CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
A2000-R-007
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS 78040
MARCH 06, 2000
5:30 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. ROLL CALL
IV. MINUTES
Approval of the minutes of February 7, 2000 and
February 22, 2000.
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
Invitations
Recognitions
Communiqués
a. Presentation to Council on Mi Laredo Youth Leadership
Project.
VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
Confirmation of the Mayor's appointment of Robert Summers
to the Citizens Environmental Committee.
Confirmation of Council Member Eliseo Valdez's
appointment of Yolanda Alva to the Citizens Environmental
Committee.
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Amending the FY 1999-2000 budget in the amount of
$1,800.00 for the Vital Statistics Division of the
City of Laredo Health Department for the period
beginning October 1, 1999, through September 30, 2000;
the additional funds will be budgeted in the postage
line item for the purpose of mailing out certificates
by certified mail.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the FY 1999-2000 budget in the amount of an
additional $1,800.00 for the Vital Statistics
Division of the City of Laredo Health Department for
the period beginning October 1, 1999, through
September 30, 2000, and increasing revenue line item
no. 226-0000-355-1052 from $0 to $1,800 and
increasing expenditure line item no. 226-2912 from
$130,457 to $132,257.
2. Public hearing concerning an application by Jesus
Luis de Leon, amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map)
of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 9, Block 351,
Eastern Division, located at 114 West Lyon St., from
B-1 (Limited Business District) to B-3 (Community
Business District). The Planning & Zoning Commission
recommended denial of the proposed zone change. This
is an appeal from an unfavorable recommendation by the
Planning and Zoning Commission.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lot 9, Block 351, Eastern Division,
located at 114 West Lyon St., from B-1 (Limited
Business District) to B-3 (Community Business District);
providing for publication and effective date.
3. Public hearing concerning an application by Jorge
Enrique Brizuela, amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map)
of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 5, Block 927,
Western Division, located at 3616 Santa Maria Ave.,
from B-1 (Limited Business District) to B-4 (Highway
Commercial District). The Planning & Zoning
Commission has recommended denial of the proposed
zone change. This is an appeal from an unfavorable
recommendation by the Planning & Zoning Commission.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lot 5, Block 927, Western Division,
located at 3616 Santa Maria Ave., from B-1 (Limited
Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial
District); providing for publication and effective
date.
4. Public hearing to amend the Laredo Code of
Ordinances, Chapter 2, Administration, Article I, In
General, Section 2-3. Fees for City Services,
Subsection (b) providing for postage, certified
mail - return receipt requested in the amount of
$3.10, and outside of the U.S., or Priority, Express
or International mail at the prevailing rate.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Laredo Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2,
Administration, Article 1, In General Section 2-3.
Fees for City Services, Subsection (b) providing for
postage, certified mail - return receipt requested
in the U.S. in the amount of $3.10, and outside the
U.S. or priority, express or international mail at
the prevailing rate; providing severability; and
providing for an effective date and publication.
VIII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
5.
A. Request by Council Member Louis H. Bruni
1. Status report on police pursuit policies, with
possible action.
2. Status report on the City of Laredo Curfew
Ordinance, with possible action.
3. Status report on the new Municipal Court Building,
with possible action.
4. Status report on the continuous median proposed by
the Texas Department of Transportation on Saunders
Ave., with possible action.
B. Request by Council Member John C. Galo
1. Request for staff to study the corner of
Malinche Ave. and Gustavus Street for
possible signalization or controls to prevent
accidents.
2. Discussion on maintenance and prevention of
grass growth on City curbs with possible action.
C. Request by Council Member Joe A. Guerra
1. Discussion on the opening of a COPS Station for
District VI - 618 E. Del Mar Blvd. currently
housing the Risk Management Division which is
scheduled to move into New Public Works Facility
in December 2000 with possible action.
D. Request by Council Member Mario G. Alvarado
1. Status report on Mines Road Task Force
activities and/or recommendations for traffic
control on FM1472, with possible action.
(Recess)
(Press Availability)
IX. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
6. Authorizing the granting and conveyance of an easement
from the City of Laredo to The United States of
America - General Services Administration for
approximately 77.00 acres, more or less, in Webb
County, Texas more particularly described as three
separate parcels for the installation, construction,
operation, and maintenance, etc., of various
improvements necessary for the federal facilities used
in connection with the border inspection station at
the World Trade Bridge, and authorizing the City
Manager to execute said easement agreement.
7. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with
American Red Cross to lease a portion of the
non-exclusive use premises located on the southernmost
section of the first (1st) floor of the Airport
Passenger Terminal located at 5210 Bob Bullock Loop.
The Laredo Chapter of the American Red Cross proposes
to host a dance event to raise funds. Lease term is
for four (4) hours commencing on March 25, 2000 at
8:00p.m. and ending on March 25, 2000 at 12:00 midnight.
Rent shall be $200.00.
X. FINAL READINGS OF ORDINANCES
8. 2000-O-051 An Ordinance amending Section 24.63.2 of
the Laredo Land Development Code allowing
for the location of bed and breakfasts within
certain zoning districts; amending Section 24.78
(p)(2) of the Laredo Land Development Code
pertaining to "Off-Street Parking and Loading
Requirements" for Commercial Use; amending
Appendix A of the Laredo Land Development
Code; and providing for publication and
effective date. (City Council)
2000-O-052 An Ordinance amending provisions of the
Laredo Land Development Code specifically
Section 24.73 pertaining to oil and gas
extraction and production specific use
zoning overlay district and permit
requirements; Section 24.63 pertaining
to permitted uses; Section 24.77.2
pertaining to dimensional standards
supplementary provisions; and amending
Appendix "A"; providing for publication
and effective date. (Cm Louis H. Bruni)
2000-O-053 An Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance
(Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
5.00 acres as further described by metes
and bounds on attached Exhibit "A" located
east of McPherson Rd. and south of Bob
Bullock Loop, from AG (Agricultural
District) to B-3 (Community Business District);
providing for publication and effective
date. (City Council)
2000-O-054 An Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance
(Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
Lots 5 and 6, Block 541, Eastern Division
located at 919 Kearney St., from R-3
(Mixed Residential District) to R-2
(Multi-Family Residential District);
providing for publication and effective
date. (Cm Cecilia May Moreno)
2000-O-055 An Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance
(Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
8.65 acres, as further described by metes
and bounds on attached Exhibit "A", located
at the southwest corner of F.M. 1472 and
El Pico Rd., from AG (Agricultural District)
to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District);
providing for publication and effective
date. (Cm Mario Alvarado)
2000-O-057 An Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance
(Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
8.00 acres as further described by metes
and bounds on attached Exhibit "A" located
east of McPherson Rd. and south of Bob
Bullock Loop, from AG (Agricultural District)
to B-3 (Community Business District);
providing for publication and effective
date. (Cm Joe A. Guerra)
2000-O-059 An Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's
1999-2000 annual budget in the amount of
$484,250.00 to purchase equipment for the
Financial Disruption Task Force. Funding
is available from the opening balance of
the Financial Task Force. The National
Drug Control Policy (HIDTA) High Intensity
Drug Trafficking Area is funding the
operation at no cost to the City. The
grant period is from January 1, 2000
through December 31, 2000. (City Council)
2000-O-060 An Ordinance amending the City of Laredo
Fiscal Year 1999-2000 Contractual Services
Fund and Solid Waste Fund Annual Budget
by appropriation revenues and expenditures
in the amount of $2,135,000.00 from a
proposed Public Property Finance Contractual
Obligation to finance the acquisition of
automotive equipment and machinery &
equipment for various City departments.
(City Council)
2000-O-061 An Ordinance closing as a public easement
that section of the 1200 block of North
India Avenues between the north
right-of-way line of Guadalupe Street and
the south right-of-way of the Texas Mexican
Railroad tracks, situated in the Eastern
Division, City of Laredo, County of Webb,
Texas and providing for an effective date.
(Cm Louis H. Bruni)
XI. RESOLUTIONS
9. 2000-R-015 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into
and execute a memorandum of agreement
between the United States of America,
acting through its General Services
Administration, and the City of Laredo
concerning World Trade Bridge, Laredo,
Texas. It is the intent of the City of
Laredo to convey fee title to approximately
77.00 acres of land more or less, to the
United States of America for the federal
facilities at the Laredo IV Border Station,
said conveyance of land to be accomplished
at the same time title to the facilities
is transferred to the United States after
payment to the City in full.
10. 2000-R-027 Authorizing the City Manager to submit a
grant application in the amount of $15,000.00
to the United States Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) for an Environmental
Justice Grants and pledging that if a grant
is received, City of Laredo will comply with
grant requirements of the United States
Environmental Protection Agency.
11. 2000-R-028 Declaring the public necessity to acquire
the "Surface Only" of forty-one parcels of
land for the Chacon Creek Improvements
Project. Said parcels being: Lots 4, 5,
6 & 7, Block 1206; all of Blocks 1289A,
1335, and 1421A; Lots 3, 4, 5 & 6, Block
1480; Lots 1 &2, Block 1571; all of Blocks
1784, 1785, and 1867; Lots 1, 2, 3, 4 & 8,
Block 1868; all of Blocks 1869 and 1870;
Lots 5, 6 & 7, Block 2103; all of Blocks
2104, 2105, 2106A, and 2107A; Lots 5 thru
8, Block 2109; Lots 5 thru 8; Block 2110;
Lots 1,2,7 & 8, Block 2114; all of Block
2115; 2119A (except Lot 5); all of Block
2151, 2152, 2153, 2154, 2155, 2157, 2158,
2159, 2161, 2165A, and 2166; Block 2167
(except Lot 8); all of Blocks 2169, 2170,
and 2171, 2171A (Lot 7A), all ob Blocks
2172 and 2172A; and a parcel of land
adjacent to Block 2109, between Ejido Ave.
and the original City Limits. Said
forty-one parcels being situated in the
Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb
County, Texas; being delineated on attached
copies of City Plats; and authorizing
staff to negotiate for the purchase of
said parcels at their market value or less,
as established by State Certified Real
Estate Appraisers, and further authorizing
the City Attorney to initiate condemnation
proceedings to acquire those parcels that
staff is unable to acquire through negotiations
due to inability to agree on a purchase
price, conflicts of ownership, owner refusal
to sell, and/or inability to locate a
listed owner.
12. 2000-R-029 Authorizing the City Manager the use of
surplus proceeds from the City of Laredo
- Public Property Finance Contractual
Obligations (PPFCO), Series 97-B, in the
amount of $30,000.00, for the purchase of
a four wheel drive truck for the Fire
Department. This will be a replacement
for a 1989 truck that has been sidelined
due to mechanical problems. This truck is
used to transport the rescue boats to
points along the Rio Grande River.
13. 2000-R-032 Authorizing the City Manager to submit a
grant application in the amount of
$20,000.00 to the South Texas Development
Council for a Regional Solid Waste Grant
Program; authorizing the City Manager to
act on behalf of the City of Laredo in all
matters related to the application; and
pledging that if a grant is received, City
of Laredo will comply with the grant
requirements of the South Texas Development
Council, the Texas Natural Resource
Conservation Commission, and the State of Texas.
14. 2000-R-036 Supporting the promotion of economic growth
of the City of Laredo, the economic
interests of its citizens and businesses,
and the commercial relationship with Mexico;
and urging the U.S. International Trade
Commission to revoke the current antidumping
order against imports of cement from Mexico.
15. 2000-R-037 Expressing the City Council support towards
an application to the Texas Department of
Housing and Community Affairs through the
State's HOME Investment Partnerships Program
by the Laredo-Webb Neighborhood Housing
Services in partnership with Bringing Everyone
Special Together (BEST) for a Homebuyer
Assistance Grant in the amount of $150,000.00.
This homebuyer assistance is sought to
better meet the needs of the City's Special
Needs Population.
16. 2000-R-038 Expressing the City Council support towards
the submittal of an application by the
Hamilton Housing Partnership, Ltd. to the
Texas Department of Housing and Community
Affairs through the HOME Investment
Partnerships Program for a Tenant-Based
Rental Assistance Grant to assist the
elderly residents of the Hamilton Hotel
whose income falls below 50% of the area
median income.
XII. MOTIONS
17. Consideration to authorize the City Manager to
accept a donation of 100 trash receptacles worth
approximately $20,000.00 from Southern Sanitation
for the Downtown area. The trash receptacles will
be constructed of rod iron and will match the
receptacles that have been recently installed by
the Department of Public Works. They will have a
sign bearing the Southern Sanitation name. The
City of Laredo will be matching this donation with
an additional 100 trash receptacles.
18. Consideration to award Contract Number FY00-073,
to the LOW BIDDER, Envirosolve, LLC, Tulsa, OK.,
in the amount of $59,840.00, for conducting a city
wide household hazardous waste collection event on
April 15, 2000, and the collection of hazardous
waste from the collection facility located at the
landfill. Funding is available in the NPDES Fund.
19. Consideration to reject the SOLE BID received for
awarding contract FY00-059, for providing water
taps/T connections as required by the Utilities
Department. The City requested unit cost pricing
for unit cost for water taps and T-connection
installation service needed to repair distribution
lines. The unit cost proposed by the sole bidder,
J. Solis Maintenance & Welding Service, Laredo,
Texas, far exceeded the estimated cost for this
service. Staff is requesting authorization to
reject this bid and solicit new bids.
20. Consideration to award contract FY00-060 to the
LOW BIDDER, VMG Company, Laredo, Texas, in the
estimated amount of $78,950.00, for providing
asphalt/concrete repairs as required by the
Utilities Department. VMG Company submitted the
lowest bid pricing on a per square foot cost on an
as needed basis to repair asphalt and concrete
cuts required to repair distribution lines. This
type of service will be requested on an as needed
basis and all work is inspected by the Utilities
Department for compliance with City requirements.
21. Consideration to award contract FY00-070, to the
following LOW BIDDERS, for the purchase of vehicles
authorized in the FY00 capital equipment budget:
Philpott Motors, Port Neches, Texas:
13 - 1/2 ton Trucks $204,620.00
3-1/2 ton ext. Cab Truck (sb) $53,205.00
12 - 3/4 ton ext. Cab Truck $246,564.00
5-3/4 ton four door cab truck $108,375.00
1-full size sedan $19,610.00
2-mini van $39,084.00
$671,458.00
Southwest Ford, San Antonio, Texas:
3-1/2 ton ext. cab truck (lb) $53,868.00
3-mid size sedan $43,641.00
$97,509.00
Delivery is expected within ninety to one hundred and twenty days.
22. Consideration to authorize the City Manager to
purchase a replacement ambulance for the Fire
Department through the Houston Galveston Area
Council of Governments (HGAC)- Cooperative Purchase
Program, in the total amount of $120,188.00. The
ambulance body will be installed on a Freightliner
chassis. Funding for this ambulance will be secured
from the contractual obligation bond proceeds.
23. Consideration to award Contract Number FY00-068, to
the LOW BIDDER, Kahn Fence Corporation DBA Fence
Masters, Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $39,900.00
for the provision of an infrastructure required for
the underground construction to trench approximately
15,000 linear feet and backfill as required to
provide electrical service to the World Trade Bridge
illumination system. CP&L will be responsible for
the installation of electrical conduit and the
illumination poles and lamps. Funding for this
project has been allocated in the Bridge System.
The City did receive a lower bid from Ernesto Lopez,
Laredo, Texas, however, this vendor failed to submit
a bid bond as required by the bid documents. Due
to this omission, staff is unable to accept this
bid.
24. Consideration to award a construction contract to
the LOWEST BIDDER R.P. Constructors, Inc., New
Braunfels, Texas in the amount of $1,195,000.00 for
the construction of the Bio-Solids Dewatering
Projects Parts A and B. The Project includes the
installation of a belt filter press at the South
Laredo and North Laredo Wastewater Treatment Plants.
The construction time is 275 calendar days.
Funding is available in the 1994 and 1998 A Sewer
Construction Bonds.
25. Consideration for approval of final change order
no. 1, a decrease of $90.00 for the balance of
quantities actually constructed in place,
acceptance of the Concrete Reconstruction at
Calton/Springfield Intersection and approval of
final payment in the amount of $21,963.40 to Ramos
Industries, Inc., Pasadena, Texas. Final
construction contract amount is $161,440.00.
Funding is available in the Capital Improvements
Fund - Truck Route Intersection.
26. Consideration for acceptance of the Azteca
Neighborhood Park and Paving Improvements
constructed by the in-house forces at a cost of
$101,112.00 and within the original budget. This
is a Community Development Block Grant Project.
27. Consideration to authorize the City Manager to
release 50% of the retainage in the amount of
$23,187.78 to Faulkner Construction, Inc., for the
Telecommunications Offices and Public Access
Facility Project located at 1101 Garden St., and
to retain $23,187.78 for punch list items and warranties.
28. Consideration for acceptance of the Chaparral
Drainage Improvements from Calton Road to Canal
Street and approval of final payment in the amount
of $31,383.40 to Pete Gallegos Paving, Inc., Laredo,
Texas. Final construction contract amount is
$245,387.00.
29. Consideration for approval of final change order
no. 3, an increase of $1,959.30 for the balance of
quantities actually constructed in place, acceptance
of the Zacate Creek Beautification Project Phase I
and approval of final payment in the amount of
$39,346.87 to Dominguez Development and Construction,
Laredo, Texas. Final construction contract amount
is $303,566.80. This is a Community Development
Block Grant Project.
30. Consideration for approval of final change order
no. 2, a decrease of $29,237.25 due to a reduction
in quantities not needed to complete the project,
acceptance of the Construction of Sidewalks
Improvements for Trautmann, Alma Pierce and Amparo
Gutierrez Elementary Schools and related improvements
and approval of final payment in the amount of
$60,060.75 to Pete Gallegos Paving, Inc., Laredo,
Texas. Final construction contract amount is
$207,165.75.
31. Consideration to award a construction contract to
the LOWEST BIDDER Ramos Industries, Inc., Pasadena,
Texas, in the bid amount of $119,844.00 for the
Zacate Creek Beautification Project Phase II
(Re-bid). Funding is available in the Community
Development Budget.
32. Consideration to approve the selection of four
consultants for the Sidewalks - City Wide Projects
12, 13, 14, 16 and 17 and authorizing the City
Manager to negotiate a professional services
contracts as follows:
a. Rosin Group, Inc. - Project 12 (33 Blocks) and
Project 17 (4 Blocks)
b. WSBC Civil Engineers, Inc. - Project 14 (37 Blocks)
c. G.G. Salinas Engineering Co. - Project 12 (33
Blocks) and Project 17 (4 Blocks)
d. Sherfey Engineering Company, L.L.C. - Project 13
(16 Blocks), Project 16 (12 Blocks) and Project
17 (8 Blocks)
Funding is to be identified at the time A/E contract
negotiated.
33. Consideration of approval of final change order
no. 1, an increase of $11,535.30 for the balance of
quantities actually constructed in place, acceptance
of the Zacate Creek Erosion Control Project and
approval of final payment in the amount of
f$82,514.62 to Ramos Industries, Inc., Pasadena,
Texas. Final construction contract amount is
$508,548.70
34. Consideration to cancel Council Meeting on March 27,
2000.
XIII. STAFF REPORT
35. Status report by the Nonprofit Management and
Volunteer Center, presentation of revised funding
criteria for Third Party Agencies with staff
recommendation and possible action.
36. Presentation of the 1998-1999 Comprehensive Annual
Financial Report (CAFR) prepared by the City of
Laredo's Financial Services Department and audited
by the independent audit firm of Baum, Mejia & Co.
37. Status report on the World Trade Bridge.
38. Status report on Capital Improvement Projects with
consideration of projects for FY 2000-2001, with
possible action.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
This notice was posted at the Municipal Government
Offices, 1110 Houston Street, Laredo, Texas, at a place
convenient and readily accessible to the public at all
times. Said notice was posted on Wednesday, March 01,
2000 at 6:00 p.m.
Gustavo Guevara, Jr.
City Secretary