CITY OF LAREDO COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS
5:30 P.M.
AGENDA
A97-R-19 JUNE 2, 1997
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. ROLL CALL
IV. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
2. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to
effectively convey fee simple title to Marcel C. Notzon, II and wife Nora
Lee Notzon for the sale at fair market value of "The Surface Only" of
certain properties described as being 0.3542 of an acre (15,432 square
feet) more or less of a tract of land out of the former South Buena Vista
Avenue between Chacota and Tinaja Streets, also known as the 2600 block of
South Buena Vista Avenue; and a 0.3542 of an acre (15,432 square feet)
more or less of a tract of land out of the former Chacota Street between
South Buena Vista and Tapeyste Avenues, also known as the 1800 block of
Chacota Street, situated in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb
County, Texas, providing for an effective date.
3. Authorizing the abandonment and vacating of a 17.7 wide alley dedicated
for public use in Block 893, Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb
County, Texas, which traverses the middle of said block from east to west
through its entire length, and abuts the north side of Lots 7, 8, 9, 10,
11, and 12, and abuts the south side of Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, and
providing for the reversion of the public's interest in said alley to the
abutting landowners, and providing for an effective date.
V. FINAL READINGS
4. 97-O-119 Ordinance amending the zoning ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning the west 46.3 feet of Lot 3, Block 1059,
Eastern Division, located at 1915 Norton Street from R-3 (Mixed
Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District);
providing for publication and effective date. (Jose R. Perez Jr.)
5. 97-O-120 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning all of Block 1777, Eastern Division, located
north of Diaz Street between New York Avenue and Canada Avenue,
from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to R-3 (Mixed
Residential District); providing for publication and effective
date. (Jose R. Perez Jr.)
6. 97-O-121 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lot 8, Block 2031, Eastern Division, located
at 3220 Santa Barbara Street from R-3 (Mixed Residential
District) to B-1 (Limited Business District); providing for
publication and effective date. (Jose R. Perez Jr.)
7. 97-O-122 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lot 2, Block 600, Eastern Division, located at
1217 Hendricks Avenue from B-1 (Limited Business District) to R-O
(Residential/Office District); providing for publication and
effective date. (Alfonso I. "Poncho" Casso)
8. 97-O-123 Ordinance amending Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo
by rezoning Lot 4, Block 1412, Eastern Division, located at 2414
Market Street from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1
(Limited Business District); providing for publication and
effective date. (Alfonso I. "Poncho" Casso)
9. 97-O-124 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning the west 2/3 of Lot 1, Block 876, Eastern
Division, located at 2719 Meadow Avenue from R-3 (Mixed
Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Business District);
providing for publication and effective date.(Cecilia May Moreno)
10. 97-O-125 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 448, Eastern Division, located at
119 East Bustamante Street from R-3 (Mixed Residential District)
to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for publication
and effective date. (Eliseo Valdez, Jr.)
11. 97-O-126 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning the north 60 feet of the south 110 feet of the
east 48 feet and the southeast corner 50 x 148 feet of the south
1/2 of Block 41, Calton Gardens Subdivision, located at 4602 and
4604 San Francisco, from B-1 (Limited Business District) to B-3
(Community Business District); providing for publication and
effective date. (Joe A. Guerra)
VI. RESOLUTIONS
12. 97-R-058 Resolution requesting financial assistance from the Texas Water
Development Board for the issuance of City of Laredo, Texas
Subordinate Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Series 1997 in the
aggregate principal amount of $340,000.00.
13. 97-R-059 Resolution requesting financial assistance from the Texas Water
Development Board for the issuance of City of Laredo, Texas
Subordinate Waterworks System Revenue Bonds, series 1997 in the
aggregate principal amount of $845,000.00
VII. MOTIONS
14. Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application to the Texas
Department of Health for continuation of the Maternal and Child Health
(MCH) Program and the (MCH) Health Education Project of the City of Laredo
Health Department for the period beginning September 1, 1997, through
August 31, 1998, in the amount of $638,000.00.
15. Approval of bid specifications and authorization to advertise for bids for
the following:
a) copier rental program - Purchasing Division
b) replacement lights, Market Street Tennis Court - Parks and Recreation
Department
c) Combination catch basin vacuum/jet rodder truck - Utilities Department
d) RFP - pay telephone services - Purchasing Division
e) activity books/t-shirts - Environmental Engineering Division
A tentative bid award is scheduled for July 7, 1997.
16. Approval to reject the sole bid received in the amount of $137,437.50 for
the Alma Pierce Drainage Improvements Project which is approximately 35%
over the project budget, and authorization to modify the construction plans
and re-bid the project.
17. Approval of the construction plans and specifications and authorization to
advertise for bids for the Herradura/Rancho Viejo Drainage Project at Lowry
Farms and Rancho Viejo Subdivisions to alleviate localized flooding with
tentative award on July 7, 1997. This project is to be advertised in
combination with the Alma Pierce Drainage Improvements Project in hopes
that a larger project may encourage more competitive bids. Funding is
available in the Capital Improvement Fund.
18. Approval of the construction plans and specifications and authorization to
re-bid the Father Charles McNaboe Recreational Complex. A tentative bid
award is scheduled for July 7, 1997.
19. Authorize the purchase of fifteen portable radios for the Police Department
through the Houston Galveston Area Council of Governments (HGAC) -
Cooperative Purchasing Program, in the total amount of $28,650.00. These
voice secure radios will be purchased through the cooperative purchasing
contract vendor Motorola. Delivery of these radios is expected within
sixty days.
20. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER, Laurel Battery Co., Laredo, Texas, in
the estimated amount of $11,873.09, for the purchase of automotive
batteries for the City's fleet. This contract will be for a period of one
year. All batteries are purchased on an as needed basis. No battery
inventory is maintained at the maintenance facility. The contract pricing
is approximately 10% higher than the previous contract period. A total of
two bids were received for this purchase. Funding is available in the
Fleet Maintenance Fund. City Council, at their meeting of April 21, 1997,
rejected bids and authorized staff to solicit new bids for the purchase of
this commodity.
21. Award of a construction contract to the LOWEST BIDDER, the Stewart Company,
Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $55,308.00 for the purchase of 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. Two bids were received for this project. Funding is available
in the Bridge System Construction Project Bridge Improvements.
22. Award of annual supply contract to the LOW BIDDER, Hersey Meters,
Cleveland, NC, in the estimated amount of $79,909.66, for the purchase of
water meters for the Utilities Department. The bid pricing is
approximately 7% higher than the previous contract pricing. A total of
five bids were received for this purchase. Funding is available in the
Utilities Department - Water Transmission and Distribution Account.
23. Award of annual supply contracts to the LOW BIDDERS, US Filter Distribution
Group, Laredo, Texas ($255,051.02), and Industrial International, San
Antonio, Texas ($17,817.72), for the purchase of water works materials for
construction and repair projects by the Utilities Department. The City
received three bids for an annual supply contract for providing water
materials such as service saddles, couplings, and valves for the Utilities
Department - Water operations. The bid pricing is approximately 3% higher
than the previous contract pricing. Funding is available in the Utilities
Department.
24. Award of six month supply contract to the SOLE BIDDER, Arguindegui Oil Co.,
Laredo, Texas in the estimated amount of $28,845.46, for the purchase of
lubricants for the Fleet Maintenance Division. The bid pricing will be firm
during this six month period and all items will be purchased on an as need
basis. The bid pricing is approximately 10% higher than the previous
contract period. Funding is available in the Fleet Maintenance Fund.
25. Approval of an emergency repair contract to Holt Company of Texas, Laredo,
Texas, in the estimated amount of $37,000.00, for repairs to a 1994
Caterpillar D8N dozer. Extensive repairs are needed to the undercarriage
of this dozer. This equipment is vital to the operation of the City
landfill and staff is requesting City Council authorization to proceed with
these repairs. The replacement cost for this equipment is approximately
$370,000.00. With these repairs the City anticipates using this equipment
for three more years. Funding is available in the Landfill Fund.
26. Approval of amendment no. 1, an increase of $14,330.00 to the engineering
contract with Mejia Engineering Company, Laredo, Texas, to add the design
and preparation of plans and specifications for the widening of Bustamante
Street between Meadow Avenue to Foster Avenue, and the widening of Meadow
Avenue between Saunders Street to Bustamante Street; to the 18 Inch
Diameter Sanitary Sewer Main Project along Bustamante Street from Meadow
Avenue to East San Francisco Avenue at Zacate Creek, part of an EDA Grant.
Original a/e contract was for $74,767.00. This amendment will bring that
total to $89,097.00. Funding is available in the EDA Airport/Medical Park.
This amendment no. 1 is contingent upon approval by Economic Development
Administration (EDA).
27. Approval of amendment no. 4, an increase of $11,550.00 to the Resident
Project Representative Services Contract (inspection services) with Hickey
and Associates, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for the New Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) Requirements to provide additional uninterrupted
inspection services. New contract amount including amendment no. 4 is
$278,534.80. Funding is available in the Airport Construction Fund.
28. Authorizing the sale by competitive bids of the following two city owned
properties to the highest bidders:
1.) Jesse, Hector and George Martinez "Partnership" for the sale of the
"Surface Only" of Lot 2, Block 2165-A, Eastern Division, located at the
2400 block of Diaz Street in the amount of $93,505.65, and
2.) Cesar Cabello for the sale of the "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 in the amount of $35,000.00 and being more
particularly described by metes and bounds.
VIII. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
29. Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a renewed interlocal agreement
for FY 1996-97 between the City of Laredo and County of Webb in the amount
of $60,000.00 for locally supported public health services to non-Laredo
residents of Webb County, for the period beginning March 18, 1997, through
September 30, 1997.
30. Presenting a status report on the progress of the water and wastewater
Colonias project.
31. Status report concerning the New Main Library.
32. Request for confirmation of City Manager's recommendation for appointment
and employment to the position of Laredo Fire Chief.
7:00 RECESS
IX. COMMUNICATIONS
X. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION AND PRESENTATION
33. Requests by Mayor and City Councilmembers for discussion and presentation.
A. Requests by Mayor Saul N. Ramirez, Jr.
1. Recognizing Jessica Vela (age 9, St. Peters Memorial School, 4th grader)
daughter of Antonio and Petra Vela, for placing third in the state of
Texas, in the 1997 U.S. Savings Bonds National Student Poster Contest,
sponsored by the United States Department of the Treasury.
2. Appointing my nominee, Leopoldo Flores, to the Ad Hoc Ordinance Review
Committee.
B. Requests by Councilmember Louis H. Bruni
1. Request for the City Council to authorize the issuance of subpoenas to the
following individuals to appear before the City Council to be examined and
give testimony regarding alleged financial irregularities and alleged
misappropriation of property at the Fleet Maintenance Division of the City
of Laredo, under Section 2.06 of Article II of the Charter of the City of
Laredo, dealing with the roles and responsibilities of the City Council in
regards to inquiries into the official conduct of any department, agency,
office, or employee of the City of Laredo.
(Co-sponsored by Councilman Alfonso Casso).
1. Carlos Villarreal former Assistant City Manager of the City of Laredo
2. Joe Aranda former Transportation Department Director of the City of
Laredo
3. Carlos Mendoza former Fleet Maintenance Manager of the City of Laredo
4. Clemente Gonzalez, Jr., former Fleet Maintenance employee of the City of
Laredo, and
5. Abel J. Salinas owner of United Power Services.
C. Requests by Councilmember Alfonso I. "Poncho" Casso
1. Discussion and possible action regarding the Wrecker Service Administrative
Investigation by the Risk Management Division.
2. Status report regarding the Cindy Dovalina case.
D. Requests by Councilmember Eliseo Valdez, Jr.
1. Discussion and possible action regarding the status of the connection of
San Francisco Avenue (area located behind the HEB Mercado Grande).
(Co-sponsored by Cm. Joe Guerra)
2. Discussion and possible action concerning the placement of the entire
length of Northpoint Avenue into next years Street Recycling Program.
3. Discussion and possible action concerning enhancements to the concrete
landings on either end of the Ash/Blair Pedestrian Bridge located at the
3100 block of San Francisco Avenue.
4. Presentation by Jose Diaz De Leon on the outcome of the El Portal Contest
and to thank the City and Councilmembers for their support. Discussion on
the uplifting of International Bridge #1 on a historic basis.
5. Presentation by Jose Diaz De Leon on concerns of the landmark ordinance.
6. Presentation by Denise Cruz concerning the number of emergency shelters
that were available during last weeks storm, with possible action.
E. Requests by Councilmember Mario G. Alvarado
1. Presentation by Pete Gallegos on Laredo Police impounding procedures with
discussion and possible action.
2. Presentation by Washington Middle School's HOST Program and recognition of
their state and national achievements.
3. Presentation by Mines Road residents concerning approval and funding of a
traffic signal at the Rancho Viejo/Mines Road Intersection. 4. Discussion
and possible action requesting the Traffic Department to work with TxDOT to
reduce the speed limit on Mines Road.
5. Request for an update with possible action regarding the legal status of
acquiring the Right of Way on Orilla Avenue north of Mann Road (Makro
Business International, Inc., warehouse) and requesting a monthly update on
this case.
6. Request for funding of a traffic signal at the intersection of Industrial
Boulevard and Santa Maria Avenue from the $88,000.00, remaining in the
General Fund Reserve Appropriation for Capital Improvements account
balance.
7. Discussion with possible action requesting road maintenance by the Public
Works Department on Markley Lane and Orilla Avenue (Makro Business
International, Inc., warehouse area).
XI. MOTION TO RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MASS TRANSIT BOARD
34. 97-RT-060 Certifying that the Transit Department of the City of Laredo,
Texas is unable to acquire a three-wheel, street-legal police
vehicle as specified in bid invitation #FY97-092, using
compressed natural gas at a project cost that is reasonably
expected to result in no greater net cost over the use of
gasoline, measured over its expected useful life.
35. Award of a contract to the SOLE BIDDER MEETING SPECIFICATIONS, White Bear
Sales, Inc., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the amount of $18,500.00 for the
purchase of one three-wheel, street legal police vehicle, GO-4 Model BT-57,
for parking enforcement and security at the Laredo Transit Center.
36. Authorization to sell surplus vehicles to the highest bidder consisting of:
a) 1969 GMC
b) 1982 Gillig
c) 1989 Ford
Said vehicles have exhausted their lives; all items are being offered "as
is" with no implied or express warranties or claims of serviceability.
37. Authorize the cancellation of the purchase contract with Design Source,
Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $8,766.87, for the purchase of office desks
for the new Transit Center and award a new contract to next low bidder,
Executive World, Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $9,635.00, for the
purchase of this furniture. Design Source has indicated that they are
closing their business and cannot deliver the requested furniture.
Delivery of this furniture is expected within four weeks.
XII. 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 30, 1997 AT 5:30 P.M.
________________________
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR.
CITY SECRETARY