CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
M2000-R-02
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS 78040
JANUARY 17, 2000
5:30 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
With a quorum present Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores called the
meeting to order.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
In Attendance:
Elizabeth G. Flores, Mayor
Alfredo Agredano, Councilmember, District I
Louis H. Bruni, Councilmember, District II
John C. Galo, Councilmember, District III
Eliseo Valdez, Jr., Councilmember, District V
Joe A. Guerra, Councilmember, District VI
Mario G. Alvarado, Councilmember, District VII
Consuelo "Chelo" Montalvo, Mayor Pro Tempore, District VIII
Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary
Larry Dovalina, Acting City Manager
Cindy Collazo, Acting City Manager
Jaime L. Flores, City Attorney
ABSENT:
Motion to excuse Cm. Moreno.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Montalvo
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IV. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements:
None
Invitations:
None
Recognitions:
Mayor Flores presented to Margaret Rubio, daughter of
Mr. & Mrs. Joe Rubio, a Seven Flags Certificate of
Recognition. She placed first in the Texas, Oklahoma
Region N. F. L. Gatorade Punt Pass & Kick competition.
She then advanced to the Nationals in Jacksonville,
Florida where she placed 2nd on January 15, 2000.
a. Recognition by the Mayor and City Council Members
of employees that retired from the City of Laredo
with 20 years or more of service for the period
August 1999 through December 1999.
Mayor Flores recognized the following City Employees
that recently retired:
Eduardo Guardiola, employee of the Utilities Department,
retired after 22 years.
Alejandro L. Diaz, employee of the Tax & Utilities Department,
retired after 40 years.
Jose M. Moreno, Jr., employee of Community Development &
Municipal Office, retired
after 31 years, and finally Alfonso Palacio, Jr.,
employee of the Fire Department, retired
after 27 years.
b. Recognition of Socorro Abrego by Mayor and City
Council as an exemplary citizen.
Cm. Agredano presented Socorro Abrego a certificate
of recognition for fulfilling her commitments and
paying her debts at her late age.
c. Recognition to the Health Department's Vital Records
Registration Staff for being awarded the 5-Star Vital
Records Registration and Excellence Award from the Texas
Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics,
out of 540 offices in Texas, only seven
were awarded the 5 - Star Award for the third consecutive
year.
Jerry Robinson, Director of Health & Vital Statistics,
recognized employees of Vital Statistics for receiving
the 5 – Star Award for the third consecutive year for
filing records on time.
d. Recognition of the Millennium Celebration sponsors
(Univision 27, Guerra Communication, South Texas
Distributors).
Cm. Alvarado thanked all the corporate sponsors for
their promotion of the Millennium Celebration.
V. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
City Council confirmation of Council Member Louis Bruni’s
appointee of Rolando G. Ortiz to the Impact Fee Advisory
Committee.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public hearing approving an amendment to the contract
with the Texas Department of Health and 10-month budget
in the amount of $42,040 for the Breast and Cervical
Cancer Control Project (BCCCP), of the City Laredo Health
Department for the period beginning November 1, 1999, to
August 31, 2000. The funding source for this project is
the Texas Department of Health and it has been assigned a
budget number 226-6020.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance approving an amendment of the contract with the
Texas Department of Health and Budget in the amount of
$42,040 for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Project,
of the City Laredo Health Department for the period beginning
November 1, 1999, to August 31, 2000; and increase revenue
line item 226-0000-323-4055 from $0 to $42,040 and expenditure
line item 226-6020 from $0 to $42,040.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
2. Public hearing amending Chapter 15 (Health and Sanitation)
of the Code of Ordinances by establishing Article IV
(Tire Business Registration), providing definitions,
tire business registration, application, and terms of
registration, terms of renewal, terms of
suspension and revocation, fees, disposal of tires,
providing for penalty, injunctive relief, severability, a
publication schedule and establishing an effective date.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending Chapter 15 (Health and Sanitation) of
the Code of Ordinances by establishing Article IV (Tire
Business Registration), providing definitions, tire business
registration, application, and terms of registration, terms
of renewal, terms of suspension and revocation, fees, disposal
of tires, providing for penalty, injunctive relief,
severability, a publication schedule and establishing an
effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Aldo Tatangelo, former City Mayor, stated that he was in
favor of the implementation of the above mentioned ordinance.
Cm. Alvarado wanted reassurance that the ordinance
would be limited to wholesale and retail operations within the
industry.
Jerry Robinson, Health Director, stated that the ordinance is
designed to work in conjunction with a previous ordinance that
applies only to retail and wholesale. The ordinance allows the
city to monitor tires entering Laredo and their proper disposal.
Cristobal Rodriguez, spokesman for the Tire Association,
voiced their support for the ordinance.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduced: City Council
3. Public hearing amending the FY 1999-2000 budget in the
amount of $15,000 for the Special Projects Program of
the City of Laredo Health Department for the period
beginning January 1, 2000, through September 30, 2000.
The funding sources for these projects are comprised
of various organizations who contribute or donate
funds to the Health Department for the purpose of
carrying out special activities or events, and has
been assigned budget number 226-6400.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the FY 1999-2000 budget in the
amount of $15,000 for the Special Projects Program of
the City of Laredo Health Department for the period
beginning January 1, 2000, through September 30, 2000.
The funding sources for these projects are comprised
of various organizations who contribute or donate funds
to the Health Department for the purpose of carrying
out special activities or events, and has been assigned
budget number 226-6400.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduced: City Council
4. Public hearing approving an amendment to the contract
with the Texas Department of Health and budget in the
amount of $130,520 for local staffing of the Childhood
Immunization Action Plan Project of the City of Laredo
Health Department $30,742 in state-paid staff, and
approximately $990,497 in vaccines for the period
beginning January 1, 2000 through August 31, 2000.
The funding source for this project is the Texas Department
of Health and it has been assigned a budget number 226-6019.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance on the approval of an amendment to the contract
with the Texas Department of Health and Budget in
the amount of $130,520 for local staffing of the Childhood
Immunization Action Plan Project of the City of Laredo
Health Department; $30,742 in state-paid staff; and
approximately $990,497 in vaccines for the period beginning
January 1, 2000 through August 31, 2000; and increasing
revenue line item 226-000-323-4056 from $0 to $130,520
and expenditure line item 226-6019 from $0 to $130,520.
Motion to open public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Alvarado
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Alvarado
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduced: Mayor Pro Tempore Montalvo
VII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
5. A. Request by Council Member Eliseo Valdez, Jr.
1. Status report on the replacement of waterlines
in the Hillside area with possible action.
Fernando Roman, Utility Director, stated the
project to replace the waterlines in the
Hillside area will commence in the later part
of February.
B. Request by Council Member Joe A. Guerra
1. Discussion and possible action on amending the
City of Laredo FY 1999-2000 annual budget by
raising the firefighter man years by twelve(12)
firefighters and reclassifying nine (9)
firefighters to three (3) Captains, three (3)
Drivers, and three (3) Assistant Drivers to
man Aerial Truck #3. This truck will be
temporarily stationed at Fire Station #10
upon completion of Fire Station #12 (TAMIU Fire
Station), the aerial truck and crew will be
transferred from Fire Station #10 to Fire Station
#12 and remain in full service indefinitely.
Herberto L. Ramirez, Budget Director,
submitted the following memo:
As per your request regarding the cost of
reclassifying nine (9) firefighters and
creating an additional twelve positions,
please refer to the analysis below:
$ 95,073 Cost of reclassifying nine firefighters.
$400,224 Cost of hiring an additional twelve (12)
firefighters.
$525,000 Cost of replacing Reserve Aerial Truck
$1,020,297 Total Cost
Currently, we do not have sufficient reserve
appropriations to fund such request.
Additionally, we cannot not use fund balance
to fund operational expenditures as per City
of Laredo Charter.
If a motion is made to fund the reclassifications
and additional firefighters, then I recommend
that we reduce expenditures from other General
Fund departments including Parks, Public Works,
and Police to make up the $1,020,297.
Cost of 12 Firefighters
23,688 Base Pay per Firefighter
2,368 Additional Pay – EMS
26,056 Sub-total
7,296 Benefits
33,352 Sub-total
X 12 Months
400,224 Total Cost of 12 Additional Firefighters
Fernando Alarcon, Union President, made the
following presentation:
This presentation is being made to express the need for
added safety for our city. The city is in a position
to greatly improve the fire protection of our city’s
rapid growth. Our request is to allocate the necessary
funds needed to man a full crew for Aerial Truck # 3,
consisting of Captains, Drivers, Assistant Drivers and
Firefighters.The following information will accurately
distinguish the difference between these two fire apparatus.
Fire Engine (Pumper)
Structure Fire
* Safety
* Extinguishments
* Water Supply
* Aerial Truck (Ladder Truck)
* Structure Fire
* Safety
* Rescue
* Ventilation
* Salvage
* Over-haul
The city currently has two Aerial (Ladder) Trucks in
service, one stationed at Central Fire Station (#1
Guadalupe St.) the second at Fire Station #7(1120 W.
Calton Rd.). The city also has one Aerial Truck
(Ladder #3) currently being used as a reserve (not in
service). Due to the vast number of square miles that
the Laredo Fire Department must protect along with its
numerous warehouses; a third aerial truck implemented
into the city’s fire protection is most definitely
justified.
Aerial Truck #2 was put into service in 1980 along with
eight fire stations throughout the City. As per the
Census of 1980 they were 100,500 people in the City of
Laredo. The estimated growth in population for ten
years would be 21% (from 1990 –2000) the population
would be 189,021 according to the city’s Growth and
Statistics. On December 17, 1999 CNN reported the
fastest growing cities in the U. S. This report stated
that within the eight year span, the City of Laredo
for the past few years has been the second fastest
growing city and as of today, still has two Aerial
Truck in service protecting a larger geographical
area.
The two aerial trucks currently in service must protect
the City along with other responsibilities.
The crew from Aerial Truck # 1 must also man the
Rescue Boat. This double duty will at certain times
leave Aerial Truck # 1 unmanned. When this occurs,
the entire city is protected by only one Aerial Truck
in service. In 1999, Aerial Truck # 1 responded
to 231 calls, 43 of which were water rescue.
The crew from Aerial Truck # 2 must also man the
Haz-Mat Truck. This double duty will at certain time
leave Aerial Truck # 2 unmanned. Aerial Truck # 2
must also respond to aircraft rescues when there is a
possibility of an airplane disaster. When this occurs,
the entire city is protected by only one aerial truck
in service. In 1999, Aerial Truck # 2 responded to
254 calls, 7 of which were haz-mat related incidents
and 11 ARRF (Aircraft Rescue Firefighting) related
incidents.
The City’s downtown district requires that both Aerial
Trucks 1 & 2 respond due to the size and construction
of the downtown’s older buildings. This occurrence
then leaves the City of Laredo without an aerial truck
to respond to a potential fire.
Currently the Laredo Fire Department has two new fire
stations, one on HWY 359 (#11) and the other at
McPherson and Loop 20 (#10). The Laredo Fire Department
has one aerial truck in reserve (AT-3) Which could be
put in service at Fire Station #10. This would give
the City of Laredo fire protection in three very
distinct geographical locations. One could serve the
City’s fast growing South area, the other would protect
the highly populated inner city and the third could
respond to the increasingly growing North portion of
the city.
The Laredo Fire Department has the qualified personnel
and a newly built fire station in order to fully man
Aerial Truck # 3 at this time. This would only
increase the fire protection for a city whose growth
we are trying to keep up with. As our Mayor Betty
Flores stated in the City Council Meeting of November
22, 1999, “The Council and I want to be careful, but
we need to be bold. We have had good leadership in
the past years, but we must ask ourselves, as your
elected representatives, can we do better? And that
is where we are today. The leadership that the City
needs must start at the top.” By fully manning Aerial
Truck # 3 the council has the opportunity to improve
the protection for a city with the title of the second
fastest growing city in the United States.
Motion to postpone deliberation of the above mentioned
issue and reintroduce as a high priority issue for
the new budget.
Moved: Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
C. Request by Council Member Mario G. Alvarado
1. Status report on Mines Road Task Force activities
and/or recommendations for traffic control on
FM1472, with possible action.
Luis Landin, Traffic Director, stated that his
department monitors the traffic on Mines Road
each day in an expeditious manner.
Cm. Alvarado presented a video concerning Mines
Road problems.
2. Presentation by Trent Stricker regarding safety
concerns at Father McNaboe Park with possible
action.
Trent Stricker, resident by Father McNaboe Park,
expressed his concern regarding safety, and
suggested speed humps.
John Vidaurri, Parks & Recreation Director,
noted that currently his department is
considering several different options in
securing Father McNaboe Park.
Robert Murillo, Traffic Engineer, stated the
analysis of the Speed Hump Pilot Program was
in its second phase and would be completed in
February.
D. Request by Council Member Consuelo "Chelo"
Montalvo
1. Discussion and possible action on the
release of lien placed on the property
owned by Juan San Miguel, located at 317
Water Street by the Department of Community
Development.
Motion to authorize the City Manager to resolve this issue.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Montalvo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VIII. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
6. Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute
a lease with International Schools for approximately
102,676 square feet of land located at 4618 Maher
Avenue at the Laredo International Airport. Lease
term is for one (1) year commencing on February 1,
2000 and ending on January 31, 2001, and may be
extended for two (2) terms of one (1)year each
ending January 31, 2002 and January 31, 2003. New
monthly rent shall be $1,100.00 and will be
adjusted annually during the primary and extension
terms of this lease according to changes in the
Consumer Price Index, providing for an effective
date. Current monthly rent is $1,000.00.
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Bruni
7. Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute
a lease with IRCO Corporation for approximately
47,934 square feet located at 4705 Daugherty Avenue
at the Laredo International Airport. Lease term is
for twenty (20) years commencing on January 1,2000
and ending on December 31, 2019 and may be extended
for two (2) consecutive terms of ten (10) years
each ending on December 31, 2029 and December
31, 2039. Monthly rent shall be $680.00 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 by
the Fair Market Rental Value Appraisal on the 10th,
20th and 30th anniversaries, providing for an
effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Bruni
8. Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept
an aviation easement from Francisco Noriega and
Juan Ramirez over Summer Wind Subdivision,
encompassing approximately 27.97 acres out of Survey
1021, Abstract 64, City of Laredo, Webb County,
Texas and located immediately northwest of the
Laredo International Airport and authorizing the
City Manager to grant a thirty (30) foot drainage
easement encompassing 0.7841 acres out of survey
1021, Abstract 64, City of Laredo, Webb County,
Texas to Francisco Noriega and Juan Ramirez in
exchange and being of equal value to the aviation
easement.
Motion to amend ordinance to incorporate additional
documentation advising all property owners of aviation
easements that will affect the property.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Bruni
IX. FINAL READINGS OF ORDINANCES
Internet Available: http://www.cityoflaredo.com
Motion to waive final reading of ordinances #2000-O-010,
#2000-O-011, #2000-O-012,#2000-O-013, #2000-O-014,
#2000-O-015,2000-O-016, and #2000-O-017.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
9. 2000-O-010 Ordinance amending the 1999-2000 budget
in the amount of $2,000 for the Neural
Tube Defects Project of the City of
Laredo Health Department for the period
beginning October 1, 1999, through
August 31, 2000. The funding source for
this project is the Texas Health
Foundation and it has been assigned a
budget number 226-6101. (City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-0-010.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
10. 2000-O-011 Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 95-O-100
authorizing the issuance of a Conditional
Use Permit for a concrete batch plant on
5.0 acres, as further described by metes
and bounds located on the west side of
Hwy 83 and north of Masterson Road, by
renewing the term of the Conditional Use
Permit until April 15, 2002. (Cm. Alfredo
Agredano)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-0-011.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
11. 2000-O-012 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance
(Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing
the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit
for a welding shop on Lot 1, Block 22,
Moreno Addition, located at 1417 Harding
Ave. (Cm. Agredano)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-0-012.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
12. 2000-O-013 Ordinance designating as a one-way
northbound that section of Santa Rita
Avenue Block Number 1500 through 3100
between Benavides Street and Blair Street
which includes providing for the installation
of appropriate signs to indicate one-way
traffic in the designated direction and
providing for publication and effective
date. (Cm Consuelo "Chelo" Montalvo)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-0-013.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
13. 2000-O-014 Ordinance designating as a two-way north
and south bound that section of Juarez
Avenue, Block Number 1000 between Victoria
Street on the south and Washington Street
on the north, providing for the installation
of appropriate signs to indicate two-way
traffic in both north and south directions
and providing for publication and effective
date. (Cm. Consuelo "Chelo" Montalvo)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-0-014.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
14. 2000-O-015 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to
execute a lease with Roberto Villaseñor
for approximately 960 square feet
constituting Building No.1319 located at
4011 North Jarvis Avenue. Lease term
is for one (1) year commencing on December
1, 1999 and ending on November 30, 2000
and may be extended for two (2) terms of
one (1) year each ending on November 30,
2001 and November 30, 2002. Monthly rent
shall be $300 and will be adjusted annually
during the primary and extension terms of
this lease according to changes in the
Consumer Price Index. Current monthly
rent is $295.02. (City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-0-015.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
15. 2000-O-016 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to
execute a lease with LaBaTa Services for
approximately 416 square feet constituting
Building No. 168 located at 5103 Maher
Avenue. Lease term is for three (3) years
commencing on December 1, 1999, and ending
on November 30, 2002,and may be extended
for two (2) terms of one (1) year each
ending November 30, 2003, and November 30,
2004. Monthly rent shall be $450.00 and
will be adjusted annually during the primary
and extension terms of this lease according
to changes in the Consumer Price Index.
Previous tenant was DynAir, Inc., paying
$500.00 per month. (AS AMENDED)(City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-0-016.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
16. 2000-O-017 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to
grant a Non-Exclusive Revocable License
with Autophone of Laredo, Inc., for the
installation of radio communications
equipment atop the beacon tower located at
4419 North Bartlett Avenue at the Laredo
International Airport. Lease term is for
three (3) years commencing on November 1,
1999 and ending on
Monthly rent shall be:
1. $250.00 from January 1, 2000 to December
31, 2000, and
2. $270.00 from January 1, 2001 to December
31, 2001, and
3. $290.00 from January 1, 2002 to December
31, 2002.
Current monthly rent is $230.15. License
may be terminated by either party upon
giving a sixty (60) day written notice.
(City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-0-017
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
X. RESOLUTIONS
10. 2000-R-005 Authorizing the City Manager to accept
a grant from the Texas Department of
Health in the amount of $130,520 for
local staffing of the Childhood
Immunization Action Plan Project of the
City of Laredo Health Department;
$30,742 in state-paid staff; and
approximately $990,497 in vaccines from
the period beginning January 1, 2000
through August 31, 2000. The funding
source for this project is the Texas
Department of Health and it has been
assigned a budget number 226-6019.
Motion to approve Resolution #2000-R-005.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
11. 2000-R-006 Authorizing the City Manager to accept
grant from the Texas Department of
Health in the amount of $42,040 for the
Breast and Cervical Cancer Control
Project (BCCCP), of the City of Laredo
Health Department for the period
beginning November 1, 1999 through
August 31, 2000. The funding source for
this project is the Texas Department of
Health and it has been assigned a
budget number 226-6020.
Motion to approve Resolution #2000-R-006.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
12. 2000-R-007 Officially adopting the 2000-2005 Parks
and Open Space Master Plan as presented
to the City Council in the Public Hearing
of December 20, 1999 by Halff Associates,
Dallas, Texas.
Motion to approve Resolution #2000-R-007.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
13. 2000-R-009 Authorizing the City Manager to adopt
a resolution supporting a "Letter of
Understanding" between the City of Laredo
and the Texas Department of Mental
Health and Mental Retardation dated
April 8, 1999 which places restrictions
regarding the future development on a
ninety-foot wide parcel, described
herein by metes and bounds legally
described, to ensure that any future
development on the subject property is
compatible with Laredo State Center
and sensitive to the needs and welfare
of its consumers, and specifically, to
prohibit variances that reduce or
eliminate setback requirements. This
right-of-way is needed for the Cherry
Hill widening Project.
Motion to approve Resolution #2000-R-009.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
14. 2000-R-010 Authorizing the City Manager to submit
a grant application with the Office of
the Governor, Criminal Justice Division
to fund the Texas Narcotics Control
Program. The total grant funding is in
the amount of $1,511,974 with the
Criminal Justice Division providing
$1,133,980 and the City of Laredo
providing $377,994 in matching funds.
Funding is available from the opening
balance of the Narcotic Task Force
Division and will be used to pay
salaries, overtime, indirect operating
expenses, and the purchase of equipment
from June 1, 2000 through May 31, 2001.
Motion to approve Resolution #2000-R-010.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
15. 2000-R-011 Authorizing the City Manager to enter
into and execute an Interlocal Governmental
Agreement pursuant to the Vernon's Texas
Government Code, Chapter 791, between
the City of Laredo and the County of Webb,
in which Webb County's Law Enforcement
Agency, namely the Webb County Sheriff's
Department and the City’s Law Enforcement
Agency, namely the Laredo Police
Department, require the formation of a
Mutual Aid Law Enforcement Task Force
to mutually assist each other in the
areas of traffic control, crowd control,
and general law enforcement both within
and beyond the city limits during the
"Menudo Bowl” scheduled for January 29, 2000.
Motion to approve Resolution #2000-R-011.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
16. 2000-R-012 Authorizing the City Manager to enter
into and execute an Interlocal
Governmental Agreement pursuant to the
Vernon's Texas Government Code, Chapter
791, between the City of Laredo and the
County of Webb, in which Webb County's
Law Enforcement Agency, namely the Webb
County Sheriff's Department and the
City's Law Enforcement Agency, namely
the Laredo Police Department, require
the formation of a Mutual Aid Law
Enforcement Task Force to mutually
assist each other in the areas of
traffic control, crowd control, and
general law enforcement both within and
beyond the city limits during the various
Washington's Birthday Celebration
festivities scheduled for February 5,
2000 to February 20, 2000.
Motion to approve Resolution #2000-R-012.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XI. MOTIONS
17. Consideration to authorize the City Manager to
issue a request for proposals (RFP) for the
Corridor Intersection Analysis for Laredo, Texas,
which will identify necessary capital improvements
at key intersections to enhance the safety of the
traveling public and expedite the flow of cars and
trucks to and through Laredo. The study will
provide location and impact of infrastructure
deficiencies along identified corridors, capital
improvement alternatives, cost estimates,
alternative circulation recommendations and
order of implementation for proposed improvements.
Funding is available through the MPO account.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
18. Consideration to award contract number FY00-023,
to the LOW BIDDER, Hollywood Garden Company, Laredo,
Texas in the annual amount of $42,310, for providing
lawn maintenance services for the Airport Department.
The term of this contract is for two years contingent
upon continued funding for this function. The contract
requires lawn maintenance service at International
Airport Facility, Building S-1-1718 E. Calton,
Building 1050 - Calton Road/Bartlett Building
132-4719 Maher, and Building 134-4605 Maher.
Funding is available in the Airport Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
19. Consideration to approve change order no. 1 for an
amount not to exceed $145,941 to the Transcore
contract for the installation of the Laredo Bridge
Toll System Upgrade. The original contract was for
$8,442,136. This change order brings the total
contract amount to $8,588,077. Camera surveillance
will increase at every lane and at all international
bridges. This Digital Visual Auditing System will
be the backbone to the accountability and auditing
of lanes.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
20. Consideration to authorize the City Manager to
accept the proposal by Vertex Targeted Opportunities
(hereinafter referred to as Vertex) of Dallas,
Texas, to complete Medicaid Administrative Claims
for the City of Laredo Health Department for the
period beginning October 1, 1999, through September
30, 2002.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
21. Consideration to accept the World Trade Bridge
Project Plaque.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
22. Consideration to approve the Project Plaque for the
City of Laredo Telecommunications Center.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
23. Consideration for approval of the selection of
consultant Mejia Engineering Co., Laredo, Texas,
for the Zacatecas Street Extension Project from
Las Americas Subdivision, Phase III to Ejido Avenue,
and authorization to negotiate a professional
services contract. Funding is available in the
Capital Improvement Fund-Zacatecas Street Extension.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
24. Consideration for approval of a selection of
consultant Foster Engineering Company, Laredo, Texas,
for the San Francisco Xavier Road along Piedregal
Street from Eagle Pass Street, East to the Tex-Mex
Railroad Bridge and authorization to negotiate a
professional services contract. Funding is available
in the Capital Improvement Fund Eagle Pass Underpass.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
25. Consideration for approval of Change Order No. 1
an increase of $20,767.70 for the balance of
quantities actually constructed in place, acceptance
of the Frost Street at McPherson Ave. and Plum
Street at East San Francisco Avenue Drainage
Improvements and approval of final payment in the
amount of $52,197.93 to Ramos Industries, Inc.,
Pasadena, Texas. Final Construction Contract amount
is $236,973.60. Funding is available in the 1998
CO Issue.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
26. Consideration to award contract number FY 00-049,
to the LOW BIDDER, Skaggs, San Antonio, Texas, in
the amount of $22,954.50, for the purchase of
thirty pistols for the Police Department. Funding
is available in the Police Trust Fund.
Motion to approve. G. T. Distributors of Austin, Texas in
the amount of $24,313.00 due to the fact that Skaggs is no
longer authorized to sell these firearms.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
27. Consideration to refund property taxes to the
following taxpayers:
1. U.S. Filter Distribution Group, Inc. in the
amount of $1,695.99 due to a clerical error
25.25(c) as per ARB supplement 15, Cause
#99-6311.
2. Perez, Efrain Sergio in the amount of $538.88
due to a double payment made by Norwest Mortgage
and Webb County Title.
3. PHH Mortgage Service Center erroneously paid
$2,079.16 for 1998 and a local abstract company
also paid the tax.
4. Solis, Javier and Yolanda erroneously paid the
1999 tax in the amount of $612.65. The Mortgage
company is responsible for the payment.
These refunds will be paid from line item Deferred
Revenue/Unapplied Payments. Account #101-000-222-0300.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
28. Consideration to approve monthly adjustments to the
tax roll. The amount to be adjusted for the month
of November 1999, which represents a decrease,
is $526.76. The amount to be adjusted for the
month of December 1999, which represents an
increase, is $9,209.05. These adjustments are
produced by the County Appraisal District and
by Court Orders.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
29. Consideration to amend contract number 98-115
awarded to Enpointe Technologies, Austin, Texas,
in the amount of $35,379.20, for the purchase and
installation of communication network equipment for
Bridge 3 and Bridge 4. This equipment will allow
these facilities to be connected to the City's
Institutional Network (I-Net). The original contract
award was for $847,783.00 and included the
purchase and installation of the City's institutional
network equipment. The network has
been completed and equipment is needed for Bridge 3
and Bridge 4 to use this network.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
30. Consideration to reject the three bids received for
the Zacate Creek Beautification Project Phase II
since all bids were over budget and authorizing
staff to revise the plans and specifications and
authorization to rebid the project.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
31. Consideration to award contract number FY00-051,
to the SOLE BIDDER, Smith Banc Equipment, Inc.,
San Antonio, Texas, in the amount of $56,750.00,
for the rental of one modular building for use by
the Bridge System as an operations facility.
The rental term shall be for a period of six months.
This modular building, which is similar to those
used by banks and other financial institutions as
temporary facilities, will house the bridge system
staff at Bridge IV while the permanent administrative
structure is being built. The building includes
teller stations, work areas, and security systems.
Funding for this rental contact will be made
available in the Bridge Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
32. Consideration to approve change order no. 2, a net
increase of $119,409.50 to the Santa Maria
Reconstruction Project with Pete Gallegos Paving
Inc., Laredo, Texas, for additional work required
to repair reinforced concrete pipe cave-ins,
construct additional fencing, utilities, drainage
and other miscellaneous improvements, and to
add 93 working days of contract time to cover the
additional work and to cover delays due to utility
conflicts. Funding is available in the 1998 CO
Issue-Santa Maria Reconstruction.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
33. Consideration to authorize the City Manager to
finalize a negotiation and execute an Agreed
Order with the TNRCC for the completion of the
Industrial Pretreatment Program for the Utilities
Department and the adoption of a Supplemental
Environmental Project (SEP) in lieu of a $7,000
fine. The fine would have been imposed because of
delays in the preparation of a plan to adopt a
pretreatment program. The SEP is a continuation
of a program initiated by Public Works to clean
illegal dumping sites.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
34. Consideration to award a processional services
contract to Danny R. Anderson Consultants, Inc.,
El Paso, Texas, for an amount not to exceed
$15,995.00 to provide laboratory, sampling and
testing services of materials for quality control
for the Calton Road Widening Project at the Public
Library and the McPherson Road Widening Project from
Calton Road to the Culvert Drainage Channel at
Cotulla's Restaurant. Funding is available in the
Capital Improvement Fund McPherson Widening I.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XII. STAFF REPORT
35. Status report on the development of the Customer
Service Program.
Horacio De Deon, Assistant to the City Manager,
read following document for the record:
Members of the City Council:
The customer service program has been of great success,
employees from all city departments have accepted the
challenge to be more conscience of their customer service
practices and to place citizens first when service request
are reported. An example of this has been the Public Works
Department. Their Sanitation Division has under gone changes
in scheduling of trash pick up to accommodate one work day a
week for the pick up of branches. This has been very effective
and complaints in that area have dropped.
One strategy of the customer service plan was to acquire a
complaint tracking software; the software was acquired in July
of 1999 and has been used in the City Manager’s Office since
then. Over 400 complaints have been logged and monitored.
This program is very effective and will be more effective when
satellite offices of the city have access to the software
through the integrated network (I-Net), scheduled to be in
place the later part of February.
This will reduce the follow-up required now from the Customer
Service Coordinator and will give departments an online view
of what’s pending in the system at any time. Our Customer
Service Coordinator position is currently vacant; Ana Verdin
resigned effective December 31, 1999 to attend Graduate School.
The position is currently posted with Administrative Services
and interviews are expected to be conducted the last week of
January. In the meantime, the work load has been distributed
among the secretaries in our office and myself.
Training has also been a big part of the program with front
line employees and management attending training courses in
telephone etiquette, hospitality, priority procedures for
Mayor and City Council, Mastering Protocol the Laredo way,
complaint tracking with Trackwise and other training seminars
currently scheduled for next month.
Also, in compliance with the customer service plan an
implementation committee has been formed and is made up of one
(1) representative from each department. The committee meets
on a monthly basis to discuss issues and strategize on how to
improve customer service. One project currently on the table
is a city wide pamphlet that offers information about city
services and offers a survey to the citizen on the quality of
services being provided.
In addition to this we have initiated a monthly newsletter
titled “Citizens First”, a copy has been passed out for your
reading leisure. This is intended to bring awareness to City
Council and employees on the latest activities, improvements,
milestones, recognition of employees by citizens for good
customer service and tips to employees on the importance of
good customer service.
Another important factor and improvement as a result of the
customer service plan has been the customer service employee
evaluation, performed on an annual basis as part of the
regular employees evaluation. This has brought accountability
and responsibility from employees and rewarded those employees
who practice good customer service I the workplace.
Areas of the plan currently being developed include A Mystery
Shopper, Survey forms and comment to the City Manager’s Office
Upcoming events.
The month of February is scheduled to once again be proclaimed
by the Mayor as Customer Service Month. The Customer Service
Committee from the Chamber of Commerce will be present on the
first meeting of February before the Council to provide an
update on some of the activities being undertaken by the
private and public sector.
SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA
XI. MOTIONS
Consideration to authorize the City Manager to enter
into and execute a Three Party Agreement for the
acceptance of the dedication and maintenance of roadway
and improvements with La Bota Ranch Homeowners
Association, United Independent School District, and
the City of Laredo, Texas.
Motion to approve and allow to continue to negotiate.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Consideration to award a construction contract to the
lowest bidder Price Construction, Inc., Laredo, Texas, in
the amount of $171,277.35 for the University Blvd.
Extension Project. Funding is available in the Capital
Improvement Fund University Blvd. Extension Project/Casa
Verde and 1999-2000 Allocation of District II Projects.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XIII. ADJOURNMENT Time: 8:30 p.m.
Motion to Adjourn.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
I hereby certify that the above minutes contained in pages 01
to 21 are true, complete, and correct proceedings of the City
Council Meeting held on the 17th day of February.
_______________________
Gustavo Guevara, Jr.
City Secretary