CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

A-2001-R-07

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

MARCH 05, 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

 

Approval of the minutes of January 2, 2001 and January 16, 2001.

 

V.              COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

Announcements

 

Invitations

 

Recognitions

 

a.      Recognition by the Mayor and City Council Members of employees that retired from the City of Laredo with 20 years or more of service for the period of January, 2001.

 

Communiqués

 VI.    APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

 

   VII.         PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1.   Public hearing amending the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 budget in the amount of $148,672.00   for the HIV/AIDS Ryan White Title II Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning April 1, 2001, through August 31, 2001.  (Approval of Resolution 2001-R-027 is needed before Public Hearing)

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

      Amending the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 budget in the amount of $148,672.00   for the HIV/AIDS Ryan White Title II Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning April 1, 2001, through August 31, 2001.

 

2.   Public hearing amending the City of Laredo 2000-2001 Annual Budget in the amount of $20,000.00 to appropriate the consideration fees paid by proponents at the time of their proposal submittal to defray the cost of the privatization study.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the City of Laredo 2000-2001 Annual Budget in the amount of $20,000.00 to appropriate the consideration fees paid by proponents at the time of their proposal submittal to defray the cost of the privatization study.

 

 

VIII.   GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

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

 

1.   Request for status on any open request from District III, with possible action.

 

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

     

1.   Resolution 2001-R-029      A resolution recognizing the disparity of reimbursement rates paid to Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP Border Medical Providers, and authorizing the City Manager to send a letter to Governor Rick Perry and the Members of the State Legislature encouraging them to support equal reimbursement to Laredo area health providers.

 

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

 

1.      Request for expansion of bus route to La Bota Subdivision, with possible action.

 

2.      Presentation by C.Y. Benavides, Colombia Toll Road on a possible interface with the City’s Automated Vehicle Identification System (AVI), with possible action.

 

               (Recess)

(Press Availability)

 

 

   IX.  INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

 

 

4.      An ordinance amending Ordinance #99-0-165 by authorizing the City Manager to execute a Site Ground Lease Agreement Addendum to that certain Ground Lease between the City of Laredo and Omni America Development Corp., dated June 21, 1999 for additional ground space of approximately 250.0 square feet located at the City of Laredo Calton Road Fire Station.  Annual Rent will be increased by $3,850.00 prorated to coincide with the anniversary of the lease commencement date and on the first day of each year of the lease commencement anniversary date thereafter.  All other terms and conditions of the lease remain in full force and effect.

 

 

5.      An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Laredo Independent School District for approximately 9,216 square feet constituting Building No. 1325 located at 4103 Maher Avenue at the Laredo International Airport.  Lease term is for one (1) year commencing on March 1, 2001 and ending on February 28, 2002, and may be extended for one (1) year ending on February 28, 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 $2,305.00 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.

 

 

         X.  FINAL READINGS OF ORDINANCES 

 

 

6.         2001-O-057     Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for a sales office of modular homes on Lot 1, Northgate Plaza Subdivision, located at 5820 San Dario Ave.; providing for publication and effective date. (As Amended) (Mayor Pro-Tempore Joe A. Guerra)

 

 

2001-O-058     Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 11.7646 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located north of Santa Martha Blvd. and east of Organo Blvd., from AG (Agricultural District) to R-1MH (Single Family Manufactured Housing District); providing for publication and effective date.

                        (Council Member Alfredo Agredano)

        

 

2001-O-059     Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 1.977 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located on the northwest corner of Atlanta Dr. and Killam Industrial Blvd., from R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District) to R-1A, P.U.D. (Single Family Reduced Area District, Planned Unit Development); providing for publication and effective date.  (Council Member Jose A. Valdez, Jr.)

 

 

2001-O-060     Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 1, 2, and 3, Block 204, the E 2/3 of Lot 4, Block 203, and a 0.1772 acre tract (formerly the N1/2 of Jarvis Ave., between Santa Barbara & Santa Clara Streets), Eastern Division, located at 2219 Sta. Barbara St., from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) and B-4 (Highway Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date.  (Council Member Alfredo Agredano)

           

XI.  RESOLUTIONS

 

7.      2001-R-024     Expressing the support of the City Council towards the development of Laredo Viejo Apartment Homes, a proposed affordable housing community of approximately 108 affordable housing units by Atlantic Development & Investments, Inc. and American Communities Development Company.  Affordable housing will be provided to the citizens of the City of Laredo contingent upon the approval of the submission of a State of Texas Home Application under the Home Investments Partnership Program and the approval of the application submitted to the Texas State Department of Housing and Community Affairs for Housing Tax Credits under Section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code. 

 

 

 

8.      2001-R-025     A resolution expressing the support of the City Council towards the development of Hilltop Apartments, a proposed affordable housing community of approximately 184 affordable housing units by AHM Developer, Inc.  Affordable housing will be provided to the citizens of the City of Laredo contingent upon the approval of the submission of a State of Texas Home Application under the Home Investments Partnership Program and the approval of the application submitted to the Texas State Department of Housing and Community Affairs for Housing Tax Credits under Section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code. 

 

 

9. 2001-R-027          A resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept and execute all documentation for a grant from the Texas Department of Health in the amount of $148,672 for the HIV/AIDS Ryan White Title II Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning April 1, 2001, through August 31, 2001.  

 

 

10.  2001-R-028       A resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with the Texas Department of Transportation for the Hazard Elimination / Safety Project.  The Project will consist of interconnecting traffic signals and restriping along Santa Maria Avenue.  The Texas Transportation Commission selected the Project and awarded a maximum of $719,089.00.  The City’s estimated contribution is $79,898.00.  Funding is available from the Santa Maria Reconstruction Bond.

 

 

XII.    MOTIONS

 

11.       Consideration to approve the use of office space by State Representative Richard Raymond at City Hall 3rd Floor located at 1110 Houston St. for the purpose of a local District Office.

 

 

12.       Consideration to approve a letter of intent with the Veterans Coalition for the proposed design and construction of a Veterans Monument at the Laredo Civic Center.

 

 

 

13.       Consideration to award contract number FY01-051, to the LOW BIDDER, Record Systems, San Antonio, Texas, in the amount of $19,162.00, for the purchase and installation of 130 sections of record storage shelving for the record retention warehouse.  Funding is available in the Capital Improvement Fund.

 

 

14.       Consideration to award contract number FY01-059, to the LOW BIDDER, UTEC, Converse, Texas, in the estimated amount of $15,000.00, for providing aerial truck inspections and repairs on the Traffic Safety Department vehicles.  These aerial booms on these trucks will be inspected and repaired as needed to comply with industry safety standards.  Funding is available in the Fleet Maintenance Division.

 

 

15.       Consideration to award contract FY01-061, to Border Maintenance, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $80,908.00, for providing janitorial services for the Health Department - WIC Program.  The term of this contract is from March 2001 to September 2002. The scope of work requires that the company provide all personnel, equipment, and supplies needed to properly clean the different locations.    Funding is available in the Health Department's WIC budget.

 

 

16.       Consideration to award contract number FY01-064, to the LOW BIDDER, PABCO Industries, Newark, NJ, in the amount of $53,920.00, for the purchase of one million plastic bags for use in the City's Recycling Program.   Funding is available in the Solid Waste Fund.    

 

 

17.       Consideration to award contract number FY01-066, to the LOW BIDDER, Park Place Recreation Designs Inc., San Antonio, Texas, in the amount of $35,062.00 for the purchase and installation of resilient safety surface (Kid Tiles).  These tiles will be installed around the play structures at the Father McNaboe Park (102 Rancho Viejo Drive) and Richter Park, 1500 Circle Drive.  Funding is available in the Capital Improvement Project budget.

 

 

18.       Consideration to award contract number FY01-070, to the most responsive proposer, for providing food and beverage concessions for all Tecolotes De Los Dos Laredos games and other City designated special events at Veterans Field.  The successful contractor will be required to provide a percentage of food and beverage sales and percentage of gross receipts on all non- food items sold.  All revenues derived from this contract are included in the Veterans Field budget. 

 

 

19.       Consideration to award a contract to Crane Engineering, of Laredo, Texas, for $151,500.00 for the design and construction services of water transmission lines to serve the Highway 359 Colonias.  The contract will be paid for by the Texas Water Development Board Colonias Grant.

 

20.       Consideration to award a contract to Foster Engineering Company, of Laredo, Texas, for $284,000.00 for the design and construction services of the water distribution and wastewater collection systems in Pueblo Nuevo.  The contract will be paid for by the Texas Water Development Board Colonias Grant.

 

21.       Consideration to award a contract to HNTB, of Austin, Texas, for $334,443.00 for the design and construction services of water distribution and wastewater collection systems for nine colonias on Highway 359.  The contract will be paid for by the Texas Water Development Board Colonias Grant.

 

22.       Consideration to award a contract to Smith, Russo and Mercer, of Corpus Christi, Texas, for $110,555.00 for the design and construction services of a wastewater trunk line to serve the colonias on Highway 359.  The contract will be paid for by the Texas Water Development Board Colonias Grant.

 

23.       Consideration to award a contract to CH2MHILL Engineers, of San Antonio, Texas, for $348,000.00 for Project Management services in the Secondary Water Supply Project.  The services include managing the procurement process, assisting the City in defining the project conditions and constraints, preparing pro-forma service agreements, coordinating the three proponent firms, assisting the City in evaluating the proposals, and preparing a Letter of Intent upon the City’s selection of a firm.  Funding for this contract reside in the Water Fund and the Water Availability Fund.

 

24.       Consider a recommendation from the Airport Advisory Committee to authorize the City Manager to solicit proposals from consultant firms to do a feasibility study to establish jet service. The proposed feasibility study consists of a “Leakage Analysis” to determine the number of airline passengers from Laredo who drive to and from San Antonio International Airport to initiate their air travel.

 

25.       Consideration to approve an award of an engineering contract to G.G. Salinas Engineering Company, Laredo, Texas, for an amount not to exceed $51,613.00 for design and preparation of plans and specifications for the Bartlett Avenue Extension (Hillside to Gale).  Funding is available in the 2000 CO Issue Bartlett/Hillside to Gale.

 

 

26.       Consideration for approval of Change Order No. 1 an increase of $18,295.00 to the construction contract with Laredo Class One Builders, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for the Administrative Offices & Scale House of the City of Laredo Solid Waste Division for ADA Compliance features and for preparation of an alarm system and to add an additional 90 working days to the construction contract time.  Funding is available in the Solid Waste Fund Building.

 

 

27.       Consideration for approval of Change Order No. 14 an increase of $23,000.00 to the construction contract with MW Builders, Inc., Temple, Texas, for modifications required by CP&L to the electrical metering system, for modifications requested by U.S. Customs Service to the Dog Kennel Buildings, for modifications requested by City Staff to the City Facilities, and for modifications throughout the project to improve erosion control, to comply with ADA requirements, and to revise signage for the Border Facilities at the World Trade Bridge.  Funding is available in the Bridge System – Taxable Bond – Improvements Other Than Buildings – SIB Loan.

 

 

28.       Consideration for approval to award an engineering contract to WSBC Civil Engineers, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for an amount not to exceed $73,228.00 for the South Meadow Overpass Bridge at Tex-Mex Railroad Feasibility Study.  Funding is available in the 2000 CO Issue Meadow @ Tex-Mex Analysis.

 

 

29.       Consideration for approval for Change Order No. 1 an increase of $7,690.27 for the balance of quantities actually constructed in place, acceptance of the Zacate Creek Skate Park Project located at Lyon Street and Monterrey Avenue, and approval of final payment in the amount of $19,118.96 to Laredo Stripping, Inc., Laredo, Texas.  Final contract amount is $121,977.17.  Funding is available in the Zacate Creek Skate Board Park.

 

 

30.       Consideration to authorize the selection of a consultant and enter negotiations for the Corridor Intersection Analysis Phase II for Laredo, TX.  The consultant recommended for selection is Carter & Burgess, Inc.  The study will identify necessary capital improvements at key intersections to enhance the safety of the 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 Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has budgeted $72,000.00 for the project and funding is available through the MPO Account.

 

31.       Consideration to authorize the selection of a consultant and enter negotiations for the School Zone Safety Study for Laredo, TX.  The consultant recommended for selection is Post, Buckley, Schuh & Jernigan (PBS&J).  The study 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 Metropolitan Planning Organization has budgeted $70,000.00 for the project and funding is available through the MPO Account.

 

32.       Consideration to authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with the law firm of Bickerstaff, Heath, Smiley, Pollan, Kever & McDaniel, L.L.P. of Austin, Texas, to represent and assist the City in all legal matters related to the construction of the City of Laredo International Bridge V, including but not limited to negotiations with the Mexican Government federal and local agencies; negotiations of the diplomatic note; negotiation, drafting and finalization of an international agreement to construct the new bridge; review of Mexican financing and construction obligations; and development of contracts with the bridge engineering and construction contractors.  Funding is available in the Bridge V Operating Division Fund.

 

 

33.       Consideration to award a contract to the Sole Source Vendor, Gateway, Inc., for the purchase, delivery and installation of twenty-nine (29) Gates Library Computers; four servers, four printers, media projector and other network peripherals in the amount of $110,146.00.  This award is part of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Inc. State Partnership Program grant.  The Gateway, Inc. - Gates Library Computer was specially designed and configured to provide support for the Statewide Partnership Program.  Gates Foundation requires that computers be purchased from Gateway, Inc.

 

 

 

XIII.   STAFF REPORT

           

 

34.       Status report of the ongoing study of a Cemetery Site by Dwight Lind, Land Engineering, L.L.C., Project Consultant.

 

 

35.       Presentation of the Zacate Creek Stormwater Management Master Plan by Brown & Root.  The Master plan was developed to alleviate the flooding problem on Zacate Creek watershed.  The study was completed in November 2000 and was submitted to FEMA on January 10, 2001, for Letter of Map Revision.

 

 

36.       Update report on the status of the Secondary Water Supply Project.  The project managers, CH2MHILL Engineers, will provide an update on the meeting held with the three proponents, the resulting proposed procurement strategy, and revised timelines.

 

 

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.

 

 

37.       Request for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.072 in regards to deliberating the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property for a proposed City Landfill site, because deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the governmental body in negotiations with a third person; and return to Open Session for possible action.

 

 

XV.   RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MUNICIPAL HOUSING CORPORATION

 

 

38.       Consideration to award contract number FY01-062, to the LOW BIDDER, Sears Contract Sales, San Antonio, Texas, in the amount of $24,821.00, for the purchase of thirty eight refrigerators, fifteen gas ranges, and twenty three electric ranges for the Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation.  These appliances will be installed in the rental homes purchased through the Noise Abatement Program and replacements for the Tomas Flores and Jose A. Flores Apartments.  Funding is available in the FAA Noise Abatement Program and the Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation Fund.

 

XVI.   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, February 28, 2001 at 6:00 p.m.

                                                                    

 

 

                                                                        Gustavo Guevara, Jr.

                                                         City Secretary[fp1] 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 [fp1]