CITY OF LAREDO
M98-R-19
May 4, 1998
MINUTES
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, Councilmember, District I
Louis H. Bruni, Councilmember, District II
Alfosso I. "Poncho" Casso, Councilmember, District III
Cecilia May Moreno, Councilmember, District IV
Eliseo Valdez, Councilmember, District V
Joe A. Guerra, Councilmember, Distrcit VI
Mario G. Alavardo, Councilmember, District VII
Consuelo "Chelo" Montalvo, Councilmember, District VIII
Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary
Florencio Pena, City Manager
Jaime L. Flores, City Attorney
IV. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
2. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Webb
County (for use by the Laredo/Webb County Community Action
Agency) for approximately 380 square feet of office space
constituting Suite No. 9 of Building No. S-1 located at 1718
E. Calton Road.
a.) lease term is for one (1) year commencing March 1, 1998
and ending February 28, 1999, and may be extended for
one (1) term of one (1) year ending February 29, 2000;
b.) monthly rent shall be $422.07;
c.) previous monthly rent was $401.97.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
3. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease renewal with
the State of Texas General Services Commission on behalf of
the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
for 317 square feet of office space at the City of Laredo
Health Complex located at 2600 Cedar Street.
a.) term of the lease renewal will be from September 1,
1998, through August 31, 1999;
b.) lessee shall pay a sum in the amount of $345.08 rental
fee per month which includes the cost of utilities and
janitorial services.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
IV. FINAL READINGS
Motion to wiave the final reading of ordinances #98-0-116,
#98-O-117, #98-O-119, #98-O-0120, #98-O-121, and #98-O-122.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Casso and Cm. Alvarado not present.
Cm. Alvarado joined the meeting at 5:34 p.m.
4. 98-O-116 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a Conditional
Use Permit for storage, incidental to transpor-
tation, of used batteries on Lots 1 & 2, 6 & 7,
Block 12, McPherson Acres IV, located at 802 Gale
Street.
Motion to amend the ordinance to read that the
batteries will arrive loaded on an enclosed trailer
and leave the same day as practical.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-116.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
5. 98-O-117 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 approve Ordinance #98-O-117.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
6. 98-O-119 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
edo by by ring 4ng acres,res furtferther dib rib b by meand Ŕod bs, lo aloc at 1Ŕt 10McPhe Pher
Ro ,oadom AG (AG (Agricultural District) to B-4
(Highway Commercial District).
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-119.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
7. 98-O-120 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 approve Ordinance #98-O-120.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
8. 98-O-121 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City
of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a
Conditional Use Permit for storage of used
batteries on Lot 1, Block 1, Javier Garza Plat,
located at 12002 Mines Road.
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-121.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
9. 98-O-122 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 approve Ordinance #98-O-122.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VI. RESOLUTIONS
10. 98-R-067 Authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant from
Central Power & Light Company in the amount of
$13,000 to purchase audio visual equipment at the
Laredo Public Library; and authorizing the City
Manager to sign and submit any and all related
documents as required.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-067.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
11. 98-R-072 Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant
application to the Governor's Automobile Theft
Prevention Authority in the amount of $272,941.00
with the City designating $91,256.00 in matching
funds for a total of $364,197.00 for funding the
Laredo Auto Theft Task Force for the period of
September 1, 1998 through August 31, 1999.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-072.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Casso joined the meeting at 5:45 p.m.
VII. MOTIONS
12. Approval of bid specifications and authorization to advertise
for bids for the following:
a.) automotive parts, annual contract--Fleet Maintenance
b.) automotive batteries, annual contract--Fleet Maintenance
The tentative bid award date is scheduled for June 15, 1998.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
13. Award of a two-year contract to the LOW BIDDER, Fort Bend
Services, Stafford, Texas, in the estimated yearly amount of
$32,640.00, for furnishing an anionic polymer used in the
water treatment process. This chemical is being used on a
belt press that was recently put in service. This is a new
product that has not been previously purchased. All
purchases will be on a per-need basis. A total of three bids
were received for purchase. Funding is available in the
Utilities Department-Water Treatment Division-Chemicals.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
14. Award of a thirty-six month rental contract to the LOW
BIDDER, Xerox Corporation, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated
amount of $10,979.64, for one engineering copier. This
copier is especially designed to copy engineering plans
(24"x 36") on regular paper. This contract is awarded based
on a minimum rental contract that includes the use of the
copier, all consumable supplies (except paper), and a full
service contract for the contract period. A total of two
bids were received for this rental. Funding is available in
the Engineering Department-Design and Surveying, Contractual
Services, Machinery and Equipment.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
15. Award of a contract to the LOW BIDDER, Little Tikes
Commercial Play Systems, Laredo, Texas, in the amount of
$17,455.77, for the purchase and installation of a playground
module at the Santa Fe playground area under construction.
This module will be delivered within sixty days.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
16. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER, Wilson Fire Apparatus,
New Braunfels, Texas, in the amount of $14,145.00, for the
purchase of fire hose. Five different sizes of replacement
fire hose will be purchased. Delivery is expected within
thirty days.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
17. Award of a contract to the LOW BIDDER MEETING SPECIFICATIONS,
Sames Motor Co., Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $24,014.00,
for the purchase of one cargo van for the Traffic Safety
Division. This van will be equipped with a CNG bi-fuel
conversion package. Delivery is expected within ninety days.
A total of three bids were received for this purchase.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
18. Award of an engineering contract with EMCON Engineering
and Environmental Services, Austin, Texas, for an amount not
to exceed $31,500.00 for an automated leachate collection
system at the City of Laredo Landfill Type I located at
Highway 359 to include surveying, engineering design,
specifications for pumps, sensors, control panels, other
system components and storage facility, preparation of
specifications, construction plans, cost estimates, and
construction management as required for compliance with the
Texas Natural Resource Conversation Commission's Subtitle D
Requirements of 30 TAC 330 Municipal Solid Waste Regulations.
Funding is available in the Landfill Engineer Fees.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
19. Award of an engineering contract for an amount not to exceed
$129,114.00 to Crane Engineering Corporation, Laredo, Texas,
to provide surveys and designs, and to prepare plans,
specifications, and cost estimates for the Texas Avenue/Price
Street Drainage Improvements, a City of Laredo 1997-98
Certificate of Obligation Issue Project. Funding is
available in the 1998 Certificate of Obligation Issue-Texas
Avenue/Price Street Construction Project.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
20. Approval of amendment no. 1, an increase of $42,800.00 to the
Architectural/Engineering contract for the new fire station
to be located in the vicinity of Del Mar Boulevard and Inner
Loop with Cavazos & Associates, Laredo, Texas. Amendment
no. 1 is to add the design and preparation of plans and
specifications for the North McPherson Fire Station to be
located at the intersection of McPherson and NAFTA Blvd.
Funding is available in the New Fire Stations.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
21. Approval of change order no. 1, a net increase of $28,465.00
to the Laredo International Bridge No. 1 Pavement Reconstruc-
tion at Approaches, Phase I for off-site improvements for the
Laredo International Bridge No. 2, Lane 6 to replace the
existing asphalt pavement with concrete; acceptance of the
Laredo International Bridge No. 2, Lane 6 to replace the
existing asphalt pavement with concrete; acceptance of the
Laredo International Bridge No. 1 portion as being
substantially complete, and partial release of contract
retainage in the amount of $19,043.80. Ramex Construction
Company, Inc., has completed all work at the Laredo
International Bridge No. 1 site and this change order no. 1
is to take advantage of the contractor's competitive unit
prices for similar work for Laredo International Bridge No.
2. Funding is available in the Bridge System Construction
Projects.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
22. Approval of amendment no. 11, an increase of $163,632.50 to
the engineering contract with Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum
(HOK), Dallas, Texas, for additional engineering services to
include the redesign and repackage of previously approved
plans and specifications for the construction of a new
parallel taxiway at the New Laredo International Airport
Passenger Terminal and Related Airside/Landside Improvements.
The original contract amount was $1,135,000.00. This
amendment bring the total contract amount to $2,800,828.46.
Funding is available in the Airport Project Engineer Fees.
23. Authorizing the City Manager to accept a proposal submitted
by the Seven Flags Veterinary Medicine Association to conduct
professional veterinary services for the Spring Rabies Vacuna
Campaign; and additionally, to offer an agreement to the
other respondent to the R.F.P. to provide back-up
professional services, if necessary.
Ralph Neill a local veterinarian spoke on vaccination
procedures stating that state law mandates that records on
vaccination should be kept in alphabetical order. Adding
that he spoke to Ms. Isabel Mendes at the animal shelter and
found out that her records are being kept by tag number.
Adding that he thought it was of interest to City Council to
follow up on the information that he was providing.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
24. Authorizing the City Manager to submit a combined grant
application for prevention and risk reduction activities to
the Texas Department of Health for continuation of the HIV
Prevention Activities Project of the City of Laredo Health
Department.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
25. Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application
to the Texas Department of Health for continuation of the
Maternal and Child Health (M&CH) Title V Program of the City
of Laredo Health Department.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
26. Confirming the nomination by the City Manager of Gustavo
Guevara, Jr., as City Secretary of the City of Laredo as per
City Charter, Article 2, Section 2.16.
Motion confirming Gustavo Guevara, Jr., as the City Secretary
as per City Charter Article 2, Section 2.16.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cw. Montalvo stated that she would like to see the City
Secretary running the City elections.
27. Acceptance of the "Removal of Six 25,000 Gallon UST's and
Ancillary Equipment from the Airport Fuel Farm Project" and
approval of final payment in the amount of $3,174.86 to
Applied Earth Sciences, Inc., Corpus Christi, Texas.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
28. Refund of property taxes to the following individuals and
companies:
a.) Rodolfo and Sylvia Santillan in the amount of $1,528.28,
due to a clerical error.
b.) Master Lease Corporation Division of Tokai Financial
Services, Inc., in the amount of $1,096.35, due to a
clerical error.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VIII. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
29. Status report regarding the implementation of the City of
Laredo FAR PART 150 Airport Noise Compatibility Program
and installation of the Terminal Automated Radar Display
Information System (TARDIS).
Jose Flores, Airport Director, announced that on April 15 of
the present year, Vice-President Al Gore, had awarded $5
million for the noise program and $3.3 million to be used for
parallel taxiway construction. Further stated that staff is
presently amending the contract with HOK to repackage and
rebid the taxiway construction and that once the bids are
completed they will be submitted to FAA so that the noise
grant will be issued.
Mr. Flores continued to state that staff will be visiting
other airports between the next two weeks to formulate plans
of implementation. Good news is that there is money out
there that is made available to the City of Laredo.
Cm. Bruni stated that he was not aware of how the money was
to be distributed. Continued to say that he thought that the
money used for the taxiway construction would be deducted
from the $3.3. Mr. Flores explained that due to the
preliminary estimates exceeding the $3.3 the repackaging and
rebidding had to be done.
Cm. Bruni asked that if once the federal guidelines on the
distribution are received, are we to fund this money to the
highest decibel area or fund it to the areas that are not
impacted to that degree. Mr. Flores stated that once
information is received on how many families are willing to
sell and relocate and others that wish to stay and sound
proof we will know how these monies will be distributed.
Cm. Bruni requested to have Town Hall Meetings, with Council
approval, with residents that are impacted by this noise
pollution problem so that they will be aware of how this
money is to be distributed and how this information is coming
in from Washington. Perhaps weekly or bi-weekly meetings
with area neighborhoods, starting with the Milton area and
the Country Club Estates area. Once guidelines are received
we should announce these Town Hall Meetings on Public Access.
30. Acceptance of the final National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued by the United
States Environmental Protection Agency regarding the City's
NPDES storm water discharge requirements compliance with 40
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 122 and 124.
Florencio Pena, City Manager, stated that this is a very
significant step that the city has achieved in obtaining a
permit approval to manage the water urban run-off which is a
goal of the federal government to protect the rivers and
lakes that are the recipients of urban run-off. This will
require the city to undertake projects and programs that will
cost some money but this is to ensure that the water empited
into the Rio Grande and other systems of water are free from
urban pollution.
Motion to accept the final National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permit.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
31. Status report on the progress of the Chacon Creek Interceptor
Project, with possible action.
Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, stated that the Chacon
Creek Interceptor Porject is at a standstill due to the
environmental review. The review was finished back in
November of 1997 nd requested that the Water Development
Board review the environmental documents but were told that
they could not because this was an EPA funded project. The
review was then submitted to EPA in December of 1997, and
expected it to be returned by late Fecbruary of 1998. We
then contacted them in March only to be told that due to
their overlaod the review would not be finished until six
months from that date. Mr. Roman then concluded that he must
come up with a contingency plan to be able to continue with
the project.
32. Status report on the Colonias Facility Plan and financial
application.
Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, stated that they have
turned all the documents in to the Texas Water Development
Board and the facility plan is currently being reviewed.
From a list of 10 items that were requested from staffers we
are down to 2 items:
the cost of the water rights which we quoted at a cost of
$750 but are trying to establish the value at $1,200
because we do not want to be short changed in the monies
that we are to receive from the board; and
to refurnish the calculations for the project because the
facility plan that was presented omitted the inclusion of
two booster stations.
Jerry Robinson, Health Director, reported that they have been
involved in sewage disposal system development in Webb County
and occasionally in the City of Laredo, when it is too far
from the interceptor lines. We are also the authorized
agents for TNRCC for sizing, permitting, and reviewing the
engineering designs for on-site sewage disposal systems. I
would like to concur with what the City Manager said that we
are potentially facing a significant problem in the colonias
that are being provided water in those areas where there is
no public sewage.
Cm. Alvarado asked that this item be brought back to Council
after developing an action plan and a specific time frame and
discussing it with the county so that we may work with state
representatives to get this additional monies to cover the
Mines Road area.
33. 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 table.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IX. COMMUNICATIONS
Cm. Alvarado thanked Central Power and Light for the $13,000
donation that was part of item 10. He also reminded the
Council of the Annual Mother's Day Concert that is taking
place on Wednesday, May 6th. Also, requested to know why an
item on the Santa Maria Road drainage and construction
project that he asked to place on the agenda had not been
included, but will be discussed at the next meeting.
Cm. Casso stated that he addressed the Council with neither
rancor or bitterness at the end of his term with the council
but with one purpose in mind of serving my city. Further
stating that he left with a great sense of humility and great
pride through no virtue or accomplishments of my own. That
his last four years with on the council he tried to pursue
the truth no matter what the cost. And that his philossphy
and campaign has always been to serve the underpriveleged of
this community. He thanked the council, especially Cw.
Montalvo, Cm. Bruni, and Cm. Guerra who were his strongest
allies and together had changed Laredo politics. Also,
thanked City Manager, Florencio Pena, City Secretary, Gustavo
Guevara, and Larry and Luis Dovalina.
Cm. Guerra asked for a traffic control device study at the
corner of Encino and Mann Road and a pedestrian crosswalk at
Saint Patrick's Church on Del Mar Boulevard across from the
Fire Station and requested that these two items be placed on
the next agenda.
X. CITY COUNCIL PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION
34. Requests by Mayor and City Council members for presentation
and discussion.
A. Requests by Council member Louis H. Bruni
1. Status report on the implementation of the TRAK System
(Technology to Recover Abducted Kids) on the abduction
of Carla Espinosa.
Fructoso San Miguel, Assistant Police Chief, reported
that they used the TRAK System and the news media
stating that after the announcement aired the young girl
had contacted her parents and she had been picked up by
them.
2. Status report on the Brown & Root Drainage Project at
the Laredo International Airport, with possible action.
Cm. Bruni stated that he had received a letter from
County Commissioner Rick Reyes, with this letter he
attached a letter that he had received from Mr. Rogelio
Rivera. On his letter, Mr. Rogelio Rivera stated that
there were no funds earmarked for thr $10,000 cost for
the drainage that is needed because of the run off that
occurs to the Paul Young area, to the country club area
and to an area due south of the runway. Mr. Reyes
stated on his letter that a drainage study was not
conducted when these particular improvements were done.
This study was to be conducted according to state law.
He further stated that the county is unable to get
involved in this particular project; therefore, the City
of Laredo needs to get $10,000 for the expansion of this
drainage project. Cm. Bruni had a diagram to include for
the record.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, replied that they were
instructed to contact the county for the cost sharing of
the $10,000 consultant fee since we had received a
proposal from a consultant firm to do the drainage
project study.
Motion to instruct staff to find the additional
necessary funding ($10,000.00) to do a study and to
include the scope of this particular area into the
Brown & Root Drainage Project.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
3. Status report of the POPS (Property Oriented Police
Services) Program at the Eastwood Subdivision, with
possible action.
Fructoso San Miguel reported that they have one week
remaining in the Chacon area. Requested one to one and
a weeks to move on to the Eastwood Subdivision.
Cm. Bruni asked that they include the 3300 block of Mier
Street to the Eastwood Project.
4. Status report on all street lighting inventory in the
residential area of District II, with possible action.
Luis Landin, Traffic Manager, said that on Cm. Bruni's
concern of the area north of Saunders, to south of
Stewart, west of Martin and east of Ejido will be
included in Phase V of the street lighting project. We
are currently waiting for CP&L proposals. Funds are
available for the lighting that will be converted from
7,000 to 16,000 lumen.
Cm. Bruni asked for staff to review the ordinance in
order to decrease the distance requirements, specially
in new subdivisions. And come back with a report of
areas where the 300 foot criteria is not met by
ordinance. And either decide to reduce the distance to
200 feet or increase the lumen as indicated.
B. Requests by Council member Alfonso "Poncho" Casso, Jr.
1. Discussion and possible action regarding the positions
of Assistant to the City Manager/Public Information
Officer and the Administrative Assistant to the Mayor &
City Council.
Florencio Pena, City Manager, quoted from the minutes of
September 22, 1995 that stated that as far as the role
of the Public Information Officer the basic functions
are:
to generate information regarding city projects for
dissemination into the community; to work with
public access and the mayor and city council; to
develop speaking points (agendas and/or speeches);
and to develop information programs to be viewed by
the community.
Mr. Pena further stated that the Public Information
Officer has three basic functions:
to coordiante city-wide calendar of events;
to assist department directors and staff in the
dissemination of public information; and
serve as an advisor to the City Manager, City
Council and department heads on communications
issues.
Cm. Casso requested to know about the duties of the
Adminstrative Assistant to the City Council. Stating
that she should be kept in this position but needs to be
reminded that she reports to both the Mayor and City
Council, not only to the Mayor. Further stating that
she needs to be separated from the City Manager's
office.
C. Requests by Council member Eliseo Valdez, Jr.
1. Request that staff investigate the feasibility of using
the abandoned railroad bridge at Zacate Creek for
pedestrian use.
Cm. Valdez stated that this bridge is a potentail
hazard and all it needs is resurfacing, railing, and
lighting and is requesting that staff initiates a study
and come back with some cost estimates to convert it
into a pedestrain bridge. City Manager Florencio Pena
stated that a report would be presented to City Council
at the last meeting in May.
D. Requests by Council member Mario G. Alvarado
1. Request to lift the present City Council moratorium on
planned unit developments, with possible action.
Cm. Alvarado stated that there was a need to go ahead
and lift the moratorium and look at each of the
developments on their own merits and have staff come
back wite t€ €comecom€€€ Ŕs ons€ €€€che c€€€ €€ton € €€€ €€€ Ŕ € €din nce€€€ ngding€ €€s.UDs € › › € th Se€mSel CityCity Per, rr, rmendedndedt CitxCity
Council reverse previous action on the PUDs.
Motion to reverse previous council action.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mayor Flores named Cm. Valdez, Cm. Bruni, and Cm.
Alvarado to serve on the PUD (Planned Unit Development)
Committee to look at these issues.
XI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
35. Public hearing approving an amendment to the contract with
the Texas Department of Health and Budget Revision to reflect
the additional amount of $320,759 in direct assistance for the
Immunization Action Plan Project of the City of Laredo Health
Department for the period beginning January 1, 1998, through
December 31, 1998.
Introduction of an Ordinance
Approving an amendment to the contract with the Texas
Department of Health and Budget Revision to reflect the
additional amount of $320,759 in direct assistance for the
Immunization Action Plan Project of the City of Laredo Health
Department for the period beginning January 1, 1998, through
December 31, 1998.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the
ordinance.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
36. Public hearing authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo,
Texas Combination Tax and Airport Revenue Certificates of
Obligation, Series 1998, in the principal amount of
$1,430,000.00 for the purpose of paying all or a portion of
the City's Contractual Obligations for the purpose of
acquisition of land at the municipal airport in connection
with the settlement of a lawsuit in reference to noise
abatement at the City's airport and the payment of legal and
fiscal fees in connection with this project, and other matters
relating thereto.
Introduction of an Ordinance
Authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo, Texas Combination
Tax and Airport Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series
1998, in the principal amount of $1,430,000.00 for the purpose
of paying all or a portion of the City's Contractual
Obligations for the purpose of acquisition of land at the
municipal airport in connection with the settlement of a
lawsuit in reference to noise abatement at the City's airport
and the payment of legal and fiscal fees in connection with
this project, and other matters relating thereto.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Bruni stated that for the record he wanted the City
Attorney to reword the ordinance and make it clear that this
money is to acquire land to eliminate the noise pollution by
extending the runway 2,000 feet to the north.
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the
ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
37. Public hearing authorizing the issuance of a Special Use
Permit for a bar in the Mercado Historic District, on Lot 1,
Block 33, Western Division, located at 919 Lincoln St. The
Planning and Zoning Commission recommends denial of Special
Use Permit.
Introduction of an Ordinance
Authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for a bar in
the Mercado Historic District, on Lot 1, Block 33, Western
Division, located at 919 Lincoln St.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Attorney Julio Garcia approached the Council to request that
his client, Ms. Esther Rivera be issued the Special Use Permit
to open up a bar on the corner of Lincoln Street and Flores
Avenue. Ms. Rivera was notified that her request for this
permit was being denied. Mr. Garcia stated that the only
information his client was given by the Planning and Zoning
Commissison was a document from Margarita Araiza, from the
Webb County Heritage Foundation, stating that that she opposed
the opening of the bar due to the increased criminal activity
as a result of the numerous bars located all throughout the
historic district.
Mayor Flores asked Mr. Garcia if he was aware of what a
Special Use Permit indicated and read for his information the
impact analysis. Mr. Garcia stated that his client, Ms.
Rivera was willing to comply with any requirements placed by
the City Council for the use of this special permit.
Cm. Casso stated that it was not the requirements but that the
key issue is that Council has taken a stand to not issue
permits for any bars around the historical district because of
problems in the past and that this area is housing the Laredo
Center For the Arts and that it is reared for the family.
City Attorney Jaime Flores stated that he wanted to advise
council that even if there were a request to meet all the
specific requirements, council has the authority and the
discretion in considering the use of the land.
Larry Dovalina said that he had a principal concern and
further stated that the city has spent a great deal of money
in promoting the city in other areas and has rededicated its
efforts in providing visitor information at the location and
you are considering opening a bar 30 feet from our doorsteps.
We have had people come in to our facility to tell us that
they are being solicited for activities that are being
conducted at the other bars in this area.
Elizabeth Gill stated that she was going to reiterate on what
Ron Whitehawk had stated the week before about revitalization.
"Do we want a lot of bars and loan companies or businesses and
tourist attraction?"
Motion to close the public hearing and concur with P&Z to deny
the special use permit.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XII. MOTION TO RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MASS TRANSIT BOARD
Motion to recess as City Council and convene as The Laredo
Mass Transit Board.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
38. Approval of change order no. 1, a decrease of $3,132.00 for
the balance of quantities actually constructed in place,
acceptance of the project for remediation and removal of
contaminated soil at the Bus Hydraulic Lift in conjunction
with the El Metro Maintenance Facility Expansion Project, and
approval of final payment in the amount of $1,150.00 to TAC
Environmental Company, Laredo, Texas. Funding is available in
the Transit Facility Improvements (Section 3 Grant).
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to adjourn as The Mass Transit Board and convene as
City Council.
Moved : Cm. Moreno
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Adjournment time: 7:40 p.m.
I hereby certify that the above minutes contained in pages 01
to 17 are true, complete, and and correct proceedings of the
City Council Meeting held on the 4th day of May, 1998.
______________________
Gustavo Guevara, Jr.
City Secretary