CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
M2000-R-25
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS 78040
SEPTEMBER 18, 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, Council
Member, District I
Louis H. Bruni, Council
Member, District II
John C. Galo, Council
Member, District III
Johnny Amaya, Council Member,
District IV
Eliseo Valdez, Jr., Council
Member, District V
Joe A. Guerra, Mayor
Pro Tempore, District VI
Jose A. Valdez, Jr., Council
Member, District VII
Juan Ramirez, Council
Member, District VIII
Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City
Secretary
Larry Dovalina, Acting
City Manager
Jaime Flores, City
Attorney
IV. MINUTES
Approval of the minutes of August 7, 2000, August 10, 2000, August
14, 2000 and August 15, 2000.
Motion to approve the minutes.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
Mayor Flores announced the creation of the Rail Policy Committee
which will be composed of Cm. Jose A. Valdez, Jr. as Chair, Cm. Juan Ramirez,
and Cm. John C. Galo. She stressed that
there are many light-rail and heavy-rail issues that must be addressed in the
community, and Union Pacific will send some staff to provide input on these
freight rail matters to the newly formed committee.
Victor Jacaman announced the creation of a Trail Ride with the
cooperation of the City of Laredo to benefit the children of Laredo. The trial ride would provide a positive form
of recreation for the children. The
route to be followed by the trail riders would serve to familiarize them with Laredo as well.
Mayor Flores informed Mr. Jacaman that there is also a committee
in place composed of city staff that is working on a trail and bike route for
the community. She mentioned that the
city staff would add his name to the committee list and send him an invitation
to attend the next meeting.
Invitations
Recognitions
Communiqués
Cm.
Bruni submitted a Rain Enhancement Report from the Southwest Texas Rain
Enhancement Association for seeding flight activity of September 13, 2000. This report is available at the City Secretary’s Office for public
viewing.
Cm.
Bruni also submitted a letter addressed to Erasmo Villarreal, Cynthia Collazo,
and Arturo Garcia via e-mail by Marisela Rangel in connection with noise
abatement concerns.
Mayor Flores provided council members with a brief summary of the
matters addressed during the Conference of Mayors which she attended in Boise,
Idaho. She mentioned that there were
several important issues discussed during this Leadership Conference which she
will elaborate on in her written report to the council members.
Cm. Bruni read some of the Laredo International Airport’s
year-to-date accomplishments and activities.
·
Passenger
activity is up 5 % to 62,793 in plane passengers;
·
Air cargo
activity is up 12 % to 262 million pounds of gross landed weight;
·
Aircraft
operations are up 10 % to 44,519 operations;
·
Completed
reconstruction of the air cargo apron, several taxiways, and a portion of
runway 17R representing an investment of $4.9 million dollars;
·
Private
sector investment in the construction of four cargo facilities totaling $1.6
million dollars;
·
Private
sector investment in the construction of commercial buildings totaling almost
$1 million dollars;
·
Process two
airport improvement program grants from the Federal Aviation Administration in
the total amount of $5.2 million dollars to rehab a portion of runway 17R and
acquire a tract of land to extend our parallel taxiway;
·
Submit a
request from Federal Aviation Administration to fund an update on the PART 150
noise compatibility study;
·
Submit a
request to the Federal Aviation Administration to fund an airport Master Plan
to include medical-related use of non-aeronautical properties;
·
Creation of
the foreign trade policy and procedures to transfer foreign-trade-zone
designations within the City of Laredo; and
·
Creation of
an airport land marketing policy that enables the payment of real estate
commissions to real estate brokers whose efforts result in leasing of airport
property.
Mayor Flores heard testimony from Luis Dovalina, Laredo Police
Department President,
who spoke regarding the meeting with the Chief of Police
concerning their request for additional investigator positions. Officer Dovalina reported that the city
needs to plan ahead due to the tremendous growth the city is experiencing and
this justifies the need for more investigators’ positions due to the increase
in crime in Laredo.
Chief Agustin Dovalina reported on some of the options proposed to
the City Manager’s Office, and he recommended choosing Option B which would be
the most cost effective method to ensure that all candidates on the list are
promoted and to secure the additional sergeant positions as well.
Luis Dovalina suggested that Option A be accepted which would
require reclassification of personnel in order to increase the number of
investigators’ positions.
Acting City Manager Larry Dovalina stated that Chief Dovalina’s
proposal to the City Manager’s Office included a proposed submittal for a COPS
grant for creation of 40 additional positions for which the city has budgeted
the money. He commented that the
central issue here is that this request is being driven by the eligibility list
on which these individuals are. If
these officers do not receive a promotion at this time, they will lose their
eligibility status and will have to re-compete for the positions. Mr. Dovalina clarified some points on the
issue of annexation and the related laws that were passed. He explained that the laws state that the
city must provide comparable service to that being provided within the
community; and as long as the city provides that equal service, it does not
state that the city needs to increase public safety or any particular areas of
the budget in order to be able to annex.
Chief Dovalina affirmed that the police department does have the
adequate manpower to handle the pressing needs of the community at this time.
Officer Jorge Luna reported on the crime statistics compiled and
the level of increase in crime from July, 1999, to July, 2000.
Officer Luis Martinez stated that Option A is the best solution
for personnel as well as for the city in ensuring public safety to the
community.
Officer Anthony Carrillo spoke regarding the number of
investigators that are needed within each division. He stated that the supervisors of each separate division
recommend a minimum number of two investigators in order to adequately serve
the department.
Officer Ricardo Taguma restated the reasons why the city needs
more investigators, including the need to reduce the number of cases assigned
to the limited investigative personnel.
Motion to bring up as a secondary motion consideration of Item B
(1) from page twelve of the agenda.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore
Second: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to accept Option A
recommended by Officer Luis Dovalina.
Moved: Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 6 Against: 2 Abstain: 0
Cm.
Bruni
Cm.
Galo
June Leyendecker addressed City Council to voice her objections
over a zone designation change and to protest a paving project which bisected
her property by Springfield Avenue.
Being that Springfield Avenue is now fully paved up to Michigan Avenue
on Hilltop Road, she is concerned that this paving project will cause uneven
deterioration of the sub-base and uneven curing since the road is only
partially paved lengthwise to her property line.
She is requesting that the routing of Springfield Avenue be
carried out as it had been proposed initially by the Planning and Zoning
Department in 1991. She stated that the
originally proposed route would direct Springfield northward, which is the
preferred and logical direction for the road.
Charles Martens spoke to City Council on behalf of U.S. Filter and
Killam Ranch properties regarding the city’s secondary water source. He stated that the firm has made a
financial commitment of approximately $700,000.00 of its money to drill two
test wells in order to find out their sustainability. He emphasized that they have the resources, the easements, the
water source, etc., but they cannot take on their commitment without a Letter
of Intent from the City of Laredo.
VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES
a. Appointments by Council
Member Juan Ramirez of Rosa Elia Treviño to the Laredo
Commission for Women, Arturo Tijerina to the Planning and Zoning
Commission, Lily Perez to the Re-Districting Commission, and Richard Gentry to
the Tree Advisory Committee.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore
Guerra
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public hearing to amend
the City of Laredo FY 1999-2000 budget by appropriating
revenues and expenditures by $8,150.00 in the Convention &
Visitors Bureau Fund - Special Events budget due to receipt of donations from
the private sector for the annual City of Laredo Washington Trip to meet with
members of Congress and federal agencies and incurring expenditures associated
with said project and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the City of Laredo FY 1999-2000 budget by appropriating
revenues and expenditures by $8,150.00 in the Convention & Visitors Bureau
Fund - Special Events budget due to receipt of donations from the private
sector for the annual City of Laredo Washington Trip to meet with members of
Congress and federal agencies and incurring expenditures associated with said
project 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 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 Airport Budget to recognize
additional revenues from a grant received from the Federal
Aviation Administration being grant project no. 3-48-0136-27-00 in the amount
of $4,400,000.00 for the purpose of constructing a portion of a parallel
taxiway to Runway 17L/35R 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. 3-48-0136-27-00 in the amount of
$4,400,000.00 for the purpose of constructing a portion of a parallel taxiway
to Runway 17L/35R 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. Galo
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. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City
Council
3. 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, for use as a car lot, 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. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Fernando Limon, a family member representing Petra Limon,
requested a conditional use permit.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce as a Conditional
Use Permit with staff comments.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Amaya
4. 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. Agredano
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and table.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
5. Public hearing and
adoption of Resolution 2000-R-126 adopting the 2001-2005 Capital
Improvement Program
for the City of Laredo.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 2000-R-126
Adopting the 2001-2005
Capital Improvement Program for the City of Laredo.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Keith Selman, Planning and Zoning Director, provided a summary to
the City Council regarding proposed projects and their respective revenue
allocations. He commented that it is
the responsibility of the Planning and Zoning Commission to provide
recommendations to the City Council on the Capital Improvement Program. He mentioned that as part of the
requirements in the Capital Improvement Program process as outlined in the
Charter provisions, the Capital Improvement Program goes to the Planning and
Zoning Commission for consideration.
Mr. Selman stated that there were two public hearings held at the
Planning and Zoning Commission level over the Capital Improvement Program, and
that it is the responsibility of the commission to provide recommendations to
the City Council.
Cm. Bruni called for a motion to include in the Capital
Improvement Programs the extension of Bartlett St. from Hillside to Gale and
from Gale to Jacaman Road. Mayor Pro
Tempore Guerra stated he would second the motion provided there was a
stipulation that District VI be granted $800,000.00 for additional projects
needed.
Mayor Flores stressed that before the City Council votes on the
bond issue, she wants to make sure that the projects under the Capital
Improvement Program can be started immediately.
Cm. Bruni withdrew his motion to reserve an
additional portion of the revenues under the Capital Improvement Program for
the Bartlett St. extension.
Motion
to close the public hearing and adopt the Capital Improvement Program subject
to future revisions on the mentioned projects.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
6. Public hearing and
adoption of Resolution 2000-R-136 adopting the Comprehensive
Plan of the City of Laredo without amendment in compliance with
Article IX, Section 9.03 of the Charter of the City of Laredo.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 2000-R-136
Adopting the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Laredo without
amendment in compliance with Article IX, Section 9.03 of the Charter of the
City of Laredo.
Motion to open the
public hearing.
Moved: Cm. E.
Valdez
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public
hearing and adopt.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
7. Public hearing to
identify and grant retiree medical benefits to employees who retire
between October 1, 2000 through March 31, 2001 with the exception
of Firefighters and Police Officers who are provided for under a collective
bargaining agreement and providing for and effective date of October 1, 2000.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Identifying employees and granting retiree medical benefits to
those employees who retire between October 1, 2000 through March 31, 2001 with
the exception of Firefighters and Police Officers who are provided for under a
collective bargaining agreement and providing and effective date of October 1,
2000.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo
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. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City
Council
8. Public hearing to amend
the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances as follows: Chapter 2,
Article II, Division 6 (Pay Administration), Section 2-87.7
(12)(a) except as otherwise stated in any collective bargaining agreement and
providing for an effective date of October 1, 2000.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the City of Laredo Code of
Ordinances as follows: Chapter 2,
Article II,
Division 6 (Pay Administration), Section 2-87.7 (12)(a) except as
otherwise stated in any collective bargaining agreement and providing for an
effective date of October 1, 2000.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo
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. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City
Council
9. Public hearing to amend
the City of Laredo FY 1999-2000 Annual Budget by
appropriating Revenues and Expenditures in the Fleet Management
Fund by $240,000.00 due to the increase in fuel costs.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo's FY
1999-2000 annual budget in the amount of $240,000.00 for fuel cost increase.
Motion to open the
public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo
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. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City
Council
10.
Public hearing amending the contract with the Texas Department of Health
and budget
in the amount of
$17,139.00 for the Hepatitis C Study Project of the City of Laredo
Health Department for
the period beginning September 1, 2000 through August 31,
2001.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the contract with the Texas Department of Health and
budget in the amount of $17,139.00 for the Hepatitis C Study Project of the
City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning September 1, 2000
through August 31, 2001; and increasing revenue line item 226-0000-323-4085
from $0 to $17,139.00 and expenditure line item 226-6036 from $0 to $17,139.00.
Motion to open the
public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo
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. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City
Council
11.
Public hearing amending the contract with the Texas Department of Health
and budget
in the amount of
$2,654,500.00 to operate the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Program, and to issue
approximately $13,000,000.00 in federal food vouchers by the
City of Laredo Health
Department for the period beginning October 1, 2000, through
September 30, 2001.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the contract with the Texas Department of Health and
budget in the amount of $2,654,500.00 to operate the Women, Infants, and
Children (WIC) Program, and to issue approximately $13,000,000.00 in federal
food vouchers by the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning
October 1, 2000, through September 30, 2001; and increasing revenue line item
form the WIC Program 226-0000-323-4037 from $0 to $2,654,500.00 and expenditure
line item 226-6035 from $0 to $2,654,500.00.
Motion to open the
public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8