CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

A-2001-R-05

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

FEBRUARY 20, 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 A. Ralph Cantu Director of the Laredo Outpatient’s Clinic for his outstanding commitment in helping the Veterans of La Salle County, Jim Hogg County, Duval County, Zavala County, Zapata County, and Webb County.

 

b.      Recognition of United South High School Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball Teams for winning the 30-5A District Championships.

 

c.      Recognition of Capt. Ivan Perez, of the Laredo Police Department who graduated from the 203rd Session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy (FBINA), in Quantico, Virginia, in December 2000.

 

Communiqués

 

 VI.    APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

 

   VII.         PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1.   Public hearing authorizing the City Manager to revert the 28.5 acre-feet of municipal water rights to the Sacred Heart Children’s Home (Grantor) at the expiration of the water rights contract and authorizing the City Manager to execute all releases.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Authorizing the City Manager to revert the 28.5 acre-feet of municipal water rights to the Sacred Heart Children’s Home (Grantor) at the expiration of the water rights contract and authorizing the City Manager to execute all releases.

 

2.   Public hearing amending the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 budget in the amount of $12,395.00 from program income towards the purchase of equipment for the Immunization Action Plan Project budget of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period September 1, 2000 through August 31, 2001. 

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 budget in the amount of $12,395.00 from program income towards the purchase of equipment for the Immunization Action Plan Project budget of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period September 1, 2000 through August 31, 2001.

 

3.      Public hearing amending 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 at the current prevailing rate, and outside 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 I, In General, Section 2-3.  Fees for City Services, Subsection (b) providing for postage, certified mail – return receipt requested at the current prevailing rate, and outside the U.S., or Priority, Express or International mail at the prevailing rate; providing for severability;  publication and effective date.

 

4.      Public hearing amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances, Chapter 21, Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions, Article V, Alarm Systems, specifically Section 21-78(g) by clarifying the definition of “Medical Alert Alarm Notification”; and Section 21-82, by adding a $75.00 service charge for false fire or medical alarms; and Section 21-89, by increasing the deadline to appeal; and Section 21-89, by increasing the deadline to appeal a denial or suspension of an alarm permit, from ten to thirty days; providing for severability, publication and effective date.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances, Chapter 21, Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions, Article V, Alarm Systems, specifically Section 21-78(g) by clarifying the definition of “Medical Alert Alarm Notification”; and Section 21-82, by adding a $75.00 service charge for false fire or medical alarms; and Section 21-89, by increasing the deadline to appeal; and Section 21-89, by increasing the deadline to appeal a denial or suspension of an alarm permit, from ten to thirty days; providing for severability, publication and effective date.

 

5.      Public hearing amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances, Chapter 31, Utilities, Article III, Water, Division 3, Rates and Charges, specifically Section 31-138(b)(6)(a), Water Rates and availability by increasing the Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) check services charge from $15.00 to $25.00; and amending Chapter 2, Administration, Article I, in general Section 2-3, Fees for City Services, by adding subparagraph (e) to establish a $25.00 charge by all City Departments for all returned checks, drafts and money orders due to non-sufficient funds or Stop Payments, and also reversed Credit Card Charges, providing for publication, severability and effective date.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

 

Amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances, Chapter 31, Utilities, Article III, Water, Division 3, Rates and Charges, specifically Section 31-138(b)(6)(a), Water Rates and availability by increasing the Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) check services charge from $15.00 to $25.00; and amending Chapter 2, Administration, Article I, in general Section 2-3, Fees for City Services, by adding subparagraph (e) to establish a $25.00 charge by all City Departments for all returned checks, drafts and money orders due to non-sufficient funds or Stop Payments, and also reversed Credit Card Charges, providing for publication, severability and effective date.

 

6.      Public hearing authorizing the City Manager to accept and execute a Budget Amendment to the Transit Operations Budget by appropriating additional revenues, in the amount of $352,539.00 ($314,956.00 from additional State Oil Overcharge Funds and $37,583.00 from Sales Tax Reserve), and increasing the Transit Operations Expense Budget by $352,539.00 from $8,916,959.00 to $9,269,498.00, and authorizing the City Manager to execute said transfers.

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Authorizing the City Manager to accept and execute a Budget Amendment to the Transit Operations Budget by appropriating additional revenues, in the amount of $352,539.00 ($314,956.00 from additional State Oil Overcharge Funds and $37,583.00 from Sales Tax Reserve), and increasing the Transit Operations Expense Budget by $352,539.00 from $8,916,959.00 to $9,269,498.00, and authorizing the City Manager to execute said transfers.

 

7.      Public hearing amending Chapter 19, Motor Vehicle and Traffic, Article XVIII, stopping, standing or parking and Article X.  Impoundment of vehicles of the Code of Ordinances, City of Laredo:  Specifically Section 19-355, Minimum Fines for Parking Violations, Section 19-360, Parking Meters, Section 19-375, Definitions, Section 19-378, Booting or Towing, and creating Section 19-363, Statement Fees, and Section 19-364, Special Fees and Permits, and providing for publication and effective date.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending Chapter 19, Motor Vehicle and Traffic, Article XVIII, Stopping, standing or parking and Article X.  Impoundment of vehicles of the Code of Ordinances, City of Laredo:  Specifically Section 19-355, Minimum Fines for Parking Violations, Section 19-360, Parking Meters, Section 19-375, Definitions, Section 19-378, Booting or Towing, and creating Section 19-363, Statement Fees, and Section 19-364, Special Fees and Permits, and providing for publication and effective date.

 

 

VIII.   GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

8.      A.   Request by Council Member Louis H. Bruni

 

1.      Status report on acquiring regional Jet service for the Laredo Houston/Houston Laredo route, Laredo Dallas/Dallas Laredo route, with possible action.

 

2.      Discussion and possible action on posting the status of all City of Laredo projects and ongoing projects on the City of Laredo Home Page, with possible action.

 

3.      Status report on the proposed recommendation by the Transportation Traffic and Safety Advisory Committee on placing Thomas St. and Maher St. as our new truck route, with possible action.

 

4.      Status report on the possible pollution of Lake Casa Blanca from present or future commercial and residential encroachment, with possible action.

 

B.  Request by Council Member John C. Galo

 

1.      Status report on the drainage problem at 400 S. Seymour, with possible action.

 

2.      Status report on the finding of additional locations for youth boxing facilities, with possible action.

 

3.   Report on the tax relief available for residents in the vicinity of South Meadow, who are affected by the construction at the Chacon Creek Bridge, with possible action.

 

 

 

C.  Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore Joe A. Guerra

 

1.   Request by Danny La Duque and members of The BEST Organization to discuss concerns and issues about the El Lift Vans and issues at the Laredo Public Library, with possible action.

 

 

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

 

1.      Discussion with possible action regarding traffic concerns around Farias, Santa Maria, Finley and Kazen Elementary Schools.

 

2.      Discussion with possible action regarding park improvements in District 7, specifically, at Father McNaboe Park.

 

 

E.   Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez

 

1.      Discussion with possible action on the status of installing parking meters on the 600 block of Farragut, 600 block of Hidalgo, and the 600-700 block of San Eduardo.

 

2.      Status report on the traffic study for the downtown area around San Agustin Plaza and the Center for the Arts.

 

3.      Discussion with possible action establishing a committee to deal with taxi operators and shuttle van operators.

 

 

               (Recess)

(Press Availability)

 

   IX.  INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

 

 

9.         An ordinance setting the maximum speed limits on that portion of Del Mar Boulevard between McPherson Road and Winfield Parkway, within the City limits of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, as 30 miles per hour and 40 miles per hour, as defined in the Control Section Map provided by the City of Laredo, Traffic Safety Department.

 

 

10.       An ordinance closing as a public easement that section of the 2000 block of Poggenpohl between Vidaurri and Santa Isabel Avenues situated in the Western Division, City of Laredo, County of Webb, and providing for an effective date.

 

 

11.       An ordinance amending Ordinance No. 98-O-189, (closure of that section of Zaragoza St. between Flores and Convent Aves. to vehicular traffic), to allow entrance and exit by small delivery, refuse collector, and grease disposal vehicles which provide services to merchants abutting said former street, provided however, that they appropriately use the space designated by the architectural design of the pedestrian walkway and comply with the provision of all City ordinances which affect the San Agustin Historic District; and providing for an effective date.

 

 

 

         X.  FINAL READINGS OF ORDINANCES 

 

 

12.    2001-O-040     Amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances Chapter 33, Environmental Protection, Article 1, by repealing Section 33-1 and approving and adopting Section 33-1 as written hereunder including the establishment of the Citizen’s Environmental Advisory Committee, its membership, terms of office, methods of appointment, authority, duties, and other terms and conditions and providing for publication and effective date.   (City Council)

 

 

2001-O-041     Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for a child day care center on Lot 200, Block 10, Del Mar Hills Subdivision, Section I, Area “A”, located at 618 Idylwood Ln.; providing for publication and effective date. (As Amended) (Mayor Pro-Tempore Joe A. Guerra)

        

 

2001-O-042     An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with FedJones, L.L.C., for Tract 8 of the Subdivision Plat of the Laredo Passenger Terminal Subdivision containing approximately 2.82 acres at the Laredo International Airport.  Lease term is for forty (40) years commencing on March 1, 2001 and ending on February 28, 2041.  Monthly rent shall be $1,740.25 and will be adjusted annually according to changes in the Consumer Price Index not to exceed 2.5% per year and further adjusted at every 10th anniversary by an appraisal to determine Market Value; providing for an effective date.  (City Council)

 

 

2001-O-043      An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Laredo Webb County American Red Cross for approximately 491 square feet constituting Suite No. 2 of Building No. S-1 located at 1718 E. Calton Road at the Laredo International Airport.  Lease term is for one (1) year commencing on February 1, 2001 and ending on January 31, 2002, and may be extended for one (1) year ending on January 31, 2003.  However, it is agreed by the parties that the lease may be terminated by either party on not less than thirty (30) days’ written notice from the party terminating to the other.  Monthly rent shall be $315.00 and will be adjusted annually during the primary and extension term of this lease according to changes in the Consumer Price Index; providing for an effective date.  (City Council)

 

 

2001-O-044     An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Region One Education Service Center for Tract 2, Block 9 of the Subdivision Plat of Laredo Airport containing approximately 10,562 square feet constituting Building No. 979 located at 4717 Daugherty Avenue at the Laredo International Airport.  Lease term is for one (1) year commencing on December 1, 2000 and ending on November 30, 2001.  However, it is agreed by the parties that the lease may be terminated by either party on not less than thirty (30) days’ written notice from the party terminating to the other.  Monthly rent shall be $4,525.00; providing for an effective date.  (City Council)

 

 

2001-O-045     An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Region One Education Service Center for approximately 4,234 square feet constituting Building No. 1054 located at 4812 North Bartlett Avenue at the Laredo International Airport.  Lease term is for one (1) year commencing on February 1, 2001 and ending on January 31, 2002, and may be extended for one (1) year ending on January 31, 2003. However, it is agreed by the parties that the lease may be terminated by either party on not less than thirty (30) days’ written notice from the party terminating to the other.  Monthly rent shall be $3,960.00 and will be adjusted annually during the primary and extension term of this lease according to changes in the Consumer Price Index; providing for an effective date.

 

2001-O-046     An ordinance amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances, Chapter 28, Article III, Division 2, entitled Rental Rates for Facility, Personnel and Equipment; specifically §28-86, definitions by clarifying, adding and deleting terms; also §28-87, Rates and Fees, by increasing rental rates for Civic Center Facilities and equipment, and establishing rates for the Auditorium Lobby, grounds, rehearsal and move-in/move-out activities, and merchandise sales; providing for severability and effective date. (City Council)

 

 

XI.  RESOLUTIONS

 

13.    2001-R-014     A resolution resolving that the City Manager be authorized to execute a Estoppel, Non-Disturbance and Attornment Agreement between the City of Laredo, as Lessor, and FedJones Laredo, L.L.C., as Lessee, and Commerce Bank N.A., as Lender, and Federal Express Corporation, as Sublessee, thereby encumbering the lease agreement approved by Ordinance No. 2001-O-042 dated February 20, 2001 for an approximate 2.82 acre tract being Tract No. 8 of the Subdivision Plat of the Laredo Passenger Terminal Subdivision.

 

14.    2001-R-017     A resolution declaring the public necessity to acquire the “Surface Only” of one parcel of land for the widening of Springfield Avenue.  Said parcel being legally described as the East 25.44 feet of Lot 5, Block 194, Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas; being delineated on attached copy of City Plat; and authorizing staff to negotiate with the owner for the acquisition of said parcel by purchase at market value to be established by a State Certified Real Estate Appraiser.

15.    2001-R-018     A resolution accepting the donation of the “Surface Only” of a 0.2580 of an acre, more or less, tract of land, from the United Independent School District, for the extension of Avenida Los Presidentes.  Said tract of land being situated in Porcion 33, Jose Dionicio Trevino, Original Grantee, Abstract 3084, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas; being generally described below, and more particularly described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A”.           

 

16.    2001-R-019     A resolution approving and adopting the City of Laredo Parks and Recreation Recovery Action Program 2001.

 

17.    2001-R-020     A resolution accepting the assignment of 2.3404 acre feet of municipal water rights from the balance of 29.9297 acre feet deeded to the City of Laredo by Richard E. Haynes in payment of water availability charges and 3.88389 acre feet of municipal water rights in payment of annexation charges in connection with the final plat of James Haynes Industrial Park, Unit III and 2.3715 acre feet of municipal water rights in payments of water availability charges in connection with the final plat of James Haynes Industrial Park, Unit I.

 

18.    2001-R-021     A resolution authorizing the removal of the traffic signal located at the intersection of Garden Street and Salinas Avenue due to the lack in conditions that warrant a traffic signal device.

 

19.    2001-R-022     A resolution accepting the assignment of 49.9445 acre feet of municipal water rights from the balance of 505.578 acre feet deeded to the City of Laredo by Vaquillas Ranch Company, Ltd. by applying 6.9 acre feet of municipal water rights for water availability charges and 12.6 acre feet for annexation charges in connection with the final plat of Concord Hills Community Phase I; .865 acre feet of municipal water rights for water availability charges and .2 acre feet for annexation charges in connection with the final plat of Concord Hills Community Phase II; 16.2 acre feet of municipal water rights for water availability charges and 10.8 acre feet for annexation charges in connection with the final plat of Concord Hills Community Phase III; 1.2795 acre feet of municipal water rights for water availability charges and .4 acre feet for annexation charges in connection with the final plat of Concord Hills Community Phase XI; and .5 acre feet of municipal water rights for water availability charges and .2 acre feet for annexation charges in connection with the final plat of Concord Hills Community Phase XII.

20.    2001-R-023     A resolution authorizing the use of surplus proceeds from the City of Laredo - Public Property Finance Contractual Obligations (PPFCO), Series 97-B, in the amount of $12,000.00, to repair the pump and for the purchase of two Akron valves needed to re-certify a 1997 Pierce Saber Fire Pumper for fire suppression duty.  This truck is being repaired after being involved in a vehicle collision in April 2000.  

 

 

XII.    MOTIONS

 

21.       Consideration to award contract number FY01-049, to the LOW BIDDER, Davis Truck and Equipment Co., Inc., San Antonio, Texas, in the amount of $128,820.00, for the purchase of three, refuse collection packer units.  These refuse packer bodies will be mounted on these cab and chassis units recently ordered for the Sanitation Division.   Delivery is expected within 45 days after receipt of the cab and chassis units.  Funds for the purchase of these units are available in the Solid Waste Fund.

 

22.       Consideration to award contract number FT01-056, to the LOW BIDDER, A-1 Scale Service, Inc., San Antonio, Texas, in the amount of $51,112.00, for the purchase of a new truck scale and the rehabilitation of the existing truck scale at the City landfill.  Funding for this project has been allocated in the Solid Waste Fund.

 

23.       Consideration to exercise the renewal option for contract FY99-124, awarded to UTW Tire Collection Services, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated annual amount of $28,000.00, for the removal and disposal of tires at the City landfill.  The term of this contract will be for one year with an option to renew for three, additional twelve-month periods.  Staff estimates that approximately 260 tons of tires will be removed, however, this contract is based on actual tons of tires removed and disposed from the landfill.  Funding is available in the Solid Waste Fund.  

 

24.       Consideration to authorize the purchase of six barrier gates and controllers from the SOLE PROVIDER, Magnetic Automation Corp., Rockledge, Fl., in the amount of $24,400.00.  These barrier gates will be installed at the Colombia Bridge toll lanes and will be integrated into the City's automated electronic toll system.  Funding is available in the Bridge Fund.                   

 

25.       Consideration to authorize a repair contract to the SOLE SOURCE PROVIDER, Allen-Stuart Equipment Co. Inc., Houston, Texas, in the amount of $19,760.00, for repairs needed to the wastewater treatment compressor.  This unit provides oxygen for the treatment process and is one of three used at the Zacate Wastewater Treatment Plant.  Funding is available in the Utilities Department – Wastewater Fund.

 

26.       Consideration to approve the bid specifications and authorizing the City Manager to solicit bids to purchase an Index C Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting vehicle for the Laredo International Airport.  Funding is available in the Land Sale Proceeds in Account No. 433-3687-565-9004.

 

27.              Consideration to refund property tax to the following taxpayers and companies:

 

a.            A refund in the amount of $653.55 for Guadalupe Moreno, Jr. due to a Webb County Appraisal District change of value certified by the Appraisal Review Board.

 

b.            A refund in the amount of $638.25 payable to the International Bank of Commerce due to a split property as per Webb County Appraisal District change of value certified by the Appraisal Review Board.

 

c.            A refund in the amount of $601.37 payable to Jose M. Soto due to a double payment.  The mortgage company is responsible for the tax payment.

 

d.            A refund in the amount of $1,250.73 payable to Ricardo and Diana V. Martinez due to a double payment.  The mortgage company is responsible for the tax payment.

 

e.            A refund in the amount of $680.91 payable to Enrique Becerra due to a double payment.  The Laredo National Bank is responsible for the tax payment.

 

f.              A refund in the amount of $1,725.51 payable to Eden Park due to a change of value certified by the Appraisal Review Board.

 

g.            A refund in the amount of $568.29 for Belinda Lou Gonzalez due to double payment made by the taxpayer and the mortgage company.

     

28.       Consideration to approve monthly adjustments to the tax roll.  The amount to be adjusted for the month of January 2001, which represents a decrease in levy, is $53,001.43.  These adjustments are determined by the Webb County Appraisal District and by Court Orders.

 

29.       Consideration to adopt the revised City of Laredo Protocol Handbook Second Edition and the revised Priority Procedures Handbook for the Mayor and City Council Second Edition and to include allowing other technical and clarifying corrections to the handbook, as defined by the author and consistent with the intent of the Council.

 

30.       Consideration for approval of consultant and approval to award an engineering contract to Sherfey Engineering Company, L.L.C., Laredo, Texas, for an amount not to exceed $124,800.00 for design and preparation of plans and specifications for the Extension of Jacaman Road from Bob Bullock Loop west to the Airport property line and Sinatra Parkway from the current terminus of Sinatra north to the intersection of Jacaman Road in conjunction with the Laredo Entertainment Center Project.  Funding is available in the Purchase Professional Services.

 

31.       Consideration to approve award of an engineering contract to Naismith Engineering, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for an amount not to exceed $25,000.00 for design and preparation of plans and specifications for the Feasibility Study to construct a bridge in the vicinity of Zacate Creek by San Francisco Avenue and Canal Street.  Funding is available in the Community Development 26th Action Year Canal Street (San Francisco Study).

 

32.       Consideration to approve award of an engineering contract to Flores Engineering Company, Laredo, Texas, for an amount not to exceed $62,000.00 for design and preparation of plans and specification for the Shiloh Drive Widening (IH 35 to McPherson Road).  Funding is available in the 2000 C.O. Issue Shiloh Widening.

 

33.       Consideration for approval of Change Order No. 3 to the construction contract with Ramos Industries, Inc., Pasadena, Texas, for the Railroad Overpass with Retaining Walls and Approach Road to Unitec Industrial Center Phase 7, EDA Project No. 08-01-03264 to add 164 calendar days to the construction contract time for delays beyond the contractor’s control.  Funding is available in the EDA – Unitec Overpass Fund Improvement Other Than Buildings.

 

34.              Consideration for approval for final Change Order No. 3 of $15,448.50 for the balance of quantities actually constructed in place, acceptance of the Cherry Hill Drive Widening (Pappas to Sandman) and approval of final payment in the amount of $62,517.75 to Ramos Industries, Inc., Pasadena, Texas.  Final contract amount is $436,533.00.  Funding is available in the 1998 CO Issue Cherry Hill Reconstruction.

 

35.              Consideration to award a construction contract to Pete Gallegos Paving, Inc., Laredo, Texas, in the base bid amount of $235,875.00 for the City-Wide Sidewalks Project No. l2a (33 Blocks) and Project No. l7a (4 Blocks) for a total of 37 Blocks.  Funding is available in the Community Development 25th Action Year, 26th Action Year, l998 CO Issue, CD Projects/Sidewalk and School Drop Offs.

 

36.              Consideration to award a construction contract to Atlas Commercial Services, Laredo, Texas, in the base bid amount of $28l,639.60 for the City-Wide Sidewalks Project No. l2b (33 Blocks).  Funding is available in the Community Development 26th Action Year CD Projects/Sidewalks.

 

37.              Consideration to award a construction contract to Pete Gallegos Paving, Inc., Laredo, Texas, in the net base bid amount of $275,540.00 for the City-Wide Sidewalks Project No. l3 (l6 Blocks), Project No. l6 (l2 Blocks) and Project No. l7b (8 Blocks) for a total of 36 Blocks.  Funding is available in the Capital Improvements Fun