CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

A-2000-R-31

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

NOVEMBER 20, 2000

5:30 P.M.

 

 

 

DISABILITY ACCESS STATEMENT

Persons with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who may need auxiliary aid or services, are requested to contact Gustavo Guevara, City Secretary at (956) 791-7308 at least two working days prior to the meeting so that appropriate arrangements can be made.  The accessible entrance and accessible parking spaces are located at City Hall, 1100 Victoria Ave.

 

Out of Consideration for all attendees of the City Council meetings, please turn off all cellular phones and pagers, or place on inaudible signal.  Thank you for your consideration.

 

 

 

    I.      CALL TO ORDER

 

 II.      PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

III.ROLL CALL

 

IV.     MINUTES

 

Approval of the minutes of October 16, 2000, October 20, 2000 and October 23, 2000.

 

 

V.           COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

Announcements

 

Invitations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recognitions

 

a.   Recognition of Raul “Roy” Garcia, Code Enforcement Supervisor, who has involved a large number of young people in the effort to help the appearance of the community by eliminating graffiti in west Laredo.  Others involved were the All Youth Volunteers, Judge Hector Liendo, District VII Council member Jose A. Valdez, Jr., Christina Fracchia, City of Laredo Non-Profit & Volunteer Organization, City of Laredo Code Enforcement Division, Mr. Victor Carrera of Monarch Paint and International Trucking, Co. 

 

b.     The Parks & Recreation Department recently hosted the 10th Annual Mayor’s Cup Tournament at the Benavides Softball Complex.  The City employee tourney featured participants from eight departments including Water Distribution, City Hall, Public Works, Bridge, Fire, Police, Utilities and PARD.  The Utilities Department played 5 consecutive grueling games in the double elimination tournament to win the 2000 Mayor’s Cup.  The Police and Fire placed second and third, respectively.

 

Utilities Department Team Members:

1.     Albert Cantu (Manager)

2.     Guillermo Guerrero

3.     Encarnacion Rosales

4.     Roman Martinez

5.     Sergio Valdez

6.     Gilberto Litman

7.     Robert Rodriguez

8.     Juan Bernal

9.     Hector Cadena

10.  Jesus Valdez

11.  Gustavo Garcia

12.  Ramiro Aguirre

13.  Tony Mora, III

14.  Humberto Serradell

 

c.   Recognition of the 28 students who have been chosen as "Eighth Graders of the Month" from their respective campuses.  The Laredo Police Department's Community Relations Unit recently implemented the program at most of the middle school campuses across the city and each participating school has a committee which chooses one student each month for the current school year.  In October as well as November, fourteen students each month are recognized with certificates and prizes as coordinated by Captain Blasa Bluhm of the Community Relations Unit.  

 

Communiqués

 

 VI.   APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

a.   Appointment of Hector Garcia, Jr. by Council Member John C. Galo to the Citizens Environmental Advisory Committee.

 

 

 

   VII.         PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

 

1.   Public hearing amending the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 General Fund Budget by creating seven (7) new firefighter positions to the EMS Division at Fire Station No. 11 located on Highway 359, as authorized by the City Council to be effective upon adoption; and increasing estimated revenues and expenditures of $106,551.00 in said budget.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

 

      Amending the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 General Fund Budget by creating seven (7) new firefighters positions to the EMS Division at Fire Station No. 11 located on Highway 359, as authorized by the City Council to be effective upon adoption; and increasing estimated revenues and expenditures of $106,551.00 in said budget.

 

 

2.   Public hearing authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo, Texas Combination Tax and Revenue Certificate of Obligation, Series 2000, in the principal amount of $9,400,000.00 for paying all or a portion of the City’s contractual obligations for the purpose of constructing and equipping a new Municipal Court; constructing and improving the City’s streets, to-wit: Shiloh widening, Santa Maria reconstruction, Jacaman Road (through Airport property), Springfield/Calle Del Norte; Cuatro Vientos Road, Meadow at TexMex (traffic analysis, feasibility study, and overpass design), McPherson widening, Springfield Avenue extension, Bartlett from Hillside to Gale, and the acquisition, design and construction of Inner City Park, and the payment of legal, fiscal, architectural and engineering fees in connection with such budget and ordaining other matters relating to the subject and authorizing amendment to City’s budget to appropriate such proceeds for purpose authorized herein.

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

 

Authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo, Texas Combination Tax and Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 2000, in the principal amount of $9,400,000.00 for paying all or a portion of the City’s Contractual Obligations for the purpose of constructing and equipping a new Municipal Court; constructing and improving the City’s streets, to-wit: Shiloh widening, Santa Maria reconstruction, Jacaman Road (through Airport property), Springfield/Calle del Norte; Cuatro Vientos Road, Meadow at TxMex (traffic analysis, feasibility study, and overpass design), McPherson widening, Springfield Avenue extension, Bartlett from Hillside to Gale, and the acquisition, design and construction of Inner City Park, and the payment of legal, fiscal, architectural and engineering fees in connection with such projects and ordaining other matters relating to the subject and authorizing amendment to City‘s Budget to appropriate such proceeds for purposes authorized herein.

 

 

 

 

3.     Public hearing authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo, Texas, Public Property Finance Contractual Obligations, Series 2000-A, in the principal amount of $1,600,000.00, for the purchase of automotive equipment, trucks, fire engine, ambulance, sweepers, mowers, street equipment and computers and ordaining other matters relating to the subject and authorizing amendment to City’s budget to appropriate such proceeds for purposes authorized herein.

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

 

Authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo, Texas, Public Property Finance Contractual Obligations, Series 2000-A, in the principal amount of $1,600,000.00, for the purchase of automotive equipment, trucks, fire engines, ambulances, sweeper, mowers, street equipment and computers and ordaining other matters relating to the subject and authorizing amendment to City’s Budget to appropriate such proceeds for purposes authorized herein.

 

 

4.     Individual public hearings for the voluntary annexation of five (5) tract of land (Tract 1: Dolores Ranch Tract – 169.195 acres, more or less; Tract 2: Killam Industrial Tract – 207.4636 acres, more or less; Tract 3: Killam Ponderosa Tract – 194.8842 acres, more ore less; Tract 4: Hurd Tract – 124.6586 acres, more or less; Tract 5: Treviño Tract – 1.971 acres, more or less) totaling 698.1724 acres, more or less, and the unilateral annexation of three (3) tracts of land (Tract 6: Tex-Mex Railway Tract – 228.6075 acres, more or less; Tract 7: Mines Road Tract – 14.817 acres, more or less; Tract 8: Wormser Road Tract – 5.9861 acres, more or less) totaling 249.4106 acres, more or less, for a total of 947.583 acres, as described in the tract summaries as required by Section 43.063 of the Texas Local Government Code.

 

 

5.     Public hearing amending the City of Laredo FY 2000/2001 Public Works budget to recognize additional revenues from a grant received from the South Texas Development Council (STDC) in the amount of $40,348.00 for the purpose of constructing the Citizen’s Convenience Center of the City of Laredo Public Works Department and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget amendment; providing for an effective date.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

 

Amending the City of Laredo FY 2000/2001 Public Works budget to recognize additional revenues from a grant received from the South Texas Development Council (STDC) in the amount of $40,348.00 for the purpose of constructing the Citizen’s Convenience Center of the City of Laredo Public Works Department and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget amendment; providing for an effective date.

 

 

 

 

 

6.     Public hearing to amend the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 budget in the amount of $153,470.00 for the HIV/AIDS Prevention Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning January 1, 2001, through December 31, 2001. (Approval of Resolution 2000-R-159 needed before Public Hearing)

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

 

Amending the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 budget in the amount of $153,470.00 for the HIV/AIDS Prevention Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning January 1, 2001, through December 31, 2001.

 

 

7.     Public hearing amending the FY 2000-2001 budget by transferring the amount of $44,701.00 from the FY 1999/2000 fund balance to the current FY 2000/2001 budget for the Maternal and Child Health (MCH – Title V) Program of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period of September 1, 2000, through August 31, 2001.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

 

Amending the FY 2000-2001 budget by transferring the amount of $44,701.00 from the FY 1999/2000 fund balance to the current FY 2000/2001 budget for the Maternal and Child Health (MCH – Title V) Program of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period of September 1, 2000, through August 31, 2001.

 

 

8.     Public hearing amending Chapter 19, Motor Vehicle and Traffic, Article VIII, Stopping, Standing or Parking and Article X, Impoundment of Vehicles of the Code of Ordinances, City of Laredo:  Specifically Section 19-355, Section 19-360, Section 19-375, and Section 19-378, and creating Section 19-361, Section 19-362, & Section 19-363, this amendment represents the following:

1.     Raises the fine for illegally parking in a handicap space from one hundred ($100.00) dollars to two hundred and fifty ($250.00) dollars.

2.     Provides for all parking meter rates to increase to fifty (50) cents per hour and for time limits for all meters located west of Santa Maria Ave. and north of Washington St. to be increased to four (4) hours.       

3.     Establishes a parking statement fee of three ($3.00) dollars.                

4.     Authorizes the Traffic Director to install and remove parking meters in the Central Business District.

5.     Authorizes the Parking Superintendent to charge permit fees for exclusive use of parking spaces and no parking zones when used for construction or special events.

6.     It amends the definitions that govern Parking Enforcement.

 

 

7.  It amends certain provisions that apply to booting and towing vehicles.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending Chapter 19, Motor Vehicle and Traffic, Article VIII, Stopping, Standing or Parking and Article X, Impoundment of Vehicles of the Code of Ordinances, City of Laredo:  Specifically Section 19-355, Section 19-360, Section 19-375, and Section 19-378, and creating Section 19-361, Section 19-362 & Section 19-363, and providing for effective date and publication. 

 

 

9.   Public hearing amending the FY 2000-2001 Budget by increasing revenues in the amount of $157,329.00 and increasing expenditures in the amount of $157,118.00 for the FAR Part 150 Airport Noise Abatement Compatibility Program.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

 

Amending the FY 2000-2001 Budget by increasing revenues in the amount of $157,329.00 and increasing expenditures in the amount of $157,118.00 for the FAR Part 150 Airport Noise Abatement Compatibility Program.

 

 

10. Public hearing to establish rental rates based on 8.5% (percent) of the appraised value of each home, establish a rent deposit equivalent to one (1) month’s rent and establish a late fee of $5.00 per day after the 10th day of each month for the homes purchased by the City of Laredo under the FAR Part 150 Airport Noise Compatibility Program and to be leased by Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation (LMHC).

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

 

Establish rental rates based on 8.5% (percent) of the appraised value of each home, establish a rent deposit equivalent to one (1) month’s rent and establish a late fee of $5.00 per day after the 10th day of each month for the homes purchased by the City of Laredo under the FAR Part 150 Airport Noise Compatibility Program and to be leased by Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation (LMHC).

 

 

VIII.   GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

11. A.  Request by Council Member  Alfredo Agredano

 

1.   Discussion with possible action to modify the disbursement of Third Party funding to the Veterans Coalition. (Co-sponsored by Council Member Jose A. Valdez, Jr.)

 

B.    Request by Council Member Louis H. Bruni

 

1.     Status report on the state of the Rio Grande River as it relates to pollutants, with possible action.

 

 

 

 

2.     Requesting a study to place speed humps between Arkansas and Bartlett on O’Kane Street.

 

3.     A report to City Council on how staff informs Council Members on certain events and proclamations, with possible action.

 

 

C.    Request by Council Member John C. Galo

 

1.   Status report on sidewalk projects in District III, including the1700 block of Tilden and the 100 block of South Meadow, with possible action.

 

D.. Request by Council Member Eliseo Valdez, Jr.

           

1.   Status report on the Waterline Replacement at Hillside.

 

 

E.   Request by Council Member Jose A. Valdez, Jr.

 

1.   Discussion with possible action on the water quality conditions of Manadas Creek. (Co-sponsored by Council Member Louis H. Bruni)

 

2.   Discussion with possible action on the ambulance service to the Mines Road.

 

3.   Request for a staff report on any streets within the western division in District VII without water and wastewater services.

 

F.   Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez

 

1.     Discussion and possible action on the Handicap Compliance for the Kiosk at San Agustin Plaza.

 

2.     Discussion and possible action on the opening of Hidalgo Street to relieve traffic congestion in the downtown area.

 

3.     Discussion and possible action in regards to the Export lot on Bridge I.

 

4.     Discussion and possible action in regards to the arrival of the Paisanos.  (Portable toilets along IH35 and some kind of EMS at the Bridge, either a Crew cab w/Firefighters or some medical attendants).

              

 (Recess)

(Press Availability)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   IX.  INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

 

 

12.    An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the License authorized by Ordinance No. 97-O-303 dated December 15, 1997 with In-Ter-Space Services, Inc. d/b/a Interspace Airport Advertising and Display, as Concessionaire, to allow Concessionaire additional advertising spaces as well as extend the primary term. The proposed amendment will extend the primary term from five (5) years to seven (7) years and three (3) months ending on October 31, 2005 instead of July 31, 2003 and increase the number of advertising locations by nine (9) at the Laredo International Airport; all other terms and conditions remain unchanged and in effect; providing for an effective date.

 

 

 

13.    An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease renewal with Pinkerton for two office spaces totaling approximately 500 square feet and located at the International Bridges I & II.

 

 

1.   Lease term is for one (1) year commencing on November 1, 2000 and ending on October 31, 2001.

 

2.   Monthly rent will be $2,000.00 for both properties.

 

3.     City of Laredo may terminate this lease within ninety (90) days of written notice.

 

 

 

14.    An ordinance amending Ordinance No. 96-O-093 to reflect the new abutting property owners being Mr. Daniel Garcia, Jr. and wife Melida Garcia as the authorized buyers, instead of Imelda Yolanda Bustamante of the “Surface Only” of Parcel No. 3-a 1,286.21 sq. ft. tract of land, more or less, comprised of a portion of the north half of Jarvis Avenue right-of-way between the south right-of-way of Sta. Barbara Street and the north right-of-way of Sta. Clara Street, also bounded on the west and east by Blocks nos. 203 and 204 respectively, Eastern Division, as per the City of Laredo Original Land Grant, recorded in Volume 7, Page 15, Webb County Plat Records; and authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to effectively convey fee simple title of the “Surface Only” at its market value of said City property to Mr. Daniel Garcia, Jr. and wife Melida Garcia who are now the current abutting property owners and providing for an effective date.

 

 

 

 

 

 

15.    An ordinance closing as a public easement a 60.0 foot strip of land out of a portion of Casa Verde Road between west right-of-way line of Loop 20 and the east right-of-way line of the new University Boulevard Extension.  Said 60.0 foot strip of land being situated in Porcion 26, Abstract 282, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas; being generally described below and more particularly described by metes and bounds, provided that the City retains a 12 foot wide (23,224 square feet) Central Power and Light Company utility easement as described, and providing for an effective date for the closure of the parcel and reversion of the public’s interest in said parcel to the abutting owner.

 

Being a strip of land generally 60.0 feet in width and containing 2.648 acres, more or less, out of the certain 1,450 acre tract more fully described in a conveyance from Delfina Benavides Alexander to Delfina Alexander Ochoa and Josefina Alexander Gonzalez, recorded in Volume 414, Pages 502-503, Deed Records, Webb County, Texas said strip of land being a portion of the Test Site Road also known as Casa Verde road in the vicinity of its intersection with Loop 20, situated in Porcion 26, Abstract 282, Agustin Sanchez, Original Grantee, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas.

 

16.    An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to effectively convey fee simple title to the “Surface Only”, at its adjusted market value of $11,824.00, of certain property described as a tract of land containing 13,436.00 sq. ft., more or less, out of that former section of the 200 block of Laredo Street between Sanders Avenue and the west right-of-way line of the Texas Mexican Railroad, to Alexander Investments.  Said tract being situated in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas; provided the City of Laredo will retain the entire street property as a utility easement, being described on the excerpt of a City Plat, and hereby approving the submitted Improvement Plan, as described and which is in compliance with Section 10 of the Street Closing/Sales Policy Handbook, as approved per Resolution No. 91-R-140; and providing for an effective date.

 

17.    An ordinance adopting the Speed Hump Installation Policy of the City of Laredo which establishes procedures and priorities for the speed hump installation, removal, alteration, location, eligibility requirements and cost sharing criteria; providing for publication and effective date.

 

         X.  FINAL READINGS OF ORDINANCES 

 

18.    2000-O-272     Authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 Annual Budget in the amount of $3,211.00 for a grant from the University of Texas Health Science Center-South Texas/Border Region Health Professional Education Initiative, for health related materials; providing for effective date.  (Council Member John C. Galo)

 

 

2000-O-273     Adopting the 2000 International Fire Prevention Code; relating to the inspection activities of the City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas and enforcement of the Fire Prevention Provisions as provided in said Code, providing for the abatement of Fire Hazards and providing for penalties for violations of said Codes, repealing all ordinances inconsistent with this Code; and adding or amending certain provisions of the 2000 International Fire Prevention Code; providing for effective date; and providing for publication.  (As Amended) (Mayor Pro-Tempore Joe A. Guerra)

 

 

2000-O-274     Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for above ground fuel storage on 9.50 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located at 8016 Farm to Market 1472 (Mines Road); providing for publication and effective date.  (As Amended) (Council Member Jose A. Valdez, Jr.)

                       

 

2000-O-275     Amending the FY 2000-2001 budget in the amount of $55,668.00 in additional funds for the Children’s Health Insurance (CHIP) Outreach Project of the City of Laredo Health Department and extending the term period from February 1, 2000, through August 31, 2001, and increasing the revenue line item 226-0000-323-4082 from $111,336.00 to $167,004.00, and expenditure line item 226-6022 from $111,336.00 to $167,004.00. (City Council)    

 

 

2000-O-276     An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute an assignment of the lease for Building No. 55 from Valero Development Corporation to Region One Education Services Center and authorizing the City Manager to amend the lease agreement for Building No. 55 located at 4818 Thomas Avenue at the Laredo International Airport thereby deleting Section 1.05, titled “Appraisal” and adding a new Section 1.05, titled “Additional Rental Escalation”, all other terms and conditions remain unchanged and in effect. (City Council)

 

 

 

 

 

2000-O-277     An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Nextel WIP Lease Corp., A. Delaware Corporation, for space on the top surface of the Del Mar Water Tower located on 6.7 acres out of Block 13, Del Mar Section 1A, Laredo, Webb County, Texas and of lease agreement for the installation and operation of certain antennae facilities (“Antennae Facilities”) for use with its communications business and a parcel of land within the owned premises for the location of an equipment building associated with the Antennae Facilities (the “Equipment Building”).  Term of the lease is ten (10) years commencing November 20, 2000 and ending November 19, 2010, with three (3) successive renewal terms of five (5) years.  Annual base rent shall be $7,700.00 each year during the term of the lease and will be adjusted by three percent (3%) on each anniversary of the commencement date, providing for effective date. (City Council)

                       

2000-O-278     An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Nextel WIP Lease Corp., A Delaware Corporation, for ground space at the Property located at the intersection of Cortez and Laredo, Webb County, Texas and of lease agreement to construct on such premises a 150 ft. high self-supporting type tower and related equipment building for use with its communications business.  Term of the lease is ten (10) years commencing November 20, 2000 and ending November 19, 2010 with three (3) successive renewal terms of five (5) years.  Annual base rent shall be $7,700.00 each year during the term of the lease and will be adjusted by three percent (3%) on each anniversary of the commencement date, providing for effective date. (City Council)

 

2000-O-279     An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Nextel WIP Lease Corp., A Delaware Corporation, for ground space at the South Laredo Waste Water Treatment Plant located at 319 River Front Road, Laredo, Webb County, Texas and of lease agreement to construct on such premises a 250 ft. high self-supporting type tower and related equipment building for use with its communications business.  Term of the lease is ten (10) years commencing November 20, 2000 and ending November 19, 2010, with three (3) successive renewal terms of five (5) years.  Annual base rent shall be $7,700.00 each year during the term of the lease and will be adjusted by three percent (3%) on each anniversary of the commencement date, providing for effective date. (City Council)

 

 

2000-O-280     An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute an abandonment and release of 0.3136 acre utility and drainage easement situated in Procion 23, Abstract 283, Leonardo Sanchez original grantee, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas.  Said 0.3136 acre tract originally being part of 0.6770 acre utility and drainage easement described in the Shiloh Subdivision, Phase I, as recorded in Volumes 5, Page 75, Webb County Plat Records, and being more particularly described by metes and bounds. (City Council)

 

XI.  RESOLUTIONS

 

 

19.    2000-R-157     A resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant in the amount of $15,319,920.00 and a loan for $1,451,000.00 for financial assistance from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for the Colonias Water and Wastewater Improvements Project.  

 

20.    2000-R-159     A resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant from the Texas Department of Health in the amount of $153,470.00 for the HIV/AIDS Prevention Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2001.

 

21.    2000-R-160     A resolution authorizing the acceptance of a donation of a 8.3233 acre tract of land described as Lot Number one (1), Block Number seven (7), Cheyenne II., Subdivision, Phase II., for use as a City park from Z&R Investments.

 

 

22.    2000-R-163     A resolution authorizing the acceptance of a monument, commissioned by Fasken, Oil and Ranch Ltd. to honor the memory of Mrs. Barbara Fasken whose generous donation of land helped to facilitate the construction of th