CITY OF LAREDO COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS
5:30 P.M.
AGENDA
A97-R-14 APRIL 21, 1997
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. ROLL CALL
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2. City Council Meeting of April 7, 1997
Special City Council Meeting of April 8, 1997
V. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
3. Amending Section 2-17 of Article II, Chapter 2 of the code of ordinances
to create a utilities billing division in the Utilities Department, and to
create a Tax Assessing and Collection Division in the Tax Department.
This amendment will restructure the Tax and Utilities Departments by
moving the utilities billing function to the Utilities department.
4. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Laredo Independent
School District for approximately 9,216 square feet constituting Building
#1325 located at 4103 Maher Avenue.
1. Lease term is for one (1) year commencing February 1, 1997 and ending
January 31, 1998.
2. Monthly rent shall be $1,996.89. Previous monthly rent was $1,901.80.
Lease premises are used for storage.
5. Authorizing the City Manager to grant a license to Bestel, S.A. de C.V.
for the use of a telecommunications PVC conduit on Juarez Lincoln
International Bridge and on city right-of-way on San Francisco Avenue and
the Riverbank
1. License term is for five (5) commencing on April xx, 1997, and ending
April xx, 2002.
2. Annual rent shall be $10,000.00 and will be adjusted annually during
the term of this license according to changes in the Consumer Price
Index; providing for effective date.
6. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Mercy Hospital of
Laredo d/b/a Mercy Regional Medical Center for approximately 9,902 square
feet of land located on Block No. 21 at the Laredo International Airport
for the purpose of constructing a roadway.
1. Lease term is for twenty (20) years commencing May 1, 1997 and ending
April 30, 2016 and may be extended for two terms of ten years each
ending April 30, 2016 and April 30, 2036.
2. Monthly rent shall be $330.00 and will be adjusted annually during the
primary and extension terms of this lease according to changes in the
Consumer Price Index and further adjusted on the 20th and 30th
anniversaries based on the appraised fair market value.
7. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease agreement by and between
the City of Laredo, acting in their capacity as the Mass Transit Board as
Lessor, and Greyhound Bus Lines Inc./Valley Transit Company Joint Venture
as Lessee, for a certain premise containing approximately 5,000 square
feet of commercial area, together with a bus parking area containing
approximately 18,000 square feet, said premises described as, situated in
Webb County, Texas and being all of Block Number Forty Nine (49), Western
Division, City of Laredo, said demised premises are part of the City of
Laredo's Downtown Intermodal Transit Center,
1. Primary term of ten (10) years commencing on XXXXX, XX, 1997 thru
XXXXX, XX, 2007, with four (4) additional five (5) year renewal option
periods,
2. Monthly rental rate of $8,850.00 per month, and adjusted once every
five (5) years according to the percentage increase in the consumer
price index up to a maximum of four percent (4%) over the minimum rent
charged the previous year, but only if the amount arrived at exceeds
the rental charge for the previous year. 8. Ordinance authorizing the
acceptance of a 0.6736 acre easement out of Porcion 36 as recorded in
volume 1407 pages 243-246 of the Webb County records, and the release
of a 40 foot utility easement located on Santa Fe Subdivision as
recorded in volume 49, pages 327-328 of the Webb County deed records.
This action is a utility easement trade between the City and Santa Fe
Subdivision which is at no cost to the City.
9. Authorizing the release of two 6 foot utility easements located at the
rear of lots 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16, Block 2, El Portal Industrial
Park, Unit IV, as recorded in volume 16, page 42 of the deed records of
Webb County, Texas. Hurd Urbahn Development, LLC requested that certain
easement be released so that the six lots in question can be sold as one
property without a division in the center. The utilities department has
no objection to the proposed action since water and sewer lines exist in
both streets where the lots front.
VI. FINAL READINGS
10. 97-O-083 Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1996-1997 Budget for a
grant from the Office of National Drug Control Policy in the
amount of $48,540.00 for funding of the Multi-Agency major
organization investigation task force for the period of October
1, 1996 through September 30, 1997. (Jose R. Perez, Jr.)
11. 97-O-084 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary
documents to effectively convey title to the surface only of the
North 29 feet of the South 100 feet of Lot 1, Block 83, Western
Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, to Mr. Derly N.
Ramirez and wife Guadalupe, and providing for an effective date.
The City will receive $1,611.00 (appraised value), of which
$1,400.00 will be paid to the various taxing entities and the
remaining $211.00, will be applied to force cleaning liens.
(City Council)
12. 97-O-085 Ordinance designating as a Public Utility Easement, a 0.1275
(5555.6 square feet) acre tract of land to install a sanitary
sewer line in order to provide no services to abutting properties
along Chacota Street and which is being paved with Project 59
funds, said tract being the Westerly 20.00 feet of Lots 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, and 6, Block 1191, Eastern Division, Webb County, Texas,
and more particularly described by metes and bounds.
(City Council)
13. 97-O-086 Ordinance establishing a 15% penalty on delinquent tax accounts
as of July 1, 1997, to defray costs of collection pursuant to
Section 33.07 (a) of the Property Tax Code. (City Council)
14. 97-O-087 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary
documents to effectively convey title to the "Surface Only" of
the east 2.3 feet of land, (approximately 319.44 square feet of
land) out of the Buena Vista Avenue right-of-way between Musser
and Fremont Streets, and which abut Lot 1, Block 1094, Eastern
Division, to Mr. Daniel Lombra¤a and wife Adriana Lombra¤a at
the established Fair Market Value of $599.00, which is adjusted
after retention of a utility easement thereon by the City; said
2.3 feet of land being partially encroached-upon by a one-story
wooden structure owned by Mr. and Mrs. Lombra¤a. (City Council)
15. 97-O-088 Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1996-1997 (LEOSE) account
fund budget in the amount of $22,756.35 from the State's Law
Enforcement Officers Standards and Education (LEOSE) account for
continuing education for police officers for the period of
October 01, 1996 through September 30, 1997. (Jose R. Perez, Jr.)
16. 97-O-089 Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1997 Budget in the amount
of $356,086.00 for funding of equipment and personnel for a
multi-agency financial disruption task force for the period of
January 1, 1997 through December 31, 1997. (Jose R. Perez, Jr.)
VII. RESOLUTIONS
17. 97-R-044 Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application to the
Governor's Office for funding of personnel and direct operating
expenses for a Multi-Agency Narcotics Task Force in the amount of
$740,308.00 with the City designating $397,880.00 in matching
funds for a total of $1,138,188.00 and authorizing the City
Manager to sign any and all documents pertaining to this grant
application.
18. Discussion and possible action concerning the renaming of West Martin Field
and possible adoption of Resolution 97-R-047 as follows:
97-R-047 Dedicating West Martin Field in the name of __________________.
19. 97-R-048 Opposing House Bill 3321 which seeks to create a statewide
franchising process and preempts the local government's right to
manage their rights-of-way.
VIII. MOTIONS
20. Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application to the Texas
Alternative Fuels Council (AFC) for the conversion of fleet vehicles to
compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel. The Texas Alternative Fuels Council
(AFC) is requesting the submission of grant applications for possible
funding of projects to enhance state goals of increasing the percentage of
alternatively fueled Texas fleets. The city's grant application will be
submitted in the amount of $35,000.00, with an equal monetary match in
order to convert 15 vehicles.
21. Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application to the
Governor's Automobile Theft Prevention Authority in the amount of
$336,262.00 with the city designating $84,066.00 in matching funds for a
total of $420,328.00 for the 6th year of funding of the Auto Theft Task
Force for the period beginning September 1, 1997 through August 31, 1998.
The Task Force combats auto theft in the City of Laredo and County of Webb.
22. Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application to the Texas
Department of Health for continuation of the La Familia Health Care Program
of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning September
1, 1997, through August 31, 1998. This program provides physician services,
diagnostic services, medication assistance, nutritional education,
counseling, referral and patient tracking for each person identified with a
chronic condition.
23. Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application to the Texas
Department of Health for continuation of the HIV/AIDS Education Project of
the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning September 1,
1997, through August 31, 1998. This program provides peer outreach
education to specific populations at high risk of HIV infection.
24. Approval of bid specifications and authorization to advertise for bids and
interest statements for the following:
a) laboratory analytical services for groundwater samples - Public Works
Department - Landfill operations
b) installation of groundwater monitoring and pumping system - Public Works
Department -Landfill operations A tentative bid award is scheduled for
June 2, 1997.
25. Approval to reject all bids received for the purchase of automotive
batteries for the Fleet Maintenance Division due to non-compliance with the
City's bid specifications and authorize staff to solicit new bids. The two
lowest bidders did not meet all the City's bid requirements. Staff has
revised the bid specifications and a special heavy duty battery used for
emergency vehicles will be specified in the new bid documents. This should
result in the purchase of less batteries for Police vehicles. The staff
has meet with several of the vendors and it was agreed that rebidding this
contract would be the most pertinent.
26. Approval to reject the three bids received, approval to modify the
construction plans and specifications and re-bid the Father Charles McNaboe
Recreational Complex.
27. Authorize the cancellation of the purchase contract with Sames Motor Co.,
Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $45,300.00, for the purchase of one 1/2 ton
extended cab truck for the Public Works Department ($21,400.00) and one
truck for the Risk Management Fund ($24,000.00). These vehicles were to be
equipped with CNG bi-fuel fueling systems, however, Sames Motor Co. has
indicated that they cannot provide the vehicles at their bid pricing.
Staff is requesting authorization to solicit new bid pricing and/or use the
State of Texas contract pricing to purchase these bi-fuel vehicles.
28. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER, Lucent Technologies, Inc., San
Antonio, Texas, in the amount of $53,327.91, for providing all required
materials and installation of a certified voice and data telecommunications
cabling system for the New Main Library. The telecommunications cabling
system will support voice and high speed data communications as well as a
Community Antenna TV (CATV) distribution system and public address system.
The system will be completed within sixty days. The city received three
bids for this purchase. Funding for the service is available in the New
Main Library Construction Project.
29. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER, Rochester Armored Car Co., Omaha, NE,
in the estimated amount of $21,168.00, for providing armored car courier
service for various city departments. Courier service is requested for the
International Bridge I and II operations, City Hall, and the Civic Center.
The bid pricing is approximately 17% less than the current contract
pricing. The city received three bids this service.
30. Award of a two year service contract to the LOW BIDDER, Walker Security
Inc., Laredo, Texas, in the yearly amount of $301,457.52, for providing
security guard services for the City's three International Bridges, the
Health Department Complex, Civic Center/West Martin Field, and the City
Hall building. The city received four bids for this service. Funding is
available in the particular department's Budget. The overall bid pricing
remained the same as our current price structure.
31. Award of contract to SOLE BIDDER, Newman Traffic Sign, Inc., Jamestown, ND
in the amount of $19,918.10 for the purchase of 1,792 street name blades
for placement at 448 Non-CDBG intersections. These larger street name
signs facilitates the street identification by emergency vehicles. Funding
for the this purchase is available in the Street Reconstruction account.
There was no change in price for this item from the last purchase.
32. Award of contract to SOLE BIDDER, Cantu Electric, Inc., Laredo, Texas in
the amount of $55,678.00 for providing assembling and installation services
for 1,640 new vandal proof street name signs within the City of Laredo.
The installation of these larger street name signs facilitates the street
identification by emergency vehicles. Funding for the purchase is
available in the CDBG account and the Street Reconstruction account. There
was no change in price for this item from the last purchase.
33. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER, Signal Engineering, Shreveport,
Louisiana, in the amount of $18,828.00 for the purchase of hardware for 47
traffic signal and 44 pedestrian signal assembles. These materials will be
utilized for maintenance of existing traffic signals and for the following
new traffic signals projects. Lyon and Monterrey, Chihuahua and McPherson,
Taylor and McPherson, and Main and Washington. The city received a total
of five bids for the purchase of these materials. Funding for this
purchase is available in Capital Improvement Fund and the CDBG account.
There was a slight decrease in price from the last purchase due to a change
in the requested mounting brackets.
34. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER MEETING SPECIFICATIONS, Mission Western
Wear, Mission, Texas, in the estimated amount of $30,496.60, for the
purchase of footwear for Fire Department personnel. Three boot styles and
one shoe style have been approved for departmental use. Footwear may be
purchased as part of the clothing allowance issued to each firefighter.
The City did receive one lower bid, however, the brand and style of
footwear proposed by the apparent low bidder had not been previously
approved by the department. The City received a total of six bids for these
items. Funding is available from the department's budget. The bid pricing
is approximately 7% higher than the previous contract.
35. Approval of amendment no. 1, an increase of $4,275.00 to the Professional
Services Contract with Raba-Kistner Consultants, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for
additional Geotechnical Engineering Services to provide a Subsurface Soils
Investigation for an additional donated 18-acre tract of land south of the
site of the Father Charles M. McNaboe Recreational Complex. Original
contract amount was for $7,180.00. Total contract amount including this
amendment is $11,455.00. Funding is available in the Capital Improvement
Fund.
36. Approval of amendment no. 3, an increase of $19,360.00, for additional
inspection services to the Resident Project Representative contract with
Hickey & Associates, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for the New Laredo Airport
Passenger Terminal in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Requirements. This amendment will add 44 working days of inspection
services to coincide with the general contractor's work schedule. Original
contract amount was for $191,744.80. New contract amount including
amendment no. 3 is $266,984.80. Funding is available in the New Airport
Terminal Account.
37. Approval of change order no. 1, an increase of $12,412.00 to the
construction contract Lambda Construction Company, New Braunfels, Texas,
for the replacement of the bull gear housing of a clarifier at the
Jefferson Street Water Treatment Plant Solids Handling Improvements. The
manufacturer has one (1) housing of the proper size in stock. If a new
housing is placed or ordered to be cast at a later date, the City will face
possible delays for the project and the cost may increase. Original
contract amount was for $2,451,300.00. This change order will bring the
total contract amount to $2,463,712.00. Funding is available in Jefferson
Street Water Treatment Plant - Clarifiers Account.
38. Approval of change order no. 3, an increase of $9,473.75 for additional
work and for balance of quantities actual constructed in place, acceptance
of the West Laredo Overpass and approval of final payment in the amount of
$110,503.48 to Concho Construction Company, Inc., Garland, Texas. Original
contract amount was for $2,515,931.70. Final construction contract amount
including change order no. 3 is $2,535,772.61. Funding is available in West
Laredo Overpass Reserve Account.
39. Approval of the following items for the 36 Inch Diameter Water Line Project
from the Jefferson Street Water Treatment Plant to FM 1472 Water Tower at
Mines Road under construction contract with McLean Construction Company,
Inc., Killeen, Texas:
1. Change order no. 5, an increase of $22,487.50 for the balance of
quantities actually constructed in place including a revision to the
original designed alignment,
2. Payment in the amount of $153,837.67, which includes change order no.
5, $68,729.12 of authorized construction work to date,
3. Partial release of the retainage in the amount of $62,621.05, and
4. To retain $50,000.00 pending final acceptance of the Cathodic
Protection for the water line by the consultant.
The project has been on-line since July 1996, however, the Cathodic
Protection engineer needs additional testing for continuity before
certifying the project. Current construction contract amount if
$2,252,420.90. Funding is available in the North Laredo 36 Inch Water
Line.
40. Approving the proposed guidelines and applications for the awarding of
scholarships for attendance at Texas A&M International University. Staff is
recommending the appointment of a four member committee consisting of a
City Councilmember, the Chair of the Cable Commission, Paragon
Representative, and a TAMIU Representative.
41. Appointing Ricardo de Anda as a representative from the Extraterritorial
Jurisdiction (ETJ), and Danny Wyers representing developer and builder
groups, to the Impact Fee Advisory Committee; appointing individuals from
trade groups to the Impact Fee Ad Hoc Committee as follows: Charles
Martens (Developers), Edward Farias (Banking), Edward Garza (Engineering),
Michael York (Realtors) and Arthur Zuniga (Builders).
42. Authorizing the City Manager to add an addendum to the Collective
Bargaining Agreement between the City of Laredo and the Laredo Police
Officers' Association (LPOA) thru its President Luis Dovalina for the
period April 1, 1996 thru September 30, 1999.
IX. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
43. Authorizing the City Manager to submit an application to the Federal
Aviation Administration requesting a multi- year FY 1997 and FY 1998
Airport Improvement Program, Passenger and Cargo Entitlement Grant in the
amount of $1,149,990.00. The grant if approved by the Federal Aviation
Administration will require a local match of $127,777.00, the local match
is available in the New Airport Passenger Terminal Reserve Account. The
federal and local funds will be used to construct the access road and
parking lot at the New Airport Passenger Terminal. This action represents
a shift in the City's funding strategy. Staff was previously recommending
the use of MAP funds to construct the access road and parking lot for the
new passenger terminal. The annual entitlement funds were proposed for
other airport projects.
44. Report regarding the serpentine wall at the New Main Library with a
possible approval of one of the following change order alternatives:
a. Additional cost for the repairs and corrective work to the serpentine
wall per original plans and specifications at the new main library as
follows: Removal of existing forms; removal of plastic laminate; removal
of damaged plywood; replacement of plywood; replacement of plastic
laminate; and re-erection of forms at a cost of $65,915.70. (keep
windows)
b. Additional cost for the repairs and corrective work to the serpentine
wall of the new main library if architectural characteristics of the
wall are changed to a smooth rubbed uncolored concrete finish ready to
paint the two (2) coats of one standard color paint, resulting in a
solid blank wall. Removal of existing forms; removal of damaged
plywood; replacement of plywood and re-erecting forms; deletion of
plastics laminate, deletion of a color in concrete, rub wall for paint
(2) coats; Labor, materials, equipment rental at a cost of $32,682.00.
(no windows)
45. Authorizing staff to advertise the sale of surplus City-owned properties
which can be sold by bids to the general public:
Parcel 1 - Surface Only of Lot 2, Block 2165-A, Eastern Division, located
at the 2400 block of Diaz Street and,
Parcel 2 - Surface Only of a 0.3543 of an acre (15,433.46 square feet)
tract of land out of that former section of Martin Avenue
between Laredo and Guadalupe Streets, located at the 1200 block
of Martin Avenue, to the general public by competitive bid
procedures. It is anticipated that the award of bids for the
sale of properties will be presented to City Council on June 2,
1997.
46. Request for Executive Session to be conducted pursuant to Section 551.074
of the Texas Government Code to deliberate the appointment and employment
of the Chief of Police. The City Manager has interviewed the four final
candidates. They are Richard Clark, Augustin Dovalina, Stephen Garza and
E.J. Laurel.
47. Request for Executive Session to be conducted pursuant to Section 551.071
of the Texas Government Code regarding settlement agreement in cause styled
City of Laredo vs. Gateway Centennial Development Co., Inc., North Town
Development, Inc., and Trautman Investment Properties, Ltd., Cause No. C-
91-143-D2, in the 111th District Court.
48. Request for Executive Session to be conducted pursuant to Section 551.071
of the Texas Government Code to consult with City Attorneys and seek legal
advice on the Fourth Court of Appeals Opinion delivered on April 16, 1997,
on Inez P. Rivera et. al. v. City of Laredo, Appeal No. 04-96-00058-CV.
X. COMMUNICATIONS
XI. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION AND PRESENTATION
49. Requests by Mayor and City Councilmembers for discussion and presentation.
A. Requests by Mayor Saul N. Ramirez Jr.
1. Discussion and possible action concerning a request by the Library Board
for a change order for the new main library's Serpentine Wall.
2. Discussion and possible action concerning City Council representation at
the April 29, 1997, Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence banquet
in Austin as a result of the City' s membership in the CLEAN CITIES 2000
Program.
3. Presentation by George Saenz of Central Power and Light Company concerning
the deregulation issue currently before the Public Utilities Commission
with possible action.
B. Requests by Councilmember Jose R. Perez, Jr.
1. Discussion and possible action concerning the implementation of the Police
Departments COPS Program to include timelines for District I as well as the
rest of the City, and the implementation of the citizens training program
to compliment the COPS program.
2. Discussion and possible action concerning a clarification on the status of
the billboard located on Loop 20 at Merida.
3. Discussion and possible action concerning the initiation of a survey in the
Sierra Vista, Los Obispos, and the River South Subdivisions to determine if
these areas are in accordance with the City's illumination policy.
4. Discussion and possible action concerning the initiation of a traffic count
at the intersection of U.S. Highway 83 and Masterson Road for possible
placement of a traffic signal light or a yellow blinking light.
C. Requests by Councilmember Louis H. Bruni
1. Status report on the current emergency plan (Storm Warning System) in the
event of immediate approaching severe weather or tornadoes, with possible
action.
2. Report by Ms. Nelda Juarez, District Manager of ENTEX, on the Texas
Alternative Fuels Council Grant Money with possible action.
3. Status report on the Perforation of a Secondary Zone of the Santa Isabel
Test Well #1 with possible action. (Cosponsored by Councilman Mario
Alvarado)
4. Discussion and possible action on the implementation of SocialTech
Incorporated TRAK SYSTEM (Technology to Recover Abducted Kids) as it
pertains to abducted children, runaways, and child safety.
5. Presentation by Mr. George Mapus regarding water and sewer bills on his
property north of the La Choza Motel with possible action.
6. Status report on the drainage problem at Clark and India Street with
possible action.
D. Requests by Councilmember Alfonso I. "Poncho" Casso
1. Discussion and possible action regarding the Animal Protective Society and
the Vacuna Rabies Program.
2. Discussion and possible action regarding the civil litigation between the
City of Laredo v. Joe Rubio Jr., Monica Notzon, Oscar J. Hale, and Odie
Arambula.
3. Discussion and possible action regarding Rivera v. City of Laredo.
4. Discussion and possible action regarding the status of the Fourth
International Bridge.
5. Discussion and possible action regarding Tree City USA.
E. Requests by Councilmember Eliseo Valdez, Jr.
1. Discussion and possible action concerning the excessive waterline
breakages in the Hillside Terrace area and directing staff to develop a
plan of action to deal with this problem.
2. Status report on the traffic study being conducted at the Intersection of
Springfield and Gale.
3. Status report on the traffic light which was to be installed at the
Intersection of Springfield and Taylor.
4. Discussion and possible action concerning the excessive speed on Colorado,
Kentucky, Chaparral, Taylor, Maryland, and San Francisco, and directing
staff to explore the installation of "Traffic Humps" or other devices
designed to slow-down vehicular traffic.
5. Discussion and possible action concerning the initiation of an
illumination study in the older sections of District V, as well as an
update on the light upgrade in the Hidden Meadows Subdivisions.
F. Requests by Councilmember Joe A. Guerra
1. Recognizing the accomplishments of the United High School Larriettes for
their fine representation of the City of Laredo locally and at state and
national competitions.
2. Status report/update on the Police Substation at Mall del Norte, with
possible action.
3. Status report/update on Hilltop Subdivision, Phase II, with possible
action.
G. Requests by Councilmember Mario G. Alvarado
1. Presentation by Juan Avila concerning the speed bumps located at the GSA
Facility (Bridge II).
2. Discussion and possible action concerning the traffic hazard related to
vehicles and tractor trailer that park on the shoulders of the road on
Mines Road.
3. Update on Lafayette bridge residents relocation project.
H. Requests by Councilmember Consuelo Montalvo
1. Presentation by Andres Sandoval concerning the actions of the Laredo Fire
Department and their Paramedics as well as the Laredo Police Department.
2. Presentation concerning the possible transfer of Felipe Trejo's taxi cab
permit #60 to his son.
3. Discussion and possible action to maintain branch library services at
Bruni Plaza.
XII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
50. Public Hearing concerning an amendment to the ordinance which establishes
bus charter service rates to be charged by the El Metro Transit System, to
be effective as of each fiscal year (October 1), to be based on the
budgeted operating cost per hour, increased by 25% to provide for
depreciation expense. This amount would be referred to the "base rate".
Currently, (FY 1996-97), the base rate would be $50.00 per hour. For each
vehicle chartered, a two-hour minimum would apply. Time chargeable for
charters is measured from the time the vehicle leaves the transit garage,
to the time the vehicle returns to the garage.
A. The hourly rate for persons or entities not qualifying for the base
rate described above, or reduced rate described below, would be charged
150% of the base rate. Currently, this would be $75.00 per hour.
B. The hourly rate for organizations organized under the following
sections of the Internal Revenue Code would be charged base rate
(currently, $50.00 per hour):
* 501 (c)(3): Corporations, funds or foundations organized exclusively
for religious, charitable, scientific for public safety, literary or
educational purposes, or to foster national or international sports
competition, or the prevention of cruelty to animals or children.
* 501 (c)(4): Civic league, an organization not organized for profit,
but operated exclusively for the promotion of social welfare.
* 501 (c)(6): Business league, chamber of commerce, real estate board,
board of trade, professional football league, not organized for profit.
C. City of Laredo departments, other local, state and federal government
bodies, school districts, colleges and universities would be charged
the base rate. (currently, $50.00 per hour)
D. Conventions and events promoted and underwritten through the Laredo
Convention and Visitors Bureau would be charged at 80% of the base
rate. (Current charge would be $40.00 per hour); and that an ordinance
be introduced.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amendment to the ordinance which establishes bus charter service rates to
be charged by the El Metro Transit System, to be effective as of each
fiscal year (October 1), to be based on the budgeted operating cost per
hour, increased by 25% to provide for depreciation expense. This amount
would be referred to the "base rate". Currently, (FY 1996-97), the base
rate would be $50.00 per hour. For each vehicle chartered, a two-hour
minimum would apply. Time chargeable for charters is measured from the
time the vehicle leaves the transit garage, to the time the vehicle returns
to the garage.
A. The hourly rate for persons or entities not qualifying for the base
rate described above, or reduced rate described below, would be
charged 150% of the base rate. Currently, this would be $75.00 per
hour.
B. The hourly rate for organizations organized under the following
sections of the Internal Revenue Code would be charged base rate
(currently, $50.00 per hour):
* 501 (c)(3): Corporations, funds or foundations organized exclusively
for religious, charitable, scientific for public safety, literary or
educational purposes, or to foster national or international sports
competition, or the prevention of cruelty to animals or children.
* 501 (c)(4): Civic league, an organization not organized for profit,
but operated exclusively for the promotion of social welfare.
* 501 (c)(6): Business league, chamber of commerce, real estate board,
board of trade, professional football league, not organized for
profit.
C. City of Laredo departments, other local, state and federal government
bodies, school districts, colleges and universities would be charged
the base rate. (currently, $50.00 per hour)
D. Conventions and events promoted and underwritten through the Laredo
Convention and Visitors Bureau would be charged at 80% of the base
rate. (Current charge would be $40.00 per hour); providing for
publication and effective date.
51. Public hearing providing community residents an opportunity to comment on
their housing and community needs and the projects they wish to see funded
through the 23rd Action Year Community Development Block Grant
($4,372,000), 1997 HOME Investment Partnerships Program ($1,192,000), and
1997 Emergency Shelter Grant ($115,000) in support of the preparation and
submission of the 1997 Consolidated Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD). This hearing also provides an opportunity to
present the FY95/96 Annual Community Assessment (ACA) prepared by HUD
regarding the City's administration of HUD programs and allows for public
comment.
52. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo's 1996-1997 Annual Budget by
increasing the PAC Fund Revenues by $300,000 and appropriating $300,000.00
to the public access capital outlay line item to be used for purchasing of
equipment for the new public access building.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1996-1997 Annual Budget by
increasing the PAC Fund Revenues by $300,000.00 and appropriating
$300,000.00 to the public access capital outlay line item to be used for
purchasing of equipment for the new public access building.
XIII. MOTION TO RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MASS TRANSIT BOARD
53. Approval of bid specifications and authorization to advertise bids for the
following:
a) telephone system purchase and installation -Inter - Modal Downtown
Transit Center
54. Approval of change order no. 5 an increase of $19,892.52 to the Intermodal
Transit Center construction contract with Ramex Construction Company,
Houston, Texas, for the installation of the necessary telephone conduits to
connect the Institutional Network and Internet. Current construction
contract amount is $8,719,243.33. This work needs to be put on a fast
track basis due to the near completion of the building. Funding is
available in the Transit Fund Improvement.
XIV. MOTION TO RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MUNICIPAL HOUSING CORPORATION
55. Authorize the cancellation of the purchase contract with Sames Motor Co.,
Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $36,200.00 for the purchase of one 1/2 ton
truck ($18,200.00) and one cargo van ($18,000.00). These vehicles where to
be equipped with CNG bi-fuel fueling systems, however, Sames Motor Company
has indicated that they cannot provide the vehicles at their bid pricing.
Staff is requesting authorization to solicit new bid pricing and/or use the
State of Texas contract pricing to purchase these bi-fuel vehicles.
56. Award of a two year service contract to the LOW BIDDER, Walker Security
Inc., Laredo, Texas, in the yearly amount of $24,537.24, for providing
security guard services for the Tomas Flores Apartment Complex. One
security guard is assigned Monday through Sunday patrolling this complex.
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 FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 1997 AT 5:30 P.M.
________________________
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR.
CITY SECRETARY
CITY OF LAREDO
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS
5:30 P.M.
AGENDA
A97-R-14(S) APRIL 21, 1997
SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA
VIII. MOTIONS
A. Refund of property taxes in various amounts to the following individuals or companies:
a. Laredo National Bank in the amount of $930.74 as a result of a double payment, and
b. Fritz Companies, Inc., in the amount of $4,387.59, as a result of a re-appraisal.
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 FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 1997 AT 5:30 P.M.
________________________
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR.
CITY SECRETARY