CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF LAREDO
M2000-R-21
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS 78040
AUGUST 07, 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
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 VII
Gustavo Guevara, City
Secretary
Larry Dovalina, Acting
City Manager
Cynthia Collazo, Acting
City Manager
Jaime Flores, City Attorney
Motion to excuse Cm. John C.
Galo.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IV. MINUTES
Approval of the minutes of June 19, 2000 and June 26, 2000 with
corrections.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore
Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
Larry Dovalina, Acting City Manager, gave
an update on the ceremony for Bishop Tamayo.
Mayor Pro Tempore read the following
letter:
On behalf of the Laredo International Fair
and Exposition Board of Directors and staff please accept our sincere gratitude
for the millings that were transported to the fair grounds during the last
three weeks. The millings are being
spread out throughout the grounds. This
will help us settle the dust during annual events. Our community will greatly appreciate and benefit from this
donation.
The Laredo Fair and Exposition is a non-profit organization
dedicated to the youngsters of our community. We work hard in providing the
facilities for the fair in which interested youngsters can participate. We are continuing to improve our fairgrounds
and facilities in order to serve better our community. Please let us know if we
could ever be of assistance.
Sincerely,
Claudia Williams and David A. Ender
Mayor Pro Tempore read the following letter:
The Del Mar Little League would like to request a donation from
the City of Laredo to help in our work in providing a positive alternative to
the many negative influences the children of Laredo face in their daily
lives. This year we especially need
your help due to the fact that two of our all-star teams won district 34
championships and will be traveling to sectional play offs. The cost of providing room and board for 28
young men while they are away representing the city of Laredo is an expensive
burden that the league could only afford if it is shared by businesses such as
yours. We want you to know that without your help the task of trying to serve
the children in our league would be impossible.
Thank-you for any assistance.
Mr. Joe Nieto
Del Mar of Little League
Invitations
Recognitions
Mayor Flores recognized Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra for his excellent
performance at the National Convention for the Republican Party.
a. Recognition of the
Laredo Housing Authority Board Members.
Abraham Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Laredo Housing
Authority, spoke on the Laredo Housing Authority Commission Membership and the
services provided by the agency.
Mayor Flores presented the recognition certificates to members of
the board. Those present and receiving
their certificates were Aldo Tatangelo and John Peter Montalvo.
b. Recognition of the
American Little League as Regional Qualifiers to State Little League
in Waco, Texas.
Mayor Flores presented the Seven Flags Certificate to the American
Little League District 34 and Section 8 Champions. They were as follows:
Luis A. Saldana Daniel
Becerra
Javier Canales Domingo
Oliva, III
Antonio Briseno, Jr. Jose
G. Castillo
Jose P. Sanchez Erik
Gutierrez
Reynaldo Pena Jose
A. Carrizales
Alex Garcia Ismael
A. Tellez, Jr.
Juan Ortiz, Manager
Dante Madrigal, Assistant Manager
Isidro Orozco, Jr., Assistant Manager
Communiqués
Cm. Bruni read the
following:
More or Less?
“The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller
buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints; we
spend more, but we have less; we buy more, but enjoy it less.
We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but
less time; we have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge but less
judgment; more experts, but more problems; more medicine, but less wellness.
We have
multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk too much,
love too seldom, and hate too often.
We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble
crossing the street to meet the new neighbor.
We’ve conquered outer space, but not inner space; we’ve cleaned up
the air, but polluted the soul; we’ve split the atom, but not our prejudice.
We have higher incomes, but lower morals; we’ve become long on
quantity, but short on quality.
These are the time of tall men, and short character; steep
profits, and shallow relationships.
These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare; more
leisure, but less fun; more kinds of food but less nutrition.
These are the days of two incomes, but more divorce; of fancier
houses, but broken homes.
It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in
the stockroom, a time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time
when you can choose either to make a difference…or just hit delete”.
VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES
a. Appointment by Mayor
Elizabeth G. Flores of:
Javier Garza Airport Advisory Committee
Daniel Barrera Board
of Adjustments
Victor Garza Citizen
Environmental Advisory Committee
Brenda Garcia Library
Advisory Committee
Rafael Torres Charter
Review Committee
Luis Guerra Laredo
Housing Finance Corporation
Mercurio Martinez, Jr. “
Oralia Garcia Laredo
Affordable Housing Corporation
Tranquilino Alvarez Building
Standard Board Members
Carlos San Miguel “
Hector Torres “
Lonnie Berry “
Juan Homero Sanchez “
Gabriel Palacios “
John Hickle “
Motion to approve.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez
Second: Cm. E.
Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
b. Appointment of Leroy
Morin by Council Member John C. Galo to the Airport Advisory
Committee.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez
Second: Cm.
E. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
c. Appointment of a Civic
Center Ad Hoc Committee.
The mayor named
Lorraine Laurel, Ana Galo and Claudia Canales.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public hearing amending
the City of Laredo General Fund FY 2000 Annual Budget for a
grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in the amount
of $118,561.00 for computer hardware, software and professional development for
library staff, providing for effective date.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the City of Laredo General Fund FY 2000 Annual Budget for
a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in the amount of
$118,561.00 for computer hardware, software and professional development for
library staff, providing for effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
Cm. Bruni
2. 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. Bruni
Second: Cm. E.
Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ron Whitehawk stated that due to some of the concerns raised at
the previous City Council meetings, he wanted to inform the Council that there
is a restriction on the property. He
stated that no heavy truck traffic would be permitted.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. E.
Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm.
Bruni
3. Public hearing for the
approval of a contract with Texas Department of Health and
amending the budget in the amount $552,000.00 for the Maternal and
Child Health (MCH) Program of the City of Laredo Health Department for the
period September 1, 2000, through August 31, 2001. (Approval of Resolution 2000-R-111 needed before Public Hearing)
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Approval of a contract with Texas
Department of Health and amending the budget in the
amount $552,000.00 for the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Program
of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period September 1, 2000,
through August 31, 2001; and increase revenue line item 226-0000-323-4034 from
$0 to $504,000.00, and increase expenditure line item 226-6025 from $0 to
$504,000.00; and increase expenditure line item 226-6026 from $0 to $48,000.00
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
4. Public hearing for the
approval of an amendment to the contract with the Texas
Department of Health and amending the budget for seven grants as
depicted in the amount of $1,117,569.00 in direct funds and $360,678.00 in
program income for the City of Laredo Health Department for the period
September 1, 2000, through August 31, 2001. (Approval of Resolution 2000-R-112
needed before Public Hearing)
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Approval of an amendment to the contract with the Texas Department
of Health and amending the budget for seven grants as depicted in the amount of
$1,117,569.00 in direct funds and $360,678.00 in program income for the City of
Laredo Health Department for the period September 1, 2000, through August 31,
2001.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore
Guerra
Second: Cm. E.
Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
5. Public hearing for the
approval of a contract with the Texas Department of Health and
amending the budget in the amount of $42,000.00 for the Chronic
Disease Prevention Program, Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Project (BCCCP),
of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning September 1,
2000, through August 31, 2001.
(Approval of Resolution 2000-R- 110 needed before Public Hearing)
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Approval of a contract with the Texas
Department of Health and amending the budget in
the amount of $42,000.00 for the Chronic Disease Prevention
Program, Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Project (BCCCP), of the City of
Laredo Health Department for the period September 1, 2000, through August 31,
2001; authorizing the City Manager to make transfers within the budget.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
VIII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND
PRESENTATIONS
6. A. Request by Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores
1. Discussion on establishing a permanent
"City Hall at the Mall", with possible
action.
Mayor Flores informed the Council that the Department of Housing
and Urban Development wishes to fund a kiosk at the mall in order to inform the
public about housing programs that are available. She added that the booth would also inform the citizens of the
services that the City provides.
Cynthia Collazo, Acting City Manger, stated that the city is
excited about the opportunity of partnering with HUD in reaching the public and
informing them of the different programs that are available.
Motion authorizing the City Managers to prepare a proposal for the
Council to review.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore
Guerra
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
B. Request by Council Member Alfredo Agredano
1.
Status report on the traffic light on Highway 359 and Concord Hills.
Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, advised the Council that his
department was working with TxDOT to install a traffic light on Highway 359 and
Concord Hills.
Fitzgerald Sanchez, Texas Department of Transportation, assured
the Council that TxDOT had the equipment and the manpower to install the
traffic light. However, they need the
approval from City Council.
Cm. Agredano asked TxDOT
to expedite the project.
Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, stated that it would be placed
on the agenda at the next meeting.
Motion was made to install a traffic light on Highway 359 and
Concord Hills as soon as possible.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
C. Request by Council Member Louis H. Bruni
1. Status report on the traffic light on
Highway 59 and Henry Cuellar Elementary
School.
Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, reported that the study did not
warrant a traffic light on Highway 59 and Henry Cuellar Elementary School. He noted that a request was submitted to
TxDOT asking for left turning lanes and safety devices at the
intersection. The department will begin
another study.
Fitzgerald Sanchez, representing Texas Department of
Transportation, stated that the criterion for establishing a school zone does
not fit that situation. The school
zone is set up for pedestrian activity not for vehicular activity. TxDOT has lowered the speed limit, placed
signs approaching the intersection and will install flashing beacons to reduce
the speed. He added that the City might
build a traffic signal if warranted, on state system and in the City of
Laredo.
Mayor Flores stressed the importance of all government entities
working together to solve traffic problems before they occur.
D. Request by Council Member Johnny Amaya
1.
Status report on the possible seepage of water from the Lyon St. storage
tanks,
with possible action.
Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, informed the Council that the
seepage of water has been a concern for many years. He informed the council that there have been no formal complaints
submitted. He added that his department
would take the claim form to the residents that are affected by the
seepage.
E. Request by Mayor Pro Tempore Joe A. Guerra
1. Request by former Mayor Aldo Tatangelo to
discuss the issue of affordable
housing,
with possible action.
Aldo Tatangelo appeared before the council to discuss construction
of affordable housing on city property.
The city owns approximately 500 parcels of land. He requested that Community Development give
a presentation on the properties that are suitable for building houses.
F. Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez
1. Discussion and possible action on placing a
sidewalk on the 500 block of Juarez
St.
Joe Guerra, Public Works Director, stated
that the department would begin placing
the sidewalk next week since he has extra
money in his budget.
2. Status report on the monies available in the
Civic Center Reserve Capital
Improvement
Fund, with possible action.
Heberto Ramirez, Budget Director, reported that in 1994 the money
was transferred into a Capital Improvement Fund. To date, the account has earned $690,222 dollars in
interest. He added that in 1999 the
City Council passed a motion to put in $50,000 a year from the Hotel Motel
assuming that there was a surplus. Finally, he said there is $3,777,722 in the
Capital Improvement Fund, which is restricted for the new convention center.
IX. INTRODUCTORY
ORDINANCES
7. Ordinance authorizing
the City Manager to execute a lease agreement authorized by
Ordinance No. 99-O-099 dated April 19, 1999, and as amended by
Ordinance No. 99-O-240 dated August 23, 1999, with Webb County Juvenile Board
for approximately 100,357 square feet of land located on Block No. 23 at the
Laredo International Airport. Said
amendment will amend the lease term to end on December 31, 2000 instead of May
31, 2000. All other terms and conditions
remain in effect and unchanged.
Ordinance Introduction: City
Council
8. Ordinance authorizing
the City Manager to enter into and execute a subordination, non
disturbance, and attornment agreement, entered into by and between
Pinnacle Towers, Inc., the City of Laredo, and Hamilton Housing Partners,
L.L.C., regarding the sale of an Antennae Tower easement from Hamilton Housing
Partner, L.L.C., to Pinnacle Towers, Inc.
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
X. FINAL
READINGS OF ORDINANCES
Internet available:
//www.cityoflaredo.com
Motion to waive final reading of ordinances 2000-O-189, 2000-O-190,
2000-O-191, 2000-O-192, 2000-O-193,
2000-O-194, 2000-O-195, 2000-O-196,
2000-O-197, 2000-O-198 and 2000-O-199.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain:
Cm.
Amaya and Cm. E. Valdez abstained on 2000-O-194, 2000-O-198
and 2000-O-199.
9. 2000-O-189 Approval of an amendment of the contract
with the Texas Department of
Health and Budget revision in the amount of $12,000.00 for the La
Familia Health Care Program of the City of Laredo Health Department for the
period beginning September 1, 1999, through August 31, 2000; and decrease
revenue line item 226-0000-323-4036 from $200,000 to $188,000 and expenditure
line item 226-6007 from $200,000 to $188,000. (City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-189.
Moved:
Cm. Bruni
Second:
Cm. Agredano
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2000-O-190
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
amending Ordinance 99-O-196, authorizing a name change on the
Conditional Use Permit, for used clothing sales, from Daniel B. Hastings, Sr.
to Angel R. Laurel, Jr. on Lots 6 and 8, Block 195, Western Division, located
at 1119 Flores Avenue; providing for publication and effective date.