CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
M98-R-26
JUNE 22, 1998
5:30 P.M.
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
Alfredo Agredano, Councilmember, District I
Louis H. Bruni, Councilmember, District II
John C. Galo, Councilmember, District III
Cecilia May Moreno, Councilmember, District IV
Eliseo Valdez, Jr., Councilmember, District V
Joe A. Guerra, Councilmember, District VI
Mario G. Alvarado, Councilmember, District VII
Consuelo "Chelo" Montalvo, Councilmember, District VIII
Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary
Florencio Pena, III, City Manager
Jaime L. Flores, City Attorney
IV. FINAL READINGS
Motion to waive the final readings of Ordinances #98-0-157,
#98-0-159, #98-0-160, #98-0-162, #98-0-163, #98-0-164, #98-0-165,
#98-0-166, #98-0-167, #98-0-168.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. 98-O-157 Ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article II, Division 6,
of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Laredo,
entitled pay administration, by amending Section
2.87.7(d)(15)(c), thereby adopting a revised pay
schedule increasing all steps in all grades in the
pay schedule by one and one-half percent (1 1/2%)
with a revised effective date of implementation of
May 31, 1998. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-0-157.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
3. 98-O-159 Ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of
a 40'x 40' permanent equipment and access easement
with Southwestern Bell Telephone located along Foster
Avenue at the Laredo International Airport.
Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary
documents of conveyance effectuating same. Said
equipment and access easement is more particularly
described by metes and bounds. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-0-159.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
4. 98-O-160 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a
lease renewal with the State of Texas General
Services Commission on behalf of the Texas Department
of Health, Public Health Region 11, for 2,025 square
feet of office space at the City of Laredo Health
Complex located at 2600 Cedar Street.
a. lease renewal term will be from September 1, 1998,
through August 31, 1999;
b. no rental cost, lessee will pay a sum in the
amount of $770.42 per month for electricity and
janitorial services. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-0-160.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
5. 98-O-162 Ordinance authorizing the waiver of parking fees at
the Laredo Transit Center for patrons at the garage
between 7:00 P.M. and 11:00 P.M. on Thursday, June
25, 1998, subject to a $100 contribution by the
Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra (L.P.O.). The parking
fees will be waived in order to support the L.P.O.'s
Mozart Opera Gala Festival, a community event, in
downtown Laredo. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-0-162.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
6. 98-O-163 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a
Conditional Use Permit for a paint and body shop on
Lot 6 and the east 1/2 of Lot 5, Block 894, Eastern
Division, located at 1619 Market Street.
(John C. Galo)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-0-163
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
7. 98-O-164 Ordinance amending the Parks and Recreation
Department 97-98 budget to reflect the hiring of five
additional seasonal employees (four lifeguards and
one pool supervisor). This amendment to the budget
will be necessary to accommodate a proposed inter-
local agreement between the City of Laredo and Laredo
Community College. This agreement between the Parks
and Recreation Department and Laredo Community
College for use of the LCC swimming pool stipulates
the various responsibilities of each entity and
allows for the swimming pool to be staffed with
seasonal employees paid by the City for use by the
general public. The financial impact to the budget
for the 1997-1998 fiscal year for the additional
seasonal employees would be $3,164.00. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-0-164.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
8. 98-O-165 Ordinance amending the contract with the Texas
Department of Health and budget revision in the
amount of $46,440.00 in additional funds for "Los Dos
Laredos" TB Binational Project of the City of Laredo
Health Department and extension of grant period
through December 31, 1998. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-0-165.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
9. 98-O-166 Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998
Annual Budget in the amount of $12,950.00 for the
purchase of a canine, canine maintenance, training
and safe for the Financial Disruption Task Force for
the period of January 1, 1998 and ending December 31,
1999. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-0-166.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
10. 98-O-167 Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998
Annual Budget in the amount of $46,094.00 from Laredo
Community College for implementing the Stormwater
Management and Ecology Demonstration Park.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-0-167.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
11. 98-O-168 Ordinance amending the City of Laredo Code of
Ordinances, Chapter 17 LIBRARY, Article 1, IN
GENERAL, to include a new section entitled "Fines and
Fees for Library Services." This will allow for the
collection of overdue fines, lost or damaged library
materials, copier vending fees, microfilm copier
fees; and new fees associated with new services at
the library such as: fee-based database searches, the
use of meeting rooms, computer printouts, pen and
pencil vending machines, audio-visual equipment use,
and security, custodial and media technician services
at the Laredo Public Library, providing for
publication and effective date. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-0-168.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. RESOLUTIONS
12. 98-R-094 Amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 annual budget
in the amount of $115,168.00 for the Criminal Justice
Division Grant from the Office of the Governor. The
Office of the Governor is contributing $78,172.00
with the City designating $36,996.00 in matching
funds. These funds for the Domestic Violence grant
under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is for
the period of June 1, 1998 through May 31, 1999.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-094.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
13. 98-R-095 Adopting the list of capital improvement projects to
be submitted to the South Texas Development Council
(STDC) for incorporation in the Overall Economic
Development Program Plan (OEDP) to be provided to the
U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development
Administration (EDA) for potential funding
consideration and authorizing the City Manager to
submit a follow-up grant application as may be
directed by EDA. Projects named include:
1. El Portal Riverfront Development Project
2. Water and wastewater infrastructure along FM 1472
(Mines Road) from the Pan American Industrial Park
to the Santa Isabel Creek Bridge.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-095
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
14. 98-R-096 Appointing the nominee, David Garza, of District I,
Council member Alfredo Agredano to the Parks and
Recreation Advisory Board.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-096.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
15. 98-R-097 Replacing the City Manager, Florencio Pe¤a III, with
Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores to the Interim Board for
the Designation of the Rio Grande as an American
Heritage River.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-097.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
16. 98-R-098 Appointing the nominee, Olga Gentry, of District III
Council member John C. Galo to the Library Board.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-098.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
17. 98-R-099 Appointing the nominee, Leroy Morin, of District III
Council member John C. Galo to the Parks and
Recreation Advisory Board.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-099.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
18. 98-R-101 Authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant
application to the Governor's Office for funding of
personnel and direct operating expenses for a Multi-
Agency Narcotics Task Force in the amount of
$758,249.00 with the City designating $294,166.00 in
matching funds for a total of $1,052,415.00 and
authorizing the City Manager to sign any and all
documents pertaining to this grant application.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-101.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VI. MOTIONS
19. Approval of bid specifications and authorization to advertise
for request for proposals (RFP) for the Institutional Network
equipment to support a data, voice and video network over the
City's fiber optic network. A tentative bid award date is
scheduled for August 23, 1998.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
20. Authorizing the award of a consultant services contract to
John J. Kane, AICP in the amount of $10,000.00 plus expenses
for preparation of an application to the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for Round II Designation
as an Urban Empowerment Zone (EZ).
Cm. Galo requested to be given an overview of the empowerment
zone and what the $10,000 plus expenses would cover.
Cindy Collazo, Community Development Director, informed Cm.
Galo that this is Round II of the Empowerment Zone. At this
point, they are looking at funding 15 enterprises and 5 as
rural. This is a $100,000,000 award, at a rate of $10,000,000
for ten years.
Eligibility criteria for these empowerment zones are:
-must be an urban area, not to exceed 20 square miles in
total land.
-must have a continuous boundary or consist of not more
than three non-continguous parcels which means a poverty
rate of not less than 25% for 90% of the census track.
-poverty rate for at least 50% of the census track must be
at 35%.
-population must be at least 50, but not less than
200,000.
-area must be one of persuasive poverty, employment and
general distress. Area is located within the
jurisdiction of the unit or units of general local
government. Cannot be the central business district
unless the poverty rate is 35% of each track.
Mrs. Collazo further explained that the $10,000 were the
consultant fees to be paid to Mr. John J. Kane and the plus
expenses would cover his travel expenses to come to Laredo.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
21. Award of contract to the SOLE BIDDER, American Appraisal
Associates, Houston, Texas, in the amount of $39,800.00, for
performing a fixed asset valuation. The fixed assets to be
included in this project include capital improvements,
machinery, and equipment, and office furniture and equipment.
American Appraisal has extensive experience in conducting
these types of asset valuations.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
22. Presentation by Traffic Department on City Street Striping
Program for Fiscal Year 1997-1998.
Roberto Murillo, Traffic Engineer, stated that the report is
in the package given to Council in the agenda book. A full
report is available for public viewing and review in the
agenda book which also includes staff and equipment available
in the City Secretary's Office.
23. Presentation by Public Works Department on Creek Cleaning
Efforts throughout the City.
Motion to include item B(2) with this item for discussion.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Oscar Medina, Assistant Public Works Director, stated that he
included in the council's package the different portions of
information.
These lists are available in the agenda book for public
viewing and review in the City Secretary's Office.
Cm. Valdez stated that a discussion concerning the concrete
lining of some of the smaller creeks, such as the one north of
Gale and north of Calle del Norte which was part of the
McPherson Acres Drainage Project.
Cm. Guerra requested to have included in the project of
concrete lining the creek along St. James close to Calle del
Norte and the creek between La Mansion and the Coastal
Maverick Market.
Cindy Collazo, Community Development Director, reported that a
map was being presented to Council to designate the areas
along Chacon Creek that indicate that all, except for a few
exceptions, are privately owned. The city does own some
intersections. She further stated that if Council wished to
establish a clean-up project, it could be set up in phases.
Florencio Pena, City Manager, concurred with Mrs. Collazo and
recommended that it be done in phases since this is a project
of major undertaking.
Cm. Galo asked to know about ownership from the river to the
Meadow Bridge? Can letters be sent to these owners to enforce
Cleanup?
Mrs. Collazo stated that staff would do research to establish
ownership and letters would be mailed out.
24. Discussion and possible action regarding the construction of
the Farias Elementary School Student Drop-off/Pick up Area
Improvements Project. This is a cost sharing project between
the City of Laredo and Laredo Independent School District
(LISD). Funding is available 1998 C.O. Issue School Drop-offs.
Florencio Pe¤a, Manager, reported that L.I.S.D. had met
earlier and had tabled the item because of being unsure of
some issues. Bids received came in at $120,000 over our
budget so staff has decided that the project could be done in
house to reduce the cost. He further stated that L.I.S.D.
would be required to put up an additional $40,000 and city to
put in $20,000 of in-kind on labor force.
Mr. Pena recommended that Council approve the project to be
done in house pending L.I.S.D.'s decision. Staff will report
outcome at next scheduled meeting on July 6th.
Rogelio Rivera, Director of Engineering, stated that he had
attended the L.I.S.D. meeting and basically they needed more
time to review. Of major concern to the board is off-street
parking that parents will still continue to use as opposed to
using the drop-off and pick-up area.
Motion to proceed to amend the budget to add $20,000 and the
project be done in-house contingent of the LISD approval of
their budget amendment, and to reject the two bids received.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 1
Cw. Moreno
VIII. COMMUNICATIONS
None due to audio difficulty.
IX. CITY COUNCIL PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION
25. Requests by Mayor and City Council members for presentation
and discussion.
A. Requests by Council member Louis H. Bruni
1. Status report on the deficiency of the Detention Pond at
the Del Mar Junction owned by Mr. Del A. Trautmann,
Trautmann Investment Properties Ltd., with possible action.
Cm. Bruni introduced a video showing the condition of the
detention pond at the Del Mar Junction. He also read a
letter dated September 18, 1997, addressed to Foster
Engineering from the City of Laredo Engineering Department,
Environmental Division. The letter read as follows:
"Dear Mr. Sepulveda (employee for Foster Engineering):
Upon receiving the submitted plans and a site visit by
the Environmental Engineer it is noticed that the
retention pond at the Del Mar Junction site was not
built according to design. The outlet structure was
not completed and the city's concern is the failure of
the retention pond and the downstream flooding
problems. Also, for the public safety the retention
pond should have a fence around it.
Please take the necessary steps to construct the
outlet and fence it at your earliest convenience. If
you have any questions regarding this matter, please
feel free to call.
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Rogelio Rivera, P.E.
City Engineer"
The letter was carbon copied to Mr. Del A. Trautmann of
Trautmann Investment Properties Ltd. A second notice was
sent on February 11, 1998.
Cm. Bruni further stated that when Mr. Trautmann had made
his presentation to Council to address the issue of the
retention pond he had failed to say that he had not
complied with the city ordinance and that he was in
violation of the law.
Cm. Bruni continued to inform Council that he was glad that
everyone had seen on the video what the pond looks like and
that it has not been finished. The letter of credit was
returned to Mr. Trautmann so now the city may have to build
the pond or see how the developer will pay for the
construction.
A letter addressed to Mr. Rogelio Rivera from Mr. Jay
Trautmann was read by Cm. Bruni:
"I am aware of the situation regarding the detention
location at Del Mar and of the two pending issues in
the construction of the spillway and the fencing of
the pond.
I have spoken to Mr. Louis Bruni the Councilman for
the district in which the Del Mar Junction is located
and have discussed giving us 45 days to complete the
problems that exist.
I apologize for the delay."
Signed, Mr. Jay Trautmann.
Cw. Montalvo asked what had happened to the letter of
credit, why had it been sent back to the developer?
Florencio Pena, City Attorney, stated that the developer
had completed a substantial part of the development with
the exception of the spillway and the fence. The drainage
portion of the project was approximately $170,000, so the
developer had requested that the letter of credit be
reduced to $33,000, which was the amount that was needed to
complete the spillway and the fence.
Mr. Pe¤a further explained that when a developer files a
plat to do a subdivision it is required that they put up
letter of credit for all public improvements that they are
required to do. When they finish the improvements, the
letter of credit is released.
Staff and Mr. Pena have discussed evaluation of the general
practice of releasing or reducing letters of credit when a
substantial part of the improvements have been completed
and will come back to Council with a recommendation.
Del Trautmann stated that he represented part ownership of
the Del Mar Junction and Mr. Jay Trautmann, Cm. Bruni's
friend, owns as much as he does and is as much responsible
as he is in terms of this project. He added that he had no
intention of misleading Council when he had made his
presentation of what retention was and what it was not.
Further stating that in spite of what Cm. Bruni thought or
tried to imply that he had done, it was all a mistake. It
is a continuous misrepresentation of his property and his
projects on Cm. Bruni's behalf. It is interesting to know
that Cm. Bruni picked to cite his name out on the project
and not his cousin's, who is Cm. Bruni's friend. He added
that this should be kept on an equal basis because it was
starting to get really ugly.
Cm Bruni responded by stating that the reason that Mr. Jay
Trautmann's name was not mentioned was because his name did
not appear on the communication or the letter that he had
received.
Mr. Trautmann continued to explain why the completion of
the spillway had come to a halt. Also, stated that their
engineering firm had submitted to the City's Engineering
Department another design for the spillway because of a 36
inch pipe that is needed and is on order. So the project
should be finalized in two weeks from this coming Monday
(July 13th).
2. Status report on the construction violation of a Retention
Pond at Lago Del Mar Ltd. owned by Mr. Del A. Trautmann,
Trautmann Investment Properties Ltd. (Citation #92-0153),
with possible action.
Cm. Bruni while showing a video reported that on the
eastern part of the property there was what appeared to be
a retention pond and added that Mr. Del Trautmann had
informed Council that this was not a pond but had excavated
because he needed some field dirt on the western part of
the property. Cm. Bruni explained that Mr. Trautmann had
been cited for this. Also pointing out that on the western
part there was a pond that Mr. Trautmann had not gotten
final approval on but went ahead and constructed anyway.
Mr. Trautmann had come to the City's Engineering Department
to get a permit to aerate some land, which the city had
given him.
Cm. Bruni read Citation No. 92-0153:
Citation to Mr. Del A. Trautmann, 1201 Del Mar-Eastern
Part-Lago Del Mar. Violation of Chapter 11, Section 3-1,
a, b, & c.
City of Laredo Subdivision Ordinance
Failure to submit construction plans and specifications
to the City Engineer prior to commencement of construc-
tion on Unit 5 of the Lago Del Mar Subdivision located
in the vicinity of Country Club Drive and S. of Del Mar
Boulevard.
Cm. Bruni then requested to know what staff has done about
this citation.
Cm. Bruni then read from a report of a water sample that
accumulates South of Del Mar Boulevard from the Laredo
Country Club run off that drains. The analysis shows that
the water is extremely brackish as evidenced by its
conductivity of 6,090 millimeters per liter of water.
Also, the water sample showed some Fecal Coliform bacteria.
Jaime L. Flores, City Attorney, informed Cm. Bruni that the
developer had been cited and had answered in court through
his attorney, Steve A. Whitworth. Case is set for pre-
trial conference at Municipal Court.
Cm. Bruni then requested to know what the findings were on
the retention pond being built on the western part of the
property?
Florencio Pe¤a, City Manager, stated that staff from the
engineering department had visited the site and had
informed him that the excavation is being done to dry out
the soil which is consistent with the permit that was
requested by the developer.
Steve Whitworth stated that a citation has been issued, a
plea of not guilty has been answered, and the matter is
pending before Municipal Court. May I remind everyone that
in this country we are presumed innocent until proven
guilty. We are not here to try this case before a Kangaroo
Court that Cm. Bruni has tried to put on. The facts will
show that we have a valid defense. We have permission from
the city to do grading, which we are doing. A citation was
subsequently entered and we stopped doing what we were
doing until we got permission to proceed. This is not the
forum to try this matter it has been referred to Municipal
Court. With all due respect to this Council this should
not be dealt into any further. We will put up our case at
the appropriate time.
Cm. Bruni stated that in closing he would like to state
that unfortunately Mr. Whitworth thought he is above the
law and that he could do whatever he wants and then come
and intimidate Council and tell us legally what we can and
cannot do. We are not picking on Mr. Whitworth or Mr.
Trautmann we just want all the laws and all the ordinance
to apply to all the developers.
Mr. Del Trautmann stated that Cm. Bruni continued to call
him a liar and that he had to take exception to that. He
further stated that he has worked with the city for many
years and had always tried to do a good job but Cm. Bruni
continues his attacks and that questions his integrity.
The only thing he was asking from Cm. Bruni was to let
staff and department heads do their jobs. He then added
that Council should take into consideration what is going
on and not to become part of the masquerade that Cm. Bruni
had to undermine his brother-in-law.
Cw. Montalvo asked Mr. Trautmann that if in fact he had
worked with city staff for many years, why was it then that
he would not comply with the rules that the city had?
Del Trautmann responded by saying that he had indeed always
complied with the city's rules and had gone beyond the
scope of most development criteria.
Cm. Galo stated that if the developer had not gotten final
plat approval they will have to fill in the retention pond
and re-grade all their surface. As far as hauling the
water off, he thought the developer was doing the city a
favor. This would avoid the water going downstream, if in
fact it is contaminated.
Cm. Bruni stated that what really concerned him was that
every time he would bring up an issue of someone not
abiding by city's ordinances or breaking the law (as the
citation I read before), I am told that it is a personal
vendetta. Mr. Whitworth is a master of mirrors and smoke
screens so he comes up here and says that this is a
personal vendetta and that I am breaking the law because I
do not like him. I want this Council to know that this is
not the case, this issues are very serious to me as they
are to the constituents of District II. Further stating
that everyone should stick to the issues and not bring in
personalities.
Mr. Whitworth stated that Cm. Bruni should practice what he
preaches. He added that he did not want to make this a
personal match between Cm. Bruni and himself and had tried
to stick to issues but that the remarks were so outrages,
so off-the-wall, and so false. Mr. Whitworth further
stated that Council knew what motivated Cm. Bruni when it
pertains to his conduct and his involvement in various
ventures.
Mayor Flores thanked Mr. Whitworth and stated that Council
is very concerned that all ordinances are abided by and
that this was the only thing of interest to them.
Cm. Bruni thanked Mayor Flores for her comment and further
stated that Council was here to enforce all ordinances.
3. Status report on the upper Zacate Creek Master Drainage
Study, with possible action.
Cm. Bruni referred to a newspaper article that had appeared
in the Laredo Morning Times on Monday, June 22, 1998, which
read as follows:
"In city action Cm. Bruni has listed three items that
all relate to detention ponds owned by Mr. Del
Trautmann at the Del Mar Junction and Lago Del Mar
area of the Upper Zacate Creek Water Shed. The re-
visiting of this issue follows last week's City
Council action to rescind the moratorium on detention
ponds until the completion of the Upper Zacate Creek
Drainage Project."
Cm. Bruni stated for the record and for the Laredo Morning
Times reporters that there was never a moratorium on
retention ponds, never, ever, ever was there a moratorium
on retention ponds. We can have legal counsel verify that
and also the city manager. There was a motion made to look
into the possibility and then have staff come back to
Council with their findings. I repeatedly made that point
clear last Monday but somehow it got lost somewhere.
Obviously the reporter failed to hear it and some council
members also failed to hear it. He then proceeded to ask
that staff present information on the status of the report
of the drainage project.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported that on Friday,
June 19, 1998, at 4:00 p.m. he had received the six RFP's
that were submitted for this project. It will now be
forwarded to the Contract Review Committee.
Cm. Bruni asked Mr. Rivera how soon after the Contract
Review Committee reviews the RFP's will we be able to award
the contract?
Mr. Rivera responded that possibly at the 2nd meeting in
July.
Cm. Bruni once again asked Mr. Rivera how long after the
award would it come back before Council? Would it be six
months?
Mr. Rivera responded that it was more like nine months to
have the contract completed.
Cm. Bruni stated that for the people watching the Public
Access Channel, City Council, and the people in the
audience, this is a very important issue in District II
because we are talking about an area that produces so much
run off and is an undeveloped area. It certainly will be
in the best interest and the safety of the citizens of
District II that we study this carefully and make the
appropriate and wise decision on what to do in terms of
where these retention ponds should go. He further stated
that he was a firm believer that things should be done
right when the opportunity is there to develop in virgin
country. Let us do it right and not be intimidated by
developers that want to develop their land and move on.
This area would be a beautiful area for the City of Laredo,
not only for District II. By building a regional detention
facility we could incorporate baseball diamonds, soccer
fields, and a beautiful park area. That is my goal, and I
think that all my colleagues would agree with me that this
must be an orderly development in order to make Laredo a
better place to live for our children and for the people
who visit our city. That is the purpose why I advocate and
put this issues before City Council and not for any other
reason as some people are led to believe--what I want is
for this area to look pretty and resemble other areas in
our community, somewhat like what Cm. Alvarado's area
will be having in the Father McNaboe Park.
B. Requests by Council member John C. Galo
1. Discussion and possible action on the on-street parking
around La Pulga (400 Block of Guadalupe), Ruth B. Cowl
(1220 N. Malinche Avenue), Homeline Hospice Care
(1115 Chihuahua).
Cm. Galo reported that he had gotten complaints from
residents in that area stating that people that visit La
Pulga park their cars by their driveways and in some cases
blocking their view. Also, some people are freelancing in
front if residents' yards. Basically what Cm. Galo was
requesting is that the police department enforce the
parking regulations.
2. Report from staff on cleanup of Chacon Creek with possible
action.
This item was discussed in item #23.
3. Update of the cleanup of the basketball courts in Three
Points Park as well as re-striping of the courts.
John Vidauri, Director of Parks & Recreation, reported that
the basketball nets were put up on Wednesday, June 17,
1998. The paint has been ordered to do the re-striping for
3-Points Park, Ochoa Park, Chaparral Park, Las Brisas
Northeast, and Del Mar.
In regards to the pigeon problem this needs a long term
solution. We understand that parks and recreation is
responsible for animal control within the park area and
have been informed by animal control that they respond to
issues outside of park areas. Mr. Pena has instructed
staff to work on this issue.
The clean up work of the area has been initiated. We are
organizing our parks crews into north crews and south crews
in hope of better managing our park system and should see
some improvement soon.
4. Status Report on the possibility of creating a recreation
area at the new Parks and Recreation Depot (Old Armory).
Cm. Galo asked if it was possible to leave some land aside
and designate it for the neighborhood children to use as a
playground, perhaps put up some swing sets in the future
for them to have there.
John Vidauri stated that the engineering department was in
the process of working on a siding and grading plan in the
back of the building for storing our equipment. As soon as
we have this plan in place we will report back to Council.
X. PUBLIC HEARINGS
26. Public hearing amending Sections 24.63, 24.65.15 and 24.65.16
of the Laredo Land Development Code by allowing for the
storage of hazardous materials, incidental to transportation
and storage, in M-1 (Light Manufacturing Districts) and
storage and handling of hazardous materials in M-2 (Heavy
Manufacturing Districts). The Planning and Zoning Commission
recommends approval of this amendment.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending Sections 24.63, 24.65.15 and 24.65.16 of
the Laredo Land Development Code by allowing for the storage
of hazardous materials, incidental to transportation and
storage, in M-1 (Light Manufacturing Districts) and storage
and handling of hazardous materials in M-2 (Heavy
Manufacturing Districts).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the
ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 1 Abstain: 0
Cm. Galo
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
27. Public hearing regarding an application by Guillermo Garza
amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning the north 1/3 of Lot 5, and the north 1/3 of the east
56.56 feet of Lot 6, Block 1021, Eastern Division, located at
3316 S. Buena Vista Avenue, from R-3 (Mixed Residential
District) to B-1 (Limited Business District). The Planning
and Zoning Commission recommends approval of this zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning the north 1/3 of Lot 5, and the north 1/3
of the east 56.56 feet of Lot 6, Block 1021, Eastern Division,
located at 3316 S. Buena Vista Avenue, from R-3 (Mixed
Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Business District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the
ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Agredano
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Agredano
28. Public hearing regarding an application by Arguindegui Oil
Co., amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo
by rezoning 10.7286 acres, as further described by metes and
bounds, located on SH359 east of the Bob Bullock Loop, from R-
1 (Single Family Residential District) to M-1 (Light
Manufacturing District). The Planning and Zoning Commission
recommends approval of B-4 on the site.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning 10.7286 acres, as further described by
metes and bounds, located on SH359 east of the Bob Bullock
Loop, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to M-1
(Light Manufacturing District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Alfonso Arguindegui asked that council reconsider the zoning
change to an M-1 instead of a B-4 and overturn the
recommendation from the P&Z.
Motion to close the public hearing and override the P&Z
recommendation of a B-4 and approve an M-1 zone change and
introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Agredano
29. Public hearing regarding an application by Santa Fe
Development, L.C., R. Hachar amending the Zoning Ordinance
(Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 11.6087 acres, as
further described by metes and bounds, located on the
southwest corner of the intersection of Orango Boulevard and
River Front Road, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to
R-1-MH (Single Family Manufactured Housing District). The
Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of this
zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning 11.6087 acres, as further described by
metes and bounds, located on the southwest corner of the
intersection of Orango Boulevard and River Front Road, from R-
3 (Mixed Residential District) to R-1-MH (Single Family
Manufactured Housing District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was not public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the
ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Agredano
30. Public hearing regarding an application by Julian Del Bosque
amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lot 11, Block 229, Eastern Division, located at 1619
Cedar Avenue, from B-1 (Limited Business District) to B-3
(Community Business District). The Planning and Zoning
Commission recommends denial of this zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lot 11, Block 229, Eastern Division,
located at 1619 Cedar Avenue, from B-1 (Limited Business
District) to B-3 (Community Business District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mr. Julian Del Bosque was asking the zone change request for
the purpose of providing a car wash.
Cm. Galo made a motion to approve a conditional use permit for
a period of 6 months as a hand car wash and that the applicant
concurs to amend the application.
Motion to table the item.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mr. Del Bosque was told that the item was tabled because legal
counsel will have to research on the matter of issuing a
conditional permit.
31. Public hearing regarding an application by Carmen Sawyer and
Maria Garcia amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City
of Laredo by rezoning Lots 3A and 4A, Block 243, Eastern
Division, located at 1718 Springfield 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
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lots 3A and 4A, Block 243, Eastern
Division, located at 1718 Springfield Avenue, from R-3 (Mixed
Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Business District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Carmen Sawyer, property owner, asked the zone change to rent
her house to a Beauty Salon. She said that some of the
complaints were that there is not enough parking spaces.
Mrs. Hermelinda Arnold stated that she had 17 letters of
opposition to the zone change due to traffic problems and
they fear increased zone change to business and increase in
taxes. She gave the letters of opposition to the City
Secretary.
Mr. Jose Arnold of 313 Galveston spoke against the zone change
for fear of commercial-business zone.
Motion to close the public hearing and concur with P&Z to deny
the zone change request.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 5 Against: 3 Abstain: 0
Cm. Bruni
Cm. Valdez
Cm. Guerra
32. Public hearing regarding an application by Maria Guadalupe
Vasquez amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 126, Eastern Division, located
at 3619 Monterrey 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
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 126, Eastern Division, located
at 3619 Monterrey Avenue, from R-3 (Mixed Residential
District) to B-1 (Limited Business District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Maria Guadalupe Vasquez, petitioner, spoke in favor of the
zone change request.
Motion to close the public hearing, override P&Z and
introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Valdez
33. Public hearing regarding an application by Ruben Sandoval
amending Ordinance no. 98-O-120 authorizing the issuance of a
Special Use Permit for a mini-storage, on Lot 1, Block 1,
Crownridge Subdivision, located at 602 Shiloh Drive by
changing the name of the person to whom the Special Use Permit
is issued. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends
approval of this Special Use Permit.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending Ordinance no. 98-O-120 authorizing the
issuance of a Special Use Permit for a mini-storage, on Lot 1,
Block 1, Crownridge Subdivision, located at 602 Shiloh Drive
by changing the name of the person to whom the Special Use
Permit is issued.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the
ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Guerra
34. Public hearing regarding an application by Corona Development
L.C. and Ada U. Medina, Attorney in Fact, amending the Zoning
Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 5, Block
8, Crownridge Subdivision, Unit I, located at 510 Shiloh
Drive, from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to B-3
(Community Business District). The Planning and Zoning
Commission recommends approval of this zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lot 5, Block 8, Crownridge Subdivision,
Unit I, located at 510 Shiloh Drive, from R-2 (Multi-Family
Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the
ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Guerra
35. Public hearing regarding an application by Carlos Quintanilla
and Hector Navarro amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 15.764 acres, as further described
by metes and bounds, located at east of FM1472 at the World
Trade Center Loop, from AG (Agricultural District) to M-1
(Light Manufacturing District). The Planning and Zoning
Commission recommends approval of this zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning 15.764 acres, as further described by metes
and bounds, located at east of FM1472 at the World Trade
Center Loop, from AG (Agricultural District) to M-1 (Light
Manufacturing District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 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: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Alvarado
36. Public hearing amending Section 24.63.2 of the Laredo Land
Development Code to allow the location of political campaign
headquarters in certain zoning districts.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending Section 24.63.2 of the Laredo Land
Development Code to allow the location of political campaign
headquarters in certain zoning districts.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was not public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the
ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
37. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 annual
budget in the amount of $115,168.00 for the Criminal Justice
Division Grant from the Office of the Governor. The Office of
the Governor is contributing $78,172.00 with the City
designating $36,996.00 in matching funds. These funds for the
Domestic Violence grant under the Violence Against Women Act
(VAWA) is for the period of June 1, 1998 through May 31, 1999.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 annual
budget in the amount of $115,168.00 for the Criminal Justice
Division Grant from the Office of the Governor. The Office of
the Governor is contributing $78,172.00 with the City
designating $36,996.00 in matching funds. These funds for the
Domestic Violence grant under the Violence Against Women Act
(VAWA) is for the period of June 1, 1998 through May 31, 1999.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the
ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
38. Public hearing amending City of Laredo's 1997-1998 budget in
the amount of $1,052,415.00. Of this amount, $758,249.00 is
grant funds, with the City designating $294,166.00, in
matching funds for a grant from the Criminal Justice Division
for Multi-Agency Narcotics Task Force for the period of June
1, 1998 through May 31, 1999 and authorizing the City
Manager to sign any and all documents pertaining to this grant
application.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending City of Laredo's 1997-1998 budget in the
amount of $1,052,415.00. Of this amount, $758,249.00 is grant
funds, with the City designating $294,166.00, in matching
funds for a grant from the Criminal Justice Division for
Multi-Agency Narcotics Task Force for the period of June 1,
1998 through May 31, 1999 and authorizing the City Manager to
sign any and all documents pertaining to this grant
application.
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. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
39. Public hearing amending City of Laredo FY 1997-98 Annual
Budget by creating three (3) Civil Engineer I positions to
assist with project management and in-house project quality
control. These positions will be funded from the 1998 bond
projects, for approximately one month for a total of
$11,250.00 including benefits, and authorizing the City
Manager to implement said budget.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending City of Laredo FY 1997-98 Annual Budget by
creating three (3) Civil Engineer I positions to assist with
project management and in-house project quality control. These
positions will be funded from the 1998 bond projects, for
approximately one month for a total of $11,250.00 including
benefits, and authorizing the City Manager to implement said
budget.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the
ordinance.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
XI. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Adjournment time: 8:00 p.m.
I hereby certify that the above minutes contained in Pages 01
to 24 are true, complete, and correct proceedings of the City
Council Meeting held on the 22nd day of June, 1998. A
certified copy is on file at the City's Secretary's Office.
_________________________
Gustavo Guevara, Jr.
City Secretary