CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2000-R-13

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

MAY 15, 2000

5:30 P.M.

I. CALL TO ORDER

With a quorum present Mayor Elizabeth 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

Johnny Amaya, Councilmember, District IV

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

Cynthia Collazo, Acting City Manager

Jaime Flores, City Attorney

IV. MINUTES

Approval of the minutes of April 17, 2000 and April 20, 2000.

Moved : Cm. Agredano

Second: Cm. Alvarado

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

Announcements

Cm. Agredano was impressed with the completion of the water

tank honoring the Cigarroa Toros. He congratulated the City

employees that assisted in the completion of the project. He

specifically thanked the Cigarroa Toros Parents' Support Group.

Invitations

Recognitions

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 of March, 2000.

Mayor Flores and the City Council presented the following

employees with a plaque of recognition for retiring from the

City with 20 or more years of service:

Maria F. Arzamendi worked with the Building Department for

21 years. Guadalupe Briones, Jr. worked for the Public Works

Department for 30 years.

Aurora A. Carrales worked for the Health Department for 26

years.

Juan P. Flores worked for the Public Works Department for 25

years.

Andres J. Garcia worked for the Public Works Department for

37 years.

Jose L. Garcia worked for the Parks & Recreation for 38

years.

Jose O. Gonzalez, Jr. worked for the Engineering Department

for 23 years.

Gloria C. Gutierrez worked for the health Department for 22

years.

Donaciano Ibarra worked for the Public Works Department for

29 years.

Arturo Mata worked for the Public Works Department for 35

years.

John E. Orfila worked for the Community Development for 28

years.

Rumaldo A. Parra worked for the Public Works Department for

32 years.

Ricardo Pena worked for the Health Department for 21 years.

Irma Reyes worked for the Health Department for 24 years.

Reynaldo Venegas worked for the Public Works Department for

24 years.

Jose L. Villarreal worked for the Public Works Department for

36 years.

b. Mayor Flores and the Council presented a Seven Flags

Certificate of Recognition to students from Gutierrez

Elementary. The classroom worked hard to be the first class

in history to maintain perfect attendance as a whole.

Mrs. Dora Gallagher's 4th Grade Class

Randee Arechiga Daniela Mancha

Oscar Chavez Anuron Mandal

Bianca M. Cubriel Angel Martinez

Genaro Flores Christina A. Martinez

Christina Maria Fuentes Andrew C. Navarro

Jorge J. Gallegos Priscilla E. Palacios

Karla A. Galvan Carlos A. Rodriguez

Javier Gernardo Gonzalez Anthony A. Rofoogar

Francisco X. Guevara Margaret E. Rubio

Barbara J. Lopez Christopher Urruela Stauss

Manuel A. Lopez Gilberto Villarreal

Communiques

a. Edna Garcia from South Texas Council on Alcohol and Drug

Abuse presented a video on cancer due to the use of tobacco.

She stated that prevention was the answer.

b. Cm. Galo stated that he and Keith Selman had attended a

Border Trade Alliance meeting to garner support for the city

of Laredo. He is concerned about the lack of representation

for Laredo. He encouraged citizens to be cognizant of all

committee meetings so Laredo will have a voice in all issues

that affect Laredo.

c. Cindy Collazo reported on the North America International

Trade Corridor Program. She stated that representatives from

all areas were in attendance. She added that they exchanged

ideas that will enhance our community.

d. Francisco Romanos, Jr., a concerned citizen, asked the

Council to consider creating an ordinance naming streets and

parks after brave men and women from Laredo who served our

country.

e. Chief Agustin Dovalina read the following speech:

"Greater Love hast no man..." is the proud epitaph emblazoned

upon the National Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial in

Washington, D. C.

It is not only an inspirational Biblical passage but the true

epitome of why it is that we observe a police Memorial Day

today. Ladies and Gentlemen, it was 38 years ago today that

President John F. Kennedy signed a Presidential Proclamation

design ating May 15 as National Peace Officers' Memorial Day

and it exists today to honor America's fallen heroes; those

brave men and women in law enforcement who were killed in the

line of duty protecting the lives and property of there of

their fellow citizens.

According to the latest statistics, there's been a dramatic

drop in the Nation's Crime rate. However, despite these good

news, the number of law enforcement officers killed in the

line of duty does not reflect this substantial reprieve from

crime.

It is truly heartening to report that crime in America

continues on a steady decline thanks to our law enforcement

officers who continue to do a better job than ever before. I

have to tell you though, that while the lives of most

Americans have gott en a lot safer, it is certainly

disheartening to note that the same does not hold true of our

law enforcers.

The latest news on Police deaths reminds us that the price

for a safer American is being paid for by the blood of our

law enforcement officers. Our Nation's courageous crime

fighters appear to be winning the war, but they are doing so

at the very considerable cost.

More than 1,200 federal, State, and Local Law enforcement

officers have lost their lives in the performance of duty.

That averages out to 158 police deaths each year, or one

officer killed somewhere in American roughly every 54 hours.

I should note that eleven of the officers killed in line of

duty deaths in 1999 alone were women, the second highest

annual total ever recorded in a single year.

Ladies and gentlemen, despite the fact that the number of law

enforcement officer deaths dropped to its lowest level in

more than 30 years, there will be 280 new names added to the

National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial in Washington, D.

C. this y ear including 134 officers who were killed in the

line of duty in 1999. The figures represent the deaths of

too many officers who are husbands & wives; sons & daughters,

mothers & fathers; brothers and sister, and friends who have

been killed in lin e of duty deaths. Nonetheless, we don the

badge of law enforcer and continue to serve proudly.

These figures serve to remind us that given the nature of our

jobs in law enforcement, we must remain cognizant of the

daily realization that our mortality is at the height of risk

at any given moment. Yet, the sometimes grim prospect of

returning t o our homes after shifts' end does not, and

should not, deter us from performing to the best of our

abilities - - it didn't deter those that we honor today from

doing so.

At the recent funeral of a brother officer killed during a

domestic violence arrest in another jurisdiction, a chaplain

commented on the death of the officer stating that "killing a

law enforcement officer fractures the very foundation upon

which our society is built and rips apart the very basic

fabric from which our society is made. He added that

"killing a cop demonstrates the epitome of sheer contempt for

God who Created the world and the laws provided." His words

certainly provided some measure of comfort to a grieving

community and serve to remind our law enforcers that our work

is truly appreciated.

I believe that it is Shakespeare who said "Evil Flourishes

when good men do nothing..." I submit to you Ladies &

Gentlemen that your law enforcement officers, those that we

honor today, are certainly the "good men" characterized by

this eloquent Shakespearean passage. They did not stand by

and "do nothing" while the scourge of "evil flourished"; they

did not choose the path of least resistance in the

performance of their duties, they did not cower in the face

of danger. Those "Good Men" and wo men , guardian angels in

uniform, stood between us and crime; stared into the face of

danger and death, and made the ultimate sacrifice so that we

might enjoy the tranquility of knowing that "evil" does not

"flourish" in our communities --they died for us.

We gather here today...to pay tribute to those brave men and

women who gave their lives protecting our communities from

the terror and tyranny of crime. We honor them for thewir

unselfish devotion to duty. We remember their heroic actions

and, memo rialize them acknowledging that the love of their

follow man was what compelled them to give their lives for

their fellow man; the ultimate sacrifice, in the line of

duty. Truly "Greater love hath no man than this.." I'll

close now with something I read recently which I feel aptly

describes who we are...The author is unknown...

First he takes the Oath.

He takes... it in stride when people call him pig.

He takes... Time to stop and talk to children.

He takes... Your verbal abuse while giving you a ticket

you really deserved.

He takes... On creeps you would be afraid to even look

at.

He takes... Time away from his family to keep you safe.

He takes... Your injured child to the hospital.

He takes... The graveyard shift without complaint

because it's his turn.

He takes... His life into his hands daily.

He takes... You home when your car breaks down.

He takes... Time to explain why both your headlights or

taillights have to work.

He takes... The job no one else wants - telling you a

loved one has died.

He takes... Criminals to jail.

He takes... In sights that would make you cry.

Sometimes he cries too, but

He takes... It anyway because someone has to.

If he's lucky he takes retirement.

He takes memories to bed each night that you couldn't bear

for even one day.

Sometimes he takes a bullet.

And yes, sometimes he takes a free cup of coffee.

Then one day, he pays for all he has taken and God takes

him.

God Bless them all.

VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

a. Confirmation of Cm. Eliseo Valdez, Jr., appointee Susan

Garcia to the Laredo Commission for Women.

Moved : Cm. Galo

Second: Cm. Agredano

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

b. Appointment of Council Member Eliseo Valdez, Jr. to the

Health & Benefit Ad Hoc Committee.

Moved : Cm. Galo

Second: Cm. Agredano

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS

1. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo FY 2000 Budget in

the amount of $2,500.00 for a grant from the Texas Book

Festival and providing for effective date.

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the City of Laredo FY 2000 Budget in the amount of

$2,500.00 for a grant from the Texas Book Festival and

providing for effective date.

Motion to open the public hearing.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Agredano

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

There was no public input.

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Montalvo

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

Ordinance Introduction: City Council

2. Public hearing amending the contract with the Texas

Department of Health and FY 1999-2000 Budget in the amount of

$2,502.00 in additional funds for the Special Projects

Program "Youth Tobacco Prevention Campaign" of the City of

Laredo Health Department for the period beginning May 1,

2000, through August 31, 2000; and increasing revenue line

item no. 226-0000-357-2566 from $2,497 to $4,999, and

increasing expenditure line item no. 225-6400 from $2,497 to

$4,999.

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the contract with the Texas Department of Health and

FY 1999-2000 Budget in the amount of $2,502.00 in additional

funds for the special projects program, "Youth Tobacco

Prevention Campaign" of the City of Laredo Health Department

for the period beginning May 1, 2000, through August 31,

2000; and increasing revenue line it em no. 226-0000-357-

2566 from $2,497 to $4,999, and increasing expenditure line

item no. 225-6400 from $2,497 to $4,999.

Motion to open the public hearing.

Moved : Cm. Galo

Second: Cm. Bruni

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

There was no public input.

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

Moved : Cm. Alvarado

Second: Cm. Agredano

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

Ordinance Introduction: City Council

3. Public hearing concerning an application by N.W. Laredo

Development, Ltd., amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the

City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 2, Block 1, Bartlett

Apartments Subdivision at Jacaman Ranch located west of

Bartlett Ave. and north of Jacaman Road from R-2

(Multifamily Residential District) to B-3 (Community Busine

ss District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended

approval of the proposed zone change.

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by

rezoning Lot 2, Block 1, Bartlett Apartments Subdivision at

Jacaman Ranch, located west of Bartlett Ave. and north of

Jacaman Road, from R-2 (Multifamily Residential District) to

B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication

and effective date.

Motion to open the public hearing.

Moved : Cm. Galo

Second: Cm. Alvarado

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

Ron Whitehawk spoke in favor of the zone change.

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Galo

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Bruni

4. Public hearing concerning an application by N.W. Laredo

Development, Ltd., amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the

City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 3, Block 1, Bartlett

Apartments Subdivision at Jacaman Ranch located west of

Bartlett Ave. and north of Jacaman Road, from R-2

(Multifamily Residential District) to B-3 (Community Busin

ess District). The Planning and Zoning Commission

recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by

rezoning Lot 3, Block 1, Bartlett Apartments Subdivision at

Jacaman Ranch , located west of Bartlett Ave. and north of

Jacaman Rd., from R-2 (Multifamily Residential District) to

B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication

and effective date.

Motion to open the public hearing.

Moved : Cm. Galo

Second: Cm. Bruni

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

There was no public input.

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Agredano

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Bruni

VIII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

5. A. Request by Council Member John C. Galo

1. Staff update on the status of the final tract of land

to commence the reconstruction of the Chacon/Meadow

Bridge.

Erasmo Villarreal, Community Development Director,

informed the Council that the final tract has been

identified and the owner has agreed to sell. He

added that TxDot would commence with construction of

the Chacon/Meadow Bridge in August.

2. Staff update on the 4 way stop sign at Mendiola and

Laredo Street.

Roberto Murrillo, Traffic Director, reported that

recent data compiled by staff clearly indicates that

the intersection of Mendiola and Laredo Street does

not merit stop signs.

Cm. Galo requested the intersection be included in

the Speed Hump Pilot Program.

3. Discussion on the enforcement of the vehicles parked

on sidewalks.

Agustin Dovalina, Chief of Police, commented that the

Public Access Channel has launched Public Service

Announcements in reference to vehicles parking on

sidewalks. He added that his department would

vigorously enforce this issue.

Cm. Galo requested that staff create flyers to

submit to Laredoans encouraging them to refrain from

parking on sidewalks. He also instructed staff to

ask for assistance from the media on this issue.

4. Update on the recycling of Aldama St. and Corpus

Christi St.

Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, confirmed that

construction would begin immediately on the recycling

of Aldama St. and Corpus Christi St.

B. Request by Council Member Eliseo Valdez, Jr.

1. Discussion with possible action on the resurfacing of

Calton Road from Springfield Ave. to McPherson Ave.

Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, acknowledged that

Calton is in need of repair however; the resurfacing

of Calton Road is not included in the budget for

2000. He added that it would be scheduled with the

new C.I.P.'s for 2001 and that it will cost

approximately $120,000. He noted that patchwork

would be done to improve current conditions.

Larry Dovalina, Acting City Manager, stated that they

have identified the primary problem. He stated that

a long-term solution is currently being generated.

(Recess)

(Press Availability)

IX. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

6. An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease

with Valero Development Corporation for approximately 46,838

square feet of land located on Tract 1 of Block 25 at the

Laredo International Airport. Lease term is for forty (40)

years commencing on July 1, 2000 and ending on June 30, 2040.

Monthly rent shall be $585.48 an d will be adjusted annually

according to changes in the Consumer Price Index and further

adjusted by fair market rental appraisal on the 10th, 20th,

and 30th anniversaries.

Ordinance Introduction: City Council

7. An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease

amendment to the lease agreement authorized by Ordinance No.

94-0-178 dated September 19, 1994, between the City of

Laredo, as Lessor, and Jett Racing and Sales, Inc., as

Lessee, to permit Lessee to install on 10,000 gallon self-

contained above ground fuel tank.

Ordinance Introduction: City Council

8. Rescinding Ordinance No. 91-0-115 dated May 20, 1991, which

authorized a lease agreement with TAESA Airlines for Hangar

No. 123. TAESA Airlines terminated scheduled international

commercial passenger airline services in November 1999 and

has vacated and relinquished the leased premises.

Ordinance Introduction: City Council

9. Rescinding Ordinance No. 99-0-307 dated October 18, 1999,

which authorized a lease agreement with TAESA Airlines for

space within the passenger terminal. TAESA Airlines

terminated scheduled international commercial passenger

airline service in November 1999 and has vacated and

relinquished the leased premises.

Ordinance Introduction: City Council

10. An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease

with Webb County for approximately 252 square feet of office

space constituting Suite No. 7 of Building No. S-1 located at

1718 E. Calton Road at the Laredo International Airport.

Lease term is

for two (2) years commencing in April 1, 2000 and ending

March 31, 2002, and may be extended for one (1) year each

ending on March 31, 2003. Monthly rent shall be $290.00 and

will be adjusted annually during the primary and extension

term of this lease according to changes in the Consumer Price

Index.

Ordinance Introduction: City Council

11. An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease

with the City of Laredo Police Department for approximately

2.650 square feet constituting Suite No. 5 and 6 within

Building No. 134 located at 4603 Maher Avenue. Lease term is

for one (1) year and six (6) months commencing April 1, 2000

and ending September 30, 2001, and may be extended for three

(3) terms of one (1) year each ending on September 30, 2002 ,

September 30, 2003 and September 30, 2004. New monthly rent

shall be $3,313.00 and will be adjusted annually according to

changes in the Consumer Price Index during the primary and

extension terms of this lease. Previous monthly rental was

$3,158 .00.

Ordinance Introduction: City Council

12. An ordinance closing as a public easement that section of the

1300 Block of South Urbahn Ave. between Bismark Street and

the east right-of-way line of South Meadow Ave., situated in

the Eastern Division, City of Laredo, County of Webb, Texas

and providing for an effective date.

Ordinance Introduction: City Council

13. Supporting and participating in the South Texas Development

Council; and authorizing payment of $35,309.40 for City

Membership Assessment for the period October 1, 1999 to

September 30, 2000. Funding is available in the General

Fund.

Ordinance Introduction: City Council

X. FINAL READINGS OF ORDINANCES

Internet Available: //www.cityoflaredo.com

Motion to waive final reading of ordinances # 2000-O-111,

# 2000-O-124, # 2000-O-125 and # 2000-O-126.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Galo

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

14. 2000-O-111 Authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit

for gas extraction on 3.00 acres out of Porcion

- 46, Abstract 478, as further described by

metes and bounds, located west of Hwy. 83 and

north of the City of Rio Bravo, known as

McKendrick - Akin No. 2; providing for

publication and effective date. (Cm. Alfredo

Agredano)

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-111.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Montalvo

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2000-O-124 Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's FY 1999-

2000 Annual Budget by appropriating revenues and

expenditures in the 1998 Certificate of

Obligation for interest earnings which have been

earned, but not yet

appropriated. (City Council)

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-124.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Montalvo

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2000-O-125 Amending the City of Laredo FY 1999-2000 Annual

Budget to appropriate the revenues and

expenditures upon acceptance of a donation of

$4,000.00 from South Texas

Distributors/Budweiser, $800.00 from Conoco

Pump-n-Shop and $3,000.00 from Clark Hardware,

Inc., for the purchase of a Teco mascot, Teco T-

shirt and the sponsorship of the Famous Chicken,

respectively. (City Council)

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-125.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Montalvo

For: 8 Against: 0