CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

A-2001-R-30

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

NOVEMBER 26, 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 October 1, 2001 and October 15, 2001.

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

Announcements

a.         Presentation of the 2001 Employee Leadership Development Class. 

 

Invitations

 

Recognitions

 

Communiqués

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

VII.      PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1a.       Public hearing for the voluntary annexation of Tract 1:  UISD Tract-10.00 acres, more or less; and

1b.       Public hearing for the voluntary annexation of Tract 2:  Mejia Tract-0.34 acres, more or less; and

1c.       Public hearing for the voluntary annexation of Tract 3:  Heirloom Tract-13.67 acres, more or less; and

1d.       Public hearing for the voluntary annexation of Tract 4:  FESCO Tract-66.126 acres, more or less; and

1e.       Public hearing for the voluntary annexation of Tract 5:  Flores Tract-0.96 acres, more or less; and

1f.        Public hearing for the unilateral annexation of Tract 6:  Tex-Mex Railway Tract-228.6075 acres, more or less; and

1g.       Public hearing for the unilateral annexation of Tract 7:  Lake/Life Downs Tract-776.19 acres, more or less; and

1h.       Public hearing for the unilateral annexation of Tract 8:  Larga Vista Tract-36.26 acres, more or less; and

1i.        Public hearing for the unilateral annexation of Tract 9:  Colombia Bridge Tract-137.8539 acres, more or less.

 

            Voluntary annexations of Tracts 1 through 5 total 91.096 acres, more or less, and unilateral annexations of Tracts 6 through 9 total 1,178.9114 acres, more or less for a total of 1,270.0074 acres, as described in the tract summaries as required by Section 43.063 of the Texas Local Government Code.

 

2.         Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 4, 5, and the East ½ of Lot 3, Block 1268, Eastern Division, located at 2219 Clark Blvd., from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change.

           

3.         Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 12.8447 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located south of Avenida Los Presidentes and east of United South High School, from AG (Agricultural District) to R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

 

 

4.         Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 9 and 11, Block 654, Eastern Division, located at 1119 Travis St., from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

 

5.         Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 2, Block 1456, Eastern Division, located at 2505 Thurman St., from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

 

6.         Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 12.41 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located east of McPherson Road and north of University Park Subdivision, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

 

VIII.   GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

           

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

1.      Discussion with possible action for City to initiate a dumpster

system to a pick-up and remove yard debris and branches.

B.        Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore Eliseo Valdez, Jr.

1.      Discussion with possible action regarding the unveiling of a proposed mural by artist David G. Martinez at the Northeast Hillside Recreation Center.  

2.      Status report regarding the feasibility of connecting San Francisco North and South at the canal, with possible action.

3.      Status report regarding the completion of Eistetter Park.

4.      Discussion with possible action regarding traffic issues at the intersection of Springfield and Mayberry.

C.        Request by Council Member Joe A. Guerra

1.      Presentation by Joseph Chalko regarding a Liberty Bell Day Ceremony in July 2002, with possible action.

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

1.      Presentation by Fire Department regarding expanded services to the Mines Road area.

2.      Discussion with possible action regarding park improvements for Canizales Linear Park.

3.      Discussion with possible action regarding erosion between Bristol and Flecha Lanes.

4.      Discussion with possible action regarding the raising of low water crossing on Las Cruces Road.

E.        Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez

1.      Report from Police Department regarding illegal activity on

November 17th and 18th near River Drive Mall.

2.      Discussion with possible action to rescind contract with River Drive Mall for Blocks X and Y to create parking for large vehicles.

3.      Discussion with possible action to provide permanent security at

Los Dos Laredos Park.

4.      Discussion with possible action regarding the parking problems

on San Dario and Santa Ursula from Coke to Lafayette.

 

(Recess)

(Press Availability)

 

IX.       INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

 

8.         Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Texas #20 Rural Cellular, Inc., d/b/a “US Cellular”, for a 30’ x 30’ ground space at the Scott Street Park located at 302 Scott Street, Laredo, Webb County, Texas and being more fully described in Exhibit “A” of lease agreement to construct on such premises a 70 ft. high self supporting tower and related equipment building for use with its communication business. Term of the lease is five (5) years commencing December 3, 2001 and ending December 2, 2006 with four (4) successive renewal terms of five (5) years.  Annual base rate rent shall be $8,400.00 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.

           

X.        FINAL READINGS OF ORDINANCES 

 

9.      2001-O-276      Authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002 annual budget in the amount of $180,866 for the Laredo Multi Agency Narcotics Task Force.  Funding is available in the opening balance of the Narcotics Task Force Fund.  Funding in the amount of $92,866 will be used to pay overtime and benefits.  The additional amount of $88,000 will be used to match the grant from November 1, 2001 through May 31, 2002.

 

2001-O-277   Amending Chapter 19, Motor Vehicles and Truck Traffic, Article XI Truck Traffic by specifically amending Section 19-435, Permit Issuance, to increase the width limits for oversize loads from sixteen feet to seventeen feet and the height limit from fourteen feet six inches to fifteen feet at the World Trade Bridge; providing for severability, an effective date and publication.

 

2001-O-278   Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease agreement with ASA Group, Ltd., for approximately 3.135 acres (136,560.60 square feet) constituting Tract 6 of Block 1 and approximately 3.135 acres (136,560.60 square feet) constituting Tract 7 of Block 1 of the Subdivision Plat of the Laredo International Airport Terminal Subdivision located at the Laredo International Airport.  Lease term is for forty (40) years commencing on December 1, 2001 and ending on November 30, 2041.  Monthly rent shall be $4,100.00 and will be adjusted annually according to changes in the Consumer Price Index and further adjusted by fair market value appraisal on the 10th, 20th and 30th anniversaries; providing for an effective date.

 

XI.       RESOLUTIONS

 

10.  2001-R-133        Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application to the United States Environmental Protection Agency in the amount of $240,000.00 with the City designating $60,00.00 in matching funds for a total of $300,000.00 for the Chacon Creek Stream Restoration Project from Hwy 359 South to the Rio Grande River.  Activities include the removal of  exotic vegetation and man-made debris.  Also, the restoration of native trees, shrubs, grasses and forbs, the construction of natural pools and riffles along with a wetlands interpretive program will be implemented.  Matching funds are available in the NPDES Fund.

 

11.  2001-R-134        Amending the Long Range Thoroughfare Element of the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Laredo by designating and realigning major streets in South Laredo as part of the Long Range Thoroughfare Plan.

                       

12.  2001-R-135        Authorizing the issuance of a permit for a seismic survey, as further described in attached Exhibit “A”.  Seismic cables are to be laid across and down roadways and city streets as situated within the survey boundaries, including Casa Verde Rd., Casa Blanca Rd., University Blvd., Del Mar Blvd., San Ignacio Rd., and right-of-ways as needed in Lakeside, Winfield, D & J Alexander, and Plantation Subdivisions.

 

13.  2001-R-137        Approving the participation of the City of Laredo in the Greater Laredo-San Antonio Corridor Coalition, Inc. and adoption of the Bylaws for the Corridor Coalition.  The Corridor will be an incorporated non-profit organization comprised of public and private sector members from communities in area counties of Atacosa, Bexar, Frio, LaSalle, Medina and Webb.

 

XII.      MOTIONS

 

14.       Authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement granting WesternGeco, L.L.C. a license to conduct a geophysical survey by using receiver cables only on and across airport property being Tract #284517 consisting of approximately 315 acres.  Land to be surveyed consists of all land in Abstract Sanchez 284, Guyman 517, Rumsey 654 and GB&CNRR.  WesternGeco shall pay to the City of Laredo Airport Fund $25.00 per acre for a total of $7,875.00 plus an additional amount based on actual supervision by Airport personnel of survey operations conducted inside the airport’s air operation areas. 

 

15.       Authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Roger B. Hartman, d/b/a THC Utility Management Specialists (THC) in the amount of $32,000 including labor, direct costs, and incidentals to provide technical consulting services during contract negotiations for the privatization of the water and wastewater operations.

 

16.       Consideration for approval of the selection of consultant Flores Engineering Company, Laredo, Texas, for the CDBG Sidewalks Project No. 20 (43 Blocks) and authorization to negotiate a professional services contract.  Funding is available in the Community Development 27th Action Year Sidewalks.

 

17.       Authorizing the award of a professional services contract in the amount of $65,000 to Land Design Studio for the Ryan Street Railroad Bridge conversion and Zacate Creek Pedestrian and Bicycle Facility Project.  The consultant will develop an environmental assessment, plans and specifications with cost estimates, and provide engineering construction administration.  The City’s contribution of $142,800 is available through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).

           

18.       Consideration to approve 27 General Fund Third Party Funding contracts.  The contracts are for the Fiscal Year October 1, 2001 through September 30, 2002 and total $530,218.00.

                      

                        Bringing Everyone Special Together                                              $   14,063

                                                           Bethany House                                                                                   $   20,000

                        Border Area Nutrition Council                                                         $   35,000

                        Boy’s & Girls Club of Laredo                                                           $   90,000

                        Boy Scouts Gulf Coast Council                                                       $   18,000

                        Casa de Misericordia                                                                      $   15,000

                        Catholic Social Services                                                                  $   15,000

                   Club Olympia                                                                                     $     4,500

                   Communities in Schools                                                                  $   15,000

                   Community Action Agency – Elderly Nutrition Program               $   20,000                              

                   Community Action Agency – Meals on Wheels                             $   19,000

                   Girl Scouts Paisano Council                                                            $   10,000  

                   Int’l Sports Hall of Fame                                                                   $     3,600

                   Laredo Crime Stoppers                                                                   $   15,000

                   LISD Campus Crime Stoppers                                                       $     7,500

                   Laredo Little Theater                                                                        $   27,055

                   Laredo Regional Food Bank                                                           $   20,000

                   Laredo Webb County Food Bank                                                   $   30,000

                   Laredo Webb Neighborhood Housing Service                             $   15,000

                   Laredo International Fair and Exposition                                       $     4,500

                   Literacy Volunteers of America                                                       $     7,000

                   Rio Grande International Study Center                                           $   20,000

                   Rio Grande/Rio Bravo Basin Coalition                                          $     5,000

                   Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center                                              $   75,000                    

                   Sacred Heart Children’s Home                                                       $     5,000

                   South Texas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse                        $   10,000                      

            Webb County American Red Cross                                               $   10,000

 

19.       Consideration to approve 15 Hotel/Motel Fund Third Party Funding contracts.  The   contracts are for the Fiscal Year October 1, 2001 through September 30, 2002 and total $410,515.   

 

Laredo Chamber of Commerce – Cola Blanca                            $   10,000

                        LULAC #7                                                                                          $     5,000 

                        LULAC #12                                                                                       $     5,000

                        Society of Martha Washington                                                        $   10,000      

                        Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association                           $   23,000

                             Washington’s B-Day Celebration Assoc. Museum                                         $   15,000

Laredo Children’s Museum                                                             $   50,000

Webb County Heritage Foundation                                                $   60,000

Laredo Center for the Arts                                                               $ 131,360

L.C.C. Dance/Music Community Productions                               $   32,815

Laredo Philharmonic Chorale                                                         $     2,340

Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra                                                      $   37,000

                        T.A.M.I.U. Dance Productions                                                         $   10,000

Border Olympics                                                                               $     9,000

Streets of Laredo Urban Mall                                                          $   10,000

 

XIII.   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, November 21, 2001 at 5:00 p.m.                                                                

 

 

 

                                                                        Gustavo Guevara, Jr.

                                                                        City Secretary