CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

A-2004-R-11

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

JUNE 7, 2004

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 19, 2004.

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

Announcements

 

Invitations

 

Recognitions

 

a.      Recognition of Malia Watson from the Laredo Public Library on her selection as April Employee of the Month.

 

b.      Recognition of Linda Xochitl Mora Garcia from the City Manager’s Department Public Information Office on her selection as May Employee of the Month.

 

c.      Recognition of Red Raiders football team.

 

d.      Recognizing Police Investigators Jorge Luna, Jr. and Martin J. Guerra for their completion of training from the United States Department of Justice/Federal Bureau of Investigation Basic Bomb Technician Accreditation Course.  Both officers are now fully qualified as certified bomb technicians and will now be able to respond to any bomb threats received in the city.

 

e.      Recognition of City of Laredo employees and R.E.A.C.H. Committee members for their commitment to volunteerism in the community by supporting the American Cancer Society and in promoting awareness, prevention, education, and support in research to find a cure for cancer.

 

Communiqués

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

           

a.        Appointment by Mayor Pro Tempore John C. Galo of Mary B. Wyers to the Citizens Environmental Advisory Committee.

 

b.        Appointment by Council Member Juan Ramirez of Dr. Michael Yoder to the Parks and Recreation Committee.

  

VII.             PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1.               Public hearing regarding the proposed substantial amendment of the 24th, 25th, and 28th Action Year Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) One-Year Action Plans for the reprogramming of CDBG fund balances totaling $132,000.00.  The reprogrammed funds will be used for the acquisition of an open space/green-space recreational land.

 

2.               Public hearing concerning an appeal of the denial order issued on April 23, 2004, by the Historic District/Landmark Board regarding the installation of approximately fifty air conditioning window units on the two street-front facades of the Sames-Moore Building.

Location:  Lot 8 E N ½ of 9-10 Block 70 W. D.

Commonly known as:  1219 Matamoros Sames-Moore Building

Petitioner:  Jorge O. Gutierrez

Locally significant historic landmark

 

3.               Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute two (2) year lease agreements for retail space at  “El Mercado” located on Hidalgo and Lincoln Street with the following retail Lessors; Chez Mauricette, Helados La Playa and Hot Dog Express; copies of which are provided as Exhibits “A” through “C”; and providing for effective date.

 

4.               Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by decreasing revenues and expenditures in the amount $20,000.00 in funds from the Texas Department of Health for the Maternal and Child Health (MCH-Title V) Program of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning September 1, 2003, through August 31, 2004. 

 

5.               Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by increasing revenues and expenditures in the amount $20,000.00 in funds from the Texas Department of Health for the Family Planning Services of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning September 1, 2003, through August 31, 2004.

 

6.               Public hearing and introductory ordinance adding new Article II [regulation of private premises vendors] to Chapter 18 of the Code of Ordinances; said Article II defining “private premises vendors”, regulating them, requiring permits, setting duration of permit, setting fee of $100.00 for a permit on land owned by permittee and of $500.00 for a permit on land not owned by permittee, and providing for penalty for violation of any provision of the regulations; providing for publication and effective date.

 

7.               Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept $600.00 in donations and amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 General Fund Annual Budget by appropriating revenues in the amount of $600.00 in the form of a donation from Westwind Homes and appropriating expenditures in the amount of $600.00 for the purchase of food and beverages for the Indian Sunset Pond Clean Up Campaign that was held Saturday, May 22, 2004.

 

(Recess)

(Press Availability)

 

VIII.     INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

 

8.               Authorizing City Manager to convey on behalf of City of Laredo, as Trustee, Lots 7 and 8, Block 1299, Eastern Division, to City of Laredo, for its appraised fair market value of $9,578.00 of which the net proceeds shall be disbursed to the creditor taxing entities in the proportion each entity holds of the tax judgment; and providing for effective date. 

 

9.               Authorizing City Manager to convey on behalf of City of Laredo, as trustee, Lots 4 and 5, Block 1299, Eastern Division, to City of Laredo, for its appraised fair market value of $9,578.00 of which the net proceeds shall be disbursed to the creditor taxing entities in the proportion each entity holds of the tax judgment; and providing for effective date.

 

10.           Authorizing the City Manager execute Easement Document WR# 2137814 with American Electric Power (AEP) for a 12’ x 750’ easement (9,000 square feet) and right-of-way out of the 1,259.09 acre tract of the Laredo International Airport recorded in Volume 478, Page 479-480 of the Webb County Deed Records for the purpose of installing underground electrical facilities to serve the Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) to Runway 17L; and providing for an effective date. 

 

11.           Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to effectively convey fee simple title to the “Surface Only”, at its market value of $7,583.18, for certain property described as a 5,924.36  sq. ft. (0.1360 of an acre) tract of land, more or less, out of that former section of the 2200 block of Lincoln Street between Eagle Pass Avenue and the Laredo Community College property line to Millco International, Inc.; said tract being situated in the Western Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas being generally described in attached Exhibit “A”; and providing for an effective date.

 

IX.       FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES 

 

12.            

 

2004-O-113                    Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for condominiums on 1.00 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A” located north of the proposed Shiloh extension and east of Stone Creek Subdivision; providing for publication and effective date. 

 

2004-O-114                    Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by authorizing the amendment of Ordinance 99-O-039, which authorized a Conditional Use Permit for major auto repair, on the south ½ of Lot 3 and Lots 4, 5 and 6, Block 197, Eastern Division, located at 4115 Sanders Avenue, by including tire repair as an additional allowed conditional use; providing for publication and effective date.   (As amended)

 

2004-O-115                    Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 10, 11 & 12, Block 1704, Eastern Division, located at 2802 Guadalupe Street, from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Commercial Business District); providing for publication and effective date.  (As amended) 

 

2004-O-116                    Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 11, Block 3, Hilltop Subdivision, Phase II, located approximately at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Huron Court, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to R-2 (Multi-family District); providing for publication and effective date. 

 

2004-O-117                    Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo rezoning Lot 7, Block 1, Alexander Commercial Subdivision, Phase I, located southeast of the intersection of Del Mar Boulevard and Rocio Drive from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date. 

 

2004-O-118                    Amending City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 budget by appropriating an increase in revenues and expenditures in the amount of $24,672.00 which resulted from the increase in fee for the flu vaccine approved by City Council on October 6, 2003, for the Immunization Program of the City of Laredo Health Department for FY 2003-2004.

 

2004-O-119                    Authorizing the City Manager to amend the FY 2003-2004 budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $12,926.00 for the Medicaid Administrative Cost (MAC) Project of the City of Laredo Health Department.  This amount consists of program surplus funds from FY 2002-2003.

 

2004-O-120                    Amending the City of Laredo 2003-2004 budget by increasing the Texas Department of Health‘s share of program income and expenditures for the Tuberculosis Elimination Program of the City of Laredo Health Department in the amount of $10,000.00 for the period beginning September 1, 2003 through August 31, 2004.

 

2004-O-121                    Amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 budget by increasing the Texas Department of Health’s share of program income and expenditures generated by the La Familia Health Care Program of the City of Laredo Health Department in the estimated amount of $5,000.00 for the period beginning September 1, 2003 through August 31, 2004.

 

2004-O-122                    Amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $35,450.00 in additional funds from the Texas Department of Health for the Bio Terrorism Preparedness Program of the City of Laredo Health Department specifically to enhance laboratory capabilities and smallpox vaccinations for the period beginning September 1, 2003 through August 31, 2004.

 

2004-O-123                    Amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 budget by appropriating additional estimated revenues generated by the Women, Infants and Children’s Program and Nutrition Services of the City of Laredo in the amount of $195,000.00 for the period beginning October 1, 2003 through September 30, 2004.

 

2004-O-124                    Amending the City of Laredo 2003-2004 Ryan Street Railroad Bridge Fund by increasing estimated revenues and appropriations in the amount of $15,000.00 and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget amendment and providing for publication and effective date. 

 

2004-O-125                    Approving the public sale of one (1) tract (surface only) of airport non-aeronautical use land located at the Laredo International Airport being Tract “B” consisting of approximately 5.46 acres in the amount of $1,724,423.00 to Dr. Ricardo Cigarroa, a Limited Liability Company, providing for effective date and amending the City of Laredo Airport FY 2003-2004 annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $1,724,323.00 for the deletion of the initial bid offer by Dr. Ricardo G. Cigarroa.

 

2004-O-126                    Authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo, Texas, Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Series 2004A, for the purpose of improving and extending the City's combined Waterworks System and Sewer System, approving an official statement, authorizing the execution of a purchase contract, and making provisions for the security thereof, combining the waterworks system and the sewer system and authorizing amendment to the city's budget to appropriate such proceeds for purposes authorized herein, and ordaining other matters relating to the subject.

 

2004-O-127                    Authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo, Texas International Toll Bridge System Taxable Revenue Bonds, Series 2004, for the purpose of constructing and improving the pedestrian way for Bridge of the Americas Bridge No. 1, by constructing building E as entrance to pedestrian way, the overhead pedestrian way to the administration building B100 and the entrance to the toll bridge by pedestrians, together with necessary land acquisition, and other improvements in connection therewith, approving an official statement, authorizing the execution of a purchase contract, and authorizing amendment to the City's budget to appropriate such proceeds for purposes authorized herein, and authorizing and ordaining other matters related to the subject.

 

2004-O-128                    Authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo, Texas combination Tax and Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 2004, for the purpose of paying all or a portion of the City's contractual obligations for the purpose of constructing, repairing and maintaining city streets for the benefit of the municipal transit department, acquiring, constructing, improving and equipping surface municipal parking lots in the city's downtown area, including demolition of existing facilities, and purchasing refuse trucks and trash cans and other improvements for the Solid Waste Department, and for the payment of legal, fiscal, architectural and engineering fees in connection with such projects; authorizing amendment to the city's budget to appropriate such proceeds for purposes authorized herein; and approving an official statement; authorizing the execution of a purchase contract and ordaining other matters relating to the subject.

 

2004-O-129                    Authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo, Texas Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue refunding bonds, Taxable Series 2004B, for the purpose of refunding Waterworks System Revenue Refunding Bonds, new series, approving an official statement, authorizing the execution of a purchase contract and the execution of an escrow agreement, and making provisions for the security thereof, combining the Waterworks and Sewer System and authorizing amendment to the city's budget to appropriate such proceeds for purposes authorized herein; and ordaining other matters relating to the subject.

 

2004-O-130                    Authorizing the City Manager to execute a one (1) year lease agreement between the City of Laredo Parks and Recreation Department and the South Laredo Girls Softball League for use of a softball field at Mario B. Tijerina Park located at 2300 Saltillo for a fee of $1.00 per year. The primary purpose of this agreement is to conduct a girl’s softball program for the youth of Laredo.

 

2004-O-131                    Amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 Capital Improvement Fund by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $110,000.00 donated by the South Texas National Bank of Laredo in order to fund the installation and activation of a traffic signal on McPherson Road at Sterling Loop/Tiara Trail.

 

2004-O-132                    Authorizing the City Manager to execute Lease No. DTFASW-04-L-00018 between the City of Laredo and the United States of America for a parcel of land within the boundaries of the Laredo International Airport for the purpose of installing, operating and maintaining a Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) on Runway 17L as well as the meter and transformer site together with a 10 foot wide cable easement.  The term shall commence on May 1, 2004 and continue through September 30, 2019 inclusive; providing for an effective date.

 

X.        RESOLUTIONS

 

13.           2004-R-045    Authorizing the City Manager to enter into and execute an Interlocal Government Agreement between the City of Laredo, Webb County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Parks and Wildlife Parks Division, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Law Enforcement Division for a three year period beginning June 1, 2004 and May 31, 2007.  The purpose of the memorandum of understanding is to solidify the area’s law enforcement agencies’ commitment to assist Texas Parks and Wildlife in providing law enforcement response and services to Lake Casa Blanca State Park.

 

14.           2004-R-046    Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application with the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division for $1,142,115.00 to fund the Laredo Narcotics Task Force.  The City of Laredo and participating agencies will designate 25% of the amount awarded.  Funding will be used to pay salaries, direct operating expenses and purchase of equipment from June 1, 2004 through May 31, 2005.

 

15.           2004-R-048 Amending the City of Laredo International Airport Noise Compatibility Program Policy Guide approved by the Laredo City Council as per Resolution No. 98-R-162 to include vacant rental residential structures and vacant residential zoned lots located within the 65 DNL sound level contour areas affected by excessive aircraft noise levels, as being eligible for participation in one of the three noise mitigation alternatives. 

 

16.           2004-R-050    Confirming the Mayor’s appointments to the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Policy Committee.

 

17.           2004-R-051    Authorizing the acceptance of the water utility easement, dated May 20, 2004, of a 0.50 acre tract out of the 25.96 acre Diamond Shamrock plat from Valero Operations Logistics, L.P., and the acceptance of the 454,000 gallon water tank installed thereon by Valero Logistics Operations, L.P., for which the consideration is the operation and maintenance of said easement and water tank as part of the City’s water system. 

 

18.           2004-R-052    Canvassing the results of the May 24, 2004 recount of the votes cast on the general election for the position of District VIII Council Member held on May 15, 2004, pursuant to petition filed by Canuta “Tita” Quintanilla in accordance with the provisions and procedures of the Texas Election Code; and approving the results of the recount.

 

XI.       MOTIONS

 

19.           Motion to approve change of day for regular City Council meeting from Monday, July 5, 2004, to Tuesday, July 6, 2004, in observance of Independence Day holiday.

 

20.           Consideration to ratify and approve action by the City Manager authorizing the issuance of a purchase order to Aventis Pasteur, Inc., through the Texas Department of Health’s federal contract pricing for the purchase of vaccines for the 2004 flu season in the amount of $39,950.00. Funding is available in the Health Department budget through program income to compensate for the cost of the vaccine that will protect those vulnerable persons against the flu and pneumonia.

 

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

a.               A refund in the amount of $617.80 payable to Eva Garza and Fernando D. Laurel due to an over payment.  Account # 553-01491-010.

b.               A refund in the amount of $717.16 payable to the International Bank of Commerce due to a double payment.  Account # 104-00193-060.

c.                A refund in the amount of $651.63 payable to Wells Fargo Real Estate Tax Service, LLC due to a double payment.  Account # 970-00005-116.

d.               A refund in the amount of $1,361.82 payable to Greg M. Jacobs due to a double payment for the years 2000 & 2001.  Account # 946-42000-090.

e.               A refund in the amount of $778.78 payable to Wells Fargo Real Estate Tax Service, LLC due to a double payment.  Account # 989-52001-010.

f.                  A refund in the amount of $3,903.14 payable to Diamond Shamrock Refinery & Marketing due to a decrease in value certified by the Appraisal Review Board. Supplement #9 Case #2002CVQ001130-D2.  Account # 9900005-9220911-0.

g.               A refund in the amount of $3,231.47 payable to Diamond Shamrock Refinery & Marketing due to a decrease in value certified by the Appraisal Review Board. Supplement #9 Case #2002CVQ000747-D2.  Account # 9900005-9220911.

h.                A refund in the amount of $2,536.69 payable to Schwan's Sales Enterprises Inc. due to a decrease in value certified by the Appraisal Review Board.  Supplement # 9, Case # 2003-5587.  Account # 801-03099-121.

i.                  A refund in the amount of $1,300.53 payable to Mercy Hospital of Laredo due to a total exemption certified by the Appraisal Review Board.  Supplement # 10, Cause # Account # 335-00554-030.

j.                  A refund in the amount of $618.21 payable to Vaquillas Development Ltd. due to a partial exemption certified by the Appraisal Review Board.  Supplement # 10, Cause #Account # 900-90321-201.

 

22.           Consideration to authorize TREMCO Incorporated, San Antonio, Texas, through the Texas Cooperative Purchasing Network (TCPN) to furnish specified roofing and related components for replacing the roof in the Plaza Theatre totaling approximately 12,400 sq. ft. in the amount of $185,463.47.  Funding is available in the 26th Action Year-2000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).

 

23.           Consideration to award contract FY04-078 to U.S. Cellular, Laredo, Texas, for cellular phone service and Metrocall, Laredo, Texas, for cellular phone service with two-way radio capability.  Funding is available in the respective departmental budgets.

 

These phones are assigned to public safety departments plus City issued cell phones that are paid with grants or are assigned as department pool phones. U.S. Cellular is providing the most advantageous proposal for regular cellular phone service, while Metrocall provided the most advantageous proposal for cellular phone service with two-way radio capability.  The new contract pricing will be approximately 48% less than the previous contract period.  

 

24.           Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Martinez Pharmacy in the amount not to exceed $59,305.00 to provide public health services to clients of the HIV/AIDS Programs of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning April 1, 2004, through March 31, 2005.

 

25.           Consideration to award contract FY04-040 to the current provider, JVA’s Investigation & Security Company, Laredo, Texas in the estimated annual amount of $45,864.00 for providing airport security guard services for the Laredo International Airport.  Funding is available in the Airport Fund.

 

26.           Consideration to award contract number FY04-042 to the low bidder, County Wide Security, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated yearly amount of $193,168.30 for providing security guard services for the Bridge System, Civic Center, City Hall, Health Department and Veterans Field. Funding is available in the respective departmental budgets.

 

27.           Consideration to award contract number FY04-084 to the low bidder, Zertuche Construction, Laredo, Texas, in the base amount of $60,282.00 for the construction of concrete islands at the Colombia Solidarity Bridge parking lot.   Funding is available in the Bridge Fund.

 

28.           Consideration to exercise the renewal contract option for one (1) additional year for the following annual contracts for repair parts and service for the heavy equipment fleet, sweepers, motorcycle, and lawn maintenance:  Rush Truck Center of Laredo, Laredo, Texas (FY02-078) in the estimated amount of $50,000.00; Industrial Disposal Supply, San Antonio, Texas (FY02-080) in the estimated amount of $25,000.00; Laredo Harley-Davidson, Inc, Laredo, Texas (FY02-079) in the estimated amount of $25,000.00; and RPM Parts & Small Engine, Laredo, Texas (FY02-076) in the estimated amount of $5,000.00.   All parts will be purchased on an as needed basis.  The contract vendor for motorcycle parts, Corpus Christi Harley-Davidson, recently opened a store in Laredo.  All parts and services for our motorcycle fleet will be purchased from the Laredo store.  Funding is available in the Fleet Maintenance budget.