CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

A-2003-R-06

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

MARCH 24, 2003

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 Avenue

 

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 and work product of the Strategic Planning Workshop of       September 28, 2002 and City Council meeting of January 27, 2003.

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

Announcements

 

Invitations

 

Recognitions

a.        Recognition by the Mayor and City Council of employees that retired from the City of Laredo with 20 or more years of service.

 

Communiqués

a.      Presentation by Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores, Council Member Eliseo Valdez, Jr., Council Member John C. Galo, Council Member Gene Belmares and Council Member Hector J. Garcia regarding trip to Washington, D.C. 

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

            a.

VII.      PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1.             Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 9.6982 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located south of Highway 359 and approximately one and a half miles east of Loop 20, from R-1 (Single Family Residential 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.       

 

2.             Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 8.48 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located at the rear of 6801 McPherson Road, 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 approval of the proposed zone change.            

 

3.             Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 16.05 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located west of Indian Sunset Subdivision, Phase 3, 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 3.6584 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located west of Highway 83 and north of Santa Martha Boulevard, 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.

 

5.             Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 10, 11, and 12, Block 791, Eastern Division, located at 1402 Chihuahua St., from R-O (Residential/Office 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.

 

6.             Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 5, 6, 7, and 8, Block 527, Eastern Division, located at 902 San Carlos St. from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

 

7.             Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 6, Block 191, Western Division, located at 1115 San Dario Avenue, 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. 

 

8.             Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 8 and the west 22.56 feet of Lot 7, Block 1692, Eastern Division, located at 2401 Arkansas Avenue, from R-3 (Mixed 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.

 

9.             Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo 2002-2003 annual budget by increasing the revenue and expenditure appropriations in the amount of $1,440,000.00 for the lease purchase of 60 police sedans for the Laredo Police Department.  Funding is available in the Police Trust Fund.

 

10.        Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo 2002-2003 annual budget in the amount of $89,410.00 for the Laredo Financial Disruption Task Force.  Funding is available from the opening fund balance of the Financial Task Force Fund (223) and will be used to purchase equipment.

 

11.        Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo 2002-2003 annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $5,000.00 from the Texas Department of Health for “Los Dos Laredos” Binational Health Council of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period of October 1, 2002 through September 30, 2003.

 

12.        Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending ordinance 88-O-006 of January 5, 1988 as amended by ordinance 89-O-131 of July 17, 1989 and Ordinance 97-O-148 of July 7, 1997, to create a Summer Fun Bus Pass fee for students at a rate of $19.95 for students ages 6-18 years old to provide unlimited rides on all El Metro buses during the Summer months from June 1, 2003 through August 31, 2003.

 

13.        Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2003 Capital Improvements Projects Fund annual budget by appropriating revenues of $481,500.00 in the form of a grant and appropriating expenditures in the amount of $481,500.00 for the construction and redevelopment of Seven Flags Park with 80% funding from the National Park Service UPARR Grant Program, 10% from Texas Parks and Wildlife and 10% local matching funds from Community Development Block Grants.

 

14.        Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo 2002-2003 annual budget, Capital Improvements Fund by appropriating $4,400,000.00 from fund balance and appropriating expenditures in the amount of $4,400,000.00 for the Civic Center renovation and expansion project.

 

15.        Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Section 31-3 of the Code of Ordinances to provide for two exceptions to the prohibition of water services for other than industrial purposes outside city limits, these exceptions being for future water service (1) to the Colonias and (2) to any facility or building owned by the City of Laredo or Webb County; and providing for an effective date.

 

16.        Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with the Laredo Independent School District, and amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003 annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditure in the amount of $73,500.00 for Immunization Program of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning April 1, 2003 through August 31, 2003.

 

VIII.     GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

17.
 
 


                        A.                    Request by Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores

1.      Discussion with possible action to have the Fire Department  work with property owners along Del Mar Blvd. between McPherson and Loop 20 to cooperate in providing a fire break along the fence line to address  potential fire hazards.   (Co-sponsored by Cm. Gene Belmares)

 

B.                    Request by Council Member Johnny Amaya

1.        Discussion with possible action on placing sidewalks on the 3000 block of East San Francisco.

2.        Discussion with possible action on paving the 3000 block of San Francisco.    

 

C.                    Request by Council Member Gene Belmares

1.      Presentation and discussion on a petition against the removal of the stop signs at the intersection of Springfield and Sunset, with possible action.

 

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

1.      Discussion with possible action regarding the issue of loose gravel on Mines Road and what preventive measures the City could implement.

2.      Discussion with possible action regarding the parking problems on the 1400 block of Pierce.

3.      Discussion with possible action regarding the striping and placement of street buttons on Lowry Road from Mines Road to the creek bridge.

4.      Discussion with possible action regarding the resurfacing of Lowry Road from the creek bridge section to Atlanta Drive.

 

D.        Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez

1.      Discussion with possible action regarding traffic striping at Santa Maria between Park and Sanchez.

2.      Discussion with possible action to amend 2002-2003 annual budget to increase hourly rates at Public Works and Solid Waste employees.

3.      Discussion with possible action on requiring restaurants to install diaper change stations in their restrooms.

4.      Discussion with possible action on starting a 4th of July Parade.

 

                        (Recess)

            (Press Availability)

 

IX.       INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

 

18.        An ordinance re-adopting guidelines and criteria governing tax abatements by the City of Laredo, as required by State law; providing for severability, publication, and effective date.

 

19.        Authorizing the City Manager to execute an Assignment of Lease between the City of Laredo, as Lessor, and International Bank of Commerce (“IBOC”) and Sanchez O’Brien Oil and Gas Corp., A Joint Venture, as Tenant/Assignor, for approximately 26,965 sq. ft. of land, including the approximate 12,000 square feet constituting the west section of Hangar No. 1309 located at the Laredo International Airport authorized by Ordinance No. 93-O-029 dated March 1, 1993, and as amended on January 5, 1998, by Ordinance No. 97-O-323. Said Assignment will be to Labata Services, as Assignee.  All other terms and conditions remain unchanged and in effect; and contingent upon approval of the Assignment of Lease, further authorizing the City Manager to execute a Release of Tenant’s Liability, for the benefit of International Bank of Commerce and Sanchez O’Brien Oil and Gas Corporation, A Joint Venture; providing for an effective date.

 

X.        FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES 

20.
 
 


2003-O-062            Authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement between the City of Laredo and U.S. Customs Service, Special Agent in Charge, San Antonio, Texas for the purpose of receiving reimbursable costs for overtime resources for joint operational task forces.  The term of this agreement is from October 1, 2002, through September 30, 2005.  These funds will be reimbursed to the City.  The total reimbursable overtime amount allowed is $13,000.00 per officer per fiscal year for seven narcotic officers (October-September).  Authorizing the City Manager to amend the 2002-2003 annual budget in the amount of $91,000.00.

 

2003-O-063            Authorizing the City Manager to amend the 2002-2003 annual budget in the amount of $47,458.00 for the Laredo Multi-Agency Narcotics Task Force.  Funding is available in the opening balance of the Narcotics Task Force Fund 224 and will be used to pay overtime benefits for the period beginning March 1, 2003 through May 31, 2003.

 

2003-O-064            Amending Chapter 19, Motor Vehicle and Traffic, Article VIII, Stopping, Standing or Parking and Article X, impoundment of vehicles of the Code of Ordinances, City of Laredo; specifically Section 19-360, Parking Meters to extend the northern parking meter boundary from Moctezuma to Scott Street and providing for publication and effective date.

 

2003-O-065            Authorizing the City Manager to execute a Transit System budget amendment reducing the State operating grant transfer in the amount of $541,781.00 by $11,872.00 to $529,909.00 and increasing the transfer in sales tax amount from $3,825,955.00 by $11,872.00 to $3,837,827.00 for FY 2002-2003.

 

2003-O-066            Amending the City of Laredo’s FY 2002-2003 General Fund annual budget by appropriating expenditures in the amount of $189,888.00 from the Technology Fund fees collected by the Municipal Court.  Funds are being appropriated from the restricted opening fund balance and will be used to purchase the new software system for the Municipal Court.

 

2003-O-067            Amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003 annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $45,000.00 from the Texas Association of Local Health Officials (TALHO) for Bio-terrorism Consequence Management/Automated Disease Surveillance Pilot Project for the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning January 1, 2003 through August 31, 2003.

 

2003-O-068            Amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003 Water Availability Fund Annual Budget by appropriating revenues of $2,900,000.00 from the opening balance and appropriating expenditures in the amount of $2,900,000.00 for the Water Rights Acquisition.

 

2003-O-069            Authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo’s Full-Time Equivalent Positions by creating two (2) part-time with no benefits (.96 FTE) Community Service Aides positions at 19.21 hours each per week for the HIV Hepatitis C Screening Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period from September 1, 2002, through August 31, 2003.

 

2003-O-070            Authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo’s Full-Time Equivalent Positions by creating three (3) part-time with no benefits (1.44 FTE) Community Service Aides positions at 19.21 hours each per week in the HIV Prevention Project of the City of Laredo Health Department, funded by the Texas Department of Health.

 

2003-O-071            Authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo’s Full-Time Equivalent Positions by creating one (1) part-time with no benefits (.48 FTE) Community Service Aid position at 19.21 hours per week for HIV-Infected Persons Project (PSHIP) of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning January 1, 2003, through December 31, 2003.

 

2003-O-072            Authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo’s Full-Time Equivalent Positions by allocating one (.05 FTE) Chief of Public Health Education Division position and deleting one (.05 FTE) Public Health Technician position for the Mi Futuro (My Future) Abstinence Education Program of the City of Laredo Health Department from the October 1, 2002, through September 30, 2003. 

 

2003-O-073            Authorizing an amendment to the Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation (LMHC) Fund for FY 2002-2003 Budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $53,065.00 and authorizing the city manager to implement said budget.  

 

2003-O-074            Amending the City of Laredo’s 2002-2003 annual budget by authorizing the addition of two (2) Investigator positions by reclassification of two (2) patrolman positions at the Laredo Police Department and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget.  The approximate additional cost to the General Fund is $7,236.00 to pay for the salaries and fringe benefits for two (2) additional Investigator positions from March 25, 2003 through September 30, 2003.

 

XI.       RESOLUTIONS

 

21.  2003-R-025        Authorizing City Manager to enter into a non-financial agreement between the International Language Institute at Texas A&M International University to provide English as a second language classes to non-English speaking adults within the City of Laredo at the Laredo Public Library-Santo Nino Branch.

 

22.  2003-R-026        Accepting the donation of a fifteen-foot-wide Utility Easement, from the United States General Services Administration for the extension of an eight inch water line between Water Street and Ventura Street. Said Utility Easement being out of that portion of the closed Flores Avenue, lying between Block “L” and Block “K”, Western Division, Laredo, Texas, and conveyed to the United States of America as per Warranty Deed recorded in Volume 230, Page 351, of the Real Property Records of Webb County, Texas; and being depicted on attached Exhibit “A.”

 

23.  2003-R-027        Authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement between the City of Laredo Police Department and the United States Customs Service for Operation Co-Operation/Outbound and Inbound for overtime costs incurred by the Laredo Police Department providing resources for joint operational task forces.  The life of this agreement is from January 1, 2003 through September 30, 2005.  This overtime will be reimbursed at no cost to the City. 

 

24.  2003-R-028        Authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract between the City of Laredo and the Verde Corporation, N.D. Hachar Trust, David Hachar, Lily Hachar Salazar, and the Estate of Daniel Hachar for provisions of water to 5,543 acres referred in the contract as the adjacent land.  This contract will have a life span of 25 years in which the developer(s) wishes to develop by annexing, platting and building according to all City of Laredo requirements for all or part of the 5,543 acres.

 

25.  2003-R-029        Declaring the public necessity to acquire the “Surface Only” of a 0.7911 acre tract of land, more or less, to construct an airport perimeter/service road at the Laredo International Airport.  Said tract being out of the property known as the Casa Blanca Country Club, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas; being generally described below, and more particularly described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A”; and authorizing staff to negotiate with Webb County, owner for the acquisition of said parcel by purchase at a market value to be established by a State Certified Real Estate Appraiser, and further authorizing the City Attorney to initiate condemnation proceedings to acquire said parcel if staff is unable to acquire through negotiations due to inability to agree to a purchase price, conflict of ownership, owner refusal to sell, and/or inability to locate the listed owner. 

 

Being a tract of land containing 0.7911 acres, more or less, situated in Porcion 27, Dona Maria G. Sanchez, Original Grantee, Abstract 284, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas.  Said 0.7911 acre tract being out of the property known as the Casa Blanca Country Club as described in a deed dated August 17, 1949, and recorded in Volume 209, Pages 487-489, Deed Records of Webb County, Texas.

 

26.  2003-R-030        Authorizing the City Manager to execute an interlocal government agreement between the City of Laredo and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for the disposal of debris and rubbish from Lake Casa Blanca State Park at the city landfill in exchange for City of Laredo’s use of Lake Casa Blanca State Park Facilities.  This authorization is for two weeks commencing on March 31, 2003 and ending on April 11, 2003.

 

XII.      MOTIONS

 

27.           Consideration for approval of amendment no. 1 an increase of $30,000.00 to the professional services contract with Rosin Group, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for the Zacate Creek Linear Park, Phase III, IV & V - Scope of Work II for additional services to provide park facilities, irrigation, sports fields and other work related to park improvements.  Funding is available in the Zacate Creek Park 28th Action Year.

 

28.           Consideration to annul the award of the construction contract to Pete Gallegos Paving, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for the Zacate Creek Linear Park Phases III, IV & V Scope of Work I - Sidewalks Project.  Funding is available in the Zacate Creek Park and Zacate Creek III, IV and V.

 

29.           Consideration for approval of change order no. 1 a decrease of $4,800.00 for the balance of quantities actually constructed in place, acceptance of the Civic Center Ballroom Concession Renovations (Design/Build Project) and approval of final payment in the amount of $45,200.00 to United Construction Company, Laredo, Texas.  Final contract amount is $130,200.00.  Funding is available in the Civic Center Fund.

 

30.           Consideration of an award of contract to Holt Company of Texas, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $27,048.02 for repairs to a 2000 Caterpillar D8N dozer (tract type tractor).  Repairs are needed to the tracks and undercarriage of this dozer.  This equipment is vital to the operation of the City landfill and staff is requesting City Council authorization to proceed with these repairs.  The replacement cost for this equipment is approximately $380,000.00.  The tracts and undercarriage generally are replaced after four thousand hours of use.  Funding is available in the Fleet Maintenance fund.

 

31.           Consideration to exercise the renewal option for annual contract number FY02-081, awarded to the low bidder, Nick Benavides, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $84,000.00, for providing monthly mowing and maintenance of the Zacate Creek areas from Meadow and Canal Streets to the mouth of the river.  This includes the collection of trash, debris, rubbish, and other floatable material along the creek.  The term of the contract was for one year with an option to extend for one additional year.  This vendor has been doing an excellent job with this contract and the recommendation is to exercise the renewal option.  Funding is available in the Environmental Services Department budget.

 

32.           Consideration to award contract number FY03-028 to the low bidder, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Inc., Laredo, Texas, to provide rental car services for the Laredo Police Department.  Funding is available in the Police Department budget.

 

33.           Consideration to award contract FY 03-034 to fifty eight (58) qualified book vendors for library materials collection development of books, databases and audio visual products for a two-year period effective March 25, 2003 through March 24, 2005.  Contracts for multiple book vendors for library materials collection development will enable to the library to assess the services of book distributors and acquire the best competitive prices and discounts on the market.  Multiple contracts for various genres insure high quality reading materials and services at the best prices for all book, audio-visual and electronic information purchases.  Funding is available in the Library budget.  Purchase of library materials is incumbent upon current and subsequent fiscal years approved annual budget.

 

34.           Authorization for the City Manager to enter into an interlocal agreement between the City of Laredo and the County of Starr for the purchase of a trash compactor by Starr County from the City of Laredo for $32,000.00.

 

35.           Approving monthly adjustments to the tax roll.  The amount to be adjusted for the month of February 2003, represents an increase of $17,252.32.  These adjustments are determined by Webb County Appraisal District and by court orders.

 

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

 

a.             A refund in the amount of $1,975.01 payable to Only Deals, Inc., due to the account having a credit based on an estimation for 2002. The actual certified value for the year 2002 was much less and therefore so was the tax amount.  Account #800-15099-100.

b.             A refund in the amount of $774.11 payable to First American Real Estate Tax Service due to a double payment.  Account was paid by First American and Border Title.  Account #991-50004-110.

c.              A refund in the amount of $1,131.26 payable to First American Real Estate Tax Service due to a double payment for tax years 2001 & 2002. The taxes were paid by the property owner and the mortgage company. Account #989-00011-060.

d.             A refund in the amount of $687.79 payable to First American Real Estate Tax Service due to a double payment. Account was paid by First American Real Estate Tax Service and Webb County Title. Account #909-00034-587.

e.             A refund in the amount of $755.00 payable to First American Real Estate Tax Service due to a double payment. The taxes were paid by First American twice.  Account #437-00692-061.

f.                A refund in the amount of $503.54 payable to First American Real Estate Tax Service due to a double payment. Account was paid by First American and Webb County Title. Account #968-00019-222.

g.             A refund in the amount of $648.95 payable to First American Real Estate Tax Service due to a double payment.  Account was paid by Wells Fargo  and First American Real Estate Tax Service. Account #923-00037-730.

h.              A refund in the amount of $566.16 payable to First American Real Estate Tax Service due to an over payment made by First American Real Estate Tax Service.  Account #909-00027-505.

i.                A refund in the amount of $839.30 payable to First American Real Estate Tax Service due to a double payment. Account was paid by First American Real Estate and Border Title. Account #969-30010-250.

j.                A refund in the amount of $796.68 payable to First American Real Estate Tax Service due to double payment. Account was paid by First American Real Estate Tax Service and Neel Title Corporation. Account #969-30007-100.

k.              A refund in the amount of $548.69 payable to First American Real Estate Tax Service due to an over payment made by First American Real Estate Tax Service.  Account #969-00006-120.

l.                A refund in the amount of $866.86 payable to John L. & Gloria J. Benacci due to a double payment. Account was paid by First American Real Estate Tax Service and the Tax Payer. Account #923-00019-392.

m.           A refund in the amount of $1,017.49 payable to First American Real Estate Tax Service due to a double payment. The taxes were paid by First American Tax Service and International Bank of Commerce. Account #557-01688-010.

n.              A refund in the amount of $626.18 payable to First American Real Estate Tax Service  due to a double payment. Account was paid by First American Real Estate Tax Service and Union Planters Mortgage Company. Account #965-20006-037.

o.             A refund in the amount of $903.68 payable to First American Real Estate Service due to a double payment. Account was paid by First American Real Estate Tax Service and GMAC. Account #989-52002-040.

p.             A refund in the amount of $720.95 payable to First American Real Estate Tax Service due to a double payment. The taxes were paid by First American Real Estate Tax Service and GMAC. Account #989-00001-040.

q.             A refund in the amount of $695.92 payable to Raynaldo & Maria L. Esquivel due to a double payment. Account was paid by Transamerica Real Estate Tax Service and Neel Title Corp. Account #990-10006-090.

r.               A refund in the amount of $952.61 payable to Union Planters, c/o First American Real Estate Tax Service due to a double payment. Account was paid by Neel Title and Union Planters Mortgage Company. Account #989-10002-280.

s.              A refund in the amount of $1541.53 payable to Lereta Corporation due to a double payment. Account was paid by Border Abstract and Lereta Corporation.  Account #988-00002-020.