CITY OF LAREDO COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS
5:30 P.M.
AGENDA
A97-R-16 MAY 5, 1997
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. ROLL CALL
IV. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
2. 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.
3. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with United Exports
Trading Association (U.E.T.A.) of Texas, Inc., for approximately
2,526 square feet out of Lot 10, Block 22, in the Western Division,
City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, lying North of the concrete
pavement connecting Salinas Street with Water Street.
1. Lease term is for three (3) years commencing on April 21, 1997
and ending April 20, 2000,
2. Monthly rent will be $720.00, providing for effective date.
V. FINAL READINGS
4. 97-O-099 Ordinance amending the zoning ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lot 7, Block 1744, Eastern Division,
located at 2806 Cross Street, from R-2 (Multi-Family
District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential District); providing for
publication and effective date. (Jose R. Perez Jr.)
5. 97-O-100 Ordinance amending the zoning ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lot 9, Block 623, Eastern Division,
located at 520 McPherson Avenue, from M-1 (Light Manufactur-
ing District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential District), providing
for publication and effective date. (Joe A. Guerra)
6. 97-O-101 Ordinance authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use
Permit for warehousing of bagged sand on 15,940 square feet
of the North 1/2 of the Texas Mexican Railway Company Right-
of-Way through Block 1082, Eastern Division, as further
described by metes and bounds, located at 701 Buena Vista
Avenue; providing for publication and effective date.
(Jose R. Perez)
7. 97-O-102 Ordinance amending the zoning ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning the South 1/2 of the Southwest 1/4 of
Block 40, Calton Garden Subdivision, located at 4601 San
Francisco Avenue, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to
B-1 (Limited Business District); providing for publication
and effective date. (Joe A. Guerra)
8. 97-O-103 Ordinance the zoning ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo
by rezoning Lot 1, Block 1, Salazar Distribution Center,
located at 14002 Mines Road, from B-1 (Limited Business
District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District); providing
for publication and effective date. (Consuelo Montalvo)
9. 97-O-104 Ordinance authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use
Permit for a pawn shop on Lot 10, Block 46, Western
Division, located at 1019 Farragut Street; providing for
publication and effective date. (Consuelo Montalvo)
10. 97-O-105 Ordinance authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use
Permit for a jewelry only pawn shop on Lot 4 and the South
8.56 Feet of Lot 3, Block 9, Western Division, located at
1102 Zaragoza Street; providing for publication and
effective date. (Consuelo Montalvo)
VI. RESOLUTIONS
11. 97-R-050 Opposing Senate Bill 1937 which will severely limit a local
government's right to manage their right-of-ways.
VII. MOTIONS
12. Approval of a preliminary plan for the Three Points Affordable Housing
Project as prepared by Sanchez and Sanchez Architects for 32 single
family affordable housing dwellings for low income applicants ranging
from $12,000.00, to $15,000.00/annual income. These homes will be
located in an area bounded by Piedra China on the north, Mercer on the
south, New York on the west and Canada on the east. The preliminary
plan includes one (1) floor plan and four (4) different elevations
(facades). At the March 3, 1997, meeting, City Council directed staff
to develop a project to provide housing for low income families (those
earning between $12,000.00 and $15,000.00 annually). Staff is seeking
City Council authorization to proceed.
13. Approval of plans and specifications as prepared by Frank Architects,
Inc., and authorization to advertise for bids from general contractors
for 50 single family affordable housing dwellings for low and moderate
income applicants for the Los Obispos Affordable Housing Project Phase
I, to be located on Block 2, Lots 1-50 at Los Obispos Subdivision,
Unit V. The final plans include six (6) different floor plans and six
(6) different front elevations (facades) for a home of approximately
1,100 square feet. A tentative bid award is scheduled for June 23,
1997.
14. Approval of bid specifications and authorization to advertise for bids
for the following:
a) uniforms - Police/Fire Departments/Bridge System
b) lawn maintenance services - Utilities Department/Bridge System
c) purchase of a submersible sewage pump -Utilities Department -
Wastewater Treatment Division.
A tentative bid award is scheduled for June 16, 1997.
15. Approval of construction plans and specifications and authorization to
advertise for bids for the Alma Pierce Drainage Improvements. The
project consists of extending an existing storm sewer along Logan
Avenue from San Carlos Street to Ryan Street in order to improve the
drainage around Alma Pierce Elementary School. A tentative bid award
is scheduled for June 16, 1997.
16. Approval of construction plans and specifications and authorization to
advertise for bids for a New Air Conditioning System and its
accompanying Roof Structural Support for the Bridge Administration
Building located at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge No. 2. A
tentative bid award is scheduled for June 16, 1997.
17. Award of a contract to the LOW BIDDER, Gillespie Ford, San Antonio,
Texas, in the amount of $20,820.00, for the purchase of one 3/4 ton
truck for the Community Development Department. This vehicle will be
equipped with a CNG bi-fuel fueling system. Funding is available in
the department's capital outlay budget and will be used by the newly
established graffiti removal crew. A total of two bids were received
for a bi-fueled vehicle, while a total of three bids were received for
a conventionally fueled vehicle. Delivery is anticipated within ninety
days.
18. 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 at the new Public Library building.
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. Funding is available in
the new Main Library Construction Project Account. A total of three
bids were received for this work. The system will be completed within
sixty days.
19. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER, Brance-Krachy Company, Inc.,
Houston, Texas, in the amount of $11,974.00, for the purchase of two,
replacement motors with a gear reducers for the Utilities Department.
These will be installed on #3 and #4 flocculators at the Jefferson
Street Water Treatment plant. Flocculators mix the chemicals and water
during the second stage of the water treatment process. Funding is
available in the Utilities Department - Water Treatment, Capital
Outlay Account. A total of two bids were received for this purchase.
The motors will be delivered within two weeks.
20. Award of annual supply contracts to the LOW BIDDER MEETING
SPECIFICATIONS, U.S. Filter Corporation, Laredo, Texas, in the
estimated amount of $138,648.33, for supplying water line repair
clamps for the Utilities Department. All items will be purchased on an
as need basis. A total of two bids were received for this purchase.
Funding is available in the Utilities Department - Water Division
Account. The contract pricing is approximately 5% more than the
previous contract.
21. Award of contract to the SOLE SOURCE PROVIDER, New York Blower,
Willbrock, Illinois, in the amount of $15,495.80, for the purchase of
two, replacement fan blowers, for the Utilities Department. These
will be installed at the Zacate Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant for
the removal of hydrogen sulfide from the primary clarifiers. These
blowers create a vacuum which directs the toxic hydrogen sulfide gases
to a carbon filtering system within the clarifiers. Funding is
available in the Utilities Department - Wastewater Treatment Capital
Outlay Account. Delivery is expected within three weeks. These
blowers are available only from the original equipment manufacturer.
22. Award of a construction contract to the LOWEST BIDDER, Pete Gallegos
Paving, Inc., Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $333,823.00, for the
Southgate Pilot Channel Improvements to be placed over an existing
earthen ditch located along the east side of Canada Avenue,
approximately 2,200 linear feet, and approximately 12 feet wide, from
Norton Street to Ireland Street, curving southwesterly through the
drainage easement located along the east side of New York Street to
Southgate Boulevard. A total of two bids were received for this work.
Funding is available in the Drainage Improvements Southgate Pilot
Channel Account. Construction time is 70 working days.
23. Award of a construction contract to the LOWEST BIDDER, Ramex
Construction Company, Inc., Houston, Texas, in the amount of
$103,995.00, for the Willow/Chacon Drainage Improvements. This project
consists of the extension of an underground drainage system to
alleviate erosion abutting private property at mid-block between Texas
Avenue and U.S. Highway 83 between Willow and Chacon Streets. A total
of two bids were received for this work. Funding is available in the
Drainage Improvements Willow/Chacon Drainage Improvements Account.
Construction time is 45 working days.
24. Award of a construction contract to the LOWEST BIDDER MEETING
SPECIFICATIONS, Pete Gallegos Paving, Inc., Laredo, Texas, in the
amount of $313,682.32, for the City of Laredo and Laredo Independent
School District (LISD) Sidewalk Program (13 Schools) for Buenos Aires
Elementary, Ochoa/Sanchez Elementary, J.C. Martin Elementary, D.D.
Hachar Elementary, Kawas Elementary, Ligarde Elementary, Daiches
Elementary, Zachary Elementary, Cigarroa Middle, Memorial Middle,
Lamar Middle, Cigarroa High and Nixon High Schools. The City of Laredo
will pay 50% of the costs as will the Laredo Independent School
District. A total of five bids were received for this work. Funding
is available in the Capital Improvement Fund School Sidewalks Account
and in the Community Development Department. Construction time is 90
working days.
25. Approval of change order no. 3, a net increase of $18,201.49, to the
construction contract with Ramex Construction Company, Houston, Texas,
for
a) the installation of two (2) additional security cameras and various
other miscellaneous items
b) to delete the circulation desk screen, and
c) a savings on the interior signage
at the City of Laredo New Main Library. This change order will also
add 87 calendar days to the contract consisting of 21 calendar days
for bad weather plus 66 calendar days for the additional work required
for change order no. 3. The project is scheduled for completion by
October 1997. Original contract amount was $5,641,000.00. This
change order will bring the total to $5,760,003.00. Funding is
available in the New Main Library Buildings Capital Outlay Account.
26. Awarding a professional consulting services contract for an amount not
to exceed $126,720.00, to Carter and Burgess, Inc., Houston, Texas, to
develop a Comprehensive Stormwater Management Ordinance(s) and Best
Management Practices (BMP) guidance manual, as required by the City's
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater
requirements. These ordinances and the BMP guidance manual will govern
the criteria regarding special use permits for detention/retention
ponds, and are the initiation of the Stormwater Master Planning
Process. A total of four firms responded to the City's request for
proposals. Funding is available in the Environmental Engineering
Division.
VIII. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
27. Presentation regarding the status of the lease with the Laredo
Children's Museum.
28. Amending the HOME Investment Partnerships Program Policy and
Procedures Manual as it pertains to Downpayment Assistance Program.
The following are the proposed changes:
a) increase the loan amount of $2,500.00, up to a maximum of
$3,000.00,
b) eliminate the 50% match required from the applicant,
c) decrease the 5% interest on the principal loan amount to 0%, and
d) define the deferred payment period to 3 years. After the deferment
period, the eligible borrower(s) will start making payments on the
Downpayment Assistance Loan as per a predetermined schedule based on
the loan amount. There will not be any prepayment penalties. The
repayment period may not exceed five years. A second Lien Deed of
Trust with Vendor's Lien and Real Estate Lien Note will be recorded
against the property being purchased. The property should remain
affordable for a period of five years. This program is Citywide and
may be used towards the purchase of an existing or a newly constructed
home. The proposed changes will allow the Citywide program to coincide
with the recently approved Concord Hills Downpayment Assistance
Program by providing qualifying applicants with assistance of up to
$3,000.00.
29. Presentation regarding the status of the City's National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater discharge requirements
and acceptance of the permit issued by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) in compliance with 40 CFR 122 and 124.
30. Presentation regarding the status of the detention pond ordinance. An
ordinance will be introduced at a subsequent meeting which will
provide for the concrete lining of the detention pond's embankment.
31. Discussion and possible action regarding proposed partial settlement
agreement in Cause No. C-95-00259-D2 styled Jacaman Investment Group
LTD., et al. v. City of Laredo with possible executive session for
consultation with City Attorney, as per Section 551.071 of the Texas
Government Code.
IX. COMMUNICATIONS
a. Recognizing Les Norton and Dennis Longoria for their exemplary service
to the City of Laredo Fire Fighters' and Police Officers' Civil
Service Commission. Their service to the City is 16 and 11 years
respectively.
b. Recognizing the Department of Public Works for their receipt of the
Texas Clean Cities 2000 award.
X. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION AND PRESENTATION
32. Requests by Mayor and City Councilmembers for discussion and
presentation.
A. Requests by Mayor Saul N. Ramirez, Jr.
1. Recognizing the participation of City of Laredo employees in the 1996-
1997 United Way Campaign.
B. Requests by Councilmember Louis H. Bruni
1. Status report on the Air Passenger Survey conducted by the City of
Laredo's airport consultant Vesta Rae Associates, with possible
action.
2. Staff presentation regarding a cost proposal for the inclusion of
Ponderosa Street into a current paving program, with possible action.
3. Staff presentation regarding a proposal to deal with the problem of
vehicles accessing Casa Blanca Road from Clubview Drive.
C. Requests by Councilmember Alfonso I. Casso
1. Discussion and possible action regarding the landfill and the
possibility of producing electricity.
2. Discussion and possible action regarding the planting of cypress trees
on Meadow Street in front of both cemeteries.
3. Discussion and possible action regarding the parking of tractor
trailers in residential areas.
4. Discussion and possible action regarding the collection of city taxes
by the county. (Co-sponsored by Councilman Louis H. Bruni)
5. Discussion and possible action regarding the repaving of Malinche
Street.
6. Discussion and possible action regarding the proposed dam by Webb
County.
D. Requests by Councilmember Joe A. Guerra
1. Discussion and possible action concerning a presentation by Dr. Hector
Farias regarding international trade.
E. Requests by Councilmember Mario G. Alvarado
1. Discussion and possible action requesting traffic department staff to
review the traffic light signals change sequence from Del Mar
Boulevard and Santa Maria up to Del Mar and Springfield in order to
help improve the flow of traffic. (Co-sponsored by Joe A. Guerra)
2. Discussion and possible action requesting traffic department staff to
meet with Farias School Administrators to work on a temporary road
block plan during the schools pickup and dropoff hours.
3. Discussion and possible action requesting traffic department staff for
street crossing times for Farias Elementary School.
4. Discussion and possible action requesting Public Works to setup a
schedule for street sweeper maintenance along the Mines Road area.
5. Report from Public Works on repair work scheduled for San Lorenzo
Street at the 8300 block area.
F. Requests by Councilmember Consuelo "Chelo" Montalvo
1. Discussion and possible action to maintain branch library services at
Bruni Plaza.
XI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
33. Public hearing concerning the adoption of an ordinance setting the
rates to be charged by El Metro for parking at the Laredo Transit
Center, located at 1300 Farragut Street, Laredo, Texas, and for
various miscellaneous fees related to contract parking as follows:
a) daily parking rate shall be $1.50 per hour or portion thereof,
subject to a daily maximum of $7.50.
b) Contract parking rate shall be $75.00, per month. $40.00, shall be
charged for the initial month of a contract if it begins on or
after the 16th day of the month. Otherwise, no proportion of the
monthly rate shall apply at either the beginning or end of a
contract term.
c) The following miscellaneous fees shall also apply:
1) refundable key deposit: $10.00,
2) replacement charge for damaged key: $10.00,
3) replacement charge for lost key: $25.00.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance setting the rates to be charged by El Metro for parking at
the Laredo Transit Center, located at 1300 Farragut Street, Laredo,
Texas, and for various miscellaneous fees related to contract parking
as follows:
a) daily parking rate shall be $1.50 per hour or portion thereof,
subject to a daily maximum of $7.50.
b) Contract parking rate shall be $75.00, per month. $40.00, shall be
charged for the initial month of a contract if it begins on or
after the 16th day of the month. Otherwise, no proportion of the
monthly rate shall apply at either the beginning or end of a
contract term.
c) The following miscellaneous fees shall also apply:
1) refundable key deposit: $10.00,
2) replacement charge for damaged key: $10.00,
3) replacement charge for lost key: $25.00.
Providing for publication and a July 4, 1997, effective date.
34. Public hearing regarding the adoption of the Los Dos Laredos
Environmental Management Plan. The environmental plan is a bi-
national planning project developed jointly by staff in Laredo, Texas
and Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas.
97-R-049 Resolution authorizing the adoption of Los Dos Laredos
Environmental Management Plan, a Bi-National planning
project.
XII. MOTION TO RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MUNICIPAL HOUSING CORPORATION
35. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER, Leyendecker Lumber, Laredo,
Texas, in the amount of $23,928.00, for the purchase of approximately
1,200 cases of floor tile. Orders will be placed on a monthly basis
(100 cases per month) and installed by Laredo Municipal Housing
Corporation staff at the Jose A. Flores and Tomas Flores Apartment
complexes. Funding is available in the LMHC's Capital Outlay Account.
A total of six bids were received for this purchase. The contract is
approximately 6% less than the previous contract price.
XIII. MOTION TO RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MASS TRANSIT BOARD
36. Award of contracts to the LOW BIDDER Autophone of Laredo, Inc.,
Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $20,160.00, for the purchase and
installation of fifteen mobile radios for the new transit buses.
SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA
VIII. RESOLUTIONS
xx. 97-R-045 Authorizing the City Manager to accept a multi-year grant
from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the amount
of $1,149,990.00, said grant is derived by adding the Fiscal
Year 1997 and Fiscal Year 1998 Passenger and Cargo
Entitlement Funds available to the City under FAA's Airport
Improvement Program and acknowledging the sum of
$127,777.00, as the City's local matching funds for the
purpose of constructing the access road and parking lot to
the new airport passenger terminal at the Laredo
International Airport.
VIII. MOTIONS
25. Award of a construction contract to the LOWEST BIDDER, Don Krueger
Construction Company, Victoria, Texas, in the amount of $2,097,481.75
to construct the Access Road and Parking Lot Improvements at the New
Airport Passenger Terminal. Construction of the access road and
parking lot will enable the opening of the new airport passenger
terminal during the next five to six months. A total of three bids
were received for this work. Funding for this contract is available in
the New Airport Passenger Terminal. The Federal Aviation
Administration is funding approximately 90 percent of the cost.
Construction time is 180 working days.
XIV. 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, MAY 2, 1997 AT 5:30 P.M.
________________________
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR.
CITY SECRETARY