CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
M2000-R-007
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS 78040
MARCH 06, 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
Cecilia May Moreno Councilmember, District IV
Eliseo Valdez, Jr., Councilmember, District V
Joe A. Guerra, Councilmember, District VI
Mario Alvarado, Councilmember, District VII
Consuelo "Chelo" Montalvo, Mayor Pro Tempore, District VIII
Gustavo Guevara, City Secretary
Larry Dovalina, Acting City Manager
Cindy Collazo, Acting City Manager
Jaime L. Flores, City Attorney
IV. Minutes
Approval of the minutes of February 7, 2000 and February
22, 2000.
Moved: Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. Communications and Recognitions
Announcements
None
Invitations
None
Recognitions
None
Communiqués
a. Presentation to Council on Mi Laredo Youth Leadership
Project.
Rebecca Guerra, Norma Soria, Margarita Jasso and Juan
Rodriguez spoke on behalf of Mi Laredo Youth Leadership
Class. They selected a community problem that affects
Laredo's youth, which is teenage pregnancy. The group
was alarmed at the high number of teenage pregnancies
in Laredo. They decided to promote abstinence by
encouraging Laredo's youth to refrain from sex. They
plan on informing, educating and supporting young
minds to make the right decisions.
VI. Appointments to Commission, Boards and Committees
Confirmation of the Mayor's appointment of Robert Summers
to the Citizens Environmental Committee.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Confirmation of Council Member Eliseo Valdez's appointment
of Yolanda Alva to the Citizens Environmental Committee.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. Public Hearings
1. Amending the FY 1999-2000 budget in the amount of
$1,800.00 for the Vital Statistics Division of the
City of Laredo Health Department for the period
beginning October 1, 1999, through September 30, 2000;
the additional funds will be budgeted in the postage
line item for the purpose of mailing out certificates
by certified mail.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the FY 1999-2000 budget in the amount of an
additional $1,800.00 for the Vital Statistics Division
of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period
beginning October 1, 1999, through September 30, 2000,
and increasing revenue line item no. 226-0000-355-1052
from $0 to $1,800 and increasing expenditure line item
no. 226-2912 from $130,457 to $132,257.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Montalvo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
2. Public hearing concerning an application by Jesus Luis
de Leon, amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 9, Block 351, Eastern
Division, located at 114 West Lyon St., from B-1
(Limited Business District) to B-3 (Community Business
District). The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended
denial of the proposed zone change. This is an appeal
from an unfavorable recommendation by the Planning and
Zoning Commission.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lot 9, Block 351, Eastern Division,
located at 114 West Lyon St., from B-1 (Limited Business
District) to B-3 (Community Business District);
providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mr. De Leon, property owner, stated that he is in agreement
with conditions of the Conditional Use Permit.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce as a
Conditional Use Permit for a used car lot with the
following restrictions:
1. The entire lot shall be paved except for the areas
landscaped.
2. Seventy-five (75) percent of the buildings shall be
composed of masonry, glass, or brick.
3. Mechanical or body repair shall not be allowed.
4. Inoperative cars or trucks shall not be allowed.
5. Heavy equipment or large trucks shall not be allowed.
6. Property adjoining a residential zone shall be divided
from that zone by an opaque fence of at least six (6)
feet high.
7. At least ten (10) percent of the lot area shall be
devoted to landscaping. All property shall be kept in
an attractive fashion with landscaping property
maintained. All trash, garbage and other waste shall
be kept in sanitary containers, which at all times
must be concealed from public view.
Moved: Cm. Moreno
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Moreno
3. Public hearing concerning an application by Jorge
Enrique Brizuela, amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map)
of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 5, Block 927,
Western Division, located at 3616 Santa Maria Ave.,
from B-1 (Limited Business District) to B-4 (Highway
Commercial District). The Planning & Zoning Commission
has recommended denial of the proposed zone change.
This is an appeal from an unfavorable recommendation
by the Planning & Zoning Commission.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lot 5, Block 927, Western Division,
located at 3616 Santa Maria Ave., from B-1 (Limited
Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District);
providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mr. Jorge Enrique Brizuela asked for approval and stated
that he did not have any additional information to present
to Council
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce as a B-3.
Moved: Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Alvarado
4. Public hearing to amend the Laredo Code of Ordinances,
Chapter 2, Administration, Article I, In General,
Section 2-3. Fees for City Services, Subsection (b)
providing for postage, certified mail - return receipt
requested in the amount of $3.10, and outside of the
U.S., or Priority, Express or International mail at
the prevailing rate.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Laredo Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2,
Administration, Article 1, In General Section 2-3.
Fees for City Services, Subsection (b) providing for
postage, certified mail - return receipt requested in
the U.S. in the amount of $3.10, and outside the U.S.
or priority, express or international mail at the
prevailing rate; providing severability; and providing
for an effective date and publication.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
VIII. General Council Discussions and Presentations
5. A. Request by Council Member Louis H. Bruni
1. Status report on police pursuit policies, with
possible action.
Eliodoro Granados, Assistant Chief of Police,
reported that police officers receive extensive
training in pursuit policies at the academy.
He stated that he would report to Council with
recommendations for upgrading educational
policies that would enhance officer skills
prior to the budget hearings.
Cm. Bruni requested input on Police Pursuit
Policies from the Police Department.
2. Status report on the City of Laredo Curfew
Ordinance, with possible action.
Eliodoro Granados, Assistant Chief of Police,
stated that Chief Dovalina mailed letters, in
reference to the curfew, to all of the high
schools and only one had responded.
Jaime Flores, City Attorney, stated that staff
does need to pursue getting input from
teenagers on the City of Laredo Curfew Ordinance.
3. Status report on the new Municipal Court
Building, with possible action.
Municipal Court Judge Rosaura Tijerina stated
that it is imperative to have a larger building
to meet the needs of the community.
John Hickey, working in conjunction with the
Honorable Rosaura Tijerina, will complete an
analysis within seven days to present to the
Council in reference to a new Municipal Court
Building.
Cm. Bruni directed staff to include a status
report on the next agenda.
4. Status report on the continuous median
proposed by the Texas Department of
Transportation on Saunders Ave., with possible
action.
Cm. Bruni expressed his dissatisfaction with
Laredo losing it's funding of over $200,000 in
the U. S. 59 Median Project. He stated that
if any entity proposes that construction should
take place, they should execute forward with
their initial study. Not after the fact, come
out with another study that terminates the
project. Cm. Bruni conveyed that he is not in
agreement with the Texas Department of
Transportation.
He added that the Council has gone through
many hours of dialogue and that he himself has
had numerous conversations with the property
owners and the Planning Department, to
suddenly be notified that the funding was lost.
Finally, he acknowledged there has been a
reduction in the number of accidents and
collisions due to the relocation of K-Mart.
However, the traffic problems will continue in
the future.
Fitzgerald Sanchez, who is Director of
Construction and the Acting Director of
Transportation Operations for the Texas
Department of Transportation for the Laredo
District, stated that there is a call for
projects every year out of the Hazard
Elimination Safety Program. This year it was
in the order of 17 million dollars for the
whole state. He stated that Federal Funding
Programs are Site Specific and the most recent
study completed in December of 1999 indicated
the reduction of traffic incidents in that
area. Every district shall submit candidate
projects. These are specifically tied down to
roadway sections and they are prioritized on a
type of Index Safety. They are based upon how
many people were killed, injured or how much
property was damaged. If funding is granted
and is not used for the specific purpose
requested, at the specific location, within a
period of time, then the money is no longer
available.
Mayor Flores asked Mr. Sanchez what the City
of Laredo could do to ensure that studies are
more current so that federal funds, that are
Site Specific, will not be lost due to the
rapid growth. She stated that it is very
difficult for the border to receive funds.
Moreover it is extremely difficult for Laredo
to receive funds.
Mr. Sanchez assured the council that there has
not been a public notice that would affect
Mines Road.
Motion to instruct staff to conduct an analysis on the
Milmo's Right-of- Way and see if it warrants signalization.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
B. Request by Council Member John C. Galo
1. Request for staff to study the corner of
Malinche Ave. and Gustavus Street for possible
signalization or controls to prevent accidents.
Roberto Murillo, Traffic Engineer, obtained
preliminary information from the Police
Department in terms of accidents in that
location. There have been at least 13 traffic
accidents in the last three years. He requested
that the council provide him more time to
analyze the corner.
2. Discussion on maintenance and prevention of
grass growth on City curbs with possible action.
Oscar Medina, Assistant Public Works Director,
stated that his department will accelerate the
project of applying friendly herbicides to the
grass on City curbs. He added that a
maintenance plan is being developed and will
be submitted to the Council.
C. Request by Council Member Joe A. Guerra
1. Discussion on the opening of a COPS Station
for District VI - 618 E. Del Mar Blvd.
currently housing the Risk Management Division
which is scheduled to move into New Public
Works Facility in December 2000 with possible
action.
Eliodor Granados stated that District VI does
have the adequate personnel for a COPS station
in that district.
Motion made to approve an opening of a COPS
station in District VI with the best location
being 618 Del Mar and/or locate the best
location with a recommendation of locations
for the three different sectors that were
identified.
Moved: Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Valdez requested a presentation before the Council
with a full-scale map ensuring coverage in each district.
D. Request by Council Member Mario G. Alvarado
1. Status report on Mines Road Task Force
activities and/or recommendations for traffic
control on FM 1472, with possible action.
Roberto Murillo stated that the meeting for
the previous Friday was cancelled. He did
contact Texas Department of Transportation and
they do not have any closures scheduled.
Cm. Alvarado requested information on the
traffic control at the new school located at
the La Bota Entrance.
(Recess)
(Press Availability)
IX. Introductory Ordinances
6. Authorizing the granting and conveyance of an easement
from the City of Laredo to The United States of
America - General Services Administration for
approximately 77.00 acres, more or less, in Webb County,
Texas more particularly described as three separate
parcels for the installation, construction, operation,
and maintenance, etc., of various improvements
necessary for the federal facilities used in
connection with the border inspection station at the
World Trade Bridge, and authorizing the City Manager to
execute said easement agreement.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
7. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with
American Red Cross to lease a portion of the non-
exclusive use premises located on the southernmost
section of the first (1st) floor of the Airport
Passenger Terminal located at 5210 Bob Bullock Loop.
The Laredo Chapter of the American Red Cross proposes
to host a dance event to raise funds. Lease term is
for four (4) hours commencing on March 25, 2000 at
8:00p.m. and pending on March 25, 2000 at 12:00
midnight. Rent shall be $200.00.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
X. Final Reading of Ordinances
Internet Available: http: //www.cityoflaredo.com
Motion to waive the final reading of ordinances ;
# 2000-O-051, # 2000-O-052, # 2000-O-053, # 2000-O-054,
# 2000-O-055, # 2000-O-057, # 2000-O-059, # 2000-O-060 and
# 2000-O-061.
Moved: Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
8. 2000-O-051 An Ordinance amending Section 24.63.2 of
the Laredo Land Development Code allowing
for the location of bed and breakfasts
within certain zoning districts; amending
Section 24.78(p)(2) of the Laredo Land
Development Code pertaining to "Off-Street
Parking and Loading Requirements" for
Commercial Use; amending Appendix A of the
Laredo Land Development Code; and providing
for publication and effective date.
(City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-051.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2000-O-052 An Ordinance amending provisions of the
Laredo Land Development Code specifically
Section 24.73 pertaining to oil and gas
extraction and production specific use
zoning overlay district and permit
requirements; Section 24.63 pertaining to
permitted uses; Section 24.77.2 pertaining
to dimensional standards supplementary
provisions; and amending Appendix "A";
providing for publication and effective
date. (Cm. Louis H. Bruni)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-052.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2000-O-053 An Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance
(Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
5.00 acres as further described by metes
and bounds on attached Exhibit "A" located
east of McPherson Rd. and south of Bob
Bullock Loop, from AG (Agricultural
District) to B-3 (Community Business
District); providing for publication and
effective date. (Cm. Joe Guerra)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-053.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2000-O-054 An Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance
(Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
Lots 5 and 6, Block 541, Eastern Division
located at 919 Kearney St., from R-3
(Mixed Residential District) to R-2
(Multi-Family Residential District);
providing for publication and effective
date. (Cm. Cecilia May Moreno)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-054.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2000-O-055 An Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance
(Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
8.65 acres, as further described by metes
and bounds on attached Exhibit "A", located
at the southwest corner of F.M. 1472 and El
Pico Rd., from AG (Agricultural District)
to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District);
providing for publication and effective
date. (Cm. Mario Alvarado)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-055.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2000-O-057 An Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance
(Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
8.00 acres as further described by metes
and bounds on attached Exhibit "A" located
east of McPherson Rd. and south of Bob
Bullock Loop, from AG (Agricultural
District) to B-3 (Community Business
District); providing for publication and
effective date. (Cm. Joe A. Guerra)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-057.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2000-O-059 An Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's
1999-2000 annual budget in the amount of
$484,250.00 to purchase equipment for the
Financial Disruption Task Force. Funding
is available from the opening balance of
the Financial Task Force. The National
Drug Control Policy (HIDTA) High Intensity
Drug Trafficking Area is funding the
operation at no cost to the City. The
grant period is from January 1, 2000
through December 31, 2000. (City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-059.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2000-O-060 An Ordinance amending the City of Laredo
Fiscal Year 1999-2000 Contractual Services
Fund and Solid Waste Fund Annual Budget by
appropriation revenues and expenditures in
the amount of $2,135,000.00 from a proposed
Public Property Finance Contractual
Obligation to finance the acquisition of
automotive equipment and machinery &
equipment for various City departments.
(City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-060.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2000-O-061 An Ordinance closing as a public easement
that section of the 1200 block of North
India Avenues between the north right-of-
way line of Guadalupe Street and the south
right-of-way of the Texas Mexican Railroad
tracks, situated in the Eastern Division,
City of Laredo, County of Webb, Texas and
providing for an effective date.
(Cm Louis H. Bruni)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-061.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XI. Resolutions
9. 2000-R-015 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into
and execute a memorandum of agreement
between the United States of America,
acting through its General Services
Administration, and the City of Laredo
concerning World Trade Bridge, Laredo,
Texas. It is the intent of the City of
Laredo to convey fee title to approximately
77.00 acres of land more or less, to the
United States of America for the federal
facilities at the Laredo IV Border Station,
said conveyance of land to be accomplished
at the same time title to the facilities
is transferred to the United States after
payment to the City in full.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2000-R-015.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
10. 2000-R-027 Authorizing the City Manager to submit a
grant application in the amount of
$15,000.00 to the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
for an Environmental Justice Grants and
pledging that if a grant is received,
City of Laredo will comply with grant
requirements of the United States
Environmental Protection Agency.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2000-R-027. Larry Dovalina,
Acting City Manager stated that the resolution should read
ratifying the action of the City Manager rather than
authorizing.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
11. 2000-R-028 Declaring the public necessity to acquire
the "Surface Only" of forty-one parcels of
land for the Chacon Creek Improvements
Project. Said parcels being: Lots 4, 5,
6 & 7, Block 1206; all of Blocks 1289A,
1335, and 1421A; Lots 3, 4, 5 & 6, Block
1480; Lots 1 &2, Block 1571; all of Blocks
1784, 1785, and 1867; Lots 1, 2, 3, 4 & 8,
Block 1868; all of Blocks 1869 and 1870;
Lots 5, 6 & 7, Block 2103; all of Blocks
2104, 2105, 2106A, and 2107A; Lots 5 thru
8, Block 2109; Lots 5 thru 8; Block 2110;
Lots 1,2,7 & 8, Block 2114; all of Block
2115; 2119A (except Lot 5); all of Block
2151, 2152, 2153, 2154, 2155, 2157, 2158,
2159, 2161, 2165A, and 2166; Block 2167
(except Lot 8); all of Blocks 2169, 2170,
and 2171, 2171A (Lot 7A), all ob Blocks
2172 and 2172A; and a parcel of land
adjacent to Block 2109, between Ejido Ave.
and the original City Limits. Said forty-
one parcels being situated in the Eastern
Division, City of Laredo, Webb County,
Texas; being delineated on attached copies
of City Plats; and authorizing staff to
negotiate for the purchase of said parcels
at their market value or less, as
established by State Certified Real Estate
Appraisers, and further authorizing the
City Attorney to initiate condemnation
proceedings to acquire those parcels that
staff is unable to acquire through
negotiations due to inability to agree on
a purchase price, conflicts of ownership,
owner refusal to sell, and/or inability to
locate a listed owner.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2000-R-028.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
12. 2000-R-029 Authorizing the City Manager the use of
surplus proceeds from the City of Laredo
- Public Property Finance Contractual
Obligations (PPFCO), Series 97-B, in the
amount of $30,000.00, for the purchase of
a four wheel drive truck for the Fire
Department. This will be a replacement
for a 1989 truck that has been sidelined
due to mechanical problems. This truck is
used to transport the rescue boats to
points along the Rio Grande River.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2000-R-029.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
13. 2000-R-032 Authorizing the City Manager to submit a
grant application in the amount of
$20,000.00 to the South Texas Development
Council for a Regional Solid Waste Grant
Program; authorizing the City Manager to
act on behalf of the City of Laredo in all
matters related to the application; and
pledging that if a grant is received, City
of Laredo will comply with the grant
requirements of the South Texas Development
Council, the Texas Natural Resource
Conservation Commission, and the State of
Texas.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2000-R-032.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
14. 2000-R-036 Supporting the promotion of economic
growth of the City of Laredo, the economic
interests of its citizens and businesses,
and the commercial relationship with
Mexico; and urging the U.S. International
Trade Commission to revoke the current
antidumping order against imports of
cement from Mexico.
Motion to table Resolution # 2000-R-036.
Allen Walsh, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer of the Alamo Cement Company from San Antonio,
testified against Resolution #2000-R-036. He submitted
written testimony.
Rose Mary Clyburn, Senior Vice President of Cemex U. S. A.,
testified in favor of the resolution.
Motion to table Resolution # 2000-R-036.
Moved: Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
15. 2000-R-037 Expressing the City Council support towards
an application to the Texas Department of
Housing and Community Affairs through the
State's HOME Investment Partnerships
Program by the Laredo-Webb Neighborhood
Housing Services in partnership with
Bringing Everyone Special Together(BEST)
for a Homebuyer Assistance Grant in the
amount of $150,000.00. This homebuyer
assistance is sought to better meet the
needs of the City's Special Needs
Population.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2000-R-037.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
16. 2000-R-038 Expressing the City Council support
towards the submittal of an application
by the Hamilton Housing Partnership, Ltd.
to the Texas Department of Housing and
Community Affairs through the HOME
Investment Partnerships Program for a
Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Grant to
assist the elderly residents of the
Hamilton Hotel whose income falls below 50%
of the area median income.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2000-R-038.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XII. Motions
17. Consideration to authorize the City Manager to accept
a donation of 100 trash receptacles worth approximately
$20,000.00 from Southern Sanitation for the Downtown
area. The trash receptacles will be constructed of
rod iron and will match the recepta cles that have
been recently installed by the Department of Public
Works. They will have a sign bearing the Southern
Sanitation name. The City of Laredo will be matching
this donation with an additional 100 trash receptacles.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
18. Consideration to award Contract Number FY00-073, to
the LOW BIDDER, Envirosolve, LLC, Tulsa, OK., in the
amount of $59,840.00, for conducting a city wide
household hazardous waste collection event on April
15, 2000, and the collection of hazardous waste from
the collection facility located at the landfill.
Funding is available in the NPDES Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
19. Consideration to reject the SOLE BID received for
awarding contract FY00-059, for providing water
taps/T connections as required by the Utilities
Department. The City requested unit cost pricing for
unit cost for water taps and T-connection installation
service needed to repair distribution lines. The
unit cost proposed by the sole bidder, J. Solis
Maintenance & Welding Service, Laredo, Texas, far
exceeded the estimated cost for this service.
Staff is requesting authorization to reject this bid
and solicit new bids.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
20. Consideration to award contract FY00-060 to the LOW
BIDDER, VMG Company, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated
amount of $78,950.00, for providing asphalt/concrete
repairs as required by the Utilities Department.
VMG Company submitted the lowest bid pricing on a
per square foot cost on an as needed basis to repair
asphalt and concrete cuts required to repair
distribution lines. This type of service will be
requested on an as needed basis and all work is
inspected by the Utilities Department for compliance
with City requirements.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
21. Consideration to award contract FY00-070, to the
following LOW BIDDERS, for the purchase of vehicles
authorized in the FY00 capital equipment budget:
Philpott Motors, Port Neches, Texas:
13 - 1/2 ton Trucks $204,620.00
3 - 1/2 ton ext. Cab Truck (sb) $ 53,205.00
12 - 3/4 ton ext. Cab Truck $246,564.00
5 - 3/4 ton four door cab truck $108,375.00
1 - full size sedan $ 19,610.00
2 - mini van $ 39,084.00
$671,458.00
Southwest Ford, San Antonio, Texas:
3 - 1/2 ton ext. cab truck (lb) $ 53,868.00
3 - mid size sedan $ 43,641.00
$ 97,509.00
Delivery is expected within ninety to one hundred and
twenty days.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
22. Consideration to authorize the City Manager to
purchase a replacement ambulance for the Fire
Department through the Houston Galveston Area Council
of Governments (HGAC)- Cooperative Purchase Program,
in the total amount of $120,188.00. The ambulance
body will be installed on a Freightliner chassis.
Funding for this ambulance will be secured from the
contractual obligation bond proceeds.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
23. Consideration to award Contract Number FY00-068, to
the LOW BIDDER, Kahn Fence Corporation DBA Fence
Masters, Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $39,900.00
for the provision of an infrastructure required for
the underground construction to trench approximately
15,000 linear feet and backfill as required to
provide electrical service to the World Trade Bridge
illumination system. CP&L will be responsible for
the installation of electrical conduit and the
illumination poles and lamps. Funding for this
project has been allocated in the Bridge System.
The City did receive a lower bid from Ernesto Lopez,
Laredo, Texas, however, this vendor failed to submit
a bid bond as required by the bid documents. Due to
this omission, staff is unable to accept this bid.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
24. Consideration to award a construction contract to the
LOWEST BIDDER R.P. Constructors, Inc., New Braunfels,
Texas in the amount of $1,195,000.00 for the
construction of the Bio-Solids Dewatering Projects
Parts A and B. The Project includes the installation
of a belt filter press at the South Laredo and North
Laredo Wastewater Treatment Plants. The construction
time is 275 calendar days. Funding is available in
the 1994 and 1998 A Sewer Construction Bonds.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
25. Consideration for approval of final change order no.
1, a decrease of $90.00 for the balance of quantities
actually constructed in place, acceptance of the
Concrete Reconstruction at Calton/Springfield
Intersection and approval of final payment in the
amount of $21,963.40 to Ramos Industries, Inc.,
Pasadena, Texas. Final construction contract amount
is $161,440.00. Funding is available in the Capital
Improvements Fund - Truck Route Intersection.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
26. Consideration for acceptance of the Azteca
Neighborhood Park and Paving Improvements constructed
by the in-house forces at a cost of $101,112.00 and
within the original budget. This is a Community
Development Block Grant Project.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
27. Consideration to authorize the City Manager to
release 50% of the retainage in the amount of
$23,187.78 to Faulkner Construction, Inc., for the
Telecommunications Offices and Public Access Facility
Project located at 1101 Garden St., and to retain
$23,187.78 for punch list items and warranties.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
28. Consideration for acceptance of the Chaparral Drainage
Improvements from Calton Road to Canal Street and
approval of final payment in the amount of $31,383.40
to Pete Gallegos Paving, Inc., Laredo, Texas. Final
construction contract amount is $245,387.00.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
29. Consideration for approval of final change order no.
3, an increase of $1,959.30 for the balance of
quantities actually constructed in place, acceptance
of the Zacate Creek Beautification Project Phase I
and approval of final payment in the amount of
$39,346.87 to Dominguez Development and Construction,
Laredo, Texas. Final construction contract amount is
$303,566.80. This is a Community Development
Block Grant Project.
Motion to table for next meeting.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
30. Consideration for approval of final change order no.
2, a decrease of $29,237.25 due to a reduction in
quantities not needed to complete the project,
acceptance of the Construction of Sidewalks
Improvements for Trautmann, Alma Pierce and Amparo
Gutierrez Elementary Schools and related improvements
and approval of final payment in the amount of
$60,060.75 to Pete Gallegos Paving, Inc., Laredo,
Texas. Final construction contract amount is $207,165.75.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
31. Consideration to award a construction contract to the
LOWEST BIDDER Ramos Industries, Inc., Pasadena,
Texas, in the bid amount of $119,844.00 for the Zacate
Creek Beautification Project Phase II (Re-bid).
Funding is available in the Community Development
Budget.
Motion to table for next meeting.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against Abstain: 0
32. Consideration to approve the selection of four
consultants for the Sidewalks - City Wide Projects
12, 13, 14, 16 and 17 and authorizing the City
Manager to negotiate a professional services
contracts as follows:
a. Rosin Group, Inc. - Project 12 (33 Blocks) and Project 17
(4 Blocks)
b. WSBC Civil Engineers, Inc. - Project 14 (37 Blocks)
c. G.G. Salinas Engineering Co. - Project 12 (33 Blocks) and
Project 17 (4 Blocks)
d. Sherfey Engineering Company, L.L.C. - Project 13 (16
Blocks), Project 16 (12 Blocks) and Project 17 (8 Blocks)
Funding is to be identified at the time A/E contract
negotiated.
Motion to approve and add Sunset Loop to District I
Sidewalk Projects
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 1
Cm. Guerra
33. Consideration of approval of final change order no.
1, an increase of $11,535.30 for the balance of
quantities actually constructed in place, acceptance
of the Zacate Creek Erosion Control Project and
approval of final payment in the amount of $82,514.62
to Ramos Industries, Inc., Pasadena, Texas. Final
construction contract amount is $508,548.70.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
34. Consideration to cancel Council Meeting on March 27,
2000.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XIII. Staff Reports
35. Status report by the Nonprofit Management and
Volunteer Center, presentation of revised funding
criteria for Third Party Agencies with staff
recommendation and possible action.
Chito Vela, Jr., representing Third Party Funding,
submitted the following documents:
Third Party Funding Criteria Recommendations
* Adoption of the revised Third Party Funding Application
* Formation of an Ad Hoc Third Party Funding Advisory Committee
* Allocation of Third Party Funds as the start of the Third Party
Funding Process
* Creation of Funding Categories
Third Party Funding Application
* Based on existing applications from various state agencies,
cities, and the United Way.
* Used objective criteria.
* Requires detailed information about the organization's programs,
budget and staff.
Ad Hoc Third Party Funding Advisory Committee
* Nine Member Committee:
* 3 City Staff
* 3 Nonprofit Organizations
* 3 At Large
The committee will meet to review the Third Party Funding
Applications and hear presentations from the applicants. It will
then make funding recommendations to City Council.
Committee members who are from nonprofit organizations will be
required to sign a conflict of interest form and abstain from
voting on funding recommendations for those organizations with
which they have a conflict of interest.
Allocation of Third Party Funding as the beginning of the process
Before the applications for Third Party Funding are available,
City Council should allocate a specific amount of money for the
coming fiscal year out of both the General and the Hotel/Motel
Funds which will go towards Third Party Funding. This would help
budgetary planning and enhance competition between the organizations.
Creation of Funding Categories
The creations of funding categories allows City Council to direct
Third Party Funding toward achieving specific goals and priorities.
Proposed funding categories and amounts are :
General Fund
Economic Development $ 20,000
Health and Human Services $ 500,000
Education $ 45,000
Environment $ 20,000
Total $ 585,000
Hotel/Motel Fund
Tourism and Promotion $ 60,000
Historical $ 100,000
Arts $ 200,000
Total $ 360,000
Interlocal Agreements
Laredo Development Foundation $ 185,000
Laredo Animal Protective Society $ 120,000
Total $ 305,000
Nonprofit Venture Grants
General Fund $ 50,000
Hotel/Motel $ 40,000
Total $ 90,000
Total Proposed Third Party Funding $1,340,000
Third Party Funding
Fiscal Year 1999 - 2000
General Fund $ 635,593
Hotel Motel Fund $ 398,175
Interlocal Agreement $ 305,000
Total Third Party Funding $1,338,768
Average of Fiscal Years
1997-1998, 1998-1999, 1999-2000
General Fund $ 563,776
Hotel Motel Fund $ 374,401
36. Presentation of the 1998-1999 Comprehensive Annual
Financial Report (CAFR) prepared by the City of
Laredo's Financial Services Department and audited
by the independent audit firm of Baum, Mejia & Co.
Rosaurio Cabello, Finance Service Director, introduced
the firm of Baum, Mejia and Company.
Raul Garza, representing Baum, Mejia and Company,
reported that as the result of audit procedures they
issued a total of three reports.
1. Financial Statement of the City.
2. Compliance with the governing laws and it's
regulations as stipulated by federal and state
agencies
3. Internal Control Structure that is in place to
ensure that preparations of these financial
statements and that they comply with the federal
and state grants.
He added that the report issued is unqualified. They did
not find anything materially wrong with the financial
statements, its compliance with the federal and state
grants nor with the internal control structure that the
City has in place.
37. Status report on the World Trade Bridge.
Cindy Collazo, Acting City Manager, reported that
the World Trade Bridge would be completed April 15,
2000. She also stated that the City Manager's Office
is working very diligently to ensure a successful
opening for the World Trade Bridge.
A video was presented on the Milo Interchange and the
approach road projects.
38. Status report on Capital Improvement Projects with
consideration of projects for FY 2000-2001, with
possible action.
Keith Selman, Planning and Zoning Director, gave a
presentation before the council. He named projects
that were recently completed. He also reported a
list of the other projects with their percentage of
completion to the Council. He stated that the Capitol
Improvement Projects Update might be viewed in the
City of Laredo Web Page.
Cm. Agredano read the following statement:
"One project that is very important to South Laredo is the
Cuatro Vientos Road which will be the extension of Loop
20 South. This road will provide relief to Hwy. 83 which
is currently very heavily congested. It has come to my
attention that the project can be accelerated by the Texas
Department of Transportation if the City will participate
in the Engineering and the Environmental Work for this
road way. The County has committed $500,000 to the
project and additional $500,000 is needed to make the
engineering part of the project complete. Therefore I
respectfully request the support of the Council by way of
a motion to work with all diligence to include this
project in next years Capital Improvement Program."
Motion to increase our Capital Improvement Project by
adding the Cuatro Vientos Road and the work that we have
to do on it.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Galo instructed staff to include North/South
connection of San Francisco behind the H. E. B. area in
the Capital Improvement Project. He also asked staff to
contact the county in their assistance in analyzing and
discovering more right of ways even if they are just
county spec.
City of Laredo
City Council Meeting
M2000-S-007
City Council Chambers
1110 Houston Street
Laredo, Texas 78040
March 6, 2000
5:30 p.m.
Supplemental Agenda
XII. Motion
1. Consideration to approve the site for construction of
a Skateboard Park on Zacate Creek Linear Park at the
intersection of Lyon Street and Valencia and
authorizing staff to proceed with the preparation of
construction plans and specifications. Funding in the
amount of $125,000 is available from the Parks'
Department Capital outlay line item and $25,000 is
available from Parks' Professional Services Line Item
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XV. Adjournment Time: 8:50 p.m.
Motion: Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
I hereby certify that the above minutes contained in pages 01 to
22 are true, complete, and correct proceedings of the City Council
Meeting held on the 6th day of March, 2000.
Gustavo Guevara, Jr.
City Secretary