CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2000-R-27

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

OCTOBER 2, 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

            Cynthia Collazo,                                                           Acting City Manager

            Jaime Flores,                                                                City Attorney

 

Motion to excuse Cm.  Agredano, Cm.  Amaya, Cm.  Galo, and Cm.  Ramirez for the September 25, 2000 meeting.

 

            Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

            Second:  Cm.  Bruni

            For:    4                                                Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

IV.       MINUTES

 

Approval of the minutes of August 21, 2000.

 

            Motion to approve.

           

            Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

            Second:  Cm.  Agredano

            For:     8                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

Announcements

 

            Mayor Flores announced that October has been declared Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  She commented that if people look at the statistics, 182,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year alone.  She urged all women to consider getting an examination. 

 

            Cm. Bruni stated that he has seen the devastating effects of breast cancer first hand.  His wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in May, 1999, and luckily she caught it early enough to where she was able to treat it successfully through surgical intervention and chemotherapy.   He urged all women to follow the advice of the breast cancer awareness group and get examined.

 

            Mayor Flores read a portion of an article from a Sydney, Australia newspaper which mentions the City of Laredo, Texas.  The article was spotlighting Angel Perez, a Pan-American champion in kayaking who competed in this year’s Olympic Games.  The athlete reportedly arrived in the United States via Laredo, Texas, by crossing the Rio Grande River.   

           

            Mayor Flores provided an update on the bridge revenues and for fiscal year-to-date accomplishments.

 

            Revenues are up from last year by 10 % or $2,416,430.00.  Revenues are exceeding this year’s  budget to actual revenues by 6 % or $1,101,838.00 and are projected to finish out this fiscal year at a record $28,721,811.00, which will be $1,232,000.00 over the bridge system’s  projections. 

 

            Commercial traffic is up by 12 % from last year.  Non-commercial traffic is up by 4 % from last year.  Pedestrian traffic is up by 3 % from last year.  The weigh-in motion system has been in operation at the four operational lanes at the World Trade Bridge and the two operational lanes at the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge since April 15, 2000.  The target date for the automated vehicle identification system is January 1, 2001.  Also, the target date for the Customer Service Centers will be January 1, 2001, and is on schedule.

 

            The marketing program, which coincides with the bridge system’s AVI and weigh-in motion and servicecenters, is on schedule.  Opening of the Administration Building at the World Trade Center is on schedule for October 9, 2000.  The maintenance on-line management systems (MOMS) is 80% complete and on schedule to be fully operational by January 1, 2001.  The digital visual auditing system is 60% complete and also on schedule.  The bridge system’s fiber connection to all four international bridges is on schedule for January 1, 2001.   The selling of the bridge transponders is on schedule for January 1, 2001.  The bridges would stop selling and accept coupons in lanes as of March 2, 2001.  The target date for final acceptance of all systems to be fully operational at all bridges will be March 2, 2001.

 

            Mayor Flores commended the Acting City Managers, the Systems Director and their staff for the excellent customer service they provide and for working closely with all the federal agencies in order to provide good customer service.

           

 

Invitations

 

Mayor Flores read the following letter from Edna Garcia, Secretary for the Red Ribbon Coalition:

 

Dear Mayor:

 

I would like to extend an invitation to you and the council members to join the annual Red Ribbon Campaign.  The coalition will kick off their activities with a parade rally on Tuesday, October 3, 2000, at 5:00 p.m.  We would like to have all city officials help us kick this off at the steps of City Hall on that day with a proclamation.  We would then proceed to Los Dos Laredos Park for the official presentation and rally.  At the rally, we will have literature and promotional items for all the attendees.    There will be refreshments, games, and fun for everyone.  The event is scheduled to conclude at 8:30 p.m.  The coalition members are working hard to put together last minute arrangements.  We would like to know if this is an available date and if you would honor us all with your presence.

 

Signed by Edna Garcia

 

Recognitions

 

None.

 

Communiqués

 

Dr. Eusebio Hector Gonzalez Quiroga, Mayor from the City of Lampazos de Naranjo, Nuevo Leon, along with a delegation, joined Mayor Flores and the Council Members in establishing a sister city affiliation between the City of Lampazos de Naranjo, Nuevo Leon, Mexico and the City of Laredo. (presentation was given in Spanish).

 

Dr. Ruperto Gonzalez Martinez, President of the National Association of Sister Cities, made a brief presentation to welcome and recognize the City of Laredo as a sister city with the City of Lampazos de Naranjo, Nuevo Leon.

 

Motion to accept the City of Lampazos, Nuevo Leon, as a sister city.

 

Moved:  Cm. Jose A. Valdez, Jr.

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:     8                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Mayor Flores endorsed the creation of a Sister City affiliation between the City of Laredo, Texas, and the City of Lampazos, Nuevo Leon, and read the proclamation making a declaration to that effect.

 

Motion to move presentation by the Mexican Consulate under Communiques.

 

            Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

            Second:  Cm. Amaya

            For:     8                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Daniel Hernandez-Joseph, Mexican Consul, made a presentation explaining the functions and duties of the Mexican Consulate Office in Laredo and to make the community aware of the types of services his office provides.  He mentioned that originally the Mexican Consulate Office was created to deal with issues of immigration and law enforcement and to assure the proper communications and cooperation between authorities at all levels of government.  He stated that a primary function of the agency, as a representative of the Mexican federal government, is to serve as a liaison between the United States and Mexico on important border issues.  He provided as an example his office’s assistance in coordinating the communications process regarding the new bridge and clearance of the federal debt owed to the City of Laredo to ensure the rapid completion of said bridge.  

 

Mr. Jerome Jordan, Chairman of the Board for the Mexican Cultural Institute, read a letter addressed to Mayor Flores and the Council Members.

 

Honorable Mayor and Council Members:

 

It is with a deep sense of gratitude and pleasure that I will reflect on Fiestas Patrias, Laredo’s celebration of Mexico’s Independence on the diez y seis de septiembre.  Our colorful history, unique culture, and proud Hispanic heritage were celebrated by over 3,500 guests at San Agustin Plaza, Laredo’s most beautiful and significantly historic area.  Thank you, Mayor Flores, and members of the Council for your assistance in the festival that was attended and enjoyed by Laredoans of all ages and from all walks of life.  The Instituto Cultural Mexicano de Laredo is honored to have participated with you in providing this celebration of our heritage for the people of this fine city.

 

Signed by the Mexican Cultural Institute

 

Thomas H. Armbruster, American Consul, provided a summary of his functions and duties as a diplomat.  He stated that one of his primary duties is to dispense advice to the administration on matters that have a binational aspect.  One illustration of what his department does is to monitor the welfare of American citizens who may be incarcerated, to provide information to business people who are interested in investing capital, and also to register births of citizens abroad.   His office also reports on the status of the political and economic environment to the State Department to keep them abreast of ongoing border issues.   He commented that the existing border liaison mechanism is an extraordinary mechanism because it advances the issues that affect both countries, such as the mutual concerns over water along the border.  

 

 VI.      APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

a.  Appointing Patricia Vela as Lay Representative and Guillermina Montes as

    Alternate Lay Representative to the South Texas Library System for a two-year

    term (October 1, 2000 through September 30, 2002), in accordance with the Texas

    State Library and Archives Commission, Rules for Administering the Library

    System Act, Texas Administrative Code – Title 13 Part 1 Chapter 1, Section

    1.123.

 

    Motion to approve.

 

 

    Moved:  Cm.  Galo

    Second:  Cm.  Agredano

    For:     8                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

VII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1.  Public hearing to amend the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances Chapter 14 (Garbage,

     Trash, and Refuse), Article I, Section 14-3 by adding subparagraph (h) that thereby

     enables the City to assign certain households one (1) new 96-gallon roll-out refuse

     collection cart, that will remain the property of the City of  Laredo, at no charge to the

     citizens, as part of a new service enhancement, semi-automated collection pilot program;

     Establishing rates of $7.00 per month for each additional cart requested by each

     household and $50.00 for replacement of carts that are stolen, misplaced or damaged;

     Providing for severability, effective date and publication.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

                 Amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances Chapter 14 (Garbage, Trash, and

     Refuse), Article I, Section 14-3 by adding subparagraph (h) that thereby enables the City

     to assign certain households one (1) new 96-gallon roll-out refuse collection cart, that

     will remain the property of the City of Laredo, at no charge to the citizens, as part of a

     new service enhancement, semi-automated collection pilot program; Establishing rates

     of $7.00 per month for each additional cart requested by each household and $50.00 for

     replacement of carts that are stolen, misplaced or damaged; Providing for severability,

     effective date and publication.

 

     Motion to open the public hearing.

 

     Moved:  Cm.  Galo

     Second:  Cm.  Agredano

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

     Oscar Medina, Assistant Director of Public Works, reported that this pilot program would be tested in two separate residential areas of the city – one in the south side at the Santa Rita subdivision off Hwy. 83  which will cover 150 homes and the other on the north side in the Northridge-Oakridge subdivisions which will cover 705 homes.  He stated that the department would report on the results to City Council at a future date.

 

     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 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 open the public hearing.

 

     Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

     Second:  Cm.  Galo

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

     There was no public input.

 

     Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

     Moved:  Cm.  Ramirez

     Second:  Cm.  Agredano

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Ramirez

                       

3.  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 open the public hearing.

 

     Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

     Second:  Cm.  Galo

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

Ron Whitehawk, speaking on behalf of Mrs. De Los Santos, stated that the property in question has been used for approximately 25 years as commercial property.  He mentioned that the property existed prior to zoning being established within the city.  The commercial property was initially assigned a B-1 designation.   However, the property in question was incorrectly zoned when zoning was initiated and should have fallen within the category of a B-3 or B-4.  He stated that the property is totally fenced, properly paved, has always been used as commercial property, and has existed well with the surrounding residential area.  He believes the property does support a zoning change to a B-3 designation and the property can best be put to use if the zoning designation is changed from a B-1 to a B-3 designation.

 

     Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

     Moved:  Cm.  J.  Valdez, Jr.

     Second:  Cm.  Bruni

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  J.  Valdez, Jr.

 

VIII.    GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

4.  A.  Request by Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores

 

1.  Presentation by the Mexican Consul, Daniel Hernandez Joseph on the

     functions and services of the Mexican Consulate Office in the City of Laredo.

 

                             Item was discussed earlier under Communiqués.

 

2.  Presentation by the American Consul, Thomas H. Armbruster on the functions

                 and services of the American Consulate Office in Nuevo Laredo, Tamp., Mexico.

 

                             Item was discussed earlier under Communiqués.

 

                 B.  Request by Council Member  Louis H. Bruni

 

1.  Request for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code §551.074 to

deliberate the appointment or employment of the City Manager and to evaluate  

the eleven (11) following applicants for the position:

 

 1.     Melinda Calton

 2.      Mir Aref Hassan

 3.      John F. Vidaurri

 4.      Juan Garza

 5.      Richard R. Torres

 6.      Peter Maldonado

 7.      Jesus J. Amezcua

 8.      Raymond H. Kendall

 9.      James D. Minor

10.     Lazaro Dovalina

11.     Lanny Lambert

 

                        (Co-sponsored by Mayor Pro-Tempore Joe A. Guerra)

 

     Motion to go into Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code

     §551.074 to deliberate the appointment or employment of the City Manager and

     to evaluate the eleven (11) following applicants for the position:

 

 

 

 1.    Melinda Calton

 2.     Mir Aref Hassan

 3.     John F. Vidaurri

 4.     Juan Garza

 5.     Richard R. Torres

 6.     Peter Maldonado

 7.     Jesus J. Amezcua

 8.     Raymond H. Kendall

 9.     James D. Minor

10.    Lazaro Dovalina

11.    Lanny Lambert

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                             After executive session the Mayor announced that no formal action was taken.

 

Motion to instruct staff to arrange for City Council interviews of the following three applicants for the position of City Manager for the next City Council meeting:

 

                             1) Juan Garza

                             2) Lanny Lambert (if not available, then Melinda Carlton)

                             3) Larry Dovalina

                            

                             Moved:  Cm. Bruni

                             Second:  Cm. Agredano

                             For:     8                                          Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

     C.  Request by Council Member John C. Galo

 

1.  Discussion regarding amending the zoning ordinance in order to provide an

     application process for Conditional Use Permit, with possible action.

 

                             Cm. Galo mentioned he would like to have the zoning ordinance amended in order to speed up the process involved and to allow individuals to apply directly for a conditional use permit.  Rather than having them first apply for a zone change and then having them come back to meet with the Planning and Zoning staff, he would suggest that applicants be allowed to request a conditional use permit initially.

 

                             Keith Selman, Planning and Zoning Director, commented that he concurs with the recent proliferation of conditional use permits.  He stated that there is a need to incorporate some application process to allow for issuance of a conditional use permit when possible.  He mentioned that his department would have to take into account the different scenarios so that when the City Council reviews the permits, the limitations in each instance are made clear to everyone and thereby avoid the guesswork as to the types of restrictions involved.  The only problem is that each situation is unique and each application would have to be addressed individually.  He gave an example of someone coming in and applying for a used clothing warehouse as opposed to someone coming in and applying for a used car lot establishment.   Structuring the application process and determining the appropriateness of a conditional use permit would be the issues his staff would have to evaluate.

 

                             Cynthia Collazo, Acting City Manager, commented that the City Manager’s Office would review the application process currently in place and accept recommendations from the Planning and Zoning Department staff as to how the process could be streamlined.

 

                             Keith Selman also commented about two ordinances that will be presented for City Council review:  the Mobile Home Ordinance and the Buffering and Screening Ordinance.   He stated that these ordinances would be submitted to the City Council once their drafting is completed.

 

     D.  Request by Council Member Johnny Amaya

 

1.  Discussion with possible action to increase the City holidays, to match the

     same as Webb County.

 

     Dan Migura, Administrative Services Department Director, stated that following review with the City Manager’s Office, he recommends that the City Council approve adding another holiday, namely the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

 

     Beto Ramirez, Budget Director, reported that there would be no additional cost incurred under the General Fund.  The only funds affected would be the Enterprise Funds and the incurred costs would be approximately $19,975.00 for one day and approximately $39,000.00 for two days over and above what has already been budgeted.  He mentioned that these monies could be made up in line-item savings throughout the year from departmental budgets.

 

     Motion made that in addition to the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, that the city include one more holiday, namely the Friday before Easter (Good Friday).

 

     Moved:  Cm. Amaya

Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

                             For:     8                                          Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

     E.  Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez

 

1.  Discussion with possible action on changing the traffic flow on the 1900

     block of Ventura in an eastward direction.

 

     Roberto Murillo, Traffic Safety Director, reported that he has evaluated the area.  He commented that if his department considers changing the traffic flow they would also have to consider the next two blocks within the area as well.  He stated that his department would be conducting a traffic study of the 1900 block of Ventura and would introduce the related ordinance at a later date.

 

     Motion to conduct a traffic study on the traffic flow at the 1900 block of Ventura.

 

     Motion:  Cm. Ramirez

     Second:  Cm. Bruni

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                             Cm. Ramirez asked for a status report on a related traffic concern at the corner of Flores and Grant St. where the traffic signalization reads green in both directions.

 

                             Roberto Murillo, stated that that is how this particular traffic signal operates and has been operating for many years without any consequence.  He did mention that his department has received service requests for that particular intersection to establish split service there, but he explained that doing so would extend the cycle which would create delays at the intersection.

 

                             Cm. Galo inquired whether his department has had an opportunity to install a new traffic system at Matamoros St. and I-H 35 to faciliate vehicles attempting to make a left turn unto Matamoros St.

 

                             Roberto Murillo reported that his department has removed the old cabinet and placed a new controller box.  He is anticipating that TxDot will get their new controller in place soon in order to tie it in with the department’s traffic system. 

 

                             Cm. Guerra commented that there is another traffic signalization that is malfunctioning at the intersection of San Bernardo Ave. and Park St.

 

                             Roberto Murillo reported that the traffic signal at this intersection operates differently from other intersections because the signalization first accommodates the westbound traffic flow and then the eastbound traffic flow is permitted to move through the intersection.

 

                             Cm. Guerra mentioned that there is another intersection in District VI, which is Springfield Ave. and Village Boulevard, that is posing a hazard.  Even though the traffic is not heavy, there are some safety concerns for people traveling west on Village Blvd. who are attempting to make a left-hand turn unto Springfield due to the limited visibility of vehicles traveling northbound.

 

                             Roberto Murillo reported that his department had conducted a study of that particular intersection some time ago and it does warrant addressing these safety issues.  He stated that this intersection has been included as part of the Capital Improvement Plan in order to eliminate the limited visibility for vehicles traveling northbound.

 

                             Cm. Ramirez inquired as to when University Blvd. is scheduled to open.

 

                             Roberto Murillo stated that the traffic signal is already operational and the road is scheduled to open soon. 

 

                             Erasmo Villarreal, Community Development Director, reported that staff has been working on the closure of Casa Verde Road before University Blvd. can be opened to traffic.  He mentioned that his department has been waiting on the deed for the two acres that have been given over to the city for the new fire station.  The legal department informed him that they should receive an executed document by Thursday, and his department will proceed to close that intersection immediately after that. 

 

                             Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. stated that there are two intersections with high volume traffic, in particular Taylor St. at San Dario Ave. and Yeary St. at Calton Road, that he would like for the Traffic Department to focus on.    He mentioned that during the holiday period it is a problem area because of the number of strip malls in the area.  He wants some recommendations to be made and to look at the timing of those intersections because it is problematic now and he anticipates it will only get worse as the holidays approach. 

 

                             Roberto Murillo reported that his department has completed major changes at the intersection of I-H 35 and Calton Road and has come up with a new timing sequence which his department has already implemented.  

                                   

2.  Status report on the proposed parking lot in the downtown area formerly the

     customs import lot, with possible action.

 

                             Cynthia Collazo, Acting City Manager, mentioned that staff has been working with John Poland, Regional Administrator for GSA, and he has already assigned this request to his staff.  They have made an inspection of the location and have sent their contract manager down to Laredo to evaluate the area, and what remains to be worked out is the fact that the State Department will have to occupy one of the vacant buildings.