CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2000-R-28

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

OCTOBER 16, 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 Alberto Valdez, Jr.,                                               Council Member, District VII

            Juan Ramirez,                                                               Council Member, District VIII

            Gustavo Guevara, Jr.,                                                   City Secretary

            Larry Dovalina,                                                             City Manager

            Cynthia Collazo,                                                           Assistant City Manager

            Jaime Flores,                                                                City Attorney

 

IV.       MINUTES

 

Approval of the minutes of August 28, 2000 and September 5, 2000.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Amaya

Second:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

For:     7                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Cm.  Bruni not present.

 

 

 

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

Announcements

 

Mayor Flores thanked Sister Rose Mary Welch for writing a thank you letter to the Council for the Council’s decision to support Casa De Misericordia in the amount of $10,000 from the Third Party Funding.  She commended the work that Casa De Misericordia does for the community of Laredo and encouraged Laredo to support the organization. 

 

Mayor Flores informed the Council of two bills that were passed that would hurt the community of Laredo.  The first bill was Bill 4868, which was to amend harmonized traffic schedules of the United States, to temporarily modify certain rates of duty, and to make other technical amendments to the trade law for other purposes.  It was a huge customs bill.  The adversary part of the Bill was the designation of San Antonio International Airport for Customs Processing of certain private aircraft arriving into the United States. 

 

The other bill that was also passed by very large numbers was the one in which Mexico was not allowed to remove the anti-dumping laws against Mexico for cement.  This again hurts communities like Laredo who can get cement shipped directly from Mexico at lower costs.    The Mayor stated that the best way for Laredo to create a voice and be heard in the Senate is to vote. 

 

Mayor Flores asked for a moment of silence for the United Stated Navy Sailors who lost their lives aboard the USS Cole last week. 

 

Invitations

 

Danny Gunn and Selena Yates, from the Rio Grande International El Dia del Rio, thanked the Council for their continued support and invited them to attend the 6th annual Dia Del Rio Day which started October 13th thru October 20, 2000. 

 

Recognitions

 

a.  Recognition of Mr. Federico Rangel and Mr. Pablo Hernandez, City employees from the

Traffic Safety Signs Division, for their honesty in returning a briefcase containing $4,000.00 in cash and valuable jewelry to its owner.

 

Mayor Flores recognized Mr.  Federico Rangel and Mr.  Pablo Hernandez for their honesty in returning a briefcase containing $4,000 in cash and valuable jewelry to its owner.  She commented that it was a demonstration of true character, integrity and that it exemplifies qualities of a model employee and citizen of Laredo.  She stated that the Council would present the gentlemen with a hundred dollar gift certificate in appreciation for their honesty. 

 

Communiqués

 

Cm.  Bruni submitted the Southwest Texas Rain Enhancement Association Reports so that they may be reviewed by the public at the City Secretary’s Office. 

 

Cm.  Galo reported that Laredo was host to a Junior League Tennis Tournament recently at the Market Street Tennis Courts.   He added that the event was very successful with hundreds of participants from all over the state. 

 

Michael Sosa Jr., who is a supervisor of Elementary Physical Education, read the following letter: 

I am writing this letter to thank you for the use of Thomas Pool.  It enabled Laredo Independent School District to start our first swimming program.  It was a roaring success due to help of the Parks and Recreation Department.  Mr. Sergio Tijerina and his staff were very helpful, and this enabled our program to run very smoothly.

 

The Thomas Pool was kept in excellent condition for the month that we used it.  Laredo Independent School District is working towards expanding the program to use all the city pools in the Laredo Independent School District area, and I know that we will have the help and support of the council, Mr.  Trevino and his staff. 

 

Thank you,

Michael A.  Sosa Jr.,

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

            None

 

VII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1.  Public hearing to amend the City of Laredo's 2000-2001 annual budget in the amount of

$204,825.00 for the Laredo Multi-Agency Narcotics Task Force.  Funding is available from the opening balance of the Narcotics Task Force Fund (224) and will be used to pay overtime and benefits for the period of June 1, 2000 through November 30, 2000.  The Governor's Office Criminal Justice Division approved this adjustment on September 18, 2000.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the City of Laredo's 2000-2001 annual budget in the amount of $204,825.00 for the Laredo Multi-Agency Narcotics Task Force.  Funding is available from the opening balance of the Narcotics Task Force Fund (224) and will be used to pay overtime and benefits for the period of June 1, 2000 through November 30, 2000.

 

Motion to table.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

2.  Public hearing authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo's FY2000-

2001 annual budget in the amount of $200,000.00 for the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice.  This project funds the salaries, fringe benefits, overtime, and equipment for support personnel.  The U.S. Department of Justice will designate $127,955.00 and the City of Laredo will designate $72,045.00 to fund this grant from October 1, 2000 through September 30, 2002.

 

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo's FY2000-2001 annual budget in the amount of $200,000.00 for the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice.  This project funds the salaries, fringe benefits, overtime, and equipment for support personnel.  The U.S. Department of Justice will designate $127,955.00 and the City of Laredo will designate $72,045.00 to fund this grant from October 1, 2000 through September 30, 2002.

 

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 introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

3.  Public hearing amending Chapter 5.5, Ambulances Article I.-In General, of the Laredo

Code of Ordinances, by specifically amending Section 5.5-28(a) to standardize basic rates as determined by Medicare; amending Sections 5.5-28(c)(1); 5.5-28(c)(2), 5.5-28(c)(3), and 5.5-28(c)(4) and creating Section 5.5-28(e); and providing for publication and effective date of January 1, 2001.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending Chapter 5.5, Ambulances Article I. -In General, of the Laredo Code of Ordinances, by specifically amending Section 5.5-28(a) to standardize basic rates as determined by Medicare; amending Sections 5.5-28(c)(1); 5.5-28(c)(2), 5.5-28(c)(3), and 5.5-28(c)(4) and creating Section 5.5-28(e); and providing for publication and effective date of January 1, 2001.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Roger Garcia, Acting Health Director, gave a presentation before City Council.  He stated that a consultant has reviewed our diagnostic codes, transport codes and our basic rates, which have been in effect for five years, and he recommends several changes.  He added that the City should conform to Medicare’s fee rate, which will be increasing January 01, 2001.  Medicare and Medicaid payments represent 60% of the reimbursements that the city receives.  He also discussed other changes that will affect the ordinance.

 

Rosario Cabello, Finance Director, stated that the City has receivables of $7,000,000 that are 360 days and older that have not been collected.  She added that the amendment would allow staff to come back to Council with the amount that will be written off.

     

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, informed the Council that the proposed ordinance is meant to clean up the language where it deals with Medicare and Medicaid.  It will allow staff to address the remaining balance.  It will also create a position in the Finance Department as Revenue Recovery Officer who will go through all the receivables and recover as much money as possible.  

 

Mr.  Tom Waite addressed the Council stating that he disagreed with a $45 non-transport charge.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

4.  Public hearing amending Chapter 2, Article II, Division 3, Section 2-58(a), Holidays, of

the Code of Ordinances of the City of Laredo by adding two additional holidays, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the Friday before Easter Sunday, for all City of Laredo employees.  Except as otherwise stated in any collective bargaining agreement.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending Chapter 2, Article II, Division 3, Section 2-58(a), Holidays, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Laredo by adding two additional holidays, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the Friday before Easter Sunday, for all City of Laredo employees.  Except as otherwise stated in any collective bargaining agreement.

 

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.  Bruni

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

 

 

5.  Public hearing amending the City of Laredo's FY00-01 budget for the NPDES Fund to

appropriate $437,120.00 from the fund balance to award a professional services contract to Carter & Burgess, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, to provide consulting services for the Chacon Creek Flood Mitigation Project.  The project is to implement the flood protection plan developed under a grant from Texas Water Development Board.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the City of Laredo's FY00-01 budget for the NPDES Fund to appropriate $437,120.00 from the fund balance to award a professional services contract to Carter & Burgess, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, to provide consulting services for the Chacon Creek Flood Mitigation Project.

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.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

6.  Public hearing regarding the proposed substantial amendment of the 21st, 22nd, 23rd,

and 24th Action Years Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) one-year action plans, also deleting the Blaine/Milmo/Loop 20 Improvements from the 24th Action Year CDBG one year action plan and deleting the East Martin Field Improvements from the 23rd Action Year CDBG one year action plan for purpose of reprogramming funds in the amount of $150,000.00 to the 26th Action Year.  The reprogramming funds will be used for the South Laredo Pedestrian Bridge and Improvements, Al King Park Improvements, and Lafayette Overpass Pedestrian Safety Fence.

 

     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.  E.  Valdez

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

7.  Public hearing to amend the fiscal year 2001 General Fund Budget, Capital Leases Fund

and establishing a new fund, 2000 Certificate of Obligation Fund.  The proposed amendment will draw down $2,415,000.00 from General Fund and transfer $250,000.00 Capital Lease Fund and $2,165,000.00 to the 2000 Certificate of Obligation Fund. (Approval of Resolutions 2000-R-146, 2000-R-147, 2000-R-148 are needed before Public Hearing)

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the fiscal year 2001 General Fund Budget, Capital Leases Fund and establishing a new fund, 2000 Certificate of Obligation Fund.  The proposed amendment will draw down $2,415,000.00 from General Fund and transfer $250,000.00 Capital Lease Fund and $2,165,000.00 to the 2000 Certificate of Obligation Fund.

 

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 as amended by changing the words Capital Leases to Contractual Obligation in the Introduction of Ordinance.

 

Moved:  Cm.   Bruni

Second:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

VIII.    GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

8.  A.  Request by Council Member John C. Galo

 

1.  Status report on the demolition of the Chacon Meadow Bridge.

 

Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, said that the contract has been awarded to Summit Construction; however, we have received word from TxDOT that the demolition has not been scheduled yet.  He informed Council that the City always notifies the public of future closures and detours.   

 

Keith Selman, City Planner, stated that the additional funding is in question for the project.  However, the issues will be resolved in the next few days with TxDOT. 

 

 

 

 

2.  Status report on the Chacon Creek land acquisition and bike and hike trail.

 

Erasmo Villarreal, Community Development Director, stated that they need to obtain 50 parcels to complete the acquisition phase.  To date, they have obtained 23 parcels and have received the funding to finally complete the project.  He further stated an agreement would be processed for the bike and hike trail in the next 30 days. 

 

3.  Staff report on the stench that affects the western boundary of District III, the

     Azteca Neighborhood and Downtown, with possible action.

 

Pablo Martinez, from the Utilities Department reported that the department is working very diligently to alleviate the stench throughout Laredo.  He said that the City has a contract with Camp, Dresser and McKee, an Engineering Consultant Firm, which would be submitting a full report by the end of the month.  They are also working in conjunction with the Environmental Department to inform them on what storm drains contain water. 

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that some of the manholes had being constructed of sand brick, and over the course of time, there has been some permeation that occurs within that brick and it leaks into our storm drains.  The City did a dry weather outfall monitoring inspection in 1999 and then again in 2000.  The report confirmed six different areas of outfalls and also detected a positive sewage presence within those outfalls.   Staff will be starting on a grid within the Azteca and will begin a cleaning process systematically into all of the areas. 

 

Motion to instruct staff to come back in 30 days with a plan of action.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Ramirez

For:     8                              Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

4.  Staff report on the possibility of installing voice mail at the Police Station for

     each officer as to allow citizens to leave messages.

 

Police Chief Agustin Dovalina reported that they are looking into this particular issue.  He said that he has contacted several companies and would be obtaining several cost estimates.  He added that he would report back to Council next week.  

 

The Mayor stressed the importance of all city employees having voice mail.

 

                  B.  Request by Council Member Jose A. Valdez, Jr.

 

1.  Discussion with possible action to increase the hazardous material permit fees

     currently charged for storage and transportation.

 

Fire Chief Tomas Ramirez confirmed that the current hazardous material fee is $500.  He suggested increasing the fee to $1000.  He also informed Council that the department has limited manpower.

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that the staff would bring recom-mendations to Council by the first meeting in November. 

 

The Mayor requested a copy of the fee schedule to be provided to all Council Members.   

 

Thomas Wade strongly opposed increasing the hazardous material permit fee. 

 

2.  Discussion with possible action to request from TNRCC the relocation of the Air

     Quality Monitors to the Mines Road area for a better reading of air quality.

 

Roger Garcia, Acting Health Director, reported that the City has two Air Quality Monitors.  One was implemented in 1994 at the Laredo Community College and the other one was implemented in 1998 at Bridge II.

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that Laredo is fortunate not to have been cited with a non-attainment status, which affects all kinds of federal grants.  He added that moving the monitors may have an adverse action on the City.

 

Mayor Flores suggested that staff consult with TNRCC about the monitors. 

      

      C.  Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez

 

1.  Status report from the Civic Center on the benches and lights improvements.

 

Freddie Gutierrez, Civic Center Manager, reported that five benches would be arriving this week and would be installed immediately.

 

2.  Discussion on requesting staff to initiate more public announcements in Spanish

     through the Public Access Channel and the Public Information Office.

 

Jerry Leal, Public Access Channel, reported that all Public Service Announcements that are submitted to Public Access Channel must be in English and Spanish. 

 

3.  Discussion on the status of the taxicab stand on the 700 block of Salinas in

     reference to Juan Medina from Checker Taxi, with possible action.

 

Cm.  Ramirez stated that Mr.  Medina has been operating a taxi stand at Jarvis Plaza for a long time, even before El Metro opened the office. 

 

Mr.  Medina requested that he be allowed to use Jarvis Plaza Taxi Stand. 

 

 

 

 

Juan Morales, from the Traffic Department, affirmed the City’s desire to work with Mr.  Medina on several occasions; to no avail.  He said the issue was presented to the Transportation & Traffic Safety Advisory Committee, which is responsible for Vehicle for Hire Issues.  The Committee recommended that staff was to make every stand a first-come first-serve basis.  Finally, he informed the Council that an ad-hoc committee will be meeting in the next month, and they will begin the arduous task of creating a win-win situation for taxi cabs drivers.

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager,  stated there is a general concern by city staff as to whether the City is obligated to provide public streets and public parking to be used as private taxi cab stands and whether this will serve a greater good of the community.

 

Motion to instruct staff to assign Jarvis Plaza Taxi Stand to Checkered  Taxi owned by  Mr.  Juan Medina.

 

Moved:  Cm. Ramirez

Second:  Cm.  J. Valdez

 

Jaime Flores, City Attorney, informed  Council that the City has an ordinance that prevents the assignment of an area to one particular individual.  He stated that the motion would be in violation of the City ordinance. 

 

X.        INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

 

            Cm.  Bruni left at this time.

 

9.  An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Hill-Rom Company,

Inc., for approximately 1,428 square feet constituting the southeast portion of Building          No. 60 located at 4810 Maher Avenue at the Laredo International Airport.  Lease term is for one (1) year commencing on March 1, 2000 and ending May 31, 2001, and may be extended for one (1) term of one (1) year ending February 28, 2002 and an additional term for one (1) year and three (3) months ending July 1, 2003. Extension shall be upon the terms and conditions of this agreement.  However, it is agreed by the parties that the lease may be terminated by either party on not less than sixty (60) days written notice from the party terminating to the other.   Monthly rent shall be $1,071.00 and will be adjusted annually during the primary and extension term of this lease according to changes in the Consumer Price Index.

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

10.  An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease agreement with Barker

Aeromotive for approximately 10,500 square feet of land located at 4015 North Jarvis Avenue for the purpose of installing aboveground fuel storage tanks.  Lease is for nineteen (19) years and eleven (11) months commencing September 1, 2000 and ending July 31, 2020 and may be extended for two (2) consecutive five (5) year terms ending July 31, 2025 and July 31, 2030.  Monthly rent shall be $420.00 and shall be adjusted annually during the primary and extension terms of this lease according to changes in the Consumer Price Index.  Further rent adjustments shall be made by Fair Market Value appraisal on the 10th and 20th anniversaries.

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

11.  An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Vance Executive

Protection, Inc., for approximately 5.0 acres of land located on Block No. 1 (portion of ramp area) located north of the Passenger Terminal Building at the Laredo International Airport.  The area will be used to conduct corporate executive driver training.  Lease term is for one (1) day commencing on October 22, 2000 and ending October 22, 2000.  Rental fee shall be $1,500.00.

 

Date should be October 22, 2001.

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

12.  An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Charles Haber

d/b/a/ Bed Factory for approximately 9,216 square feet constituting Building No. 1326 located at 103 Maher Avenue.  Lease term is for one (1) year commencing October 1, 2000 and ending September 30, 2001.  Lease may be terminated by either party upon giving a thirty (30) day written notice.  Current monthly rent is $1,690.00.  New monthly rent shall be $1,875.00.

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

13.  An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Charles Haber d/b/a

Bed Factory for approximately 9,216 square feet constituting Building No. 1335 located at 3918 North Jarvis Avenue.  Lease term is for one (1) year commencing October 1, 2000 and ending September 30, 2001.  Lease may be terminated by either party upon a thirty (30) day written notice.  Current monthly rent is $1,840.00.  New monthly rent shall be $2,024.00.

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

14.  An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Charles Haber d/b/a

Bed Factory for approximately 9,600 square feet constituting Building No. 1336 located at 3920 North Jarvis Avenue.  Lease term is for one (1) year commencing October 1, 2000 and ending September 30, 2001.  Lease may be terminated by either party upon a thirty (30) day written notice.  Current monthly rent is $2,475.00.  New monthly rent shall be $2,725.00.

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

15.  An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with the Laredo Police

Department for approximately 16,000 square feet constituting Building No. 60 located at 4810 Maher Avenue at the Laredo International Airport.  Lease term is for eleven (11) months and four (4) years commencing November 1, 2000 and ending September 30, 2005, and may be extended for four (4) options of five (5) years each ending on September 30, 2010, September 30, 2015, September 30, 2020, and September 30, 2025.  New monthly rent shall be $3,512.00 commencing November 1, 2000 thru July 31, 2001 and monthly rent shall be $4,583.00 commencing August 1, 2001 thru September 30, 2001.  Rent shall be adjusted according to changes in the Consumer Price Index commencing October 1, 2001.  Previous tenant was Granitos Naturales of North America paying monthly rent of $4,000.00.

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

16.  An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with South Texas

Workforce Development Board for approximately 10,552 square feet constituting Building No. 979 located at 4717 Daugherty Avenue at the Laredo International Airport.  Lease term is for one (1) year commencing on September 1, 2000 and ending on August 31, 2001.  Lease may be terminated by either party upon giving a thirty (30) day written notice.  Current monthly rent is $4,382.90.  New monthly rent shall be $4, 525.00.

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

17.  An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a Foreign-Trade Zone Operators

Agreement with Nippon Express USA, Inc. to operate an approximately 10,000 square 0foot facility within Foreign-Trade Zone No. 94 - Site 3 located at the Killam Industrial Park for a term of one (1) year, with two-one year renewal options ending on October 3, 2003.  The Foreign-Trade Zone Board in Washington, D.C. has approved this site.