CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

A-2002-R-010

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

MAY 20, 2002

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 April 1, 2002.

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

Announcements

a.      Presentation of the 2001-2002 City of Laredo Cooperative Office Education Training Program (CO-OP) and Industrial Cooperative Training (ICT) student employees.

 

b.      Presentation of Certificates of Appreciation from Council Member Joe A. Guerra to all his appointees to various committees.

 

c.      Presentation by Texas Migrant Council, Inc., regarding the address by First Lady Laura Bush to the children and families of the City of Laredo on April 30, 2002.

 

Invitations

a.      Invitation by L.U.L.A.C. Council #7 and Parks and Recreation to the 1st Annual Memorial Day Celebration on May 26, 2002, at El Metro Park and Ride (Airport Grounds) from 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

 

Recognitions

a.      Recognition of Airport Police Captain Alejandro Martinez for exceptional meritorious service while serving with the United States Army as Security Force Member during Operation Joint Forge in Bosnia Herezegovina from September 17, 2001 to April 1, 2002.

 

Communiqués

a.      Proclamation recognizing the affiliation between the City of Laredo, Texas and Mexticacan, Jalisco as sister cities.

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

a.      Appointment by Mayor Pro-Tempore Eliseo Valdez of Theresa Nimchan to the Third Party Funding Committee.

 

VII.      PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1.         Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 10, Block 1633, Eastern Division, located at 216 N. Arkansas Avenue, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed change, denial of a Conditional Use Permit for a heavy mechanic shop, and approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a light mechanic shop.

 

2.         Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 1, Tesoro Plaza Plat, Unit 2, located at 5002 San Bernardo Avenue, from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

 

3.         Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 3, Block 1579, Eastern Division, located 2605 Bismark St., from B-1 (Limited Commercial 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.

 

4.         Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 1,848 square feet, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located west of Mines Road approximately 706 feet north of Killam Industrial Blvd., from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-4 (Highway 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 authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for a mini-storage facility on 2.6479 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located north of International Boulevard and east of Bazan Subdivision; providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed Special Use Permit with conditions.

 

6.                  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing issuance of a Special Use Permit for a mini-storage facility on Lots 1 through 6, Block 1175, Eastern Division, and Lots 1 through 6, Block 1176, Eastern Division, and Lot 1, Block 1176-A, Eastern Division, located at the 2800 and 2900 blocks of Urbahn Avenue; providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed Special Use Permit with conditions.

 

7.                  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 1.9436 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A” located east of McPherson Road and north of Northridge Dr., from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change and approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a bank.

 

8.         Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 1,848 square feet, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located west of McPherson Road and approximately 430 feet north of Fenwick Drive, from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change.

 

9.         Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) positions by amending the budget to create two (2) FTE for additional Airport Security Officer positions. Funding for these positions is available in the Airport Fund; providing for effective date.

 

            10.       Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Chapter 11.5 Emergency Management of the Code of Ordinances.  This amendment includes only the City of Laredo’s response to emergency situations and omits Webb County’s mutual responsibility.  Webb County will be amending their emergency management plan accordingly.  The State of Texas, Division of Emergency Management requires that all emergency management plans be updated periodically; repealing all conflicting ordinances; providing for severability, publication, and effective date.

 

11.       Public hearing granting Reliant Energy Entex, a division of Reliant Energy Resources Corp., and its successors, the right, privilege and franchise to construct, lay, maintain and operate pipelines and gas mains in, under, over, across and along, and to use present and future streets, alleys, public thoroughfares and grounds of the City of Laredo, for the purpose of transporting, distributing and selling gas (natural, artificial or mixed) for all purposes for which gas is or may be used to the municipality and inhabitants of said City of Laredo, Texas, and to any other person or persons, for a term of twenty years; providing for the manner of acceptance of this franchise by Entex; providing for payment by Entex to City for the rights and privileges granted by this franchise; and making miscellaneous provisions in connection therewith.

 

12.       Public hearing and introductory ordinance accepting a grant awarded by the Criminal Justice Division, Office of the Governor in the amount of $40,000.00 and amending the City of Laredo’s FY 2001-2002 annual budget in the amount of $66,576.00 for the   Criminal Justice Division Grant from the Office of the Governor. The Office of the Governor is contributing  $40,000.00 with the City designating $26,576.00 in matching funds.  This funding will be used for the Domestic Awareness Response Team Program under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) for the period of June 01, 2002 through November 30, 2002. 

 

13.       Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo’s FY 2001-02 annual budget in the Fire Training Facility Fund by appropriating revenues and expenses of $37,500.00 from available interest earnings for the purchase and installation of fiber optic cable at the Laredo Fire / Public Safety International Training Facility, and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget.


 

VIII.     GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

14.       A.        Request by Council Member  Alfredo Agredano

                                                                        1.      Discussion with possible action on placing a speed hump on the 400 block of East Century Drive.

 

B.        Request by Council Member Louis H. Bruni

1.      Discussion with possible action on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ report concerning arsenic, chromium, lead and petroleum compounds exceeding state environmental limits in soil and groundwater samples taken from the former Laredo Air Force Base.

 

2.      Discussion and possible action on the two water storage tanks on the corner of Meadow and Lyon.

 

3.      Discussion and possible action on the acceptance of a land donation from the owners of Heritage Park for a police substation.

 

4.      Status report on Eastwood Park, with possible action.

 

C.        Request by Council Member Johnny Amaya

1.      Consideration with possible action on the continuation of brick pavers on the medium along Clark Boulevard from Ryan Elementary School to Bartlett Avenue.     

 

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

                                    1.  Status report on Casa Verde.

 

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

1.      Discussion with possible action regarding a speed hump study on Quail Creek between Albany and Atlanta.

 

2.      Discussion with possible action on creating or amending an Ordinance to establish a buffer zone between existing commercial and residential zones.

 

3.      Discussion with possible action regarding the status of the Lafayette Linear Park.

 

4.      Discussion with possible action to re-open the intersection of Ejido and Corpus Christi.  (Co-sponsored by Council Member Louis H. Bruni)

F.         Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez

1.      Discussion with possible action on increasing the salaries of Mayor and City Council.

 

2.      Discussion with possible action on increasing the Council Member requests from four to six items.

 

3.      Discussion with possible action on having a design competition for the Zacate Creek improvements similar to El Portal.

 

4.      Discussion with possible action regarding the appeal by Ms. Madrid to the reinstatement of her taxi permit.

         

(Recess)

(Press Availability)

 

IX.       INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

 

15.       Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to effectively convey fee simple title to the “Surface Only”, at its combined market value of $22,241.00 for certain properties described as follows to their respective abutting property owners and providing for an effective date.

Parcel A – consists of 8,112.59 sq. ft., more or less, to Carlos J. Vergara at the market value of $14,524.00; said parcel being out of Milmo Avenue between Blaine Street and the north right-of-way line of Loop 20, situated in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas being described in attached Exhibit “A”;

Parcel B-consists of 3,858.36 sq. ft., more or less, to the Carmen Jacaman Family Limited Partnership at the market value of $7,717.00; said parcel being out of Milmo Avenue between Blaine Street and the north right-of-way line of Loop 20, situated in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas being described in attached Exhibit “B”.

 

16.       Authorizing the City Manager to enter into and execute an oil and gas lease between the City of Laredo, Lessor and Pogo Producing Company, Lessee, approximately 3.7 acres of City-owned land within and including the following boundaries:  the Eastern boundary of Columbia Street to the West; 50 feet North of the North boundary of Columbia Street to the North; the South boundary of Pecos Street to the South; and the original Laredo City Limits to the East, as reflected on the plat attached hereto as Exhibit “A”, for a primary term of 3 years, and so long thereafter as an oil, gas and other minerals are produced from said land or lands with which said land is pooled thereunder.  In exchange for this lease, Lessee shall pay to Lessor a 25% royalty payment on all oil and gas produced from said land, and in addition, Lessee shall tender to Lessor a signing bonus in the amount of $1,000.00 upon execution of the lease.  

 

17.       Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Texas #20 Rural Cellular, Inc. d/b/a “U.S. Cellular”, a Texas corporation, for space at the South Laredo Elevated Water Storage Tank located at 2210 Mexico Ave., Laredo, Webb County, Texas and being more fully described in Exhibit “A” of lease agreement for the installation and operation of certain antennae facilities for use with its communications business and a parcel of land within the Owned Premises for the location of an equipment building and related facilities associated with the antennae facilities.  Term of the lease is five (5) years commencing June 3, 2002 and ending June 2, 2007 with four  (4) successive renewal terms of five (5) years.  Annual base rent shall be $8,400.00 each year during the term of the lease and will be increased by four percent (4%) on each anniversary of the commencement date, providing for effective date.

 

18.       Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease agreement between the Airport Fund, as Lessor, and Laredo Candle Company, LP, as Lessee, for Building No. 1005 consisting of approximately 28,800 square feet and located at 4608 Daugherty Avenue at the Laredo International Airport.  The lease term is for sixty (60) days commencing May 21, 2002 and ending on July 18, 2002.  Monthly rent shall be $11,500.00 payable in advance. The monthly rent obligation shall commence effective May 21, 2002.

 

 

 

X.        FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES 

 

19.   2002-O-090      Amending and revising the 2000 International Fire Code by adding Section 105, and amending Sections 3402, 3406, and Appendix H to provide for Regulation of Mobile Fueling via Amendment of Section 3406 of Chapter 34, “Flammable and Combustible Liquids” of the Code of the City of Laredo; providing for the issuance of permits, that this ordinance be cumulative, severability, a saving clause, publication, and effective date.

 

2002-O-091   Authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002 annual budget in the amount of $65,000.00 to continue the renovations and modifications to building number 60 (16,000 sq. ft.) located at the 4800 block of Maher Avenue.  The Laredo Police Department leases this building from the Laredo International Airport.   Modifications are needed to expand the fiber optic cabling, re-wire cat 5 voice/data line for the entire building, secure property/evidence warehouse, and replace the roof.  Funding for the project is available through the Laredo Police Department Trust Fund Opening Balance.       

    

2002-O-092   Amending the City of Laredo’s 2001-2002 annual budget by increasing estimated revenues and appropriations in the Ryan Street Railroad Bridge Conversion and Zacate Creek Pedestrian and Bicycle Facility Project fund by $571,200.00 and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget, providing for publication and effective date.

 

2002-O-093   Amending Ordinance 2001-O-219 and authorizing the standardization in the manner by which bridge toll fares are tabulated for all southbound vehicular traffic.  As further described in Exhibit “A” and hereby repealing all conflicting sections in all Ordinances currently in effect. 

 

2002-O-094   Authorizing the City Manager to amend the FY 2001-2002 annual budget in the amount of $18,020.00 in additional funds for the Medicaid Administrative Cost (MAC) Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning October 1, 2001, through September 30, 2002.  

 

2002-O- 095  Amending the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002 Annual Budget to appropriate revenues and expenditures upon the acceptance of a donation of $2,000.00 from L & F Distributors/Budweiser, $3,000.00 from Clark Hardware, Inc., and $1,000.00 from Conoco Pump-N-Shop for a $4,200.00 sponsorship of the professional mascot d/b/a “Reggy” and a $6,000.00, sponsorship of the professional mascot d/b/a the “Famous Chicken” and the purchase of miniature baseball bats with the Tecos logo for a total amount of $1,500.00, respectively.  Funding is available in the Veteran’s Field Fund.

 

2002-O-096   Amending the City of Laredo’s FY 2001-2002 Annual Budget in the Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation Fund by appropriating revenues and expenditures of $36,227.00 from Claim #0200080288 for fire damages at 569 A-Maple Court on January 13, 2002, and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget.

 

2002-O-097   Amending the City of Laredo’s FY 2001-2002 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) positions by amending the budget to create .19 FTE for an additional Associate Municipal Court Judge position.  Funding for this position is available in the 2001-2002 Municipal Court salary line item.

 

2002-O-098   Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Aero JBR Laredo, Inc., for approximately 996 square feet constituting Building No. 193 located at 5301 Maher Avenue at the Laredo International Airport.  Lease term is for one (1) year commencing on March 1, 2002 and ending on February 28, 2003 and may be extended for two (2) terms of one (1) year each ending on February 29, 2004 and February 28, 2005.  Monthly rent shall be $800.00 and will be adjusted annually during the primary and extension terms of this lease according to changes in the Consumer Price Index; providing for effective date.

 

2002-O-099   Approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute a utility easement to the Texas Department of Transportation for the purpose of installing fiber optic cable to integrate the City of Laredo Traffic Management Center (TMC) to the TXDOT’s Traffic Management Center.  Said proposed utility easement is located at the Laredo International Airport on land known as Lots 1, 2, 3, and west portion of Lot 4 being Block No. 1988, Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas.

 

2002-O-100   Approving a contract with the Federal Aviation Administration on behalf of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and authorizing the City Manager to execute said contract. The purpose of this contract is to reimburse the City of Laredo for its costs in providing a uniformed sworn and certified law enforcement officer at the passenger security screening checkpoint at the Laredo International Airport until such time as the TSA assumes responsibility for such functions. The total estimated cost of this agreement shall not exceed $250,098.00. The effective date and term of this agreement is from May 10, 2002 and shall continue in effect until December 1, 2003 or until earlier terminated by the parties.  The TSA may choose to extend the term of this agreement, at its sole discretion, for up to an additional 90 days beyond the above stated completion date; providing for an effective date.  (As amended)

 

2002-O-101   Authorizing the City Manager to accept Grant Offer No. 3-38-0136-33-02 in the amount of $41,626.00 from the Department of Defense Fiscal Year 2001-2002 supplemental appropriation through the Federal Aviation Administration and authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo Airport Fund FY 2002 Budget to appropriate the grant revenue and expenditures.  The Grant reimburses the Airport Fund for Increased Law Enforcement Officer Personnel / Overtime and Outside Services, Contractor Support expenses incurred as a result of the events of September 11, 2001.  The grant does not require a local match; providing for an effective date.

 

2002-O-102   Closing the intersection at Loring Avenue and Aldama street to vehicular traffic traveling in a northerly and southerly direction by barricading at the north and south right-of-way lines of the Texas Mexican railway company tracks, subject to Bartlett avenue being constructed and opened, said intersection is situated in the eastern division, city of Laredo, County of Webb and providing for an effective date. (As amended)

 

2002-O-103   Authorizing City Manager to execute a lease with the Boys and Girls Club of Laredo, Inc. at the unimproved real property located at the San Isidro Devine Mercy Church Subdivision, Laredo, Webb County, Texas and being more fully described in exhibit “A” of the lease agreement for the construction and operation of a Boys and Girls Club facility. The term of the lease is for forty (40) years commencing upon the approval of the agreement by City Council. The annual base rent shall be one ($1.00) dollar for the term of the lease.  (As amended)

 

XI.       RESOLUTIONS

           

20.  2002-R-044        Authorizing the City Manager to execute a clinical affiliation agreement between the City of Laredo Fire Department EMS and Laredo Regional Medical Center LP, dba Doctors Hospital of Laredo.

 

XII.      MOTIONS

 

21.       Consideration to award a twelve-month rental supply contract number (FY 02-088) to the Low Bidder, Cintas Corporation, San Antonio, Texas, in the estimated amount of $25,000.00 for providing dust mops and floor mats for city buildings.  The contract requires that these items be exchanged on a weekly basis.  This service is requested for the following operations:  City Hall, Public Works Service Center, Airport Terminal, Police Department, Traffic Safety, Parks and Recreation, Bridge System, Health Department and Utilities Department.  Funding is available in the respective departmental budgets.

 

22.       Ratification of a repair contract with Bradley’s, Inc., Corpus Christi, Texas, in the amount of $32,762.85 for the emergency repair of two, 350 hp pumps that are used at the Jefferson Water Treatment Plant.  These are 60 mgd intake pumps.  Since these pumps are critical to the operation of the water treatment plant, the City Manager authorized the issuance of an emergency purchase order.  These pumps were sent to the repair shop for immediate repairs on May 7, 2002.  Funding is available in the Utilities Department budget.

 

23.       Consideration to award contract number FY 02-099 to the Sole Bidder, Holt Company of Texas, Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $422,505.00 for the purchase of one landfill waste handler (tract tractor) for landfill operations.  This equipment will be purchased using a total cost bid evaluation process.  The bid pricing includes provisions for a five-year maintenance contract and a guaranteed re-purchase price.  Delivery of this equipment is expected within sixty days.  Funding is available in the Solid Waste Fund.

 

24.       Authorizing the City Manager to amend a professional pharmaceutical services contract with J & A Pharmacy in the amount not to exceed $40,000.00 to provide pharmaceutical services to HIV/AIDS Ryan White Project clients of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning April 1, 2002, through August 31, 2002.

 

25.       Consideration to authorize the City Manager to amend the Home Investment Partnership Program FY 2000 Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) contract with the Laredo Webb Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. (NHS) to re-direct the use of the $80,000.00 from rehabilitating 16 rental units located at 2502-4 Boston St. to utilizing the 2000 CHDO funds toward the purchase of four residential lots located in South Laredo.  These lots will serve as the sites for the construction of single-family homes for qualifying low-income first time homebuyer families.

 

26.       Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract for architectural and engineering services not to exceed $42,700.00 with Sepulveda Associates Architects, Inc. for Airport Fire Station Improvements.  Funding is available in the Airport Fund Land Sale Proceeds account.

 

27.       Approving monthly adjustments to the tax roll.  The amount to be adjusted for the month of April 2002 represents an increase in levy of $161,951.01.  These adjustments are determined by Webb County Appraisal District and court orders.

 

28.       Refund of property tax to the following taxpayers and companies:

a.                  A refund in the amount of $637.96 payable to Cayetano Argais, Jr. due to an overpayment. The taxpayer applied for an over 65 exemption.  Account #446-01108-170.

b.                  A refund in the amount of $1,021.49 payable to Calixto Seca due to an over payment. The taxpayer applied for an over 65 exemption.  Acct. #438-00743-020

c.                  A refund in the amount of $592.03 payable to Juan C. & Monica C. Anaya due to an overpayment by Wells Fargo. Account #985-60006-190

d.                  A refund in the amount of $2,000.17 payable to Ramona Moore Hachar due to an overpayment. The taxpayer applied for an over 65 exemption.  Account #985-20004-070

e.                  A refund in the amount of $571.55 payable to Elsa A. Massin due to an over-payment. The taxpayer applied for an over 65 exemption. Acct. #922-50007-280

f.                    A refund in the amount of $523.91 payable to Transamerica Real Estate Tax Service due to a Webb County Appraisal District change of value certified by the Appraisal Review Board . Exempt Property. Supplement 9 Cause #01-4338.  Account#218-00854-010

g.                  A refund in the amount of $546.84 payable to Felipe Mendoza, Jr. due to a double payment for the 2001 tax year. Account #443-00984-040

h.                  A refund in the amount of $523.80 payable to Sara Vargas due to a double payment for the tax year 2000.

i.                    A refund in the amount of $586.79 payable to IBOC McAllen c/o Cristina Martinez due to a double payment for the 2000 & 2001 tax years. Acct. #550-01327-070

j.                     A refund in the amount of $745.40 payable to Alberto Suarez, Jr. due to an over payment by the taxpayer. Account #335-00556-010.

k.                  A refund in the amount of $3,343.05 payable to 1st Nationwide Mortgage c/o Lisa Davidson due to an incorrect payment. Account #968-81001-020 was paid and the account that should have been paid is 968-81001-018.

l.                     A refund in the amount of $771.00 payable to Falcon National Bank due to an overpayment.  Account #977-60006-030

m.                A refund in the amount of $5,197.77 payable to Red Roof Inns, Inc. #224 c/o Accor Economy Lodging. Accor Economy Lodging, on behalf of Red Roof Inns, paid in error 2000 taxes.  Account #933-30000-010

n.                  A refund in the amount of $1,183.54 payable to Liverpool Enterprises, Inc. d/b/a Lazar Electronic due to a Webb County Appraisal District change of value certified by the Appraisal Review Board. Supplement 10 Cause #20001-4572 Account #800-12000-892

o.                  A refund in the amount of $860.22 payable to RCTR Inc., - c/o Burrwoff due to a Webb County Appraisal District change of value certified by the Appraisal Review Board. Supplement 10 Cause #2000-2048.  Acct. #800-18020-108.

p.                  A refund in the amount of $835.26 payable to Carlos E. Villarreal due to a   double overpayment on account #909-00016-418 made by the mortgage company and the taxpayer.

q.                  A refund in the amount of $898.97 payable to Moreno's Grocery due to a Webb County Appraisal District change of value certified by the Appraisal Review Board, Supplement 10 #2001-4598. Account #800-20000-337.

r.                    A refund in the amount of $963.50 payable to Wells Fargo Real Estate Tax due to a Webb County Appraisal District change of value certified by the Appraisal Review Board. Improvements did not exist on the 1st of the year. Supplement 10

s.                  A refund in the amount of $503.36 payable to Mario G. & Kathleen R. Garcia due to a double payment made by the mortgage company and Border Abstract Co. Border Abstract is requesting the refund be made to the taxpayer.       Account #442-00931-010

t.                    A refund in the amount of $1,316.69 payable to Rafael Vanegas due to a payment made in error. Transamerica Real Estate Tax Service paid in error for the tax years 2000 & 2001. Account #983-10001-060

u.                  A refund in the amount of $593.01 payable to IBOC-McAllen due to an over payment by the mortgage company and the title company. Acct. #909-00042-705

v.                   A refund in the amount of $643.85 payable to Jose S. Trevino, Jr. due to a double payment by the Title Company and the Mortgage Company.  Account #909-00481-040

w.                 A refund in the amount of $1,702.34 payable to Jesus G. Vela Cuellar Etal due to a double payment by the bank and the taxpayer. Account #104-00179-060

x.                   A refund in the amount of $540.97 payable to First Nationwide Mortgage Co. due to a double payment by the taxpayer and mortgage company. #918-00103-600

y.                   A refund in the amount of $1,302.68 payable to Falcon National Bank due to a double payment by the bank. Account #800-06000-035.

 

29.       Consideration for approval of change order No. 5 an increase of $47,723.19 to the Jacaman Road extension construction contract with Brothers Paving, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for upgrading a waterline from 8” to 12” along Sinatra Parkway, and for drainage pipes from the Jacaman Road Sinatra Parkway intersection along Sinatra Parkway to the arena site in conjunction with the Laredo Entertainment Center Project.  Funding is available in the Laredo Entertainment Center Project-Improvements Other Than Building and Water Distribution Improvements Accounts.                  

30.       Consideration to award a construction contract to the lowest bidder, Triple A Concrete, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for the CDBG Sidewalks City-Wide Project No. 19A (35.5 blocks) in the bid amount of $153,412.50.  Funding is available in the Community Development 26th Action Year Project. 

 

31.       Consideration to award a construction contract to the lowest bidder, Triple A Concrete, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for the CDBG Sidewalks City-Wide Project No. 19B (35 blocks) in the bid amount of $197,166.00.  Funding is available in the 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th & 26th Action Years. 

 

32.       Amending a contract with Smith, Russo & Mercer Consulting Engineers, Corpus Christi, Texas, for $18,695.00 to include additional basic engineering and surveying services required to extend an additional 4,000 linear feet of wastewater line for the Highway 359 work order #1 and to extend the contract time to an additional 120 days bringing the total time to 3 years and 2 months.  This amendment brings the total contract amount to $128,930.00.  Funding is available in the Colonias Project Engineer Fees account.

 

33.       Consideration to approve a professional services contract with Robert Grieve International, Incorporated, for the recovery of State Excise Taxes paid on gasoline and diesel fuels for the period covering July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2003 with an option to extend for two additional years.

 

34.       Authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract for the sale for one-time use of 474.66 acre feet of water acquired from Arrow Brook Limited Partnership and 217.721 acre feet of water acquired from Sam R. Sparks, Inc.  This sale comes from the total 692.381 acre-feet of irrigation water currently in these two accounts on the books of the Rio Grande Watermaster.  The parties agree to pay the City of Laredo $25,000.00 for the water that is currently in the accounts of Valley Acres Irrigation District and Sam R. Sparks, Inc.

 

35.       Consideration to authorize the purchase of twenty (20), portable radios for the Police Department through the Houston Galveston Area Council of Governments Cooperative Purchasing Program in the total amount of $65,207.36.  Delivery of these radios is expected within thirty days.  Funding is available in the Police Department's capital outlay budget.

           

36.       Consideration to award a design/build contract to Reliant Energy, Houston, Texas in the amount not to exceed $457,185.00 for the CNG Compressor Station at City of Laredo Fuel Distribution Center (Design/Build Project).  Funding is available in the Fleet Management and Transit System Buildings accounts.

 

XIII.     STAFF REPORTS

 

37.       Presentation on the plan of finance by Noe Hinojosa of Estrada-Hinojosa & Company, financial consultants, on a proposed sale of various issues including a personal property finance contractual obligation and certificate of obligation bond issues.

 

38.       Status report on the widening at the intersection of Saunders and Milmo.

 

XIV.     EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

The City Council hereby reserves the right to go into executive session at any time during this public meeting, if such is requested by the City Attorney or other legal counsel for the City, pursuant to his or her duty under Section 551.071(2) of the Government Code, to consult privately with his or her client on an item on the agenda, or on a matter arising out of such item.

 

39.       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 in the City of Laredo Downtown District, 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 MASS TRANSIT BOARD

 

40.  2002-RT-003     Adopting and implementing the Texas Unified Certification Program which is a “One Stop” certification process for disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE) in the contract bidding process.

 

41.       Consideration for approval of the selection of consultant Porras Engineering Company, Laredo, Texas, for the City of Laredo Sidewalks Project No. 18 and authorization to negotiate a professional services contract.  Funding is available in the Transit System Grant #456 Improvements O/T Buildings.

 

42.       Ratifying the submission by City Manager of a statement of intent to apply for up to $4,200,000.00 in transit operational funds for FY 2002-2003.  The Texas Department of Transportation distributes State funds for transit capital and operating assistance in urbanized areas and transportation related planning.

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, May 15, 2002 at 6:00 p.m.

 

                                                           

 

                                                                        Gustavo Guevara, Jr.

                                                                        City Secretary[fp1] 

 [fp1]