COUNCIL COMMUNICATION

DATE: 10/7/2002

SUBJECT: FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE 2002-O-0251 Authorizing an increase in the bridge toll rate schedule for southbound pedestrian traffic as further described in Exhibit “A” and hereby repealing all conflicting sections in all ordinances currently in effect.

INITIATED BY: Larry Dovalina, City Manager

STAFF SOURCE: Rafael Garcia Jr., Bridge System Director

PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION:

City Council directed staff during the City Council budget workshops on August 14-16, 2002 to initiate procedural steps for a possible Laredo Bridge System pedestrian toll rate increase.

BACKGROUND: As per Ordinance No. 96-0-180 the following procedural steps have been taken: 1. On August 29, 2002 a presentation was given to the Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee regarding the recommended fifteen (15) cent increase to all southbound pedestrian traffic utilizing our City of Laredo International Bridges. The committee, after a lengthy discussion, unanimously supported the fifteen (15) cent increase for pedestrian traffic. 2. On September 6, 7, & 8, a public notice was published in the Laredo Morning Times advising of the upcoming September 16, 2002 public hearing regarding the southbound pedestrian rate increase.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Estimated financial impact of a .15 cent increase to our southbound pedestrian traffic is $541,366.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Approval of fifteen (15) cent increase to southbound pedestrian traffic.	STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the proposed City of Laredo International Bridge toll rate increase for southbound pedestrian traffic.

ORDINANCE 2002-O-0251

AMENDING SECTION 2 OF ORDINANCE 2001-O-0219 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LAREDO, TO INCREASE THE BRIDGE TOLL RATE SCHEDULE FOR SOUTH BOUND PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC AND HEREBY REPEALING ALL CONFLICTING SECTIONS IN ALL ORDINANCES CURRENTLY IN EFFECT.

WHEREAS, the City Council, after a public hearing held September 16, 2002 in compliance with Section 6.10 (B) of the City Charter on the issue of increasing tolls charged for crossing City of Laredo International Bridges, and in compliance with Ordinance 96-0-180, has determined that it is in the public’s interest to increase such bridge tolls, and the revised tolls are fair, reasonable, and equitable in all respects and should be approved; and

WHEREAS, the Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee of the City of Laredo has been advised that such bridge tolls charged for southbound pedestrian traffic crossing City of Laredo International Bridges are recommended to be revised in accordance with the schedule presented at the public hearing described above; and

WHEREAS, the approval of these rates will be appropriated for the Capital Improvement Fund to fund various projects city wide; and

WHEREAS, the City Council finds it necessary to apply an increase to southbound pedestrian traffic at our City of Laredo International Bridges; and

WHEREAS, a public hearing and introductory ordinance was held on September 16, 2002.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAREDO:

Section 1: That Section 2 of Ordinance 2001-O-0219 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Laredo shall be, and hereby is, amended to read as follows:

That the City Council hereby establishes the rates to be charged for southbound pedestrian traffic to cross International Bridges of the City of Laredo to be as follows:

1. Pedestrians………………………………………………………$.35¢ $.50
2. (Children under 6 years of age)…………………………………FREE (Bicycle and rider)………………………………………………$.35¢ $50
3. Non-commercial vehicles (with or without Cargo)

2Axle…………………………………………………..$2.00

3 Axle……………………………………………..……$3.00

4 Axle…..………………………………………………$4.00

4. Commercial Vehicles

All commercial vehicles…………………………………………$2.75@Axle

5. Overweights (With permit)

80,001lbs. –100,000 lbs………………………………………..$ 50.00

100,001-120,000 lbs…………………………………..……….$ 75.00

120,001-140,00 lbs……………………………………….……$100.00

140,001-160,00 lbs…………………………………….………$125.00

160,001-180,00 lbs…………………………………………….$150.00

180,001-Over…………………………………………………. $175.00

Overweight U-turn

Penalty Violation

5. Overweights (Without permit) Fee Fee

80,001lbs. –100,000 lbs……………………………………..$ 50.00+ $500.00 + $500.00

100,001-120,000 lbs……………………………………..….$ 75.00+ $500.00 + $500.00

120,001-140,00 lbs………………………………………… $100.00+ $500.00 + $500.00

140,001-160,00 lbs…………………………………….……$125.00+ $500.00 + $500.00

160,001-180,00 lbs………………………………………… $150.00+ $500.00 + $500.00

180,001-Over………………………………………………. $175.00+ $500.00 + $500.00

All commercial vehicles over 80,000 lbs. must obtain a permit from the Traffic Department of the City of Laredo prior to crossing any Bridge designated by the City of Laredo as a Commercial International Bridge (Colombia Solidarity Bridge or World Trade Bridge). Failure to obtain this permit will result in an additional $500.00 civil penalty fee at time of crossing. Failure to comply with the City’s U-turn procedure at it’s City of Laredo International Bridges will result in an additional $500.00 civil penalty fee. The entire bridge toll, including the civil penalty fee and the violation fee, must be paid prior to allowing any use of our City of Laredo International Bridges.

Section 2: All laws and parts of laws in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance shall be, and hereby are, repealed.

PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND APPROVED BY THE MAY THIS __________________________________.

______________________

ELIZABETH G. FLORES

MAYOR

ATTEST:

_______________________

GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR.

CITY SECRETARY

________________________

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

JAIME L. FLORES

CITY ATTORNEY