CITY OF LAREDO
CITY
COUNCIL MEETING
M2000-R-18
CITY
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110
HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO,
TEXAS 78040
JULY 3,
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, Jr., City
Secretary
Larry Dovalina, Acting
City Manager
Cynthia Collazo, Acting
City Manager
Jaime Flores, City
Attorney
IV. MINUTES
Approval of the minutes of June 6, 2000 and June 22, 2000 with the
correction of adding
Cm. Bruni to the June 6th
meeting.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
Mayor Flores announced that on July 13th the Conference
of Mayors is leading a delegation of “Mayors to Washington” to lobby the Senate
for passage of the Conservation and Reinvestment Act. She stated that if approved it would assist the state and local
funding with $450,000,000 for our urban
parks and recreation recovery program.
She thanked John Viduarri, Director of Parks and Recreation, for
his assistance in completion of a survey that will be submitted on behalf of
the City of Laredo. It will address the
Laredo Park and Recreation Master Plan approved by the Council on December
1999.
John Viduarri stated that the Parks and Recreation Master Plan was
formatted to apply for funding as soon as they are available through the Urban
Park and Recreation Act.
Mayor Flores read the following letter from Juanita Diaz:
I would like to thank you again for your kindness on the day of
June 21 when my 18 year old son was coming home from a graduation trip from
California. His plane from Dallas to
Laredo was cancelled due to bad weather.
He called me around
8 p.m. that he would have to stay over until the morning. He was very nervous. He did not know what to do since this was
his first flight. I felt helpless like
all mothers would when our children are in trouble. We are like lionesses protecting her cubs.
Two hours later he called me, I guess from your cellular
telephone, saying “Mom, guess what?
Mayor Betty Flores is giving me and 11 other people a ride to
Laredo”. You rented a van to
Laredo.
I was stunned and asked him, “How did you meet her? Was she on your flight”? He said, no, it happened that we were both
at Gate 2 and knew what was happening to the flight.
So we waited up at all hours until you brought my son home - right
to my front door! Clearly, it didn’t
matter to you how late it was; it was 3 a.m. - or how far we lived - in Los
Obispos. You were so kind and
nice. It was my first time meeting you,
and you’re a beautiful person. You even
took the time and effort to get down and introduce yourself while smiling
introducing the others with you. I was
so grateful to you. We even embraced as
close friends do.
Even in our time, the way society is, where we judge and are being
judged, and where people are afraid to speak to or help strangers, you proved
me wrong. You proved to me that people,
men or women in Laredo, that are in higher positions than of the common person,
you proved to be a great person, a kind person. You did not judge who my son was. I know that you are a great
person and a great mother, as you are a Mayor.
You were my son’s Guardian Angel that night, and I thank God for
that. Ms. Flores, you have a heart of
gold and even more you never forget where you came from and do not judge
others. My son, Damien Diaz, thanks
you!
Thank you with all my heart.
Juanita Diaz
Cm. Galo stated that the
5K run held on July 5, 2000 for the Children’s Advocacy Center was a huge
success. He thanked all the
participants and sponsors.
Invitations
Cm. Agredano invited the
public to attend the Fourth of July Program to be held at the City Cemetery at
9:00 a.m. on July 4th .
Recognitions
Communiqués
VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES
a. Appointment of Maria
Eugenia Calderon by Mayor Pro Tempore Joe A. Guerra to the
Tree Board.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
b. Appointment of Juan
Calderon and Carmen Ramirez by Council Member Johnny Amaya
to the Redistricting
Committee.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
c. Appointment by Council
Member Louis H. Bruni of Blanca Nalaschi to the Laredo
Commission for Women
and of Dr. Ramon Alaniz to the Redistricting Committee.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm.
Agredano
Second: Cm.
Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public hearing on the Sports and Community Venue Project
("The Laredo
Entertainment
Center") and the one-fourth of one percent sales and use tax and other
matters relating
thereto.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Jesus Ponce stated that he would vote against the arena because
Laredo has a long way to go before the equal distribution of funds is made
available to the Laredo citizens.
Dr. Michael Yoder,
Professor TAMIU, stated he was opposed to the Entertainment Center for a number
of reasons but wanted to share two of them. He stated that it was unfair to put
the burden on the lower income people through a regressive sales tax. The second objection is the suburban
location out on the loop. He requested
for the Council to focus more on revitalizing the downtown as a catalyst for
economic development.
Richard Giessler asked the Council to repeal the ordinances
pertaining to the Entertainment Center and form a citizens committee from all
walks of life to create a better option for Laredoans.
Jaime Mendoza publicly apologized to the Council for any offense
that may have been interpreted at the previous City Council meeting. He read a list of many questions for the
Council to answer.
Javier Molina, professional singer, stated he was in favor of a
multi-purpose facility; however, he would vote no on August 12. He added that the public needs more
information on this project. He stated
that the public needs clear and detailed answers to certain specific questions
that have never been brought up at the public hearings.
Cristy Swisher, from Swisher & Martin Realty, stated that
large corporations are looking at the possibility of locating in Laredo. However, they are looking for something more
and greater. She added that approval of
the Entertainment Center would enhance the quality of life. She remarked that Laredo is the front door
to the economic future and we need to prepare for it.
Art Trevino informed the Council that he has experienced countless
promoters who have visited the radio stations to see if Laredo has the
feasibility to have concerts by famous performers and the answer has always
been no. He stated that he is tired of
traveling out of town for good entertainment.
Jaime Flores, City Attorney, stated that the tax is a regressive
tax. However, it will not burden the
poor. He emphasized that the tax will
affect the spender with the most disposable cash. It will not affect the
spender’s purchase of groceries and medical.
Esther Firova, downtown business owner, stated that she was
appalled at the citizens that are opposing the arena. She added that a recent study discouraged downtown owners from
investing in an outlet mall because the downtown area is not easily accessible
to accommodate large crowds.
Hector Farias, Chairman of VIDA, expressed his concerns about the
lack of input from the citizens. He
requested that the Council repeal the ordinance and allow the public to become
better informed.
Mark Miller, SMG Senior Assistant General Manager, reported that
he has twenty-five years of experience in the industry. He said that SMG is the largest public
assembly company in the world with over 100 facilities. He assured the Council that SMG offers very
significant operational policies and procedures. He stated that when the facility opens there would not be a
learning curve. He added that SMG is
excited about working with Arena Ventures because he feels that they are very
aggressive in the market and will work diligently to assure that the
Entertainment Center is a viable entity.
Motion to close the
public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Public hearing to
approve an amendment to the contract with the Texas Department of
Health and budget in the amount of $102,921.00 for the Nutrición
Familiar / Family Nutrition Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for
the period beginning July 1, 2000 through August 31, 2001.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Approval of an amendment to the contract with the Texas Department
of Health and budget in the amount of $102,921.00 for the Nutrición Familiar /
Family Nutrition Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period
beginning July 1, 2000 through August 31, 2001; and increasing revenue line
item 226-0000-323-4084 from $0 to $102,921.00, and increasing expenditure line
item no. 226-6024 from $0 to $102,921.00.
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
3. Public hearing to
approve a contract with the Texas Natural Resource Conservation
Commission (TNRCC) and budget in the amount of $60,000.00 to
continue the operation of two continuous air monitoring stations (CAMS) by the
City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning September 1, 2000 through
August 31, 2001.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Approval of a contract with the Texas Natural Resource
Conservation Commission (TNRCC) and budget in the amount of $60,000.00 to
continue the operation of two continuous air monitoring stations (CAMS) by the
City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning September 1, 2000
through August 31, 2001; and increasing revenue line item 226-0000-323-1103
from $0 to $60,000.00 and increasing expenditure line item no. 226-7215 from $0
to $60,000.00.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra
requested that staff report on the air quality from TNRCC.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
4. Public hearing
authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo's FY 1999-
2000 Annual Budget in the amount of $18,528.00 for overtime
expenses that are to be reimbursed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
to fund the Laredo Border Region Violent Crime Task Force (LBRVCTF). The Laredo Police Department will assign one
Investigator and one Police Officer to the task force. Reimbursement of overtime expenses to
include the period of October 1, 1999
through September 30, 2000. (Approval
of Resolution 2000-R-096 needed before
public hearing.)
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo's FY
1999-2000 annual budget in the amount of $18,528.00 for overtime expenses that
are to be reimbursed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to fund the
Laredo Border Region Violent Crime Task Force (LBRVCTF). The Laredo Police Department will assign one
Investigator and one Police Officer to the task force. Reimbursement of overtime expenses to
include the period of October 1, 1999 through September 30, 2000.
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:
City Council
5. Public hearing amending
the City of Laredo's 1999-2000 Annual Budget in the amount
of $1,000.00 for a grant awarded to the Laredo Police Department's
Litter Abatement Task Force from Target Great Land. This grant award does not
require any matching funds from the City. (Approval of Resolution 2000-R-099
needed before public hearing.)
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the City of Laredo's 1999-2000 Annual Budget in the
amount of $1,000.00 for a grant awarded to the Laredo Police Department's
Litter Abatement Task Force from Target Great Land. This grant award does not
require any matching funds from the City.
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. Agredano
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
6. Public hearing
authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo's 1999-2000
Annual Budget in the amount of $59,985.00 to fund the Juvenile
Accountability Incentive Block Grant.
The Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division will be
designating $53,986.00 and the City of Laredo will be designating $5,999.00 in
matching funds. Funding will be used to
purchase computers, printers, and a data tracking system. Grant period is from August 01, 2000
through July 31, 2001. (Approval of Resolution 2000-R-097 needed before public hearing.)
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo's
1999-2000 Annual Budget in the amount of $59,985.00 to fund the Juvenile
Accountability Incentive Block Grant.
The Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division will be designating
$53,986.00 and the City of Laredo will be designating $5,999.00 in matching
funds. Funding will be used to purchase
computers, printers, and a data tracking system. Grant period is from August 01, 2000 through July 31, 2001.
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. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
7. Public hearing authorizing the City Manager to accept and
execute a Second Budget
Amendment to the Transit Operations Budget by appropriating
additional State Funding of $329,640.00, thereby, increasing Transit State
Funding Budget from $1,228,693.00 to $1,558,333.00 and decreasing the local
match from the Transit Sales Tax Budget from $1,130,319.00 to $800,679.00.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager to accept and execute a Second Budget
Amendment to the Transit Operations Budget by appropriating additional State
Funding of $329,640.00, thereby, increasing Transit State Funding Budget from
$1,228,693.00 to $1,558,333.00 and decreasing the local match from the Transit
Sales Tax Budget from $1,130,319.00 to $800,679.00.
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. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
8. Public hearing amending
the FY 1999-2000 Budget of the Laredo Municipal Transit
System transferring $325,725.00 from Fund 518, Sales Tax Revenues
to Fund 558, Operations increasing the budget from $7,607,652.00 to
$7,933,377.00.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the FY 1999-2000 Budget of the
Laredo Municipal Transit System
transferring $325,725.00 from Fund 518, Sales Tax Revenues to Fund
558, Operations increasing the budget from $7,607,652.00 to $7,933,377.00.
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:
City Council
VIII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND
PRESENTATIONS
9. A. Request by Council Member Louis H. Bruni
1.
Directing Staff and the Airport Advisory Committee to update the 1995 Airport
Land Use Master Plan and to bring the updated Master Plan to City
Council for consideration. The Airport
Master Plan update is to analyze current land use trends and recommend future
land uses, with possible action.
Jose Flores, Airport Director, reported this item was being
presented to the Airport Advisory Board Committee.
Motion to direct staff and the Airport Advisory Committee to
update the 1995 Airport Land Use Master Plan and bring the updated Master Plan
to City Council for consideration.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
B. Request by Council Member John C. Galo
1.
Status report on the ongoing street recycling project.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, informed the Council that his department
is working on Aldama and Guatomozin.
However, they are not complete.
Cm. Galo stated that staff
did a good job on Corpus Christi. He
was concerned about the utility patches on Aldama.
2. Discussion on code and
ordinance enforcement in and around the Tex-Mex rail-
yard area, with
possible action.
Benny Salinas, Building Director, informed the Council that his
department is submitting citations to lessees and Tex-Mex.
Mayor Flores asked City Managers to put the rail crossings and a
clean-up report on the next agenda.
3. Discussion on the
maintenance of sidewalks, the identification of who's
responsibility it is
to maintain them and what is the City's liability, with possible
action.
Benny Salinas informed the Council that there is an ordinance that
states the adjacent property owner is responsible for maintaining the
right-of-way between the property line and the curb.
4. Recommendation from
staff to address the concerns that "BEST" has with "El
Lift", with
possible action.
Peter Behrman, General Manager, stated that El Lift carries a
little over 200 persons a day. He added
that the only time they are denied a ride is if the notice is too short. He said that the service cost is over a
million dollars a year to the city.
IX. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
10. An ordinance
authorizing the City Manager to enter into and execute a Lease
Agreement between the City of Laredo and Riverdrive Mall, Inc.,
for two blocks of vega land adjacent to the Rio Grande River for use as a
parking lot located upon blocks number 08, and 08-A, situated in the Western
Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas for a primary term of five (5)
years, with two - five (5) year renewal options, at the monthly rental rate of
$463.00 per month, for block number 08, and $430.00 per month for block number
08-A with annual Consumer Price Index (C.P.I.), increase adjustment.
Introduction Ordinance:
City Council
11. An ordinance
authorizing the City Manager to enter into and execute an amendment to
the 1978 Parking Lot Lease Agreement between the City of Laredo
and Riverdrive Mall, Inc., due to the re-acquisition of the lease for block
"Z", as authorized by Resolution No. 2000-R-066, and reducing the
leased area from 3 blocks to blocks number "X" and "Y",
situated in the Western Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, and
reducing the Fair Market Rent by 1/3 to $200.00 per month.
Introduction Ordinance:
City Council
X. FINAL READINGS OF ORDINANCES
Internet available: //www.cityoflaredo.com
Motion to waive final reading of ordinances # 2000-O-162, ;#
2000-O-163, # 2000-O-165, # 2000-O-166, # 2000-O-167, # 2000-O-168, #
2000-O-169, # 2000-O-170, # 2000-O-171, # 2000-O-172 and # 2000-O-173.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
12. 2000-O-162 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by
authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for the use
of a bus stop on Lot 10 and Lot 9 less E 4.44', Block 120, Western Division,
located at 9191 San Bernardo Ave. (As amended)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-162.
Moved:
Cm. Bruni
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2000-O-163 Amending
the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
authorizing the
issuance of a Conditional Use Permit
for the use of a
daycare on the N1/3 of
Lot 1 and S 1/3 of Lot 3, Block 552, Western
Division, located at
2404 Main Ave. (As amended)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-163.
Moved:
Cm. Bruni
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 A