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.