CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2000-R-26

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

SEPTEMBER 25, 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

            Louis H.  Bruni,                                                                        Council Member, District II

            Eliseo Valdez, Jr.,                                                                     Council Member, District V

            Joe A.  Guerra,                                                                         Council Member, District VI

            Jose A.  Valdez, Jr.,                                                                 Council Member, District VII

            Gustavo Guevara, Jr.,                                                               City Secretary

            Cynthia Collazo,                                                                       Acting City Manager

            Larry Dovalina,                                                                         Acting City Manager

            Jaime Flores,                                                                            City Attorney

 

IV.       MINUTES

 

            None

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

Announcements

 

Invitations

 

Recognitions

 

a.  The Laredo Fire Department would like to recognize Mr. Efrain Garcia for his unselfish

efforts in providing aid and comfort to the family of the September 3, 2000 accident on the IH-35 southbound lane, working with the Emergency Medical Service personnel.  Mr. Garcia, a Certified Paramedic, rendered assistance in providing scene assessment and vital information to firefighters and paramedics responding.

 

 

 

Tomas Ramirez, Fire Chief, introduced Efrain Garcia, a certified paramedic, who provided aid and comfort to the family that was involved in a car accident on IH-35 on September 3, 2000.  He added that for five years Efrain Garcia has been instrumental in training other Emergency Medical Service on his off-duty time. 

 

Communiqués

 

a.  A presentation by Ceara Byrne, Secretary of the Red Cross Youth Organization on the

Sign On, Live On Project which will be sponsored by the American Red Cross, on October 28, 2000.

 

Ceara Byrne read the following letter:

 

Hello, my name is Ceara Byrne, I am Secretary of the Red Cross Youth Organization and a senior at St. Augustine High School.  I have organized a project concerning the “Sign On, Live On” Program that was originally created by the American Red Cross.  The Sign On, Live On Program is designed to promote the awareness of organ and tissue donation.  Tonight we are here to officially start the project off.

 

The aim of the project is to hand our donor cards to as many people in Laredo as we can on ‘Make a Difference Day’, which is Saturday, October 28, 2000.  I have gathered together representatives from the seven high schools in Laredo, and we are preparing to invite the students from each of the high schools to volunteer for the project.  We hope to have the 100 students from each school.  With the help of these 700 volunteers we anticipate reaching out to 35,000 people in our community.

 

This project is very important to our society.  At the moment we have a five-month old baby girl waiting for a new heart. There are so many people in our city who are in need of organs or in need of tissue.  We lost a friend this past summer because she could not get a bone marrow match.  With the grace of God, this project will be successful. That will be one person who has been given the opportunity to live despite the challenges that have occurred.

 

Without the effort of the representatives behind me, and my brothers, James and John, this program would not have been possible.  I thank them for their help and participation in getting this organized.  I would also like to thank Mr. Carlos Luna of Wal-Mart for his generous grant to help offset expenses, Joseph Mendiola, and the City of Laredo Parks and Recreation Department for allowing us to use the Hillside Recreation Center for our meetings.  I thank Ms. Debra Murphy and Ms. Lucy O’Barr of the Red Cross for their  support as well.  I thank you Mayor Flores, for inviting us here this evening, and I thank you all for your time.  I extend an invitation for you all to join us.  Hopefully, this will be a very successful event.  Thank you and have a good night.

 

b.   Mayor Flores read a proclamation claiming September 17th thru September 25th as

      Constitution Week.  

 

 

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

            None

 

VII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1.  Public hearing concerning an application by Leticia Quintana authorizing the

amendment of a Conditional Use Permit for a flower shop by removing the time restriction on Lot 10, Block 712, Eastern Division, located at 220 S. Loring Ave.  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended a two (2) year extension of the Conditional Use Permit.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing the amendment of a Conditional Use Permit for a flower shop to remove time restriction on Lot 10, Block 712, Eastern Division, located at 220 S. Loring Ave.; providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

                 Second:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

                 For:     4                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and extend the Conditional Use Permit for a total of  

six years and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

                 Second:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

                 For:     4                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Bruni

 

2.  Public hearing concerning an application by Seymon Deutsch amending the Zoning

Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 14.875 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located west of Springfield Rd. and north of Mann Rd. from R-1 (Single Family Residential District), R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District), B-1R (Limited Office/Residential District) to B-1 (Limited 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 14.875 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located west of Springfield Rd. and north of Mann Rd. from R-1 (Single Family Residential District), R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District), B-1R (Limited Office/Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Business District); providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

                 Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

                 For:     4                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ron Whitehawk asked the Council to concur with Planning and Zoning.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

                 Second:  Cm.  Bruni

                 For:      4                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

 

3.  Public hearing concerning an application by Aaron Mendoza, Entice Custom Homes

amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 11 and 12, Block 10, Crown Ridge Subdivision, Phase 5, located at 410 and 412 Northstar Rd. from B-3 (Community Business District) to R-1 (Single Family Residential 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 Lots 11 and 12, Block 10, Crown Ridge Subdivision, Phase 5, located at 410 and 412 Northstar Rd. from B-3 (Community Business District) to R-1 (Single Family Residential District); providing for publication and effective date. 

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

                 Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

                 For:     4                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

                 Second:  Cm.  Bruni

                 For:     4                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

 

4.  Public hearing concerning  an application by San Isidro Monarch, Ltd., amending the

Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 9.0 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located east of Monarch Dr. (proposed) and south of Loop 20 from AG (Agricultural 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 9.0 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located east of Monarch Dr. (proposed) and south of Loop 20 from AG (Agricultural District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

                 Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

                 For:     4                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ron Whitehawk, representing Sherffey Engineering, spoke in favor of the zone change.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

                 Second:  Cm.  Bruni

                 For:     4                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

 

5.  Public hearing concerning an application by Daniel Lopez, La Roca Restaurant

amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 2.0069 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located east of McPherson Rd. and south of Jacaman Rd. from AG (Agricultural District) to B-3 (Community Business District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of proposed zone change.  

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 2.0069 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located east of McPherson Rd. and south of Jacaman Rd. from AG (Agricultural District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

                 Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

                 For:     4                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

                 Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

                 For:     4                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Bruni

 

6.  Public hearing concerning an application by Butch Haynes amending the Zoning

Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 1,2,3,4 and W1/2 of 5, Block 1082, Eastern Division located at 609 Buena Vista Ave. from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the proposed zone change.  This is an appeal from an unfavorable recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 1,2,3,4 and W1/2 of 5, Block 1082, Eastern Division located at 609 Buena Vista Ave. from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential District); providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

                 Second:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

                 For:     4                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Butch Haynes, property owner, appealed to the Council for a zoning change approval to

place manufactured homes on the property.

 

Ricardo Garcia spoke against the zone change request because he did not want to see mobile homes at the site.

 

Mrs. Duncan spoke against mobile homes in her neighborhood.

 

Margarita Gonzalez spoke against the zone change. 

 

Motion to close the public hearing and concur with Planning and Zoning to deny the zone change request.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

                 Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

                 For:     4                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

  

7.  Public hearing concerning an application by Holding Institute, Inc., amending the

Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning all of Block 200, Western Division located at 1102 Santa Maria Ave., from R-O (Residential/Office District) to CBD (Central 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 all of Block

200, Western Division located at 1102 Santa Maria Ave., from R-O (Residential/Office District) to CBD (Central Business District); providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to table.

 

Moved:  Cm  Bruni

Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

For:     4                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

8.  Public hearing concerning an application by Lauro and Olga Villarreal amending the

Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 4 and the W1/2 of Lot 5, Block 1394, Eastern Division, located at 2417 Kearney St., from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the proposed zone change.  This is an appeal from an unfavorable recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 4 and the W1/2 of Lot 5, Block 1394, Eastern Division, located at 2417 Kearney St., from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential District); providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

                 Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

                 For:     4                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Mrs. Olga Villarreal, petitioner, asked approval for the zone change to build a second

home.

 

Keith Selman, City Planner, stated that a one-house dwelling is allowable.  However, if the applicant constructs two separate attached dwellings, they shall be classified as a duplex, which would require an R-2 type zoning. 

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and send back to Planning and Zoning.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

                 Second:  0

                 For:                                                Against:                                                Abstain:  0

 

                 This item was sent back to staff.

   

9.  Public hearing concerning an application by Rodolfo Garcia amending the Zoning

Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 13.44 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located west of Mines Rd. and south of Flecha Ln., from AG (Agricultural District) and B-3 (Community Business District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing 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 13.44 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located west of Mines Rd. and south of Flecha Ln., from AG (Agricultural District) and B-3 (Community Business District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District); providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

                 Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

                 For:     4                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ron Whitehawk, representing the property owner, asked the Council to concur with the Planning and Zoning recommendation and allow this property to be used to its highest and best use. 

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

                 Second:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

                 For:     4                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  J. Valdez

 

          10.  Public hearing concerning an application by Olga de los Santos amending the Zoning

     Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 2, 4, 6, and the S1/3 of 8, Block 

     947, Western Division, located at 3701 Davis St. from B-1 (Limited Business District) to 

     B-3 (Community Business District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission

     recommended denial of the proposed zone change.  This is an appeal from an

     unfavorable recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission.         

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 2, 4, 6, and the S1/3 of 8, Block 947, Western Division, located at 3701 Davis St. from B-1 (Limited Business District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to table.

 

Moved:  Cm. J. Valdez

                 Second:  Cm.  Bruni

                 For:     4                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

    

           11.  Public hearing concerning an application by Gerardo G. Salinas amending the Zoning

     Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 7, Block 2, Hilltop Subdivision,

     Phase II, located at 7302 Wagner Ct. from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-3

     (Community Business District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended

     denial of the proposed B-3 zoning and approval of a B-1 zoning.  This is an appeal from

     an unfavorable recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 7, Block 2, Hilltop Subdivision, Phase II, located at 7302 Wagner Ct. 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.  Bruni

                 Second:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

                 For:     4                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Edward Gutierrez, representing the property owner, appeared before Council requesting  

a B-1 zone change. 

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce as a B-1.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

                 Second:  Cm.  Bruni

                 For:     3                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  1

                                                                                                                                    Cm.  Guerra

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

 

          12.  Public hearing concerning     an application by Vaquillas Development, Ltd. amending the

     Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 2.79 acres, as further

     described by metes and bounds, located south of S.H. 359 and east of Concord Hills

     Blvd. from R-1A P.U.D. (Single Family Reduced Area Planned Unit Development) to

     B-3 (Community Business District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission

     recommended denial of the proposed B-3 zoning and approval of a B-1 zoning.  This is

     an appeal from an unfavorable recommendation from the Planning and Zoning

     Commission.

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

     Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 2.79 acres, as 

     further described by metes and bounds, located south of S.H. 359 and east of Concord

     Hills Blvd. from R-1A P.U.D. (Single Family Reduced Area Planned Unit Development)

     to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

                 Second:  Cm.  Ramirez

                 For:     4                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Edward Garza, on behalf of Vaquillas Development, spoke in favor of a B-1 zoning.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce as recommended by staff as a B-1.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

                 Second:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

                 For:     4                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Bruni

 

          13.  Public hearing concerning an application by Vaquillas Development, Ltd. amending the

        Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 0.931 acres, as further

     described by metes and bounds, located south of S.H. 359 and east of Concord Hills  

     Blvd.  from R-1A P.U.D. (Single Family Reduced Area Planned Unit Development) to

     B-3 (Community Business District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission

     recommended denial of the proposed B-3 zoning and approval of a B-1 zoning.  This is

     an appeal from an unfavorable recommendation by the Planning and Zoning

     Commission.

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 0.931 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located south of S.H. 359 and east of Concord Hills Blvd. from R-1A P.U.D. (Single Family Reduced Area Planned Unit Development) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

                 Second:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

                 For:    4                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Edward Garza, on behalf of Vaquillas Development, spoke in favor of a B-1 Zoning.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce as a B-1.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

                 Second:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

                 For:     4                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Bruni

 

          14.  Public hearing concerning an application by Kent Martin amending the Zoning

        Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 1 and 2, Block 294, Eastern

        Division, located at 301 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 and approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a used

        car lot.  This is an appeal from an unfavorable