CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

A-2001-R-02

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

JANUARY 16, 2001

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

 

V.              COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

Announcements

 

Invitations

 

Recognitions

 

a.      Recognition of Armando Gonzalez who received Second place in fighting and fifth place in continuous fighting at the 2000 Sport Karate Amateur Internationals in Savannah, Georgia.

 

b.      Recognition of Irene Flores who placed First in Points Sparring and Third in Traditional Forms at the 2000 Sport Karate Amateur Internationals in Savannah, Georgia.

 

c.      Recognition of O.J. Chavez who placed Third in the Points Sparring and Sixth in the Traditional Forms at the 2000 Sport Karate Amateur Internationals in Savannah, Georgia.

 

Communiqués

 

 VI.    APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

 

   VII.         PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1.   Public hearing amending the contract with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and FY 2000-2001 budget in the amount of $30,850.00 in additional funds for the Children’s Health Insurance (CHIP) Outreach Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the fiscal year 2000-2001 ending August 31, 2001.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

      Amending the contract with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and FY 2000-2001 budget in the amount of $30,850.00 in additional funds for the Children’s Health Insurance (CHIP) Outreach Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the fiscal year 2000-2001 ending August 31, 2001.

 

2.   Public hearing amending Chapter 31, Utilities, Article II Sewer and Sewage Disposal, Division 4 Private Sewage Disposal, of the Laredo Code of Ordinances, Section 31.81 and 31.82, authorizing an on-site sewage facility permit fee; and authorizing a penalty for violation of this ordinance; and providing for effective date and publication.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending Chapter 31, Utilities, Article II Sewer and Sewage Disposal, Division 4 Private Sewage Disposal, of the Laredo Code of Ordinances, Section 31.81 and 31.82, authorizing an on-site sewage facility permit fee; and authorizing a penalty for violation of this ordinance; and providing for effective date and publication.

 

3.      Public hearing amending Chapter 25, of the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances entitled Plumbing, specifically, Section 25-3, code adopted, by adopting the 2000 Edition of the International Plumbing Code and Modifying Appending A, Section 101.1, 106.5.2., 106.5.3., 108.4.,108.5., 305.6.1, and 904.1. of said code in order to tailor it to the specific needs of the City of Laredo; deleting Section 25-65; repealing all other Ordinances and parts of any Ordinance in conflict herewith; providing for publication and effective date.

 

 INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending Chapter 25, of the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances entitled Plumbing, specifically, Section 25-3, code adopted, by adopting the 2000 Edition of the International Plumbing Code and modifying Appendix A, Sections 101.1, 106.5.2., 106.5.3., 108.4., 108.5., 305.6.1, and 904.1. of said Code in order to tailor it to the specific needs of the City of Laredo; deleting Section 25-65; repealing all other ordinances and parts of any ordinance in conflict herewith; providing for publication and effective date.

 

 

4.      Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning all of Block 45, Calton Gardens Subdivision, located at 510 W. Canal St., from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) and B-3 (Community Business District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the proposed zone change.  This is an appeal from an unfavorable recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning all of Block 45, Calton Gardens Subdivision, located at 510 W. Canal St., from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) and B-3 (Community Business District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the proposed zone change.  This is an appeal from an unfavorable recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission.

 

 

VIII.   GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

     

5.      A.   Request by Council Member John C. Galo

 

1.      Status report on the Chacon/Meadow Bridge.

 

2.      Status report on the Chacon Creek cleanup and land acquisition, with possible action.

 

B.     Request by Council Member Johnny Amaya

 

1.   Status report on the Albert Ochoa Park playground equipment, with possible action.

 

C.  Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez

 

1.   Discussion with possible action regarding the City Cemetery (Veterans section) needs and improvements.

 

2.   Status report on the Import lot.

 

3.   Discussion on the Tatangelo Walkway regarding possibility of opening for vehicular traffic, with possible action.

             

               (Recess)

(Press Availability)

 

 

 

 

   IX.  INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

 

6.      An Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a License Agreement with Nextel Partners, Inc. for a 35’ x 40” ground space located at 1101 Garden St., Laredo, Webb County, Texas, and being more fully described in License Agreement; for the installation and operation of a temporary mobile mini-cell site, for use with its communications business.  Term of the lease is 90 days commencing January 22, 2001 and ending April 21, 2001.  In lieu of rent Licensee will construct a 6ft, 35’ x 40’, heavy duty chain link fence, with double-drive gate and a man gate, all posts set in concrete, with 3 strands of barbed wire as described in License Agreement; providing for effective date.

 

 

 

         X.  FINAL READINGS OF ORDINANCES 

 

 

7.      2001-O-011     Authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $161,793.00 for the Tuberculosis Prevention/Control Federal Project.  The Texas Department of Health has awarded a $161,793.00 grant to the City of Laredo for the period beginning January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2001. (City Council)

 

2001-O-012     Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for a soft drink distributor on Lot 8 and the N1/2 of Lot 6, Block 485, Western Division, located at 309 Park St.; providing for publication and effective date.  (As Amended)  (Council Member Juan Ramirez)

 

2001-O-013     Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 0.403 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located east of San Dario Ave. and south of Lost Oaks Rd., from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date. (Mayor Pro-Tempore Joe A. Guerra)

 

2001-O-014     Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 5, Del Mar Village Subdivision, located at 102 W. Village Blvd., from R-0 (Residential-Office District) to B-1 (Limited Business District); providing for publication and effective date.  (Mayor Pro-Tempore Joe A. Guerra)

 

2001-O-015     Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 0.010 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located east of Bob Bullock Loop and north of Del Mar Blvd., from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date. (Mayor Pro-Tempore Joe A. Guerra)

 

2001-O-016     Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 14.0061 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located north of Cielito Lindo Blvd. and east of Hwy. 83, from AG (Agricultural District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date.  (As Amended)  (Council Member Alfredo Agredano)

 

2001-O-017     Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 129.9939 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located north of Cielito Lindo Blvd. and east of Hwy. 83, from AG (Agricultural District) to R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District); providing for publication and effective date. (Council Member Alfredo Agredano)

 

2001-O-019     Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 5, Block 1018, Eastern Division, located at 1820 Bayard St., from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date. (As Amended)  (Council Member Alfredo Agredano)

 

2001-O-020     Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, 2, 3 and 4, Block 3, San Isidro/McPherson No. 3 Subdivision, located at 9802 McPherson Rd., from B-1 (Limited Business District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date.  (Mayor Pro-Tempore Joe A. Guerra)

 

2001-O-021     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 Lots 1 and 2, Block 101, Western Division, located at 520 Farragut St.; providing for publication and effective date.  (Council Member Louis H. Bruni)

 

2001-O-022     An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Webb County Juvenile Board for approximately 100,357 square feet of land located at 4602 North Bartlett Avenue.  Lease term is for three (3) years commencing on January 1, 2001 and ending on December 31, 2003; lease may be terminated by either party upon giving a one hundred and eighty (180) day written notice.  Monthly rent shall be $1,775.00 and will be adjusted annually according to changes in the Consumer Price Index; providing for an effective date.  (City Council except Council Member Johnny Amaya and Council Member Eliseo Valdez, Jr.)

 

2001-O-023     An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with the Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association, Inc. (WBCA) for approximately fifteen (15.0) acres of concrete ramp located on the southwest cargo ramp of the Air Operations Area of the Laredo International Airport for a term of one (1) day, on February 18, 2001.  City Council finds and declares that a valid public purpose would be served in setting the rental fee at $1.00; providing for effective date.  (City Council)

 

2001-O-024     An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Labata Services for approximately 6,166 square feet constituting a vehicular parking located at 5003 Maher Avenue at the Laredo International Airport.  Lease term is for eight (8) years and ten (10) months commencing on December 2000 and ending on September 30, 2009.  Monthly rent shall be $180.00 and will be adjusted annually according to changes in the Consumer Price Index; providing for effective date.  (City Council)

 

2001-O-025     An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to enter into a lease agreement by and between the Laredo Municipal Transit System and the City of Laredo Department of Community Development for the lease of 6,628 sq. ft. of building space at the Laredo Intermodal Transit Center located at 1301 Farragut (East), for the monthly sum of $3,976.80; to be paid as follows: Community Development Block Grant $3,022.36; Home Investment Partnership Program $198.85; and City of Laredo General Fund $755.59; providing for an effective date.  (City Council)

 

 

 

XI.  RESOLUTIONS

 

8.      2001-R-005     A resolution declaring the public necessity to acquire the “Surface Only” of two parcels of land for the extension of Bartlett Avenue.  Said parcels being Tract “A”, containing 3,560.74 sq. ft., more or less, and Tract “B”, containing 3,424.89 sq. ft., more or less, being out of the H.B. Zachry Property, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, being generally described below, and more particularly described by metes and bounds, and authorizing staff to negotiate with the owner for the acquisition of said parcels by purchase at a market value to be established by a State Certified Real Estate Appraiser, and further authorizing the City Attorney to initiate condemnation proceedings to acquire said parcels if staff is unable to acquire through negotiations due to inability to agree to a purchase price, conflict of ownership, owner refusal to sell, and/or inability to locate the listed owner.           

 

9.      2001-R-006     A resolution declaring the public necessity to acquire the “Surface Only” of six blocks of land for the development of the Riverfront Project.  Said six blocks            being blocks 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, and 627, Western Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, being delineated on City Plat; and authorizing staff to negotiate with the owners for the acquisition of said six parcels by purchase at a market value to be established by a State Certified Real Estate Appraiser, and further authorizing the City Attorney to initiate condemnation proceedings to acquire said six blocks if staff is unable to acquire through negotiations due to inability to agree to a purchase price, conflict of ownership, owner refusal to sell, and/or inability to locate a listed owner.

 

 

XII.    MOTIONS

 

 

10.       Consideration to authorize the purchase of three cab and chassis trucks for the Public Works Department, through the Houston Galveston Area Council of Governments (HGAC) - Cooperative Purchasing Program, in the total amount of $242,283.71.  Refuse packer bodies will be mounted on these units which will be assigned to the Sanitation Division.   Delivery is expected within 120 days.  Funds for the purchase of these trucks are available in the Solid Waste Fund. 

 

11.       Consideration to authorize the purchase of three dump trucks for the Public Works Department, through the Houston Galveston Area Council of Governments (HGAC) - Cooperative Purchasing Program, in the total amount of $206,134.60.  These dump trucks will be assigned to the Sanitation Division.   Delivery is expected within 120 days.  Funds for the purchase of these trucks are available in the Solid Waste Fund.   

 

12.       Consideration to authorize the purchase of a replacement runway sweeper for the Airport Department, through the Houston Galveston Area Council of Governments (HGAC) - Cooperative Purchasing Program, in the total amount of $125,865.30.   Delivery is expected within 150 days.  Funds for the purchase of this sweeper are available in the Airport Fund. 

 

13.       Consideration to award contract number FY01-034, to the LOW BIDDER, The Newman Group, Dexter, MI., in the amount of $68,803.00, for providing an annual maintenance contract for the City’s Institutional Network (I-Net) switching equipment.  This contract includes technical support, equipment replacement for defective parts, and software upgrades for all I-Net equipment purchased by the City.

 

14.       Consideration to award annual supply contract number FY01-037, to the LOW BIDDERS, Hersey Meters Inc., Cleveland, N. C., in the estimated amount of $106,974.20, and U. S. Filter, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $4,705.00, for the purchase of water meters for the Utilities Department.  The bid pricing will be fixed for a one year period and will allow the department to purchase meters on an as needed basis.  Funds for the purchase of these meters are available in the Utilities Department budget.

 

15.       Consideration to award annual supply contracts (FY01-039) to the LOW BIDDERS MEETING SPECIFICATIONS, Goodyear Auto Service, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $203,987.00 and A to Z Tire & Battery, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $48,643.32 to supply tires and tubes for all City vehicles.   Tires are purchased on an as needed basis. Funding is available in the Fleet Fund.   

               

16.       Consideration to award contract number FY01-041, to the SOLE BIDDER, Duncan Industries Parking Control Systems Corp., Harrison, AR., in the amount of $35,226.80, for the purchase of electronic parking meter mechanisms, parking meter assemblies, and parking meter yokes.  Funds are available in the Traffic Safety Department - Traffic Parking Division.

 

17.       Consideration to award contract FY01-042, to the LOW BIDDER, Pro-Bike, Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $54,629.55, for the purchase of forty-five (45) replacement bicycles for the Police Department.  Funding for the purchase of these bicycles is available in the Police Trust Fund. 

 

18.       Consideration to renew for one additional year, contract number FY00-046 awarded to Star Operations Inc., Corpus Christi, Texas for an amount not to exceed $400,000.00 for the furnishing of materials, machinery, equipment, labor, and all other services necessary for maintenance of street lights (not maintained by CP &L) and traffic signals and authorizing City Manager to sign any and all contract documents. The contract includes electrical services for traffic signals and streetlights, and for installation, construction, and underground work, for new/upgraded traffic signals and for the installation and maintenance of streetlights. This contract also contains provisions for City departmental electrical service projects and repairs.  Funding for this service is available in the Traffic Department budget and the Capital Improvement Fund.

 

 

19.       Consideration to authorize the purchase of two (2), Life Pak-12, defibulators/monitors for the EMS Division, from the SOLE SOURCE PROVIDER, Physio Control Corporation, Remond, WA., in the total amount $23,184.60.  Funding is available in the Fire Department Operations Budget.  

 

 

20.       Consideration to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract for the purchase of 71.65 acre-feet of class “A” irrigation, 21.495 acre-feet class “B” irrigation, and 3.58 acre-feet class “B” mining water rights from John S. McKendrick Jr. and his wife, Heather McKendrick, for the sum of $57,318.75.  The water rights convert to 45.855 acre-feet of municipal water.  Funding is available in the Water Availability Fund.

 

 

21.       Consideration to approve Amendment No. 1 to a contract with Turner, Collie and Braden to develop standard technical specifications, design criteria, and a computer-based hydraulic model to be used in the Colonias Project.  The model will allow an accurate evaluation of the hydraulic and economic impact caused by possible expansions to the Colonias infrastructure service area.  The $51,650.00 amendment brings the contract total to $1,096,050.00.  The cost of this amendment will be funded by the Colonias Grant except for $28,000.00 for the modeling portion, which will be covered with Water and Wastewater Bond funds.

 

22.              Consideration to approve monthly adjustments to the tax roll.  The amount to be adjusted for the month of December 2000, which represents a decrease in levy, is $24,598.39.  These adjustments are determined by the Webb County Appraisal District and by Court Orders.

 

23.       Consideration to refund property tax to the following taxpayers:

 

a.                  A refund in the amount of $537.00 for Jose Luis & wife Veronica Celada due to a double payment by Mr. & Mrs. Celada and International Bank of Commerce.

 

b.                  A refund in the amount of $787.61 for Jesus L. & wife Lourdes Cortez due to a change of value certified by the Webb County Appraisal Review Board.

 

c.                  A refund in the amount of $4,578.95 for Eluid & Adria L. Acevedo due to a double payment by Mr. and Mrs. Acevedo and their mortgage company.

 

24.       Consideration for acceptance of the Springfield Road Extension Project (from Michigan Ave. to the east property line of Hilltop Subdivision, approximately 875 linear feet) and approval of final payment in the amount of $6,192.50 to Pete Gallegos Paving, Inc., Laredo, Texas.  Final contract amount is $61,925.00.  Funding is available in the Capital Improvement Fund – Hilltop Subdivision II.

 

25.       Consideration for approval of the selection of a consultant for the Plaza Theater Improvements and authorization to negotiate a professional services contract.  Funding is available in the Community Development 26th Action Year Plaza Theater.

 

26.       Consideration for approval of final change order no. 1, a decrease of $21,395.93 for the balance of quantities actually constructed in place, acceptance of the CDBG Sidewalks Project No. 11-C (26 blocks) and approval of final payment in the amount of $43,668.54 to Cherokee Bridge & Road, Junction, Texas.  Final contract amount is $160,102.17.  Funding is available in the Community Development 23rd Action Year CD Projects/Sidewalk.

 

27.       Consideration to authorize the issuance of a request for proposals (RFP) for the School Zone Safety Study for Laredo, Texas, which will evaluate the area around selected schools in order to resolve pedestrian and vehicular conflicts and to identify specific improvements that would increase the safety of pedestrians, as well as identify possible funding sources for such improvements.  The MPO has budgeted $70,000.00 for the project and funding is available through the MPO account.

 

28.       Consideration to authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for the Ryan Street Railroad Bridge Conversion and Zacate Creek Pedestrian and Bicycle Facility Project.  The Texas Transportation Commission selected the project and awarded a maximum of $571,200.00.  The City’s estimated contribution is $142,800.00.  Funding is available from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).

 

29.              Consideration to authorize the issuance of a request for proposals (RFP) for the Corridor Intersection Analysis Phase II for Laredo, Texas, which will identify necessary capital improvements at key intersections to enhance the safety of traveling public and expedite the flow of cars and trucks to and through Laredo.  The study will provide location and impact of infrastructure deficiencies along identified corridors, capital improvement alternatives, cost estimates, alternative circulation recommendations and order of implementation for proposed improvements.  The MPO has budgeted $72,000.00 for the project and funding is available in the MPO Account.

 

30.       Consideration to award a contract to Vision Empresarial, de Nuevo Laredo, S.A. de C.V., a Mexican Corporation which runs the Tecolotes De Los Dos Laredos, a professional “Triple A” Mexican Baseball League, for twenty (20) regular season games to be played at Veterans Field during the 2001 season and declaring that this award serves a valid public purpose.  Funding is available in the Tecolote Contract line item number 245-3310-553-5543 for $128,000.00

 

31.       Consideration to award two-year contracts (FY01-020) to thirty-four, qualified book and audio-visual vendors for library materials collection development for databases, books and audio-visual products.  Approximately $550,000.00 is allocated each fiscal year for the purchase of library materials.  Funding for the 2001-2002 fiscal year is subject to appropriated amounts.  Funding for FY 2000--2001 is available in the Library budget.

 

32.       Consideration to approve the assignment of a lease between the City of Laredo and STPCS Joint Venture, LLC d/b/a Sol Communications to VoiceStream Wireless Corporation and VoiceStream BTA I Corporation; with all provisions of the lease remaining in full force and effect.

 

XIII.   STAFF REPORT

           

33.       Presentation regarding the creation of future ordinances and policies designed to achieve meaningful water conservation through long-term reduction in individual use of water.  Staff will discuss the use of industry and citizen-based focus groups to assist in the project.

 

34.              Presentation by the Traffic Safety Department on cost estimates and breakdown for the conversion of the export lot at Bridge I to a parking facility.

 

35.       Status report on the 2000-2001 Street Recycling Project (133.5 Blocks), with possible action.

 

 

 

XIV.     EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

The City Council hereby reserves the right to go into executive session at any time during this public meeting, when it deems it necessary to consult privately with its attorney about any item upon this agenda, pursuant to the provisions of Section 551.071(2) of the Texas Government Code.

 

 

XV.   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, January 10, 2001 at 6:00 p.m.

                                                                    

 

 

                                                                         Gustavo Guevara, Jr.

                                                          City Secretary[fp1] 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 [fp1]