CITY OF
LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
M2000-R-17
CITY
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS 78040
JUNE
26, 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
Johnny Amaya, Councilmember, District IV
Eliseo Valdez, Jr., Councilmember,
District V
Joe A. Guerra, Mayor Pro Tempore, District VI
Jose Alberto Valdez, Jr., Councilmember,
District VII
Juan Ramirez, Councilmember,
District VIII
Gustavo Guevara, City
Secretary
Cynthia Collazo, Acting
City Manager
Larry Dovalina, Acting City Manager
Jaime Flores, City Attorney
IV. MINUTES
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
Invitations
Recognitions
Communiqués
a.
Request by the Laredo Country Club for a permit for fire works display
for their Annual
4th of July Celebration.
Patricia Guajuardo, representative for the Laredo Country Club,
asked City Council to approve of a permit for the fire works display to be held
on July 4, 2000.
Motion to accept the request from the Country Club.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
b.
Mayor Flores read the following letter from Oversized Load Escort
Service:
As frequent customers of the Traffic Safety Department, we are
taking this opportunity to inform you of the excellent job that Mr. Juan Morales and his staff perform in their
department. In our business, related to
transporting oversized loads within the city limits, we are constantly facing
challenges and concerns related to the safe movement of these loads. In this regard, the staff of the Traffic
Safety Department has proven itself time and again in answering our questions
and in helping us resolve our problems.
They have taken time, may times outside business hours, to help us
ensure that particular loads are transported fast and efficiently across the
city limits. I believe that they have a
genuine desire to make a positive difference in helping to keep Laredo the top
commercial traffic in land port.
We hope that you will keep in mind the efforts of the Traffic Safety
Department and its excellent employees and recognize them properly when
evaluating their performance.
In you have any questions please let me know. Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely yours,
Sylvia L. Garza
VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES
a.
Appointment of Maria Elena Guzman by Council Member Alfredo Agredano to
the
Third Party Funding Committee.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
b.
Appointment by Council Member Eliseo Valdez, Jr., of Susan Foster to the
Third Party
Funding Committee, Richard Perales to the Telecommunications Advisory
Committee
and Jose Diaz De Leon and Gregorio Benavides, Jr., to the Redistricting Committee.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
c. Appointment by Council
Member Jose A. Valdez, Jr. of Maria de la Luz Flores to the
Third Party Funding Committee, Manuel E.
Perez to the Parks and Recreations Advisory
Committee, Trent M. Stricker to the
Telecommunications Advisory Committee and
Richard E. Raymond to the Transportation
& Traffic Safety Advisory Committee.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public hearing
concerning an application by Victoria Investment Properties and Muller
and Muller amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lot 10 and Lot 9 less E 4.44', Block 120, Western Division,
located at 919 San Bernardo Ave. from CBD (Central Business District) to B-4
(Highway Commercial District). The
Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the proposed zone change
and approval of a 5 year C.U.P. for a Bus Stop.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning
Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 10 and
Lot 9 less E 4.44',
Block 120, Western Division, located at 919 San Bernardo Ave. from
CBD (Central Business
District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for
publication and
effective date.
Motion to open the
public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public
input.
Motion to close the
public hearing and introduce as a Conditional Use Permit.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Galo
2. Public hearing
concerning an application by Reymundo A. Flores amending the Zoning
Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning N1/3 of Lot 1
and S1/3 of Lot 3, Block 552, Western Division, located at 2404 Main Ave. from
R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Business District). The Planning and Zoning Commission
recommended denial of the proposed zone change. This is an appeal from an unfavorable recommendation from the
Planning and Zoning Commission.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning N1/3 of Lot 1 and S1/3 of Lot 3, Block 552, Western Division, located
at 2404 Main Ave. from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited
Business District); providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mr. & Mrs. Reymundo Flores, applicants, appeared before
City Council to request approval for the purposed use of a Day Care Center.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce as a Conditional
Use Permit with the following restrictions:
1.) The Conditional Use Permit is issued to Rosa
Flores and is nontransferable.
2.) The Conditional Use Permit is restricted to
the site plan.
3.) The Conditional Use Permit is restricted to
a daycare.
4.) Opaque fencing of seven (7) ft. or higher
shall surround the property.
Moved: Cm.
Ramirez
Second: Cm.
Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Ramirez
3. Public hearing
concerning an application by John J. Jacaman, amending the Zoning
Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 49.71 acres, as
further described by metes and bounds, located west of the Bob Bullock Loop and
north of the proposed Jacaman Rd. extension from R-1 (Single Family Residential
District), R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) and AG (Agricultural
District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District).
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning 49.71 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located west of
the Bob Bullock Loop and north of the proposed Jacaman Rd. extension from R-1
(Single Family Residential District), R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District)
and AG (Agricultural District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing
for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Miguel Orozco, from Scherffey Engineering, representing the
Jacaman Family appeared to answer any questions from the Council.
Motion to close the public hearing and
table.
Moved:
Cm. Bruni
Second:
Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
4. Public hearing
concerning an application by Steve Whitworth, Lago Del Mar Ltd.,
amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for mini storage warehouse on
Lot 1, Block 1, Lago Del Mar Subdivision, Unit II, located on the east side of
Bartlett Ave. and south of Del Mar Blvd.
The current zoning for this site is B-3 (Community Business District)
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for mini storage warehouse on
Lot 1, Block 1, Lago Del Mar Subdivision, Unit II, located on the east side of
Bartlett Ave. and south of Del Mar Blvd.
The current zoning for this site is B-3 (Community Business District);
providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the
public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
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: Cm. Bruni
5. Public hearing concerning
an application by Andres Varela, amending the Zoning
Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 5A and N1/2
of Lot 3, Block 254, Western Division, located at 1414 Santa Maria Ave., from
R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District). The Planning and Zoning Commission
recommended denial of the proposed zone change. This is an appeal from an unfavorable recommendation from the
Planning and Zoning Commission.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lot 5A and N1/2 of Lot 3,
Block 254, Western Division, located at 1414 Santa Maria Ave., from R-3 (Mixed
Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for
publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved:
Cm. Agredano
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Sally Varela, applicant, spoke in favor of
the zone change.
Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce with a Conditional use permit for one
year.
Moved:
Cm. Ramirez
Second:
Cm. Bruni
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm.
Ramirez
6. Public hearing to
create a Special Paving Permit, suspending platting and certain survey
requirements for a six month period to allow for the paving of
parking lots; providing for publication and effective date.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Creating a Special
Paving Permit, suspending platting and certain survey requirements
for a six (6) month
period to allow for the paving of parking lots; providing for
publication and
effective date.
Motion to open the
public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public
input.
Motion to close the
public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
E. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
7. Public hearing providing
community residents an opportunity to comment on the City of
Laredo 2000-2005 (5 year) Consolidated Plan, Consolidated Annual
Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER), and One-Year Action Plan on the use of
the 26th Action Year Community Development Block Grant ($4,316,000.00), Program
Income ($98,352.00), 2000 HOME Investment Partnerships Program ($1,356,000.00),
and 2000 Emergency Shelter Grant ($152,000.00) to the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Motion to open the public
hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Erasmo Villarreal, Community Development Director, presented a
comprehensive report on the Consolidated Plan, Consolidated Annual Performance
Evaluation Report and the One-Year Action Plan.
As a result of this particular funding he named the following
projects:
123 Blocks of Sidewalks
Market Street Tennis Courts
Park Improvements
Demolition of buildings on Cedar Street
ADA Sidewalk compliance in conjunction
with the Paseo de Latino downtown
43 intersections streetlights
333 traffic street signs
Preliminary work on the Zacate Creek Phase
I
Worked on Paving Project 61
Acquisition of the Plaza Theater
Code Enforcements Activities
Graffiti Removal
Design Work on the East Hachar Recreation
Center
Housing Rehab Loans
Acquisition for the La Fayette Street
Widening Project
Design work on Zacate Phase II Project
Clark/Hendricks the Birds of Buenos Ayeres
Project
He added that it is important to prioritize the needs of the
citizens of Laredo. He reported the
number of Laredoans that has received assistance from certain programs through
Community Development Projects.
Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra requested an update from staff on the 1.3
million dollar railroad overpass project at the Unitec Industrial Park.
Luis Diaz De Leon, interested citizen, requested funding to end
the stench of the Zacate Creek.
Motion to close the
public hearing and introduce.
Moved:
Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
8. Public hearing and
final reading of ordinance ordering and proclaiming a Special
Election to be held on Saturday, August 12, 2000, designating
polling places, providing for publication in reference to an election for the
approval of a sports and community venue project ("The Laredo
Entertainment Center") and for one-fourth of one percent sales and use tax
and authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract agreement to conduct
said Special Election and other matters relating thereto.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordering and proclaiming a Special Election to be held on
Saturday, August 12, 2000, designating polling places, providing for
publication in reference to an election for the approval of a sports and
community venue project ("The Laredo Entertainment Center") and for
one-fourth of one percent sales and use tax and authorizing the City Manager to
enter into a contract agreement to conduct said Special Election and other
matters relating thereto.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cynthia Collazo, Acting City Manager, highlighted sections in the ordinance
pertaining to the election. She added
that the City has received a determination from the Comptroller of Public
Accounts that the Sports and Community Venue project will not have a
significant negative physical impact on state revenue.
Irene Flores spoke in favor of the arena. She stated her opinion was due to a
disappointing experience she had because of the inability of Laredo’s
facilities to accommodate the abundance of people that attend graduation ceremonies. Finally, she stated that the arena would
enhance entertainment for the entire family and would mark Laredo on the map as
a diversified city.
Charles Martens stated that he was presently undecided about his
decision in the proposed arena because he needed more information.
Aldo Tatangelo stated that he was in favor of a facility for
entertainment. However, he felt like
the new facility should be included in the revitalization of the river
frontage. He suggested renovation of an
existing facility similar to other cities in Texas. He asked the Council to slow down the process and take a better
look at the all possibilities that are obtainable.
Luis Diaz De Leon stated that he is opposed to the arena mainly
because of the amount of money that is involved. He asked the Council to postpone the election and acquire more
information.
Jesus Hernandez spoke in favor of the arena for the youth. He enthusiastically encouraged the youth to
speak up for their future.
Jesus Ponce asked how much land would be included in the arena
site. He also asked the Council to
protect the citizens of the community against indebtedness in the event the
project is a failure.
Rafael Garcia stated that he would support the arena if they would
promote a Major League Soccer League rather than hockey.
Luis Dovalina spoke in favor of the arena project. He was impressed with the concept and goals
of the proposal. He added that
Laredoans should envision a positive outlook for Laredo.
Michelle Martinez, Danny Martinez and Jessie Garcia spoke in favor
of the arena. They reiterated the fact
that the arena would enhance entertainment opportunities for the youth of
Laredo.
Julian Delgado spoke in opposition to the arena with a plea to
revisit the project. He stated that the
project was irresponsible and an enormous waste of money. He added that the possibility of having
famous people entertain in Laredo was delusional.
Ms. Christine Lopez was in
favor of the arena. She emphasized that
the arena would generate jobs for Laredo.
Javier Mendoza was suspicious of the Council’s interest in Arena
Ventures. He insinuated that their
support might be questionable. He
expressed his support for an arena but stated that allowing Arena Ventures into
the project was absurd.
Richard Mendoza spoke against the project. He commented that top names would not come
to Laredo to perform. He was also
concerned with property taxes.
Mercurio Martinez, III, briefed the public on the proposed Multi
Use Laredo Entertainment Center. He
stated that the entertainment center is a 35 million dollar venture designed to
improve the quality of life in Laredo by bringing nationally recognized
entertainment. He added that the true
value of the Laredo Entertainment Center is a diversed mix of events to satisfy
all interests. He explained that such a
facility will treat Laredoans to a variety of cultural and entertainment
activity year round. He pointed out
that the citizens would be able to comfortably enjoy events such as concerts,
family shows like the circus or Disney
on Ice, wrestling, boxing, rodeos, festivals, trade shows and the all too
familiar graduations.
Keith Selman, City Planner, explained the exact location of the
proposed arena and why that particular area would be the most appropriate location
to serve the growing community of Laredo.
Cynthia Collazo, Acting City Manager, stated that the Laredo
Entertainment Center would be constructed on 25 acres. In addition, Arena Ventures has an
additional 55 acres to develop. The
advantages for the city is that the additional development that would occur as
part of the arena would greatly enhance the economic tax base as well as the
property tax base of the community.
Mayor Flores exemplified the fact that she and the Council have
gone through a very meticulous and lengthy process in obtaining thorough
information about the entertainment center.
Kiki de Ayala, representative from Arena Ventures, stated that
some individuals have been misinformed. He stated that Arena Ventures is trying
diligently to advertise in order to inform the public of the correct facts.
He added that Laredo should be very honored that SMG, the worlds
largest booking company, is willing to enter into a contract by bringing
spectacular entertainment to Laredo.
Heberto Ramirez, Budget Director, stated that the arena project is
“project specific” therefore, the sales tax would only be used for the
arena. He also informed the Council
that unlike 1982 or 1994 the economy is more diversified and is able to support
the arena project.
Jaime Flores, City Attorney, reminded the Council that the city is
only binded by a letter of intent. He
added that if the election fails on August 12th that the project
would be terminated with no expense. However,
if the citizens approve the project, then the City will have 180 days to
negotiate with Arena Ventures.
Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra stated that he was opposed to the arena.
Cm. Ramirez stated that he
was also opposed to the arena.
Cm. Galo voiced his
support for the arena and referred to the project as a dream. He encouraged the public to exercise their
right to vote on August 12, 2000. He
reminded the public that the additional tax increase could not be used for
developing or repairing any areas of the city other than the arena.
Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Bruni
For:
6 Against: 2 Abstain: 0
Mayor
Pro Tempore Guerra
Cm. Ramirez
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
9. Public hearing amending
the Laredo Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Administration,
Article I, In General,
Section 2-3, Fees for City Services, Subsection (b) providing for
charges for the
duplication of EMS Activity Report Records; providing for severability
and providing for an
effective date and publication.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Laredo Code of Ordinances,
Chapter 2, Administration, Article I, In
General, Section 2-3, Fees for City Services, Subsection (b)
providing for charges for the duplication of EMS Activity Report Records;
providing for severability and providing for an effective date and publication.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
10.
Public hearing amending Ordinance No. 91-O-246 to increase the fee from
$1.00 to
$4.00 per person for
the administration of immunization at the City of Laredo Health
Department, and
setting a maximum fee of $12.00 per family.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending Ordinance No.
91-O-246 to increase the fee from $1.00 to $4.00 per person
for the administration
of immunization at the City of Laredo Health Department, and
setting a maximum fee
of $12.00 per family.
Motion to open the
public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For: 8