COUNCIL COMMUNICATION

DATE: 12/16/2002

SUBJECT: FINAL READING ORDINANCE 2002-O-326 DESIGNATING AS A ONE-WAY WESTBOUND THAT SECTION OF MOCTEZUMA STREET, BLOCK NUMBERS 400, 500, AND 600, BETWEEN SAN JORGE AVENUE ON THE EAST AND SAN DARIO AVENUE ON THE WEST, PROVIDING FOR THE INSTALLATION OF APPROPRIATE SIGNS TO INDICATE ONE-WAY TRAFFIC IN THE WEST DIRECTION AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE.

INITIATED BY: STAFF SOURCE:

Larry Dovalina,

City Manager Roberto Murillo, P.E., Traffic Director

PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION:

Ordinance was introduced on December 2, 2002.

BACKGROUND:

Railroad crossing warning devices (gates) will be installed on San Jorge Avenue and on San Francisco Avenue to provide increased protection for motorists. Installation of gates will require reducing the width of the already narrow Moctezuma Street to install these devices. Because of the narrow width of the street, it is recommended that Moctezuma Street be designated as a one-way street in the west direction.

The proposed one-way designation minimizes the need to install additional railroad safety devices at the crossings and will improve traffic flow for this section of Moctezuma.

FINANCIAL IMPACT:

NONE

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Transportation & Traffic Safety Committee approved recommendation.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of this ordinance.

AN ORDINANCE 2002 – O – 326

DESIGNATING AS A ONE-WAY WESTBOUND THAT SECTION OF MOCTEZUMA STREET, BLOCK NUMBERS 400, 500, AND 600, BETWEEN SAN JORGE AVENUE ON THE EAST AND SAN DARIO AVENUE ON THE WEST, PROVIDING FOR THE INSTALLATION OF APPROPRIATE SIGNS TO INDICATE ONE-WAY TRAFFIC IN THE WEST DIRECTION AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE.

WHEREAS, the designation of that section of Moctezuma street as a one-way westbound will prevent vehicles traveling east on that section of Moctezuma street from outrunning the train; and

WHEREAS, the Traffic Safety Division, after proper analysis, has determined that better traffic flow will result on the narrow street of Moctezuma and the interest and safety of the citizens of Laredo will be improved by a change in the designation of that section of Moctezuma Street, block number 400, 500, and 600, between San Jorge Avenue on the east and San Dario Avenue on the west; and

WHEREAS, the installation of additional railroad crossing warning devices on San Jorge Avenue and on San Francisco Avenue can be avoided by designating this section of street as one-way in the west direction; and

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Laredo is of the same opinion.

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

SECTION 1: The section of Moctezuma Street, block numbers 400, 500, and 600, between San Jorge Avenue on the east and San Dario Avenue on the west be and is hereby designated a one-way westbound traffic street; and

SECTION 2: The installation and erection of appropriate signs giving notice thereof be and is hereby approved and authorized; and

SECTION 3: The City Manager and the Director of Traffic Safety be and are hereby authorized to take the necessary steps to carry out this ordinance; and

SECTION 4: This ordinance shall be published one time in an official newspaper in the City of Laredo and shall be in force and effect from and after the date of such publication.

PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND APPROVED BY THE MAYOR ON THIS _____________DAY____________, 2002.

ATTEST:

_________________________ _______________________

GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR. ELIZABETH G. FLORES

CITY SECRETARY MAYOR

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

JAIME L. FLORES

CITY ATTORNEY

By: ______________________

ALLAN W. McGRAW

ASST. CITY ATTORNEY