CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
M2000-R-24
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS 78040
SEPTEMBER 5, 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, DistrictVI
Jose Alberto Valdez, Jr., Councilmember,
District VII
Juan Ramirez, Councilmember,
District VIII
Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City
Secretary
Cynthia Collazo, Acting
City Manager
Larry Dovalina, Acting
City Manager
Jaime Flores, City
Attorney
IV. MINUTES
Approval of the minutes of July 20, 2000 and July 24, 2000.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mayor Flores asked to observe a moment of silence for the loss of
Isaac Villarreal, a Water Distribution crew member who had 28 years of service
with the City of Laredo.
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
Cm. Eliseo Valdez, Jr. provided an update on the Administrative
Services Department activities from October, 1999 through August, 2000.
Number of positions opened 347
Vacancy rate 7%
New Hires 435
Retirements 40
Firefighter/Police Entrance Examination 3
Police Promotional Exam 1
Civil Service Hearings 6
Safety Training Sessions 89
Workers Compensation Claims Processed 358
Employee Wellness Fair (City Employees) 641
Workers Compensation Consultations 281
Return to Work Evaluation 137
Pre-Employment Drug Screening 411
CDL Random Drug Screening 106
Significant projects completed:
Open Enrollment 2000 1,782 employees
Conducted Medical Benefits Rate Study
Implemented Retirement Incentive Program
Started Defensive Driving Course
Invitations
None.
Recognitions
Cm. Agredano mentioned the unfortunate
accident that took place at the Democratic headquarters yesterday where the
porch caved in. He mentioned that some
local and visiting elected officials were injured. The firefighters that were at the scene provided swift action and
medical treatment to all those who sustained injuries. Cm. Agredano thanked District Chief Johnny
Rendon, Capt. Steve Landin, Capt. David Piton, and Firefighter Jose Ochoa for
their swift and instinctive actions.
Mr.
Rolando Gallegos, from Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission,
mentioned
the
joint workshop conducted together with TxDot held at Texas A & M
International University and presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Mayor
Flores for her participation at the workshop and for supporting the efforts
of the Texas Natural Resource
Conservation Commission.
Communiqués
Cm. Amaya recommended that special
recognition be granted to Public Works Director Joe Guerra, Mr. Cedillo, along
with staff members for the outstanding work they did at the construction site
at Cedar and Kearney. Cm. Amaya also
publicly thanked Rogelio Rivera, City
Engineer, and his staff for the design
of this project and the installation of safety features at this site that all
citizens can appreciate.
Mayor
Flores pointed out that there was an article in Twin Plant News magazine
featuring Laredo’s 1,000,000th crossing of Celadon trucks through
the international bridges at the City of Laredo.
Cm.
Galo offered some comments over the letter printed in the Laredo Morning Times
that made critical remarks in regards to the Laredo Entertainment Center
project. He again maintained his
commitment to the project and his involvement in the negotiating process in
order to obtain the most favorable agreement for the citizens of Laredo. He pointed out that this is not a
money-making venture for the City of Laredo and that is why the City is not
considering handling the operations for the center.
Cm.
Guerra submitted two letters for the record.
One refers to the concerns addressed at a meeting held by Acting City
Manager Larry Dovalina, Cm. Guerra and the Trautmann Development Company. The second letter is from a constituent in
District VI concerning a law enforcement matter.
Cm.
J. Valdez, Jr. also publicly thanked Public Works Director Joe Guerra for the
fine work his department performed in the vicinity of Kazen Elementary. The placement of needed sidewalks in that
area has greatly reduced the traffic hazards previously posed to pedestrians.
VI. APPOINTMENTS
TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public hearing to adopt
the Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2000-2001 by appropriating
the estimated revenues and balances reported therein for the year
beginning October 1, 2000 and ending September 30, 2001, consistent with the
financial plan described in said Annual Budget; and authorizing the City
Manager to implement said Annual Budget.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Adopting the Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2000-2001 by
appropriating the estimated revenues and balances reported therein for the year
beginning October 1, 2000 and ending September 30, 2001, consistent with the
financial plan described in said Annual Budget; and authorizing the City
Manager to implement said Annual Budget.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Luis Dovalina , Laredo Police Officers Association President,
outlined the reasons why the Laredo
Police Department needs more investigators.
He mentioned the continued growth in population as one reason. Crime statistics also show that crimes such
as burglaries and robberies are on the rise locally. He mentioned that increased community involvement in reporting of
crime also justifies the need for more investigators in order to conduct the
lengthy investigations that follow once a crime has been reported. Heavier caseloads create more backlog due to
the lack of sufficient investigative personnel in child abuse case referrals
which have to be investigated. Mr.
Dovalina stated that he is addressing City Council in an effort to obtain the
City Council’s full support of this request.
Cm. Agredano agreed that there is a heavy backlog of police cases
that cannot be handled quickly due to the shortage of investigators within the
department.
Chief Dovalina addressed the City Council and requested the
opportunity to meet with the LPOA president in order to discuss alternatives
available to personnel. He pointed out
that there is a list of officers that will be eligible for promotion, but noted
that there are not enough positions to accommodate all the officers who will
become eligible. He acknowledged that
there is a limited number of positions available, but offered that there are
some vacancies in the next higher positions which are sergeants positions.
Cm. Galo asked whether
there were monies within the department’s budget that could be
transferred over to personnel. Chief
Dovalina stated that they are limited in funds in all aspects and that they
have also utilized Trust Fund monies to purchase equipment that is currently in
use by the department.
Acting City Manager Cynthia Collazo recommended that the City
Council allow Officer Dovalina to meet with the Police Chief and allow them the
opportunity to work out some of these concerns and thereafter meet with
management.
Heberto Ramirez, Budget Director, provided a summary of the
motions that were made at the budget workshops. He went on to report that there was one amendment that was
needed, an additional $100,000.00 that was left outside of the third party
funding allocation. He proposed to
City Council that they approve the $100,000.00 reduction from various city
departments to deal with this adjustment.
Motion to make the necessary changes to the Annual Budget for
Fiscal Year 2000-2001 as described by Heberto Ramirez.
Motion: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
2. Public hearing to amend
the City of Laredo FY 1999-2000 Budget in the amount of
$20,000.00 for the Children's Dental Health Program of the City of
Laredo Health Department to reflect an amendment to the contract with the Texas
Health Science Center at Houston Dental Branch for the period beginning August
1, 2000 through July 31, 2001.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the City of Laredo FY 1999-2000 Budget in the amount of
$20,000.00 for the Children's Dental Health Program of the City of Laredo
Health Department to reflect an amendment to the contract with the Texas Health
Science Center at Houston Dental Branch for the period beginning August 1, 2000
through July 31, 2001; and increase revenue line item 226-0000 from $0 to
$20,000 and expenditure line item 226-6301 from $0 to $20,000.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Amaya
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:
City Council
3. Public hearing to amend
the City of Laredo FY 1999-2000 Airport Budget to recognize
additional revenues from a grant received from the Federal
Aviation Administration being grant project no. 3-48-0136-26-00 in the amount
of $849,845.00 for the purpose of rehabilitating a portion of Runway 17R/35L and
for the purpose of acquiring a parcel of land to expand the Runway Protection
Zone to Runway 35L and appropriating said grant revenue and local match to the
appropriate expenditure accounts and authorizing the City Manager to implement
said budget amendment.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the City of Laredo FY 1999-2000 Airport Budget to
recognize additional revenues from a grant received from the Federal Aviation
Administration being grant project no. 3-48-0136-26-00 in the amount of
$849,845.00 for the purpose of rehabilitating a portion of Runway 17R/35L and
for the purpose of acquiring a parcel of land to expand the Runway Protection
Zone to Runway 35L and appropriating said grant revenue and local match to the
appropriate expenditure accounts and authorizing the City Manager to implement
said budget amendment.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
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. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City
Council
4. Public hearing for the
adoption of a tax rate of $0.576358/$100 value with a
Maintenance Operation rate of $0.417755/$100 and an Interest and
Sinking fund rate of $0.158603/$100.
Motion to set a date of September 18, 2000 to introduce an ordinance for
the adoption of the tax rate.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Cm. Bruni commented that Sergio Delgado, Chief Appraiser, has been
doing an excellent job in providing information to the various taxing entities
and that his department is running very efficiently.
Cm. Guerra responded to Cm. Bruni’s remarks by commenting that
there are several realtors in town that are not very satisfied with Mr.
Delgado’s performance.
Motion to close the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
5. Public hearing of an
ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 1999-2000 budget by
transferring the revised budget from General Fund Improvements
Other than Building in the amount of $125,000.00 and Professional Services in
the amount of $134,784.00 for the Skate Board Park in order for monies not to
lapse and completion of project to continue and be finalized in FY 2000-2001
and authorizing the City Manager to implement said Budget.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
An ordinance amending the City of Laredo
FY 1999-2000 budget by transferring the
revised budget from General Fund Improvements Other than Building
in the amount of $125,000.00 and Professional Services in the amount of
$134,784.00 for the Skate Board Park in order for monies not to lapse and
completion of project to continue and be finalized in FY 2000-2001 and
authorizing the City Manager to implement said Budget.
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.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
VIII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND
PRESENTATIONS
6. A. Request by Council Member Louis H. Bruni
1.
Discussion with possible action updating the FAR PART 150 Airport Noise
Compatibility Study.
Cm. Bruni commented that this Airport Noise
Compatibility Study which was commissioned back in 1992, had undergone review
by different citizens’ committees and was finally completed in 1994. This study covers information on noise
abatement and he suggested that Mr. Jose Flores provide a copy of said study to
the new council members. He stated that
the noise contour lines have deviated from the contour lines outlined in this
report. He also mentioned that he would
like to receive guidance from the Federal Aviation Administration in addressing
this concern.
Jose
Flores, Airport Director, reported that he visited with the Federal Aviation
Administration in Ft. Worth on August
29, 2000. Also present at that meeting
were Acting City Manager Cynthia Collazo and Erasmo Villarreal who are
assisting him with the implementation of the PART 150 acquisition program with the
Federal Aviation Administration.
He stated that the Federal Aviation Administration is supporting the
city in updating its airport PART 150 study.
He emphasized to them the fact that this study worked with 1992 and 1993
data to determine the noise-impacted areas; and since then, the city has had
substantial increase in airport operations.
With that increase, it is possible that noise contours could have
shifted thus affecting more of the residents that reside near the airport. The FAA is also supporting the city in
producing a master plan for the aeronautical areas of the airport.
2.
Discussion on processing a rezoning on those properties in the proximity
to the
proposed UISD Sports
Facility at the intersection of the Bob Bullock Loop and
State Highway 359 from
M-1 to B-4, with possible action.
(Co-sponsored by
Council Member Alfredo
Agredano)
Keith
Selman, Planning and Zoning Director, recommended that the City Council direct
his staff to bring back a zone change recommendation because of the public
hearing process.
Mayor
Flores agreed that his department should bring back recommendations regarding
the proposed change.
Cm.
Bruni requested that his staff prepare a map of the area that encompasses this
proposed sports facility with all the M-1’s that have been approved within a
one-mile radius. He wants to know what
the impact would be if the city were to have a chemical spill in the vicinity.
Motion
to request the Planning and Zoning Department to submit a staff report to City
Council providing all the relevant information.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
B. Request by Council Member Johnny Amaya
1.
Status report on the Operation Clean Up Program with possible action.
Cm.
Amaya requested an update as to when District IV is scheduled for this project.
Erasmo
Villarreal stated that he has been in contact with the Public Works Department
and was told that they should be ready to start with Operation Clean-Up again
by October 11. He also mentioned that
District IV would be the first area to be scheduled for clean up.
2. Status report on the
number of junk vehicles tagged by Code Enforcement during
the recent detail
coverage in District IV.
Erasmo
Villarreal reported that Code Enforcement officers went out on August 14, 2000,
to a targeted area and they tagged 23 junked vehicles. To date, only eight vehicles have been
removed by property owners. He
mentioned that they did have one address that had ten vehicles on it. At this particular address, the property
owner has removed four of the ten vehicles and he is in the process of removing
the remaining six out. He is expecting
to have full compliance by property owners within the next 10 to 15 days.
Cm.
Agredano asked what the normal procedure is once a vehicle has been tagged by
Code Enforcement officers.
Erasmo
Villarreal replied that the normal procedure is that once the vehicles get
tagged or the owner receives notice in the mail, the vehicle owners have ten
days to comply. If the property owner
and the vehicle owner is the same person, his department has to send them a
certified letter to remove the vehicle within ten days or if not, to cover the
vehicle so it will not continue to be a nuisance.
Cm.
E. Valdez, Jr. mentioned that there are problems also with trailers that are
utilized to haul trash to the landfill.
He stated that people park these vehicles on the right-of-ways and leave
them there for weeks until the people are ready to take the trash to the
landfill. He recommended having these
vehicles tagged as well.
Erasmo
Villarreal suggested that Code Enforcement officers could stop by and speak to
the owners to see if they would voluntarily comply with the request. If not, then the police department would
have to intervene.
Cm.
J. Valdez, Jr. inquired about the tractor-trailers that are parking on private
property by Quail Creek Drive.
Acting
City Manager Cynthia Collazo mentioned that Cm. Bruni had brought this to the
City Manager’s Office attention a few months ago. There have been some developments since then, mainly the
formation of a Task Force composed of
Police Chief Dovalina as well as Erasmo Villarreal, Keith Selman, Jose
Flores, and Peter Behrman. Mrs.
Collazo stated that the Task Force met last week with the Traffic Advisory
Committee and they have asked the committee members for comments and
suggestions. The committee has
assigned one member to work in conjunction with the Task Force in order to come
up with some practical solutions. They
are requesting feedback from the transportation industry as well to make sure
that they would also buy into the process.
Mayor
Flores inquired whether the City Manager’s Office had a status report on the
building of proposed truck stops in the city.
Cynthia
Collazo stated that no one from the private sector has stepped up with a
specific proposal. She mentioned that
she had spoken to John Adams from Laredo Development Foundation over this
concern. He indicated that there were
two or three interests there and it appeared they would submit a proposal in
the near future.
C. Request by Council Member
Eliseo Valdez, Jr.
1. Presentation by Officer
Luis E. Dovalina, President of the Laredo Police Officers'
Association, regarding the City Employee Retirement Benefit
Package, proposing a number of ideas that would allow for the creation of a
better benefits package for every city employee.
Luis Dovalina spoke as a representative for all city
employees. He read a prepared
statement to give the City Council background information regarding the
employees’ retirement system.
“In order to be able to increase the retirement system plan, we
must know where it comes from and where we would want it to be. We also need to be aware of the costs in the
future. If we wait any longer, the
costs will go up. Just like with construction
costs, the more you wait the more the cost goes up. And the reality of the retirement system improving becomes even
dimmer each year.
The retirement system started back in 1978 for police officers and
the rest of the city employees joined in 1983.
The retirement system for fire fighters started some time around 1948. That is why their retirement system is
better than the rest of the city employees’.
The fire fighters’ system is a system of its own and it was adopted
through the legislative action. We, the rest of the city employees, fall under
the Texas Municipal Retirement System known as TMRS. It has its own rules and regulations. The maximum benefit currently allowed by law is 21% contribution: 7 % employee and 14 % employer rates of contribution. We are currently at 5% and 10% rates of
contribution.
What does this mean in the form of a monthly paycheck for a city
retiree? As of July, 1999, the average
monthly salary was $448.56, with the proposed change of the 1.89% increase of
the consumer price index, it will increase by $8.46 more, increasing it to
$452.02 a month. Now, this is not
enough money to make a living on. If
you rent, you cannot afford it since most of the rent on a house or an apartment is approximately $400 to $500 a
month. One has to pay for electric,
water, gas bills, groceries, clothing, and how about automotive repair
bills. Now, I am not talking about
luxury items, I am talking about the things one needs to get around in Laredo
and survive. This is after putting
twenty-five to thirty years of service for the City of Laredo and glad to have
served the City of Laredo. What do we reward
them with? Well, some of the retirees
will qualify for social security benefits; but how about those that do not
qualify?
My quest is not one of luxury items. What I hope to accomplish is to give the retirees a little more
of what they gave to us. What does one
get from the city when one retires? A
plaque that gives thanks to his/her for the years of service.
Many things have happened.
Administrative Service Director Dan Migura talked about a plan for last
year’s budget. But that is where it was
left – forgotten. During our contract
negotiations, we talked about creating a city committee, which would look at
other cities and how we compare with them in benefits. Even then, the city representatives stated
“if” they established a committee. I
cannot stand around and wait to see “if it happens” and “if there is funding”,
we will go to 7% and 14% rate of contributions. We need to go forward and find or put aside some monies from
savings or projects or however the city government wants to put this plan of
action into play.
In comparing other cities with ours, we fall behind them. It does not matter that we are the second
fastest growing city in the nation, or that we are the largest inland port in
the world. That does not put bread on
the table for the retiree that worked
for the city or that helped in bringing forward these accomplishments for the
city. They were part of the link that
made Laredo what we are now. The future
lies in front of us, and we must take care of those who wish to serve our
community, who gave most of their lives working, and not be able to reap the
fruits of their labor.
There are approximately 230 cities within the TMRS group plan that
are currently at a better rate. There
are 162 cities at the 7 % and 14 % rate; 10 cities are at the 7 % and 10 ½ %
rate; 46 cities are at the 6 % and 12 % rate; and 12 cities are at the 6 % and
9 % rate. That leaves approximately 489
cities at the 5 % and 10 % rate or less.
Most of the cities that have a better rate than Laredo are of a smaller
population than Laredo.
We need the change before the cost will get so high that we can
never improve the retirement system.
What does the city have to gain from all of this? Well, it takes approximately 3 and one half
to five years to see any significant change in our system. What will happen then, the work force for
the city will change, you will get employees to retire and young and healthy
employees will come to work for the City of Laredo, bring health costs down for
the City of Laredo employees’ benefits.
This would create a better and improved workforce.”
Dan
Migura, Administrative Services Department Director, addressed the City Council
and stated that the Health and Benefits committee met earlier in the day and
the council committee agreed to direct staff to establish a committee to
further address the concerns pointed out by Officer Luis Dovalina. This committee will report to council
committee on January 1, 2001 with a proposed plan that would look at options as
to how they can settle these issues.
IX. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
7. An ordinance closing as
a public easement that section of the 1900 block of Poggenpohl
Street between Sta. Rita and Vidaurri Avenues situated in
the Western Division, City of
Laredo, County of
Webb, Texas and providing for an effective date.
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
X. FINAL READINGS OF ORDINANCES
Internet Available: //wwwcityoflaredo.com
Motion to waive final reading of
ordinances # 2000-O-218 and # 2000-O-219.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
8. 2000-O-218 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 adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-218.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2000-O-219 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 adopt
Ordinance # 2000-O-219.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XI. RESOLUTIONS
9. 2000-R-125
A resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant, if offered,
from the Federal Aviation
Administration Airport Improvement Program
in the amount of
$4,500,000.00 for the purpose of constructing a portion
of parallel taxiway to
Runway 17L/35R. The City's ten (10%)
percent
local match for this
project in the amount of $500,000.00 is available in
the Airport Land
Reimbursement Account.