bid process the numbers may
not hold true and if they do hold true they may end up re-
moving some of the improvements in there and adjusting
the contract in some way.
Mr. Pena stated that on the right-of-way acquisition, this
project will require the city to contribute some right of
way, which is land that is owned by the city and held in
trust in the Utilities Fund.
Motion to approve as presented by City Manager.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to move item 18 and 19 to the end of the meeting.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to waive the rules of order and move item A(2).
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
18. Request for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government
Code Section 551.071 (1)(A) to discuss contemplated
litigation regarding the Twin Peaks, L.L.C., sewer line
reimbursement agreement, 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) to discuss
contemplated litigation regarding the Twin Peaks, L.L.C.,
sewer line reimbursement agreement.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
After Executive Session Mayor Flores announced that no formal
action was taken.
Motion to authorize City Manager to take proper legal action
to collect sewer reimbursement fees.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 6 Against: 1 Abstain: 0
19. Authorizing the City Manager to pay Twin Peaks, L.L.C.,
$18,232 pursuant to a sewer reimbursement contract dated
August 15, 1994. The following individuals and their
companies have connected to this line:
Name Date Amount Owed
Excel Bank 10/13/97 $2,029.00
Agustin Maldonado 4/2/96 $10,947.00
Steve Musolino 1/7/98 $2,935.00
Eva Mejia 2/8/96 $2,321.00
Total $18,232.00
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IX. COMMUNICATIONS
20. Recognition by the Mayor and City Council members of
employees who retired from the City of Laredo with 20 years
or more of service for the period October 1997 thru March
1998:
a. Mario E. Martinez (28 years)
Sanitation Division,
Public Works Department,
November 30, 1997
b. Felix Vasquez (27 years)
Fleet Maintenance Division
Public Works Department
November 30, 1997
c. Jose R. Esquivel (21 years)
Fleet Maintenance Division
Public Works Department
February 28, 1998
Mayor Flores recognized Mr. Vasquez and Mr. Esquivel for
their hard work and years of service.
Mr. Martinez was not present to receive plaque.
X. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION AND PRESENTATION
21. Requests by Mayor and City Councilmembers for discussion and
presentation.
A. Requests by Councilmember Jose R. Perez, Jr.
1. Discussion and possible action regarding the extension of
El Metro service to include Saturday and Sunday at the
Loma Alta Subdivision on Highway 359. Currently, this
particular bus route runs from Monday through Friday.
Gilbert Segovia, Transit Director, said that the
additional cost to provide the same level of service on
Sundays would be an annualize cost of $21,000 because this
route did not operate at all. On Saturday they can
provide the service at no additional cost because they
have some time built into the current schedule.
Cm. Perez stated that at the Ad Hoc Committee Meeting they
have been looking at several routes and they are trying to
find or establish a standard or the amount of people that
will carry a route, he thinks that if they can provide the
Saturday service at this point and for 1998-99 budget they
can see if we can go ahead and provide the service on
Sunday.
He wants council to realize that they need to establish a
standard for operating a particular route and if the route
is not able to sustain itself or at least have the
ridership that is required by the federal government, then
we need to find some other solution, otherwise they will
not be able to extend any service.
Mr. Segovia stated they are working on the level of
ridership.
Cm. Alvarado asked if there is an additional $21,000.00
needed for the Sunday service, and questioned if now they
are only discussing Saturday?
Mayor Flores stated they are looking at Saturday.
Mr. Segovia stated that there will be some additional
costs because of the fuel because of the additional
distance, but the real impact cost would be for the Sunday
service.
Motion to continue to evaluate whether to include Sunday
in the 1998-99 budget if level of ridership is there and
to provide the service for Saturday at no additional cost.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Recognizing the members of the Mayor's Blue Ribbon Library
Building Committee for their commitment and dedication
towards the construction of the New Main Library:
Norma Benavides Guillermina Montes
Gloria Canseco Cecilia May Moreno
Jan I. Carter Robert Ochoa
Cynthia Earle Rogelio Rivera
Reymundo Fuentes Juan Homero Sanchez
Elizabeth J. Gill Jose Valdez
Joe Guerra Martha Villarreal
Laura Martens Janice Weber
Mary Lou Mendiola Rose Woodruff
Eulalia Moncivais
Mayor Flores on behalf of former Mayor Saul N. Ramirez and
Mayor Protem Perez recognized the Mayor's Blue Library
Building Committee recipients for their commitment and
dedication towards the construction of the New Main
Library.
Cm. Guerra included Jesus Nava, former Assistant City
Manager, who worked with the group to coordinate all the
different ideas.
They were presented with the awards by Mayor Flores.
B. Requests by Councilmember Louis H. Bruni
1. Status report on the state of the Rio Grande River as it
pertains to bacteria and other contaminants with possible
action.
Cm. Bruni said that the concerns of the river are not only
regional but international, and to safeguard our only
source of drinking water, he thinks that it is important
that we keep a constant eye on what is in the river. Due
to Mexican newspaper article stating that bacteria
(allegedly identified or found in the river) if ingested
can be fatal. This being his concern and the reason why
he put this item in the agenda.
He wants to hear on information from staff regarding the
issue. Also, what has been done in terms of running tests
that can identify wastewater contaminants (if increased or
decreased) or where we are as a whole at the present time
versus a couple of years back.
Mr. Jerry Robinson, Health Department, concurs that the
Rio Grande is our only source of drinking water;
therefore, it is of critical importance to all of us who
live in Los Dos Laredos. He commented on the newspaper
article concerning the bacteria that has been identified
in the Rio Grande River stating that this bacteria is very
fast acting, very hazardous and stated that if it goes up
through your nasal passages is fatal. Furthermore, that
the worst concentration of the Nigleria Bacteria is four
miles north and about three miles south of Rio Bravo. He
added that a death in Rio Bravo in 1994 resulted in the
health department posting the river and that our side of
the river is absolutely hazardous for emerging.
In reference to testing, he distributed area maps to
Councilmembers, and pointed that from Colombia Bridge on
south to Webb County line with Zapata County these are
sites where testing has been ongoing. There is testing
done by the City of Laredo Health Department and has been
for a number of years. They are now working in
cooperation with TNRCC and expanding the testing capacity
dramatically.
He explained the existing and proposed Laredo water
quality monitoring sites. He said that on March 4, 1996,
the sewage treatment plant in Nuevo Laredo came on line,
this was a project conceived by the City Council of Laredo
and was pushed through both national governments. The
project currently stands at a cost of about $56 million
U.S. dollars. The U.S. commitment did not change, it
stayed at approximately $17 million, $2 million from the
State of Texas and the rest of the cost continuing to be
borne by Mexico. This being a very firm and strong
commmitment on the Mexican Government part despite the
most recent peso devaluation
He explained that Fecal Coliform is the indicator of fecal
or human fecal contamination of the river. He also
explained the average test counts for fecal coliform and
the number of organisms that can be counted per 100 mi. of
river samples, and the sites that had the most thick
amounts of coliform bacteria. He said that after the
plant came on line, the average test count at the sites
with the most bacteria have dropped to 5,103 at Rio Bravo
vs. 339343, 2826 at Webb County/Zapata line vs. 410197
which is dramatic evidence that the operation of the
sewage treatment facility in Nuevo Laredo has had a
dramatic increase on the southern part of the river.
The ideal count would be less than 100 colonies per 100
mi. of water, so we are still a long way from ideal, but
are still making progress.
He focused on the potential for toxic chemical impacts on
the river, chemical analysis of water, sediment, and fish
tissue (chemicals exceeding one or more screening levels)
and the biological analysis. He added there are
industries on the Mexican side that are in fact
discharging metals and pcb into the river, but there is
a lot of dilution that goes on.
Where does the data show the concerns in Laredo?
That is essentially where Manadas Creek empties into the
Rio Grande. That is where our concern for metals and
pesticides starts to increase somewhat dramatically.
In summary he said the river has been extensively tested
and continues to be tested. The technology that they have
available locally at our resource is dramatically
improving. They have excellent capability for the
bacteriological testing the river and they are maintaining
that. They have until now very minimal capability for the
heavy metals and pesticides that is coming on line
compliments of working cooperative with TNRCC. The river
remains a very polluted river and there is no question
about it, especially south of Los Dos Laredos.
He quoted, "you should not emerge yourself in that water,
it is highly contaminated and dangerous to be in that
river." Upstream of Laredo there is much less concern
because past, current and future test results will show
that and hopefully that will stay the same. He said it is
critical to point out that to say that he river is
polluted which he has done in no uncertain terms, as
clearly as he knows how to say it, does not equate to say
that the drinking water of the City of Laredo is
contaminated. There is an amazing amount of testing done
on the drinking water both the Utilities Department, by
independent laboratories and by the City of Laredo Health
Department and by TNRCC. The quality is well within all
required EPA parameters. If the river becomes extremely
contaminated especially with chemicals and so forth, now
we got a new problem, we are going to have a major problem
in terms of keeping it clean enough for acceptable levels
for human consumption and that has yet to happen, it has
not happen at this point, but it is a concern.
Cm. Bruni stated the concern he has is the high
contamination at Manadas Creek that is above the intake of
the Jefferson water intake. Do we monitor Manadas Creek
on a regular basis to see if the high metal chemical
problems that exist on that area? Do we do it often
enough so that if something would happen the utilities
crew would be aware of an increase in metals in that
particular creek?
Mr. Robinson stated that they have not had the technical
capacity in terms of equipment to be able to do what would
be consented an adequate job or being able to monitor
that. The capability is coming on line compliments of
TNRCC working with the local Health Department. It has
not existed to this point, there is testing done.
Cm. Bruni asked what safeguards do we have in case of a
major increase in the amount of contaminants in Manadas
Creek that the Utilities Department would be aware that
they are going to get an unslot of some dangerous that
might be able to be treated easily is his concern?
Mr. Jerry Pinzon mentioned that to help and assist
every time there is runoff from Manadas Creek they have
the Environmental Engineering that takes out samples to
ensure that the water is not contaminated. They do the
testing out of their labs, this helps and prevents them
from alarming in case there is something coming in to
the raw water intake.
Cm. Bruni stated the agricultural part of the drought
seems to be over, but the hydrological part drought is
still in full force. Amistad is still at a low time low,
we have not received measurable precipitation, or major
rain events consequently the levels are down. When the
levels are down bacteria have a much better way of getting
to be a problem which is another concern he has. The TDH
has certain criteria for drinking water, how often are the
guidelines for testing and where are we right now in terms
of the two critters?
Mr. Pinzon said he does not know where we are exactly at,
everyday they take samples of the raw water intake, and
the Health Department comes in unannounced and twice a
year they take samples.
2. Status report regarding the infrastructure, waste water
improvements, and extension of University Blvd. to
intersect with Casa Verde Road with possible action.
Jerry Pinzon, Assistant Director for Utilities, explained
an aerial map of Casa Verde and the area in question. He
said they are proposing to extend both water/wastewater
lines from Loop 20 to cover the area this area. A 12"
waterline, an 8" sewer line, then they would come in with
an 8" line to give water to each lot. The cost for the
water is $574,000 and wastewater $456,000.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, explained in reference to
the construction of the road. He said they received a
letter today from Killam Development Corporation, signed
by Jeff Brown. Basically they agreed to the donation of
the right-of-way; however, they had previously prepared a
cost estimate on the construction based on the
requirements given a year ago of $95,000 which included a
traffic signal. On the letter received today, they are
advising that there would be a minimal to the right of way
to match the existing right of way on the east side of the
loop. What he understands from the letter is that they
would like to have the road constructed to those
requirements also and another cost estimate would have to
be drawn up to match the existing right of way and to
match the existing road way on the east side. They also
say that they would agree to building half of the roadway
right now and then the other half whenever the traffic
merits it. He said that the previous cost estimate would
have to be updated.
He explained they will that on the University Blvd., they
would be connecting about 850 linear feet to Casa Verde
Road.
Cm. Bruni questioned if there is funding to implement the
project.
Mr. Pena stated that the $92,000 cost estimate project
includes a $40,000 signalization of that area. It is a
project that needs to get in line, there are monies in the
Capital Improvements Funds, on the last meeting they
allocated some funds for certain projects. They can come
back to Council if Council is interested to present the
total fund balance. He said they have approximately
$400,000, but they can have a precise amount at the next
council meeting.
Motion to find the necessary funding to extend the
boulevard.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
3. Status report on the wastewater problems at the 3300 block
of Guadalupe and the city Tex-Mex right of way with
possible action.
Cm. Bruni stated the problems in this area keep surfacing,
there is a terrible wastewater problem, a health issues
problem, problem with the storm drainage system that is
not to grade so there is a backup of standing water, there
is dumping on city right-of-way plus mosquitos and rodents
in the area. He wants to know what staff is doing to
eliminate these problems that exist.
Victor Oliveros, Chief of Environmental Health, stated
that he has done an extensive investigation along with Mr.
Pinzon of Utilities. He read an internal memorandum that
he wrote to Mr. Robinson which reads: We have
successfully treated the area along the Tex-Mex Tracks,
from the 3400 Block of West Garfield, for mosquito
larvae. We will repeat this treatment as long as there is
standing water at the site. Our animal control units
searched the area and found a dog that had been buried at
the site and it was determined to be the source of the bad
smell. This was important to us too as it took three days
to find the bad smell. They made a joint inspection with
personnel from environmental engineering and showed them a
4' storm drain which seems to be the main source of water.
Since they have not had any rain lately, they believe that
there is a source of water and asked environmental to run
their cameras inside the pipe and determine what the
source is because quiet a bit of water draining from that
pipe is causing problems. They also approached Oscar
Medina from Public Works because of the debri and other
garbage and trash on the area. He said they would take
care of that.
He said there is a bigger problem there, because the whole
Tex-Mex railroad needs to be cleaned in this area and
they need to improve the grade along these tracks to allow
stormwater to flow freely into the Chacon Creek where it
is supposed to drain. They found several small berms that
somebody built and are causing water stagnant, they need
to be removed. The area west of Harding to Canada Avenue
along the railroad tracks need to be addressed by Tex-Mex
otherwise we need to go back there time and again to treat
the symptom. There is illegal dumping in the area and
before the right of way is cleaned they need to remove
some debri.
Cm. Bruni wants staff to make contact with Larry Fields of
Tex-Mex and asked that we jointly try to eliminate that
problem because the problem is not only coming from the
dead dog, but also from that 5,000 gallon underground
band-aid that we put, when the wastewater line is over
capacity, it feeds in there to the 5,000 gallon storage
tank. He wants to make sure that the storage tank is
emptied on a daily basis so it doesn't spill over and
defeat the purpose of additional work done.
Mr. Pena said he understands that staff is emptying the
storage tank, they are meeting with Tex-Mex, the wet well
was a band aid as mentioned, the ultimate solution to that
is the Chacon Creek Interceptor, but they go every 8 hours
to vacuum the wet well that was built there to handle
this overflow that we have. There may be a need to
enlarge that well seeing that Chacon Creek Interceptor may
not be on line for another 16-18 months. In the meantime
they are going every day to empty it and will continue to
do so.
4. Report on El Metros Bi-fuel vehicles comparing the
consumption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) use vs.
gasoline, with possible action.
Gilbert Segovia, Transit Director, reported that they do
have a number of vehicles that are dual-fueled the
para-transit service vehicles and the lift service. For a
while some of the mechanisms on those vehicles were not
working properly. All the drivers have been instructed to
use CNG and when they run out of CNG they should switch to
unleaded fuel. They have a switch with which they can
do this. They will be taking some measures to closely
monitor the compliance of that policy.
Cm. Bruni asked that in terms of consumption, is more
gasoline or more CNG being used?
Mr. Segovia stated they are using about half and half
right now on those vehicles. Those have a limited supply
of compressed natural gas. They do have about a seven
gallon equivalent storage capacity on those bi-fuel
vehicles. In many cases they are not able to go the
entire day with CNG so they have to switch to unleaded.
The primary fuel for this vehicles is CNG. They have 15
dedicated vehicles and 12 El Lift plus a number of support
vehicles (approximately 10) that are also bi-fueled.
Cm. Bruni asked if there are other vehicles in other
departments that are CNG vehicles. He asked for a brief
report on other department that have dedicated and bi-fuel
vehicles.
Mr. Pena stated they will provide a report at the next
meeting.
C. Requests by Councilmember Mario Alvarado
1. Staff update on the proposed truck route extension thru
the CP&L Power plant property. (Co-sponsored Joe A.
Guerra)
Keith Selman, Planning Director, reported that council
directed staff to go out and take a look at this area
first in the study, so that they can get some preliminary
work done. They still have to resolve some alignment
issues even though they have had conversations with most
of the property owners and it has been very favorable
in terms of taking a roadway through this area.
He said that the ideal proposed roadway is to come up
swinging by the two warehouses (Coca Cola and Budwiser) on
the west side of the railroads coming up and then
extending a roadway through some alignment and tying it
into Mines Road basically bypassing the railroad
requirement.
He said council also directed to incorporate this into the
West Laredo Study that is to be done by LUTS and that is
part of what that project was put together anyway under
the LUTS. Last week council selected a firm to do the
West Laredo Study, he had hoped to have the contract to
council on this meeting, but they were not able to meet
with the selected firm this week so maybe they will be
bringing it in the next meeting to present a contract
to council. What they've requested them to do is look at
the area first in the study so that we can get some
preliminary work done in here, they still need to resolve
alignment issues, they still need to settle on some
alignments because there are some engineering
difficulties. There are issues that the selected firm
will have to resolve from a circulation stand point a call
stand point in terms of trying to get a fixation on that
alignment.
Mr. Pena stated for the record that there maybe some
special state legislation that they might be able to do
for border communities at any rate, they do have a lot of
highway systems and certain sections of Mines Road that
possibly if they can get a local bill that will allow
border cities to certain truck routes that are on system
because of the impact it has on the border or something
like that, he thinks this is something they should
explore.
Cm. Alvarado stated what he wants to see done and has been
asking staff is that we need to have those figures ready
so when we do our budget workshops we have those figures
available and at that time they are able to make a
decision as to whether or not this project they need to
look at funding for the next fiscal year or the year after
that. He also wants to know if planning staff recommends
this particular project.
Mr. Selman stated that this is a corridor that is
identified on the Thoroughfare Plan, because of the
upgrade conflicts with rail in lieu of some kind of
overpass grade separation here and in other places he
thinks this will work very favorable for the east/west
mobility further down in south Laredo as well as
north/south getting out to the Mines Road area. He feels
it's a worthwhile project. He said the consultants show
time frame for the project is approximately four months.
Motion that staff have the information from the study
available to council before they go into the budget
hearings.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Discussion on the city's annual Mother's Day Concert with
possible action.
Cm. Alvarado notified City Council of the Mother's Day
Project, he said its been scheduled for May 6th at the
Civic Center and wants to make sure all the Councilmembers
are aware of the project and are invited to attend.
3. Request to lift the present City Council moratorium on
plan unit developments with possible action.
Cm. Alvarado stated he met with developers in the Mines
area and they have discussed some projects that are
pending. Basically what he was asking for at that
particular point in time, was to put a halt in PUD, what
he is asking now is that they lift that halt in PUD's and
that they look at those particular projects based on its
merits. That the Planning Department keep some strict
measures involved and that they pass those strict measures
but that we also give the opportunity for developers to be
able to come and present us some of the innovative ideas
that they have through these PUDs.
Mr. Steve Snow who does a lot of developing in town stated
that several months ago they came before council to visit
the R-1A to reduce lot size and the discussion occurred
about Planning Unit Developments and there was controversy
about that. He said PUDs are a good development planning
tool, they provide variety of different types of housing,
styles, and method within a community. He said they have
a project coming together that they would like to bring to
council which they think council will be excited about
when they bring it before them, but Mr. Selman told them
they had to come before council before going on with the
project. He said council needs to lift the moratorium and
let them come before them with the projects on a unit by
unit basis, and give them the merits of those as they come
to council.
Mr. Pena presented a history on the moratorium, he said
the was a concern on lot sizes, now under a PUD and what
happened in the early 1990's is that there was an
amendment to the zoning ordinance which permitted lot
sizes to be less than 45 sq. ft. if they provided certain
amenities such as park, etc. He added that at that one
planning unit development zoning case, City Council
expressed concerns that they didn't want to see 45 sq. ft.
lots and there said lets put a hold on Planned Unit
Developments until we either look at changing it or
amending it or something, since then there have been no
PUD zoning cases, until this one. At this point Cm.
Alvarado brought the issue to council, but they see there
are three options that Council has which are as follows:
1) Council can review the Planning Unit Developments on a
case by case basis as being requested here.
2) Council can request staff to amend the ordinance that
establishes Planning Unit Developments to in essence
eliminate the lot sizes (eliminate any consideration of
lot sizes below 45 sq.ft.).
3) To place a request that staff adopt an ordinance that
would place a moratorium, they would have to hold a
public hearing, it would be an amendment to the
ordinance for a reasonable period of time to re-
evaluate our Planned Unit Development Ordinance, but
that we are not going to allow any lot sizes less than
45 sq.ft. until we've had a chance to re-evaluate the
benefit of that kind of a plan.
Cw. Moreno asked when they raised these moratorium, will
they be back to the beginning or the same they were
before?
Mr. Selman stated he was not sure what the directive from
council was in regards to the PUD issue. His impression
was that council did not want to see PUDs used exclusively
as a mechanism for getting smaller lots.
Cw. Moreno asked what was going to be the next step?
Mr. Selman said that in his view, the next step would be
for council to deny one, that came forth, with the
exclusive provision of getting smaller lots.
Cm. Valdez stated that the directive was clear, they were
going to review the ordinance, come back with minimum
standards which staff didn't come up with, and that is
what they were going to do, we are back to square one,
they are looking bad, they are holding developers. He
agrees with Cm. Alvarado, that they can look at these on a
case by case basis, but directive was to go back to staff
look at the ordinance and set up minimum standards.
Motion to lift the halt on present moratorium and that
they look at those particular projects based on its
merits and that they come before council with the project
on a case by case basis.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Motion to table the item for the next meeting.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Perez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
22. Public hearing regarding application by Ermilio Richer, T.P.&
W., Inc. amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lots 1 & 2, 6 & 7, Block 12, McPherson
Acres IV, located at 802 Gale Street, from M-1 (Light
Manufacturing District) to M-2 (Heavy Manufacturing
District); Special Use Permit. The Planning and Zoning
Commission recommends denial of this zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lots 1 & 2, 6 & 7, Block 12, McPherson Acres IV,
located at 802 Gale Street, from M-1 (Light Manufacturing
District) to M-2 (Heavy Manufacturing District); Special Use
Permit.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mr. Ron Whitehawk, representing Emilio Richer, spoke in favor
of overriding the P&Z commission's recommendation of a denial
of the zone change. He explained that the site is currently
a warehouse with office. He hoped that with the support
the adjoining property owners because they have been closely
in contact with the Fire Department, the Haz-Mat under Mr.
Cardenas, met many times over the last three month and have
arrived at three sets of conditions that they would like to
propose to council as an M-1 because in their opinion it can
be accommodated in an M-1 condition use permit. The
conditional use permit would have the following three
conditions that they would voluntarily ask council to
consider.
(1) That the use of the property be for used auto batteries
only in terms of Haz-Mat.
(2) That it essentially be on a same day type of operation,
although if they talking about a weekend or holiday they
would expect flexibility on the part of staff to allow
the merchandise or items to stay there until they can be
shipped out. This process would be flow through process
as opposed to storage.
(3) That it be in effect, that it be allowed to exist for one
year. The one year being because as staff has indicated,
that they would like to revisit the zoning ordinance as
it relates to Haz-Mat and perhaps make some changes.
This one year time period would allow staff to go through
the public hearing process and come up with something
that they are sure everybody can live with.
He asked that they allow this business to continue under the
permission of the Fire Department through a Haz-Mat permit
and that the M-1 conditional permit be the vehicle of the
mechanism by which that can happen. He submitted a letter
from TNRCC whereby they give their blessing to him for his
operation.
Motion to allow to continue with the three provisions
mentioned by Mr. Ron Whitehawk, override P&Z and staff's
recommendation, and allow to continue under M-1 with the
conditional use permit, close the public hearing and
introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Bruni
23. Public hearing amending the Street Name Map of the City of
Laredo by changing the name of San Pedro Street, between
Foster Avenue and Bartlett Avenue to Gust Street. The
Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of this
amendment to the Street Name Map.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Street Name Map of the City of Laredo by
changing the name of San Pedro Street, between Foster Avenue
and Bartlett Avenue to Gust Street.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the
ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Bruni
24. Public hearing regarding application by Cesar Almanza,
amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lot 10, Block 942, Eastern Division, located at 2914
Mendiola Avenue, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1
(Limited Business District). The Planning and Zoning
Commission recommends denial of this zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lot 10, Block 942, Eastern Division, located at 2914
Mendiola Avenue, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1
(Limited Business District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mrs. Maria Elena Almanza, owner, was petitioning in favor of
the zone change.
Keith Selman, Planning Director, pointed that out of the 29
letters received, they received six in opposition that would
kick in the 20% rule and the commission recommends denial. He
said they can't conform with the provisions or requirements
for a day care centers on the site plan.
Maria Elena Gonzalez stated that traffic is terrible and
spoke against the zone change. She said Lyon, Plum, and
Frost have heavy traffic because of Los Pepitos which causes
traffic congestions and that is why they are opposed to this
zone change request.
Motion to close the public hearing support the P&Z
recommendation to deny and deny the zone change request.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
25. Public hearing regarding application by Blackstone Dilworth,
amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning 42.2 acres, as further described by metes and
bounds, located at 10611 McPherson Road from AG (Agricultural
District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District). The Planning
and Zoning Commission recommends approval of this zone
change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning 42.2 acres, as further described by metes and
bounds, located at 10611 McPherson Road from AG (Agricultural
District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Perez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mr. Harry Jewet, representing property owners, spoke in favor
the new zone change.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the
ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Guerra
26. Public hearing regarding People's Manufactured Housing, Jose
Medina, authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for
a mini-storage/warehouse, on Lot 1, Block 1, Crownridge
Subdivision, located at 602 Shiloh Drive. The Planning and
Zoning Commission recommends approval of this Special Use
Permit.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for a mini-
storage/warehouse, on Lot 1, Block 1, Crownridge Subdivision,
located at 602 Shiloh Drive.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the
ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Guerra
27. Public hearing regarding Cummins Southern Plains, Inc., A.
Charles Funai, Vice President, amending the Zoning Ordinance
(Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a
Condition Use Permit for storage of used batteries on Lot 1,
Block 1, Javier Garza Plat, located at 12002 Mines Road. The
Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of this
Conditional Use Permit.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
authorizing the issuance of a Condition Use Permit for
storage of used batteries on Lot 1, Block 1, Javier Garza
Plat, located at 12002 Mines Road.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ron Whitehawk, representing Javier Garza, spoke in favor of
the zone change request to authorize the issuance of a
Conditional Use Permit.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the
ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Perez
28. Public hearing regarding Robles Real Estate Partnership, Les
Norton amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use
Permit for a pawn shop on Lots 4 and 5, Block 3, Western
Division, located at 308 Convent Avenue. The Planning and
Zoning Commission recommends approval of this Conditional Use
Permit.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for a
pawn shop on Lots 4 and 5, Block 3, Western Division, located
at 308 Convent Avenue.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Perez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ron Whitehawk spoke in opposition due to a petition from a
group of property owners and businessmen in downtown stating
that there are already five (5) pawn shops in the downtown
are and this additional would make would be the sixth. If
this were to be approved half of them would be easy pawns.
The area would be made worst by having too many pawn shops in
the same area. This shop has no parking plan and is
deficient, and does not merit council approval.
George Beckelheymer, Buffalo Pawnshop owner, said business
is slow and Laredo has more than opened out of state,
especially Easy Pawn, predatory and monopolistic, please look
at this to defend the local businesses, and deny the zone
change request.
Motion to send it back to P&Z for review as a Conditional Use
Permit.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Bruni
Second was withdrawn.
Motion to close the public hearing, override P&Z's
recommendation and not approve the conditional use permit.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
29. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo FY 1997-98 Annual
Budget by creating a position of Clerk II for the Traffic
Department at an annual cost of $17,468.00, including
benefits and a one-time capital outlay request of $4,000.00,
and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the City of Laredo FY 1997-98 Annual Budget by
creating a position of Clerk II for the Traffic Department at
an annual cost of $17,468.00, including benefits and a one-
time capital outlay request of $4,000.00, and authorizing the
City Manager to implement said budget.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There is no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the
ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
30. Public hearing providing community residents an opportunity
to comment on their housing and community needs and the
projects they wish to see funded through the 24th Action Year
Community Development Block Grant ($4,274,000.00), and 1998
HOME Investment Partnerships Program ($1,257,000.00), and
1998 Emergency Shelter Grant ($167,000.00) in support of the
preparation and submission of the 1998 Consolidated Plan to
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cindy Collazo, Community Development Director, made the
presentation before the Council and went over each of the
programs, the eligible activities and their amounts.
PROJECTS FOR COUNCIL'S CONSIDERATION
Dist. Project Amount
1,2,3,5,7,8 Project 61- Street Improvements (37 blocks) $980,000
(including paving, curb & gutter, & water &
sewer improvements).
1 Tinaja Creek Channelization $500,000
(concrete lining of phase 2 from U.S. 83 to
Malinche)
ALL Graffiti Removal Program 28,000
(Removal of graffiti in CD eligible areas on
public buildings)
ALL Housing Rehab Program $350,000
(Loan to low/moderate income families for
rehab of owner occupied residential
dwellings)
7 Lafyette Widening $675,000
(acquisition & relocation of families on
Lafayette from San Ignacio to Sta. Isabel).
2 D.D. Hachar Recreation $350,000
(construction of a recreation facility for
area residents)
5 Zacate Creek Linear Park $200,000
(continuation of linear park from Sauders
to Canal)
4 Clark/Hendricks Street Improvements $ 45,862
(construction of retaining wall & other
related improvements)
8 Hamilton Hotel - Section 108 Loan $135,000
(Annual payments on loan for acquisition, renovation,
relocation & other related costs for the Hamilton
Hotel Project)
Housing Rehab Admin $138,196
Administration $620,533
Code Enforcement $251,050
---------
Total $4,274,000
Grant Amount $4,274,000
OTHER PROJECTS FOR COUNCIL'S CONSIDERATION
DIST. PROJECT
5 Raquel Gonzalez Acquisition of 3 blocks $200,000
(Acquisition of 3 blocks for conversion
into a softball/soccer field)
1 Sierra Vista Recreational Center $700,000
(Construction of a recreational center
the Sierra Visa/Los Obispos area)
8 Plaza Theater Acquisition/Rehab Section 108 $1,500,000
(Acquisition & rehabilitation of the theater
to a community facility for fine arts activities.
this may require annual payment of approx.
$125,000).
1 Dryden Optimist Park 150,000
(Construction of a road, lighting, & related
improvement).
2 Blaine/Milmo/Loop 20 Improvements 90,000
(Storm drainage improvements along Blaine
St. to the west side of U.S. 83)
5 Cruz Field Lighting 50,000
(Lighting improvements for illumination of park)
8 La Ladrillera Recreation Center 700,000
(Construction of a recreation center for area
residents)
Robert Gutierrez, local builder, applauded the work on the
housing programs that Cindy Collazo and Erasmo Villarreal
have done in providing a consistent flow of housing and
downpayment assistance programs throughout the years and in
addressing the community housing needs in five districts. He
said that Mayor Ramirez had a vision of 100 homes by the year
2000, under Mayor Flores and members of the City Council they
would like to challenge to make it 2,000 by the year 2000 and
they can get there by doing the following:
1) Allocate $1.8 million for a citywide downpayment
assistance for 1998 and 1999.
2) Increase the loan amount in the most needed income ranges
of 60% or below of medium income families from $5,000
level to $9,000 and limit the sales price to be $60,000
or less.
The reason for the increase is two fold, FHA has modified the
qualifying guidelines and removed a 38/45 pilot program in
Webb County for families of 60 percent or below of medium
income.
Secondly, we need to help those families and $1,000-$1,200
per month that work hard and not able to buy a home today.
The compelling reasons are as follows:
1) We need to give people hope.
2) They can help hundreds of families including, in
particular, many single mothers with children that are
walking through our doors
3) Improve the quality of the future neighborhood by creating
competition.
4) Will promote private ownership, promote education, and
will reduce crime by creating job opportunities.
5) Make children feel proud to invite one of their best
friends over to their home because currently a lot of
children out there are ashamed to invite their friends to
their homes because of the situation that they find
themselves in.
6) Finally, he thinks that when they make a difference in
someone's lives we feel good about it.
If we can find $8.4 million for noise abatement, surely we
can find $1.8 million for downpayment assistance to help
families in our community.
Motion to close the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XII. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Adjournment time: 9:10 p.m.
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE MINUTES CONTAINED IN PAGES 01 TO 33 ARE
TRUE, COMPLETE, AND CORRECT PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
HELD ON THE 27TH DAY OF APRIL, 1998. A CERTIFIED COPY IS ON FILE AT
THE CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE.
________________________
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR.
CITY SECRETARY