CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

A-2007-R-08

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

APRIL 16, 2007

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 November 15, 2006, November 20, 2006 and November 29, 2006.

 

V.                 COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

Recognitions

a.      Recognition of the All American Shooting Stars Squad from the All American Dance Studio for winning the National All Star Cheerleading Championship.

 

b.      Recognition of Reymundo Valdez, of the Parks and Recreation Department, on his selection as April employee of the month.

 

Communiqués

a.      Invitation by St. Augustine High School students to their shattered dreams event scheduled for April 26, 2007.

 

b.      Legislative update via telephone conference by State Representative Richard Raymond regarding 80th legislative session.

 

Citizen comments

Citizens are required to fill out a witness card and identify themselves at the microphone.  Comments should be relevant to City business and delivered in a professional manner.  No derogatory remarks will be permitted.  There is a time limit of three minutes per speaker.

 

VI.               APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

a.      Appointment by Mayor Raul G. Salinas of Frank Vida to the Blue Ribbon for International Trade Committee.

 

VII.             GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

1.           

a.       

A.                 Request by Council Member Dr. Michael Landeck

1.           Discussion with possible action regarding an organizational structural and Departmental unit analysis of the City’s administration’s present organizational format.

2.           Discussion with possible action regarding the wetland at Lake Casablanca that Laredo Town Center et al are asking the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for a section 404 permit in order to cover this Wetland and be able to eliminate it. Presentation by the Rio Grande International Study Center

 

B.                 Request by Council Member Johnny Rendon

1.           Discussion with possible action on the deteriorating streets in the Lakeside Subdivision.

 

C.                Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore Juan Ramirez

1.           Discussion with possible action on building a recreation center at the 1600 block of Callaghan between Davis and Main Streets.

2.           Discussion with possible action on allowing private contractors to develop in the Zacate Creek area.

3.           Discussion with possible action on building a water park between Sanchez and Coke Streets in the Zacate Creek.

4.           Discussion with possible action on requesting police officers to control traffic on Guadalupe Street by Fire Station #1 for the children crossing to J.C. Elementary School.

 

VIII.           PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

2.          Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Article IX [Swimming Pools] of Chapter 15 of the Code of Ordinances.

The following sections are amended:

Section 15‑135 [definitions] in order to establish and define the three terms:  building official, private swimming pool, & spa; 

Section 15‑136 [swimming pool permit required] in order to require building permit for the construction of a private swimming pool or spa;

Section 15‑137 [application for a swimming pool permit], in order to specify the requirements for a private swimming pool or spa construction permit;

Section 15‑138 [authority to inspect] in order to authorize the building official and designees to inspect private swimming pools or spas;

Section 15‑139 [issuance fees] in order to establish issuance fee for a private swimming pool or spa;

Section 15‑140 [duration of permit] in order to establish the duration of a permit for public, semi‑public or private swimming pool or spa;

Section 15‑141 [permit renewal] in order to amend caption; 

Section 15‑142  [permit revocation] in order to amend caption

Section 15‑143  unchanged; and

adding new section 15‑144 [private pool or spa barrier requirements], in order to specify standards for safety barriers for private swimming pools and spas; and

renumbering section 15‑144, 145 and 146, to 15‑145, 146, & 147 and as renumbered:

Section 145 [penalty for violation] in order to provide for fines from $500.00 to $2,000.00 for violation of these new regulations relating to  private swimming pools and spas;

Section 15‑146 [injunctive relief] in order to provide that building official may seek injunctive relief;

Section 15‑147 [severability] unchanged; and providing for publication and effective date.

Following is a summary of the amendment.  1)  Establish ordinance to regulate private swimming pool construction.  2)  Add to existing 2006 international residential code on swimming pool construction requirement of a barrier or fence to be in place around the swimming pool of no more than ten feet from interior wall of the swimming pool; with a minimum of 48 inches to top of barrier and a self closing self latching gate, with flexibility on exiting barriers up to thirteen feet.     3)  Establish fines from $500.00 to $2,000.00 for violation of swimming pool ordinance.

 

3.          Public hearing providing community residents an opportunity to comment on their housing and community needs and the projects that they wish to see funded for Fiscal Year 2007-2008 through the 33rd Action Year (AY) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in the amount of $3,711,664.00, the 2007 HOME Investment Partnership Grant (HOME) in the amount of $1,290,876.00, the 2007 Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) in the amount of $160,079.00, and the 2006 American Dream Downpayment Initiative Program (ADDI) in the amount of $12,841.00 in support of the preparation and submission of the 2007 Consolidated One Year Action Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

 

4.          Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Sports and Community Venue Fund budget by appropriating $125,000.00 for the Arena’s Renewal and Replacement Account.  Each party has to make a yearly contribution of $125,000.00 for facility maintenance.  All expenses are paid through the Renewal and Replacement Account on a 50/50 basis.  Funding is available in the Sports and Community Venue Fund opening balance.

 

5.          Public hearing and introductory ordinance providing for the adoption of a split program option pursuant to Section 31.03 (a) of the Texas Property Tax Code; which allows a person who pays one-half of the current year property taxes before December 1st may pay the remaining one-half of the taxes without penalty or interest if paid before July 1st of the following year.

 

6.          Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2007-2008 annual budget by appropriating   revenues and expenditures in the following amounts from the South Texas Development Council for three City of Laredo Health Department HIV Programs and the approved full-time equivalent positions involved: (1) HIV/Ryan White an increase of $26,654 for a total amount award of $332,717.00, term from April 1, 2007 through March 31, 2008. (2) HIV/Health & Social Services for a total amount of $51,063.00, for a five (5) month period from April 1, 2007 through August 31, 2007, and (3) Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Project (HOPWA) for a total amount award of $78,674, for a nine (9) month period from April 1, 2007 through January 1, 2008.  

 

7.          Public hearing and introductory ordinance accepting a supplemental grant awarded and amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Financial Task Force grant budget by increasing revenues and expenditures in the amount of $6,000.00 for operational expenses awarded by the Office of the National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).  Funds will be used to pay fuel expenses for the Laredo Financial Narcotics Enforcement Team agents from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2007.

 

8.          Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 1.27 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located east of Highway 359 and west of Fiesta Subdivision, from R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District) to B-3 (Community Business District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change.   District II

 

9.          Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 46.9 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A,” located at 3220 Bob Bullock – Loop 20, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change.  District II

 

10.      Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 12.82 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A,” located at 3221 Bob Bullock – Loop 20, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change.  District II                

 

11.      Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 112.82 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located on the east side of Interstate 35 north of Shiloh Drive, from AG (Agricultural District) and M-1 (Light Manufacturing District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change request.   District VI                          

 

12.      Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 6, Block 13, San Isidro- Las Buganvillas Subdivision and .22 acres, as further described by metes and  bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located at 10550 Sanderiana Court, from R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change.     District VI    

 

13.      Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for an upholstery shop on Lot 9, Block 303, Eastern Division, located at 616 Clark Boulevard.  The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the conditional use permit.  District IV

 

14.      Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 7 and 8, Block 80, Eastern Division, located at 417 and 419 Garfield Street, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District).  The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change. District III   

 

15.      Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 5.31 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located on the South side of Lomas del Sur Boulevard east of Louisiana Avenue, from AG (Agricultural District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District).  The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change.     District I

 

16.      Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning all of Blocks 734, 734-A, 733, 733-A, 732, 732-A and 737, Western Division, located between Anna Avenue, San Ygnacio Avenue, Poggenpohl Street and Shea Streets, from M-1 (Light Manufacturing District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District).  The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change.  District VIII

 

17.      Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 11.4 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located south of State Highway 359 and east of Las Misiones Boulevard, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District).  The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change.       District II

 

18.      Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 24.21 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A” and located south of State Highway 359 and east of Las Misiones Boulevard, from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to R-1A (Single-Family Reduced Area District).  The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change.    District II

 

19.      Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 26.77 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located south of Soria Drive and east of U.S. Highway 83, from R-1MH (Single Family Manufactured Housing District) to R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District).  The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change.   District I     

 

(Recess)

(Press Availability)

 

IX.               INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

 

20.      Temporarily reducing the maximum speed limits on Loop 20, approaching U.S. 59, within the city limits of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, from 55  miles per hour to 45 miles per hour and from 50 miles per hour to 40 miles per hour, as defined in the Texas Department of Transportation Control section map 0086-14, to be in effect during the construction time period, providing for the installation of appropriate signs to indicate new speed changes in the designated areas and providing for publication and effective date.

 

21.      Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with UETA of Texas, Inc. for the lease of the tract of approximately 73,698.73 square feet tract of land located premises located south of Ventura Street and east of Santa Cleotilde Avenue, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 1.  Lease shall commence on August 7, 2007 and be for a term of twenty (20) years, with an option to renew for an additional ten (10) years.  The initial annual rent shall be $52,000.00 payable in monthly installments of $4,333.33. 

 

22.       Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to convey to AFW Investments, Ltd., a Texas Limited Partnership, a 0.46 acres, more or less, tract of land being out of Frees street right-of-way from U. S. Highway 83 to 31.13 feet west of Mendiola Avenue, a 0.26 acres, more or less, tract of land being out of Meadow Avenue right-of-way from the south line of the original City of Laredo city limits north 205.25 feet, and a 0.61 acres, more or less, tract of land being out of Mendiola Avenue right-of-way from the south line of the original City of Laredo city limits to Frees Street, as said tracts are recorded in the original plat of the City of Laredo, Volume 7, Page 15, Webb County map records, and described in attached Exhibits a, b and c, respectively; in exchange for a greater size and greater value 3.3 acres, more or less,  tract of land than the three lesser aggregate size and lesser aggregate value tracts being conveyed by the City of Laredo. Said 3.33 acres, more or less, being out of a tract of land containing 42.98 acres, more or less, in Webb County, Texas, out of Porcion 35, Jose Miguel Diaz, original grantee, abstract 546, Webb County, Texas, conveyed to AFW Investments, Ltd., A Texas Limited Partnership, as recorded in Volume 2155, Pages 471-477, Webb County deed records, and described in attached Exhibit D; and providing for an effective date.  

 

X.                 FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES 

 

23.       

 

2007-O-059      Amending the City of Laredo FY 2006/2007 Special Fire Grant Budget to appropriate grant revenues and expenses from the 2006 State Homeland Security Grant Sub-Recipient agreement between the City of Laredo and the Texas Division of Emergency Management in the amount of $107,314.43. In addition, the acceptance and appropriation of the State Homeland Security grant through the State Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program in the amount of $204,077.17. The total amount appropriated from the State Homeland Security program will be $311,391.60. Equipment received through the grant agreement will be used for the City’s Fire and Police Departments. The appropriation of the said grant revenue and expenditures will account for grant proceeds and equipment purchased through the grant and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget amendment. The above said grant requires no in kind matching funds. (As Amended)

 

2007-O-061      Amending the City of Laredo fiscal year 2006-2007 Capital Improvement Fund Budget by appropriating $551,447.00 in revenues and expenses for related road improvements city wide.  The revenues consist of a draw down of $420,000.00 from the opening balance and $131,447.00 in available funds from prior year reimbursements for various projects.

 

2007-O-062      Authorizing the City Manager to execute a supplemental lease agreement with the General Services Administration of certain properties as described therein for the construction of the Santa Ursula connector, in return for a grant of an easement by the City to GSA of a section of Convent Street, which supplemental agreement is attached as Exhibit A; and

2.  Authorizing the City Manager to execute an easement to GSA of a 4,992 sq.ft. section of Convent Street for improvements to the Customs facility at International Bridge No. 1, and the form of said easement is shown on Exhibit B attached; and

3.  This ordinance shall take effect on date of passage.

 

2007-O-063      Amending the City of Laredo 2006-2007 Annual Budget by appropriating expenses in the amount of $5,300,000.00 by drawing down the opening balance for water rights acquisitions.

 

XI.               RESOLUTIONS

 

24.      2007-R-026     Authorizing the City Manager to apply for a grant in the amount of $736,104.00 to fund the Laredo Financial Narcotics Enforcement Team and a grant in the amount of $99,916.00 to fund the Laredo Multi-Agency Drug Related Public Corruption Task Force.  Both grants are funded by the Executive Office of the President, Office of the National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), and High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) at no cost to the City.  Funding will be used to pay personnel salaries, fringe benefits, overtime, travel and operating expenses from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008.  Funding for the STX Multi Agency Drug Related Public Corruption Task Force will be used for payment of fringe benefits, overtime, travel and operating expenses from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008.

 

25.      2007-R-029     Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application to the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division in the amount of $80,000.00 with the City designating $20,000.00 in matching funds for a total of $100,000.00 for funding a Domestic Violence Grant under Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) for the period of September 1, 2007 through August 31, 2008.

 

26.      2007-R-030     Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application to the Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance for funding the Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) for the period of October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2010.  This funding will be used for support staff overtime and equipment for police operations.  The Bureau of Justice Assistance mandates that this grant be divided equally between the City of Laredo and Webb County.

 

27.      2007-R-033     Authorizing the City Manager to accept as a donation from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Customs and Border Protection a tan/black female Belgian Malinois canine to be trained and used by the Laredo Police Department for law enforcement purposes.  The K-9 is strictly a donation and will be at no cost to the City.

 

XII.             MOTIONS

 

28.      Amending the federal and state legislative agendas by deleting the following items: (1) Municipal Court Administrative Fee/Liability Insurance Cases, (2) Municipal Court Administrative Fee/Vehicle Registration and Inspection Sticker Cases, and (3) Traffic Signal Enforcement System; amending the following items: (1) Program to Assist Detection and Notification of Authorized Water Discharges that Affect Downstream Municipalities and (2) Proposed International Fifth Bridge and Railroad Bridge; and adding the following items: (1) Operational Improvements in Customs Inspections of Rail Cargo and (2) Colonia Proliferation Prevention and Regulation of Subdivision of Land.

 

29.      Authorizing the City Manager to enter into contract with the Waters Consulting Group, Inc. for the preparation of an organizational analysis study. Funding is available in the General Fund.

 

30.      Consideration for approval of change order no. 2 an increase of $11,613.50 for the balance of quantities actually constructed in place, acceptance of the Civic Center Auditorium Re-Roofing Project located at 2400 San Bernardo Avenue and approval of final payment in the amount of $72,418.18 to Advantage USAA, Inc., Spring Branch, Texas.  Final construction contract amount is $292,913.50.  Funding is available in the Capital Improvements Project.

 

31.      Awarding recaptured 2005 HUD Emergency Shelter Grant funds of $7,771.76 to Bethany House to provide to Homeless Prevention Services and $5,560.09 to Laredo Homeless Coalition for shelter operations.

 

32.      Consideration for approval of acceptance of the Cecilia May Moreno Park (West Lyon Splash Park) and approval of final payment in the amount of $8,399.03 to Kraftsman Commercial Playground and Water Park Equipment, Spring, Texas.  Final construction contract amount is $167,980.50.  Funding is available in the Lyon/Cecilia Moreno Splash Park – CDBG 31st Action Year.

 

33.      Consideration for approval of acceptance of the Father McNaboe Splash Park and approval of final payment in the amount of $10,244.00 to Kraftsman Commercial Playground and Water Park Equipment, Spring, Texas.  Final construction contract amount is $204,880.00.  Funding is available in the Father McNaboe Splash Park – Parks Capital Grants – Webb County Interlocal Agreement.

 

34.      Consideration for approval of acceptance of the Seven Flags Splash Park and approval of final payment in the amount of $7,249.84 to Kraftsman Commercial Playground and Water Park Equipment, Spring, Texas.  Final construction contract amount is $144,996.80.  Funding is available in the Zacate Creek Splash Park at Seven Flags – CDBG 29th Action Year/2004 Grant.

 

35.      Consideration for approval of change order no. 1 a decrease of $1,460.00 for the balance of quantities actually constructed in place, acceptance of the Improvements to the Immunization Clinic at the Laredo Health Department and approval of final payment in the amount of $13,440.01 to Prada Construction Company, Laredo, Texas.  Final construction contract amount is $296,540.00.  Funding is available in the 2005 C.O. Bond.

 

36.      Consideration to award contract FY07-083 awarded to Dust-Tex Mops and Mats, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated annual amount of $30,000.00, for providing dust mops and floor mats used at various municipal buildings.  The term of this contract will be for one year with an option to extend this contract for one additional year term.   Funding is available in the various departments that utilize this service.

 

37.      Consideration to authorize the City Manager to enter into a sixty-month lease contract with Pitney Bowes Inc., Austin Texas, in the total amount of $51,060.00, for new mailing equipment. The mailing equipment will replace the City Hall mailing system that is used to process mail for 90% of the City’s mail. This equipment will be secured utilizing the BuyBoard cooperative purchasing program contract.  Funding for the lease payments is available in the Information Technology and Support Services Department budget.     

 

38.      Consideration to exercise the renewal option for one additional year for contract number FY06-060 awarded to South Texas Waste Systems, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated annual amount of $28,000.00 for providing portable restrooms for City parks, City sponsored events, and construction job-sites.  All services will be secured on an as needed basis.  Contract pricing has been secured for daily, weekend, and monthly service.  Funding for this contract is available in the Parks and Recreation Department, Parking Meter Division, and Capital Improvement Project /Contractual Obligation construction budgets.

 

39.      Consideration to award contract number FY06-081 to Briggs Equipment, Laredo, Texas, for rental services for a front end wheel loader.  A daily rate of $133.48 and a monthly rental rate of $3,737.50 has been established for a twelve month period so that front end wheel loaders may be rented on an as needed basis by the Utilities Department for construction and repair projects.  If the department used this equipment for a ten month period the rental fee would be $37,375.00. Funding is available in the Utilities Department budget.

 

40.      Consideration to award contract FY07-072 to the low bidder, Holt Caterpillar, Laredo, Texas in the amount of $54,097.00 for the purchase of one (1) backhoe loader for the Utilities Department – Wastewater Treatment Division.  Funding is available in the Utilities Department Budget.

 

41.      Consideration to exercise the renewal option for contract FY05-023 to the sole bidder, Wilkinson Gary Iron and Metal, Laredo, Texas, for the sale of scrap metal recovered or collected at the Solid Waste facility and the recycling centers. The City is paid $64.00 per ton for all scrap metal collected.   Total revenues collected last contract year from scrap sales were $23,620.48.  The term of this contract was for a period of one year with an option to renew for two additional, one year terms. The City is requesting authorization to extend this contract for one additional year. Revenue generated from this contract is recognized in the Solid Waste fund.   

 

42.      Consideration to award contract number FY07-058 to Capps Rent A Car, Inc. Dallas, Texas as the primary vendor; and Enterprise Rent A Car of Texas, San Antonio, Texas as the secondary vendor; to provide rental vehicles for the Laredo Police Department.  Approximately fifteen (15) to twenty five (25) vehicles are secured for use by the various task forces working with the department. The term of this contract is for a twenty four (24) month period and is contingent upon continued funding in future fiscal years.  The annual estimated rental fee for twenty five (25) passenger vehicles would be approximately $168,300.00.   The actual annual dollar amount of this contract is contingent on the type of vehicle and quantities secured by the various task forces.  Funding is currently available in the Police Department's task force budgets.

 

43.      Consideration to authorize the purchase of a third order of magnetic swipe cards from the low bidder Electronic Data Magnetics, Inc., High Point, N.C., in the amount of $59,375.00, for the purchase of custom magnetic swipe cards (Gateway Pass) for the Bridge Department.  The bid contract contains provisions for additional orders of swipe cards.  Funding is available in the Bridge Fund.

 

44.      Consideration to reject all bids received for bid FY07-073 for the purchase of vibratory rollers for the Public Works Department’s pot hole patching crews.  The equipment proposed by the vendors does not meet the City’s requirements.    New bids will be solicited.   

 

45.      Consideration to award contract number FY07-053, to the low bidder, J & Y Sanchez Management DBA Magic Carwash McPherson LLC, for furnishing car wash services for passenger vehicles for the City's automotive fleet.  This vendor will provide car wash services with inside vacuum in the North Laredo area at a cost of $8.70 per vehicle.  All services are secured on an as needed basis.  Funding is available in the Fleet Fund.

 

46.      Consideration to amend contract FY07-001 currently awarded to Gutierrez Machine Shop, Laredo, Texas in the amount of $15,000.00 for professional welding services for the Utilities Department. The proposed amendment would increase the current contract to $75,000.00 in order to provide funding for the remainder of the contract term. This contract takes into account the following hourly pay rates: regular, overtime, holiday, service call, and the cost of materials.  Funding is available in the department’s budget.

 

47.      Consideration to reject all bids received for bid FY07-047, concrete repairs and authorizing the City Manager to solicit new bids.  The bid specifications for the Utilities Department contract have been modified to include provisions for the successful vendor to provide performance and payment bonds, additional insurance requirements have been added to the specifications and the estimated quantities have been increased.    

 

48.      Consideration to award contract number FY07-082, to the low bidder, Laredo Discount Metals, Laredo, Texas in the estimated amount of $25,000 for the purchase of assorted steel items. These materials are purchased on an as needed basis by the Parks and Recreation Department for construction and repair projects.  Items include fence sections, square tubing, pipe, angle iron and other assorted items.  Funding will be secured from the respective construction and repair budget. 

 

49.      Consideration to award contract FY07-079 to the low bidder, Dahill Industries, Laredo, Texas, for the rental of one multi-function engineering scale copier, scanner, printer machine for the Engineering Department.  The term of this rental contract shall be for a forty eight (48) month period.  The base rental fee for the term is $17,635.20 which includes 500 copies per month.  Any additional copies are billed at a cost per square foot.  Funding is available in the Engineering Department fund.

 

50.      Consideration to amend contract FY06-106 awarded to the low bidder, C.W. Security, Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $59,000.00 to include security guard services at the Zacate Wastewater Treatment plant and for the Parking Division’s parking lot operation and authorizing the City Manager to proceed with formal bid process for security guard services for these operations.  The estimated amount contract total will be amended to $286,874.00.  Funding is available in the respective departmental budgets.

 

51.      Authorizing the removal of three (3) trees located on the west side of the 2200 block of Malinche Avenue which restrict the sight distance for the traffic heading eastbound on Gustavus Street  and where traffic accident data shows a significant number of traffic accidents at this location.  The Traffic Department considers this situation a safety hazard and is recommending that these trees be removed.

 

52.      Approving monthly adjustments to the tax roll.  The amounts will be adjusted for the month of March 2007, represents an increase of $36,618.35.  These adjustments are determined by Webb County Appraisal District and by court orders.

 

53.      Approval of expenditures for students from the Sisters Cities Youth Committee to travel to Cienega de Flores to deliver their benevolent project on April 29, 2007 for “El Dia de los Niños”; San Miguel de Allende on May 17-20, 2007 to reciprocate the 2006 Laredo International Youth Conference; and Laredo, Spain on July 3-10, 2007 for seniors to complete their cross-cultural educational program.  Funding is available in the Sister Cities Youth Committee Account.  City Council finds and declares that a valid public purpose will be served by this expenditure.

 

54.      Consideration to award a contract to Laredo Morning Times for the production, publication and distribution of the Parks and Recreation Department Summer and Fall Activity Guides at no cost to the City of Laredo. 

 

55.      Consideration to authorize the City Manager to sell surplus equipment to Sister Cities and municipalities of Rio Bravo; Torreon, Coahuila; Monclova Coahuila University; Casimiro, Jalisco; and Mexticacan, Jalisco.  Surplus equipment consists of refuse trucks, sweepers, vans, pickup trucks, and ambulances without working engines.  Surplus equipment will be sold at a reduced price of salvage value.

 

56.      Authorizing the City Manager to enter into contract FY07-084 for housing various groups associated with the 2007 MISS TEXAS USA® pageant with the following:

Section 2.1- Hotel Group I-Contestant Group, to the Holiday Inn Civic Center in the estimated amount of $54,100.

Section 2.2- Hotel Group II-TV Production Staff to the SpringHill Suites in the estimated amount of $12,300.

Section 2.3- Hotel Group III-Executive Production Staff to the SpringHill Suites in the estimated amount of $6,000.

Section 2.4- Hotel Group IV-VIP Group to the Fairfield Inn in the estimated amount of $4,500.

Section 2.5- Hotel Group V-TV Crew & Cadets to the Americana Inn in the estimated amount of $6,020.

Funding is available in the Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau budget.

 

57.      Authorizing the City Manager to re-direct funding in the amount of $881,700.00 from the Springfield North Extension Project to the Del Mar Widening and Traffic Lights Project at Winfield/Alexander Parkways.  Both projects are allowable under the street improvements category for the 2006 Combination Tax/Revenue Bond.  Funding for the complete Del Mar Widening Project will require savings from the Transit 2004 CO of $225,000.00, a contribution from a private developer(s) of approximately $300,000.00 and $881,700.00 from the 2006 CO. 

 

XIII.           STAFF REPORTS

 

58.       

 

A.                 Discussion with possible action regarding state legislative issues; particularly, amendments proposed in House Bill 3594 regarding One-Stop Border Inspection Facilities, creation of a TXDOT district for city of Laredo and Veteran’s health care concerns.

 

B.                 Presentation by Mario Maldonado, Bridge Director, regarding the Shortage and Overage Policy, with possible action.

 

C.                Discussion with possible action on reconsideration of the price cap set by City Council of $2,300.00 for water rights and authorizing the City Manager to negotiate with interested parties and enter into a good faith agreement with City Council having the final approval.

 

D.                Presentation by Daniel E. Migura, Jr., Human Resources Director, regarding the increase of the city, the employee dependent, retiree, and retiree dependent health plan contribution by $5.00 a month and increasing the prescription co-pay for formulary drugs by $5.00 and the non-formulary drugs co-pay by $10.00 (the $6.00 generic co-pay will remain the same) for the fiscal year 2007-2008 budget, with possible action. 

 

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.

 

59.      Request for Executive Session pursuant to the Texas Government Code, Section 551.071(1) (A) to consult with its attorney representing the City of Laredo regarding the pending appeal of the bridge law suit styled Webb County, Texas vs. the City of Laredo, Cause No. GV403943, in the 261st District Court, Travis County, Texas; and return to open session for possible action on same.

 

60.      Request for Executive Session pursuant to the Texas Government Code, Section 551.071(1) (A) to consult with its attorney representing the City of Laredo regarding the pending appeal of the Open Meetings Act law suit styled Martha Escamilla, Maria Gloria Gonzalez, and Webb County, Texas vs. the City of Laredo, Cause No. 2004-CVQ000450-D2, in the 111th District Court, Webb County, Texas; and return to open session for possible action on same.

 

XV.           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, April 11, 2007 at 9:00 p.m.

                                                                       

 

 

                                                                        Gustavo Guevara, Jr.

                                                                        City Secretary