CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
M98-R-31
AUGUST 3, 1998
5:30 P.M.
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
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, VII
Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary
Florencio Pena, III, City Manager
Jaime L. Flores, City Attorney
Motion to waive the regular order of business and move up items
B(1), C(2), and E(1).
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IV. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCE
2. Ordinance amending Chapter 31, Article II, regarding sewers
and sewage disposal by deleting the provisions in Section 31-
23 titled "Notice of Violations" of the Code of Ordinances or
the City of Laredo; thereby eliminating the notice requirement
when an infraction is detected and allowing a compliant to be
filed immediately in Municipal Court.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
3. Amending Article IV, titled "Liquid Waste Transportation," of
Chapter 31, of the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances, thereby
correcting minor language problems in the article expanding the
ordinance to include its application of secondary transporters;
and adding a Section 31-170 regarding the requirements of a
generator and disposal site operator; providing for
severability and effective date and publication.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
4. Closing as a public easement a 666.10 square feet parcel of
land more or less (2' x 333.05') out of the 4200 block of Santa
Cleotilde Avenue between the north right-of-way lines of Tacuba
and Chicago Streets, said parcel of land, being encroached by
the improvements situated on Lot 1, Block 1048-A, and Lot 1,
Block 1091-A, both situated in the Western Division, City of
Laredo, County of Webb, and authorizing the sale of "The
Surface Only" of said parcel of land at the adjusted fair
market value of $1,225.62 and authorizing the City Manager to
execute all necessary documents to effectively convey fee
simple title to Eduardo Diaz and providing for an effective
date.
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Alvarado
5. Closing as a public easement a 17.7 feet wide alley dedicated
for public use in Block 894, Eastern Division, City of Laredo,
Webb County, Texas, which traverses the middle of said block
from east to west through its entire length, and abuts the
north side of Lots 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, & 12, and abuts the south
side of Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6; providing for the reversion of
the public's interest in said alley to the abutting owners, and
providing for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
V. FINAL READINGS
Motion to waive the final readings of ordinances #98-0-195,
#98-0-196, #98-0-197, #98-0-198, #98-0-199, #98-0-200, #98-0-201,
#98-0-202, #98-0-203, #98-0-204, #98-0-205, #98-0-206, and
#98-0-207.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
6. 98-O-195 Ordinance granting Medina Electric Cooperative, Inc.,
its legal representatives, successors, lessees and
assigns, as the grantee, herein, certain powers,
licenses, rights-of-way, privileges and franchise to
construct and maintain in the City of Laredo, Texas,
as now or hereafter constituted, and electric power
utility system in said city and to use the streets,
avenues, easements, rights-of-way, alleys, highways,
sidewalks, bridges and other structures and places
and public grounds in said City for a period of ten
(10) years with one (1), ten (10) year renewal period
subject to renegotiation by the parties; and
prescribing certain rights, duties, terms and
conditions herein mentioned and providing for the
payment to said City of a percentage of certain
receipts of grantee from its operations therein; and
providing for the acceptance of this ordinance by
grantee; and containing a savings clause, and
providing for publication and an effective date.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-0-195.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
7. 98-O-196 Ordinance amending Section 24-82.3(d), Off Premises
Signs, of the Laredo Land Development Code.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-0-196.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
8. 98-O-197 Ordinance amending Section 24-92, amendments or
district changes, of the Laredo Land Development
Code, by providing for notification to property
owners within 200 feet of the site of a proposed zone
change of an appeal to City Council of an unfavorable
recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-0-197.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
9. 98-O-198 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 7.5076 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). (Council member Alfredo Agredano)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-0-198.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
10. 98-O-199 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 10.8623 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). (City Council except Council member
Alfredo Agredano)
Mayor Flores announced that the ordinance should read
"from R-1 to B-3" instead of "R-1 to M-1".
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-0-199 as corrected.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
11. 98-O-200 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1 and the west 1/3 of
Lot 2, Block 2156, Eastern Division, located on the
3100 Block of Mercer Street, from AG (Agricultural
District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential District).
(Council member John C. Galo)
Motion to approve Ordinance #09-0-200.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
12. 98-O-201 Ordinance approving a contract with the Texas Natural
Resource and Conservation (TNRCC) and budget in the
amount of $25,000 to continue the operation of a
continuous air monitoring station (CAMS) by the City
of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning
September 1, 1998, through August 31, 1999.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-0-201.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
13. 98-O-202 Ordinance approving an amendment to the contract with
the Texas Department of Health and budget in the
amount of $95,483 for the HIV/AIDS Health and Social
Services Project of the City of Laredo Health
Department for the period beginning September 1,
1998, through August 31, 1999.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-0-202.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
14. 98-O-203 Ordinance approving an amendment to the contract with
the Texas Department of Health and Budget in the
amount of $146,000 for the MCH Community Health
Education Project of the City of Laredo Health
Department for the period beginning September 1,
1998, through August 31, 1999.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-0-203.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
15. 98-O-204 Ordinance approving an amendment to the contract with
the Texas Department of Health and Budget in the
amount of $200,000 for continuation of the La Familia
Health Care Program of the City of Laredo Health
Department for the period beginning September 1,
1998, through August 31, 1999.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-0-204.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
16. 98-O-205 Ordinance approving an amendment to the contract with
the Texas Department of Health and Budget consisting
of $392,388 in funds and $33,600 in State direct
assistance, for the Comprehensive Public Health
Services Program of the City of Laredo Health
Department for the period beginning September 1,
1998, through August 31, 1999.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-0-205.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
17. 98-O-206 Ordinance approving an amendment to the contract with
the Texas Department of Health and Budget in the
amount of $205,928 for the Tuberculosis Elimination
Program of the City of Laredo Health Department for
the period beginning September 1, 1998, though August
31, 1999. (City Council)
Motion to approve #98-0-206.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
18. 98-O-207 Ordinance approving an amendment to the contract with
the Texas Department of Health and Budget in the
amount of $155,809 (which consists of $93,750 in
direct funds from the State and in-kind services
match of $62,059) for the School Based Health Project
of the City of Laredo Health Department for the
period beginning September 1, 1998, through August
31, 1999. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-0-207.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VI. RESOLUTIONS
19. 98-R-132 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into and
execute an interlocal government agreement between
the City of Laredo and the Laredo Independent School
District for the participation of the City of Laredo
Police Department in the School Resource Officer
Program, with compensation in the amount of One
Hundred Forty Seven Thousand Seven Hundred Forty
Dollars ($147,740.00) to be paid by LISD for the
1998-1999 school year, commencing on August 13, 1998.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-132.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 1
Cw. Moreno
20. 98-R-135 The City Council confirmation of Mayor Flores
appointment of John C. Galo to the Water Issues
Committee.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-135.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
III. MOTIONS
21. Approval of bid specifications and authorization to advertise
for bids for the following:
a) Street Sign Replacement Project - Traffic Safety
Department
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
22. Award of contracts to the LOW BIDDERS MEETING SPECIFICATIONS,
Texas State Distributors, Austin, Texas, in the amount of
$13,650.00 and C&G Wholesalers, Dallas, Texas, in the amount
of $8,945.00, for the purchase of practice and service
ammunition for the Police Department. The City did receive
lower bids, however, the Police Department is requesting
specific brands of ammunition that have been tested and have
been found to be safe and reliable. Seventy cases of practice
ammunition and thirty one cases of service ammunition will be
purchased. A total of three bids were received for this
purchase. Funding is available in the Police Department -
Ammunition account.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
23. Award of contract to the SOLE BIDDER, Ceres Environmental
Services, Inc., Brooklyn Park, MN., in the amount of
$29,025.00, for the grinding of wood waste materials at the
City Landfill. The wood waste consists mostly of mixed tree
branches, tree stumps, pallets, and Christmas trees.
Approximately 19,000 cubic yards of wood material will be
grinded. Funding is available in the Landfill Fund Budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 1 Abstain: 0
Cm. Galo
24. Award of contract to the SOLE BIDDER, Jack Harrison and
Associates, San Antonio, Texas, in the amount of $71,880.00,
for the CNG (compressed natural gas) bi-fuel conversion of
twelve, 1996 Ford trucks. The City has received grant funding
from the Alternative Fuels Council for partial funding of
these conversions.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 1 Abstain: 0
Cm. Galo
25. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER, National Sanitary,
Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $23,800.00 for the purchase of
500,000 plastic bags for use in the City's Recycling Program.
The per unit price is $0.0014/bag more than the previous
contract purchase. A total of four bids were received for
this purchase. Funding is available in the Landfill Fund
Budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
26. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER, Union Metal Corporation,
DeSoto, Texas, in the amount of $26,151.00, for the purchase
of traffic signal mast arm assemblies for installation at the
intersections of Bartlett/U.S.59, Meadow/U.S.59,
Arkansas/U.S.59, Bartlett/Bustamante, and Meadow/Bustamante.
A total of four bids were received for this purchase.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
27. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER, Gateway Uniform Service,
Laredo, Texas in the estimated amount of $34,243.90, for the
purchase of uniforms for the Bridge Department personnel. Full
service contracts, which include alteration services, will be
awarded to the low bidder. The City has included delivery
deadlines in the contract documents requiring that the
clothing be delivered within forty five days after receipt of
order. The overall contract pricing is 16% more than the
previous contract pricing. A total of two bids were received
for this purchase. Funding is available in the Bridge System
Uniforms account.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
28. Award of an engineering contract to WSBC Civil Engineers,
Inc., Laredo, Texas, for an amount not to exceed $21,070.00,
to design and prepare plans and specifications for (1) 1200
Frost Street at Lyon Avenue (Stone Avenue to McPherson Avenue)
Drainage Improvements and for (2) 400 W. Plum Street at San
Francisco Avenue Drainage Improvements along Plum Street from
Barcelona Avenue to Zacate Creek. Both projects are to
alleviate localized flooding. Funding is available in the 1998
CO Issue.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
29. Award of an engineering contract for an amount not to exceed
$16,000.00, to Howland Surveying Company, Inc., Laredo, Texas,
to provide professional engineering services for surveying and
providing metes and bounds descriptions and maps for the
acquisition of a tract of land approximately 850 L.F. in
length and 120 feet wide for the extension of the University
Blvd., West of the Bob Bullock Loop to intersect the existing
Casa Verde Road, and for the survey work and mapping required
to vacate that portion of Casa Verde Road North of this
intersection northward to the intersection of Casa Verde Road
with the Bob Bullock Loop and for the design and preparation
of plans and specifications for the road extension. Funding is
available in the Capital Improvements.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
30. Approval of change order no. 1, a net decrease of $63,986.00,
to the construction contract with Krueger Construction
Company, Victoria, Texas, to delete storm Drainage
improvements along the parking lot already constructed through
Phase B, and to add the removal of clay subgrade,
modifications to the parking lot elevations to comply with
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other related
items, and to add 39 working days for the Laredo International
Airport Passenger Terminal and Related Airside/Landside
Improvements Phase C Landside and Landscape. The original
contract amount was $2,097,481.75. This change order brings
the total contract amount to $2,033,495.75. Funding is
available in Improvements Other Than Buildings.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
31. Approval of amendment no. 2, for an amount not to exceed
$55,000.00, to the Resident Project Representative (inspection
services) contract with Mejia Engineering Company, Laredo,
Texas, to add inspection services for the Laredo International
Airport Passenger Terminal and Related Airside/Landside
Improvements Phase D - New Parallel Taxiway to comply with
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Requirements. Mejia
Engineering Company is providing inspection services for the
Laredo International Airport Passenger Terminal and Related
Airside/Landside Improvements Project Phase B. The original
contract amount was $104,000.00. This amendment brings the
total contract amount to $165,500.00. Funding is available in
Inspection Fees.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
32. Acceptance of the Relocation of Utilities along the proposed
Widening of U.S. Highway 59 between San Dario and Ejido Avenue
and approval of final payment in the amount of $30,541.35 to
Price Construction, Inc., Laredo, Texas. Funding is available
in the Retainage Payable.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
33. Acceptance of the Laredo International Airport Passenger
Terminal and Related Airside/Landside Improvements Phase B as
substantially complete; approval to retain $50,000.00, for the
completion of pending items and approval to release partial
retainage in the amount of $512,064.73, to H.B. Zachry
Company, San Antonio, Texas, Funding is available in the
Retainage Account.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
34. Acceptance of the Santa Isabel Reverse Osmosis Facility
Project, and approval of final payment in the amount of
$32,062.89 to Ramex Construction Company, Inc., Houston,
Texas, which is the release of the retainage for the punch
list items completed. Funding is available in the Retainage
Payable.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
35. Approving the submission of the 1998 Consolidated Plan to the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in request
for funding through the 24th Action Year Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) in the amount of $4,274,000.00 and
$39,900.00 in anticipated CDBG program income; the 1998 HOME
Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) in the amount of
$1,257,000.00; and the 1998 Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) in
the amount of $167,000.00 and authorizing the City Manager to
execute all documents as a result of the Plan's submission.
24th AY Community Development Block Grant
Community Development Administration . . . . . . .$620,533
Housing Rehabilitation Administration . . . . . .$128,196
Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program. . . . . . . .$350,000
Code Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$251,050
Paving Project 61 (includes anticipated program
income $39,900). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$316,900
School Sidewalk Approaches, District IV. . . . . .$150,000
Acquisition of Park Land . . . . . . . . . . . . .$200,000
East Hachar Recreation Center. . . . . . . . . . .$700,000
Hamilton Hotel - Section 108 Loan
Repayment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$148,000
Tinaja/Chacon Pilot Channel. . . . . . . . . . . .$410,000
Graffiti Removal Program . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 28,359
Acquisition & Relocation Related
to Lafayette Widening. . . . . . . . . . . . . .$675,000
Zacate Creek Linear Park
(Saunders to Canal). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$200,000
Blaine/Milmo/Loop 20 Improvements. . . . . . . . .$ 90,000
Clark/Hendricks Street Improvements. . . . . . . .$ 45,862
1998 Home Grant
New Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$345,997
Down Payment Assistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . .$600,000
15% Community Housing Development
Organization Set Aside . . . . . . . . . . . . .$188,550
Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$122,453
1998 Emergency Shelter Grant
Homeless Prevention Program. . . . . . . . . . . .$ 47,595
Homeless Shelter Program (Operations). . . . . . .$111,055
Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 8,350
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
36. Authorizing to award architectural/engineering consultant
contract for the Paseo Del Antiguo Laredo Pedestrian Facility
Project, an ISTEA Enhancement Project, to Sprinkle Robey
Architects, the contract amount is $120,000.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VIII. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
37. Status report for the Colonias Facility Plan with possible
action.
Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, reported that his
department is presently working with the consultants on the
scope of work that would incorporate the two possibilities:
1. looking at what we currently have, septic tanks; or
2. cost of developing a different system
He continued to report that preparations for the STEP (Small
Town Environmental Program) are being made to incorporate it
with the study and present it as an equity. We should be
signing the contract this week, should get funding by April
1999, and possible completion of construction by Spring of
2001.
38. Status report on the Santa Isabel Water Well with possible
action.
Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, reported that at the last
meeting Cm. Alvarado had requested that his department
contact STEP (Small Town Environmental Program) for possible
funding to bring water from the Santa Isabel Water Well to the
residents of Mines Road who reside within the 1,000 foot. city
limits. We were informed that they would consider if they
were provided with a preliminary engineering report. Mr.
Roman further added that the report would cost about $2,000 so
he offered to contribute $1,000 to get this project going. He
continued to explain that he was also informed that should the
project be feasible the city should contact the county to look
into the Los Minerales, Los Minerales Annex, and Colonia Beto
Santos as dwelling units.
Motion to contribute $1,000 to defray half of the cost of a
preliminary engineering study for the feasibility of STEP for
Mines Road residents.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to instruct utility staff to request assistance from
Commissioners Court to secure funding from the Texas
Department of Housing and Community Affairs and STEP and to
discuss the setting up of a water point at the Mines Road
area.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
39. Informing Council of the status of the Chacon Creek
interceptor project. The EPA has outsourced the environmental
review and expects to issue the findings of no significant
impact (FONSI) by December 1998. Bids can be solicited
immediately afterwards.
Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, reported that the city
had submitted an environmental information document to the EPA
for review in March of this year. We were informed in May
that it would take 6 to 8 months to review the project so we
offered to pay to outsource the review for a quicker response
but were told by EPA that they could not take our money.
By July 31, the EPA will outsource the Chacon Creek Inter-
ceptor and the consultant is expected to complete the review
in 60 days. The EPA will then comment in 60 days and issue
the FONSI (Findings of No Significant Impact) sometime in
December 1998, but the EPA has now informed us that they have
revised their review time from 6-8 months to 14-18 months.
40. Report on the Urban Empowerment Zone Application process.
Cindy Collazo, Director of Community Development, informed
Council that Mr. John J. Kane, AICP, will be in Laredo from
August 10th thru the 14th, and will be at the Laredo Civic
Center on Wednesday, August 12th form 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
The purpose of this meeting is to inform the community of the
formulation of the Empowerment Zone application, and the
activities to be supported. She further stated that in order
to inform the public about the meeting on the 12th, she will
be advertising through the media and doing some Public Service
Announcements.
Mrs. Collazo further informed Council that she had hired a
temporary employee who will be working full time with Mr.
Kane. Ms. Susie Verdin is a 1994 United South High School
graduate, is a recent graduate from Harvard University and a
Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant from the Air Force.
41. Request for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government
Code Section 551.071(1)(A), to discuss contemplated litigation
by Texas A&M International University, 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 by Texas A&M International University, and return
to open session for possible action thereon.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
After executive session Mayor Flores announced that no formal
action was taken in executive session.
42. Advising the City Council of the transfer of line-item
savings, mainly in the contractual services of the street
construction division of the Capital Improvement Fund., to
Construction projects of the same fund for $155,000. This
amount is in addition to the H.E.B. contribution of $200,000
to fund in part the total cost of $432,331 of the Calton Road
widening project authorized by City Council on 7/20/98. The
complement to the funding required will be in the form of in-
kind services to be provided by the Traffic Department.
Motion to approve funding for the Calton Road widening project
from the line-item savings in the Capital Improvement Fund.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IX. COMMUNICATIONS
1 - Jennie Littleton, from the Laredo Little Theater Advisory
Board, who invited the Mayor, Council, and Staff to their
10th Annual Sammy Awards on Saturday evening on the 15th
day of August at 8:00 p.m. located at 602 Thomas Avenue.
2 - Cm. Alvarado reminded everyone of the National Night Out
Event that will be taking place on Tuesday, August 4, which
is tomorrow. The event is directed for crime prevention
and activities for the community and the different
neighborhoods. Cm. Alvarado further informed the public of
the different locations that would be hosting the event.
3 - Cm. Galo reminded the public that there were only two days
of early voting left and the election date of August 8th
and asked that all registered voters express their opinion
by voting on the sales and use tax of 1/4 of one cent.
X. CITY COUNCIL PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION
43. Requests by Mayor and City Council members for presentation
and discussion.
A. Requests by Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores
1. Consideration and possible action to contract Judith
Zaffirini, Ph.D. D.B.A. Zaffirini Communications to
conduct a training workshop on August 29, 1998 with
members of Council and various boards and commissions.
(See Attached)
Motion to approve the contract with Zaffirini Communica-
tions to conduct a training workshop on August 29, 1998
with members of the Council and various boards and
commissions and to include other workshops that will
benefit city staff.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Bruni instructed staff to find additional funds to
include city departments in this program such as 911,
Public Access, and Airport Information Booths and other
departments that deal with the public.
Dan Migura, Administrative Services Director, reported
that 300 employees had completed a series of workshops
about three weeks ago in the area of customer service.
B. Requests by Council member Alfredo Agredano
1. Presentation by Concord Hills residents.
Yolanda Garcia, representing Concord Hills residents,
thanked Council for the programs for affordable homes and
for making it possible for them to purchase these homes.
She further thanked the developer for providing a
community center, basketball courts, and playgrounds. Ms.
Garcia further expressed thanks to the Community
Development Department for their assistance in the loan
programs.
C. Requests by Council member Louis H. Bruni
1. Status reports on long term water supply projects with
possible action.
(Co-sponsored by Council member Joe A. Guerra)
Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, reported to Council
that the city is pursuing a long term strategy to augment
or conserve the water we already have. He continued to
explain on each of the following:
1. Water Right Acquisition - the city needs to take a
different position when negotiating water rights and
the best alternative is to take the water because of
how the water is distributed with 90% agriculture and
10% municipal,
2. Groundwater Resources - the city has received proposals
from different firms that we will be contracting to
identify aquifers with a volume of water for municipal
supply that will be within a 30 to 35 mile radius of
the Laredo area.
3. Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project - this is the
reversal process of taking water from the ground, this
is done when the water quality is not good. It is
stored under the ground and used in case of severe
droughts.
4. USGS Aquifer Mapping - this is a $650,000 contract,
with the city paying for half. Phase I report is due,
but it is five months late. This report will be used
by the consultants who will help locate ground water.
5. Effluent Reuse Strategy - this is a long term strategy
to develop a desirability index because reusing waste
water today may not be as appealing as it would be 20
to 50 years from now.
Cm. Bruni stated that should a possibility exist staff
should look into putting effluent into Lake Casa Blanca
with whatever excess the city may have and maintain it
as a constant level lake for emergencies. He continued
to explain that this effluent could be reused by piping
it back into the Jefferson plant or use a portable unit
to purify it. Cm. Bruni then added that it would
benefit Laredo to have utility staff contact state
level offices to inquire about this matter.
6. Conservation Strategy - this could be done by severe
restrictions on irrigation with severe enforcement.
The city could save and recover 25% of its water.
7. Weather Modification - will be working with the Water
Development Board to work out a program plan for the
next season.
Motion to instruct staff to find a cost estimate to drill
a well beneath the Wilcox Aquifer at the Jefferson Street
Plant and look for a funding source to drill a test well
with appropriate casings and if all four sands are there
we can use it immediately.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Discussion and possible action on the Texas Department of
Housing and Community Affairs Third Annual Colonia Clean-
up in El Cenizo on Sunday, August 16. The department
would like to request the City of Laredo's participation
by waiving City fees at the landfill.
Ms. Nelda Barrera, from the Texas Department of Housing
and Community Affairs, informed Council that this is the
Third Annual Event that will be focused on El Cenizo;
therefore, she requested support from City Council to use
the landfill on Sunday and waive the City's fees.
Florencio Pena, City Manager, stated that next year staff
will recommend that City Council establish an Enterprise
Fund to be informed of the revenues that the landfill
generates.
Cm. Valdez suggested that the state be notified of the
city's waiver of fees and establish some type of mandate
that will allow the city to be credited for this service.
Motion to waive the city's fees and have the Texas
Department of Housing and Community Affairs develop a long
term solution and present to Council at a future date.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 1 Abstain: 0
Cw. Montalvo
D. Requests by Council member Eliseo Valdez Jr.
1. Status report from staff on IH35 Saunders Project.
Gabriel Martinez, Assistant City Engineer, reported that
TXDOT had sent a letter to inform the engineering
department that the IH35 Saunders Project was about 60%
complete and 20% ahead of schedule. Their projected date
of completion would be in 5 months.
2. Presentation by Jesse Ibarra and Fausto Sosa
concerning a taxicab permit.
(Co-sponsored by Council member Joe A. Guerra)
This item was requested to be tabled by Mr. Ibarra due to
the absence of their attorney Fausto Sosa and that it be
placed back on the agenda at the next meeting.
E. Requests by Council member Joe A. Guerra
1. Discussion and possible action concerning a 100 foot
right-of-way given by the Trautmann Investment Company for
the purpose of Eden Lane through the Eden Subdivision
Plat.
Mr. Jack Foster with Foster Engineering, stated that the
100 foot right-of-way was given to Webb County back in
1976 with the condition that a road be built--this road is
now Eden Lane.
The Trautmann Family now requests that it be given back to
use for parking at the building they have on the corner of
Eden lane and Del Mar Boulevard.
Cm. Guerra informed Council that he had requested that
administrative staff look into this matter over a week ago
but that no one had taken the time to review it. Cm.
Guerra then provided the Mayor with a letter from Mr. John
Foster which contains a revised legal description and plat
as had been requested by the City Engineering Department.
Mayor Flores requested that staff review the matter and
come back to Council with a report.
2. Status report on the accident of July 18, 1998 at the
entrance of Unitec Industrial Park, with possible action.
Police Chief Agustin Dovalina reported that on Saturday,
July 18, 1998 at 4:25 P.M. at the 1100 block of Uniroyal
an accident occurred involving two tractor trailers and
the train. The investigation revealed that one of the
tractor trailers was traveling west bound on Uniroyal and
collided with the train which was traveling south bound.
The second tractor trailer collided with the first unit
that had collided with the train. Citations were issued
to both drivers.
Mr. Jack Foster with Foster Engineering, stated that
Unitec Developers had programmed for an overpass at this
area which will cost $1.25 million--because the money is
now available they will now energize the movement on this
project. An approximate time of completion should be
about 6 months.
3. Presentation by Fidel Santos requesting funds for Del Mar
Little League Baseball, with possible action.
Mayor Flores announced that Mr. Fidel Santos represented
the Del Mar Little League but that he also is the
coordinator for the City Wide All-Star League.
Mr. Santos proudly announced that the team did very well
in the Laredo All-Star Tournament and was one game away
from being a state championship team. He further
explained that the team would be playing in Waco on
Tuesday, August 4, and if the game is won would be going
to Florida to continue with the tournament.
Mayor Flores and Cm. Guerra informed Mr. Santos that she
was making a contribution to his team from the Mayor's
Promotional Budget and presented him with a check.
F. Requests by Council member Consuelo "Chelo" Montalvo
1. Presentation by the Laredo Custom Brokers and Freight
Forwarders for the request of improvements to the existing
road leading to the U.S. Customs Import Lot, with possible
action.
Florencio Pena, City Manager, reported that Arturo
Dominguez representing the US Custom Brokers Association
and Mere Gonzalez representing the US Freight Forwarders
Association approached the city to consider construction
of an access road behind Bridge II which would give GSA,
Customs, and Immigration another access into the Import
Lot. By constructing this road the four commercial booths
on the curb of Bridge II would be opened.
Mr. Pena continued to inform Council that engineering staff
had done a preliminary study and have contacted GSA and
have been advised by GSA that they are interested in
accomplishing this project to allow the bridge to handle
more north bound trucks. Brokers have committed to
contribute $10,000 to the $54,000 actual cost to construct
the road which could be completed in about 5 months.
Motion to instruct staff to search for funding for this
project.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
44. Public hearing amending the Laredo Police Departments FY 1997-
98 budget in the amount of $92,100.00 to pay for the salaries
and fringe benefits for six police officers that will be
transferred from the COPS "Ahead" grant to the general fund
due to the expiration of the grant. These police officers were
hired under the COPS "Ahead" grant for a period of three
years.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Laredo Police Departments FY 1997-98
budget in the amount of $92,100.00 to pay for the salaries and
fringe benefits for six police officers that will be
transferred from the COPS "Ahead" grant to the general fund
due to the expiration of the grant. These police officers were
hired under the COPS "Ahead" grant for a period of three
years.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
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 : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
45. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo Police Departments
FY 1998-99 budget in the amount of $3,000.00, to purchase a
treadmill for the Police GYM.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the City of Laredo Police Departments FY
1998-99 budget in the amount of $3,000.00, to purchase a
treadmill for the Police GYM.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
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. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
46. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual
Budget in the amount of $3,000.00, and appropriate these funds
to the Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau regular salary
line item to establish the position of a part-time information
clerk for the information center at the Laredo International
Airport Terminal.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual
Budget in the amount of $3,000.00, and appropriate these funds
to the Laredo Convention and Bureau regular salary line item
to establish the position of a part-time information clerk for
the information center at the Laredo International Airport
Terminal.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
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. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
47. Public hearing regarding the proposed reprogramming of 19th,
20th Action Year Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Final Statements and the 1995 and 1996 Consolidated Plan as it
pertains to the use of 21st and 22nd AY CDBG Grant funds for
the purpose of reprogramming funds in the amount of
$377,500.00 for the acquisition of the Plaza Theater.
19th Action Year Community Development Block Grant
(Fund Balances)
Paving Project #51 $15,733
J. Ortiz - E. Valdez Park $ 2,628
Tarver Improvements $ 3,483
East Central Park $ 2,604
Street Lights $ 1,881
$26,329
20th Action Year Community Development Block Grant
(Fund Balances)
Paving Project #57 Grants $ 7,042
Paving Project #58 Grants $ 5,896
Neighborhood Housing Services $28,090
Reserve Appropriation $ 3,306
$44,334
21st Action Year Community Development Block Grant
(Fund Balances)
Pace Street Drainage $74,206
Southgate Pilot Channel $20,142
$94,348
22nd Action Year Community Development Block Grant
(Fund Balances)
San Salvador/Pine/Chestnut
Drainage $198,000
Paving Project #59 Grants $ 14,012
Graffiti Removal Program $ 477
$212,489
Total of Funds to be Reprogrammed $377,500
The funds identified above are proposed to finance the
following project:
Acquisition of the Plaza Theater $377,500
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 : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 1 Abstain: 0
Cm. Galo
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
XII. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn. Time: 8:14 p.m.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
I hereby certify that the above minutes contained in pages 01
to 22 are true, complete, and correct proceedings of the
City Council Meeting held on the 3rd day of August of 1998.
_________________________
Gustavo Guevara, Jr.
City Secretary