CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
M2000-R-23
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS 78040
AUGUST 28, 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
Jerry Cain, City
Attorney
IV. MINUTES
None
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
Cm.
Galo read the following report from the Building Department:
Activity update as of July 31, 2000
This year Last
Year Percent Change
|
New
Residential (Single Detached Homes) |
861 |
741 |
16.1% inc |
|
New
Commercial Building Permits |
62 |
60 |
3.3% inc |
|
Commercial
Additions |
57 |
39 |
46.1% inc |
|
Multi-Family
Building Permits |
11 |
4 |
175.0% inc |
|
Mobile
Home Installation Permits |
439 |
666 |
34.0% dec |
|
Total
Building Permits |
3,696 |
3,095 |
19.4 % inc |
|
Total
Building Permits Construction Value |
$151,693,824 |
$110,390,587 |
37.4% |
Latest Building Permits Issued in excess
of $1,000,000 (July and August 2000)
|
New Webb County Administration Building |
$10,888,600 |
|
Killam Office Building at 4320
University Blvd |
$2,800,000 |
|
Warehouse at Killam Industrial Park |
$1,836,000 |
|
Warehouse at Killam Industrial Park |
$1,260,000 |
|
H-E-B (1301 Guadalupe) Remodeling |
$1,090,000 |
|
Condominiums (23 Units) 201 Martingale |
$1,031,856 |
Plans Submitted for Plan Examinations:
1. “TOYS’R US” remodeling
2.
UISD Education Support Complex @ Cielito Lindo Subdivision
3.
9813 Sterling Street (Business Office Complex)
Invitations
None
Recognitions
a. The Government Finance
Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA)
presented a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award to the City of
Laredo, Texas for its annual budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1,
1999.
The award is the highest form of recognition in government
budgeting. Its attainment represents a
significant achievement by the City of Laredo.
The City has received the award for the ninth consecutive year.
Mayor Flores congratulated the Budget Director, Heberto Ramirez,
and his staff for this achievement.
Communiqués
City Secretary, Gustavo Guevara, Jr., reminded the public that the
next City Council Meeting would be held on Tuesday, September 5th, due to the
Labor Day Holiday on Monday, September 4th.
VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS
AND COMMITTEES
a. Appointment of Cristine
Baeza and Beatriz Escamilla by Council Member Alfredo
Agredano to the
Redistricting Commission.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
b. Appointment of Eva
Delgado by Council Member Jose A. Valdez, Jr. to the
Redistricting
Commission.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public hearing
concerning an application by Petra Limon amending the Zoning
Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 2, Block
290, Eastern Division, located at 605 Clark Blvd., from B-1 (Limited Business
District) to B-3 (Community Business District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the
proposed zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lot 2, Block 290, Eastern Division, located at 605 Clark Blvd., 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. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public
input.
Motion to close the
public hearing and table for September 18, 2000.
Moved:
Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Public hearing
concerning an application by Gerardo Mendoza amending the Zoning
Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1 and the W
16' of Lot 2, Lot 12 and the W 16' of Lot 11, Block 1231, Eastern Division,
located at 2101 Kearney St., from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-3
(Community Business District). The
Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the proposed zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lot 1 and the W 16' of Lot 2, Lot 12 and the W 16' of Lot 11, Block
1231, Eastern Division, located at 2101 Kearney St., 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.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Oscar
Cadena spoke in favor of the proposed change and asked that City Council table
the item for the September 18, 2000 meeting.
Motion to close the
public hearing and table for September 18, 2000.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
3. Public hearing
concerning an application by Jesse and Hector Martinez amending the
Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing the
issuance of a Special Use Permit for the E 2/3 of Lot 2, Block 2165A, and Lots
3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10, 11 and 12, Block 1480, Eastern Division, located at 2600
block of Diaz Street. The Planning and
Zoning Commission recommended approval of the proposed Special Use Permit.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by authorizing the
issuance of a Special Use Permit for the E 2/3 of Lot 2, Block
2165A, and Lots 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10, 11 and 12, Block 1480, Eastern Division,
located at 2600 block of Diaz Street; providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the
public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Edward
Garza from Crane Engineering and representing the property owners, appeared and
answered questions of City Council and spoke in favor of the zone change.
Motion to close the
public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Agredano
4. Public hearing
concerning an application by Jesse and Hector Martinez amending the
Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning the E 2/3
of Lot 2, Block 2165A, and Lots 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11 and 12, Block 1480, Eastern
Division, located at the 2600 block of Diaz Street, from R-2 (Multi-Family
Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business 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 the E 2/3 of
Lot 2, Block 2165A, and Lots 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11 and 12, Block
1480, Eastern Division, located at the 2600 block of Diaz Street, from R-2
(Multi-Family 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. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Edward Garza from Crane Engineering and representing the property
owners, appeared
and answered questions of City Council and
spoke in favor of the zone change.
Motion to close the
public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Agredano
Second: Cm.
Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Agredano
VIII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND
PRESENTATIONS
5. A. Request by Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores
1.
Discussion on a possible site to distribute compost (mulch), with
possible action.
Mayor Flores encouraged citizens to take advantage of the good
quality mulch that is available at the City’s landfill. She added that water conservation in Laredo
would be greatly aided by educating the public as to the varied uses of
mulch.
Mayor Flores asked Joe Guerra, Public Works Director, and Larry
Dovalina, Acting City Manager, to create a schedule so the city can deliver
mulch to various educational or non-profit facilities and also to assist
citizens in obtaining mulch from the landfill at no cost.
B.
Request by Council Member John C. Galo
1.
Discussion on the condition of railroad grade crossings, with possible
action.
Cm. Galo stated that that
the crossing of Monterrey and Laredo is a hazard and a safety issue.
Larry Dovalina, Acting City Manager, assured the Council that the
crossing at Monterrey and Laredo is on the Customer Complaint Report and is
currently in the process of being upgraded.
He added that the solution to railroad grade crossings is a large
process that is aggressively being pursued by City staff. He added that other options are being
explored but cannot be discussed at this time.
However, he will submit recommendations to the Council at a later
date.
Keith Selman, City Planner, reported that the state statute dictates
that the city shall deal with the crossings from tie to tie and that the state
would be responsible between ties. He
reiterated the fact that it is a slow process.
2.
Discussion on railroad companies maintenance of properties and
right-of-way,
with possible action.
Erasmo Villarreal, Community Development Director, explained that
the Code Enforcement Division is persistent in contacting the railroad
companies with a plea to maintain the properties clear of any and all
debris.
C. Request by Council
Member Eliseo Valdez, Jr.
1.
Status report on the Raquel Gonzalez Park, with possible action.
John Vidaurri, Parks and Recreation Director, announced that the
property was acquired in March of 2000 and that park crews have been placing
dirt on the site in order to achieve a final grade. The construction will take place during the next four months and
will be completed early next year. He
added that the project is a Block Grant Project.
2.
Status report on the Chaparral St. speed hump study, with possible
action.
Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, explained that staff is
currently working on gathering information for the traffic data analysis on
speed humps. He added that staff would
submit recommendations to the Council in four weeks.
Cm. E. Valdez pointed out that he wanted Chaparral
Street on the priority list for District V.
He affirmed that staff has visited with a concerned property owner
several times with ideas for slowing vehicular traffic and preventing cars from
going into their house to no avail. He
asked staff to consult with other cities to see how they slow vehicles down on
residential streets that are conducive for speeding.
3.
Discussion with possible action on conducting a traffic study on San Francisco
Ave. and Lafayette St. and Barcelona Ave. and Saunders St.
Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, mentioned that staff has begun
gathering data pertaining to the corner of San Francisco Ave. and Lafayette St.
and will have recommendations for the Council in five weeks.
4.
Status report on erosion problem between 3200 block and 3300 block of
San
Francisco St. at the Zacate Creek Linear Park, with possible action.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, stated that the construction plans
have already been submitted to Public Works.
It is just a matter of scheduling.
D. Request by Council Member Jose A. Valdez,
Jr.
1. Discussion with
possible action on the city's efforts to curb vandalism in different
areas of the city.
Agustin Dovalina, Chief of Police, asked the community to assist
in reporting vandalism so they can deter that type of criminal activity. Currently, the Police Department partnered
with the Parks and Recreation Department and Crime Stoppers Programs to set up
public service announcements. He avowed
to coordinate with the local Justice of the Peace and Municipal Court Judge to
continue to use offenders to clean up areas that are badly infected with
graffiti. Finally, he stated that the
department would identify the areas that are most prevalent so that he can
increase patrol efforts in the particular areas.
Cm. J. Valdez encouraged
citizens to report any form of vandalism so that the police department can
identify trends.
Agustin Dovalina, Chief of Police, stated that vandalism is not an
actual violation of the city ordinance but in fact, a state law. The monetary damages incurred, will
determine the degree of classification of the crime, which was committed.
John Viduarri informed the Council that the park signs are being
made by United Independent School District and that there has been a slight
delay.
Mayor Flores stated that staff should report any delays to the
Council if the project exceeds the time originally reported.
2. Discussion with
possible action on initiating a program for citizens on a fixed
income to assist in
the payment of water bill.
Cm. J. Valdez stated that his concern is to assist
the elderly that have large homes and are on a fixed income.
Larry Dovalina, Acting City Manager, informed the Council that
several staff members are working together to come up with ways to formulate
assistance for the elderly.
Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, reminded Council that the City
has a contract with Catholic Social Services who will assist in some emergency
relief for low-income residents. There
is also a deferred payment plan offered to customers with a high bill that they
cannot pay for some reason.
IX. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
None.
X. FINAL READINGS OF ORDINANCES
Internet available:
//www.cityoflaredo.com
Motion to waive the final reading of ordinances # 2000-O-206, #
2000-O-207, # 2000-O-208, # 2000-O-209, # 2000-O-210, # 2000-O-211, #
2000-O-212, # 2000-O-213, # 2000-O-214 and # 2000-O-215.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
6. 2000-O-206 Amend the City of Laredo's 1999-2000 annual
budget in the amount of
$424,000.00 for the Governor's Automobile Theft Prevention
Authority Grant. A.T.P.A. is
contributing $325,000.00, the City is designating $77,000.00 in matching funds
and Webb County is designating $22,000.00 in matching funds for a total of
$424,000.00 to fund the Laredo Auto Theft Task Force for the period of
September 1, 2000 through August 31, 2001.
(City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-206.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2000-O-207 Approval of a contract with South Central
Texas Chapter of March of
Dimes and budget in the amount of $2,990.00 for the Children's
Health Insurance Outreach Program of the City of Laredo Health Department for
the period of August 1, 2000, through December 31, 2000; and authorizing the
City Manager to make transfers within the Budget. (City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-207.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2000-O-208 Amending the City of Laredo's 1999-2000 Annual Budget to reflect
an
appropriation in Transportation Planning Funds. The appropriation of $21,039.00 comes from
the release of 1998-1999 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) unexpended
funds. (City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-208.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2000-O-210 An ordinance
authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease amendment
to the lease agreement authorized by Ordinance NO. 91-O-266 dated
December 2, 1991, and as amended by Ordinance No. 95-O-161 dated July 17, 1995,
in order to assign the lease to Josefa Lago De Sarabia, surviving wife,
successor in interest, and heir of Herculano Sarabia, deceased, for Hangar No.
162 at the Laredo International Airport, amend Section 1.02, titled
"Term" by extending the lease term for an additional six (6) years
and nine (9) months ending September 30, 2009, amend Section 1.03, titled
"Rental Obligation" by adding a clause providing for a fair market
appraisal to determine the monthly rent effective December 31, 2002, which is
the beginning of the amended lease term extension period, amend Section 1.06,
titled "Use , Use Conflict and Sublease", in order to allow Lessee to
sublease to Labata Services, and amend Section 4.08, titled
"Notices", thereby changing the name to Josefa Lago de Sarabia. All other terms and conditions remain
unchanged and in effect. (City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-210.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2000-O-211 An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to
execute all necessary
documents to effectively
convey fee simple title to the "Surface Only", at
its market value of
$38,107.00, of certain property described as a tract of
land containing
12,292.65 sq. ft., more or less, out of that former section of
the 1200 block of N.
India Ave. between the north right-of-way line of
Guadalupe Street and the
south right-of-way line of the Texas Mexican
Railroad tracks to
Heirloom Investments, L.C. (Miracle Candle Company).
Said tracts being
situated in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb
County, Texas, being
described on the City Plat; and hereby approving the
submitted Improvement
Plan, which is in compliance with Section 10 of
the Street Closing/Sales
Policy Handbook, as approved per Resolution No.
97-R-140; and providing
for an effective date. (City Council) (As
Amended)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-211.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain:
0
2000-O-212 An ordinance amending Ordinance No.
94-O-050, to reflect the new