CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
M2000-R-33
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS 78040
DECEMBER 4, 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
Ray Rodriguez, Assistant City Attorney
IV. MINUTES
Approval of the minutes of November
6, 2000 and November 15, 2000.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra
Second: Cm. E. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm.
Agredano and Cm. Galo were not
present.
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
Mayor Flores announced that Texas EMS featured the Laredo
Fire Department Emergency Medical Services in the November/December edition.
Mayor Flores presented to public an Environmental/Engineering
report on the Household Hazardous Waste Collection event held December 2, 2000.
The following were collected:
827 Tires
112 Batteries
4,101 House hold Hazardous Waste Material
204 Anti-Freeze
The Mayor congratulated the departments and businesses that
participated in the event.
Edna Garcia, representing South Texas Border Region Partnership,
introduced Mr. Pete Guarjardo from
Occupational Safety System in Corpus Christi and Ms. Peg Callahan from the Small Business Association UTSA in San
Antonio. She explained that they were
recognized in Washington for receiving a grant from legislation that was passed
in 1998 to assist employees at various businesses who may have an alcohol or
drug problem. The program assists in
supervisor/employee education programs, on-site drug testing and
counseling. She added that the grant
has been very rewarding to participants.
Invitations
Cm. J. Valdez encouraged City departments to
participate and attend a basketball tournament that will be held Saturday,
December 9, 2000. The tournament was
held by the City to raise toys for children for Christmas.
Recognitions
None
Communiqués
None
VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES
None
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public hearing
authorizing the City Manager 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 May 31, 2001.
The Governor's Office Criminal Justice Division approved this adjustment
of 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 May 31, 2001. The Governor's Office Criminal Justice Division
approved this adjustment of September 18, 2000.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Agredano not present)
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
2. Public hearing
concerning an application by Mr. Humberto Treviño, altering and
extending the boundary limits for the City of Laredo, annexing
additional territory of 1.971 acres, located in Porcion 31 as further described
by metes and bounds, specifically the Treviño Tract, providing for the
effective date of the ordinance, authorizing the City Manager to execute a
contract adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and establishing
the initial zoning of B-4 (Highway Commercial District). The Planning and Zoning Commission has
recommended approval of the proposed annexation with initial zoning.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Altering and extending the boundary limits for the City of Laredo,
annexing additional territory of 1.971 acres, located in Porcion 31 as further
described by metes and bounds, specifically the Treviño Tract, providing for
the effective date of the ordinance, authorizing the City Manager to execute a
contract adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and establishing
the initial zoning of B-4 (Highway Commercial District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
Cm. Bruni
3. Public hearing
concerning an application by the City of Laredo, altering and extending
the boundary limits of the City of Laredo, annexing additional
territory of 228.6075 acres, located in Porcion 31 as further described by
metes and bounds, specifically the Tex-Mex Railway Tract, providing for the
effective date of the ordinance, adopting a service plan for the annexed
territory, and establishing the initial zoning of M-2 (Heavy Manufacturing
District). The Planning and Zoning
Commission has recommended against the proposed annexation.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Altering and extending the boundary limits of the City of Laredo,
annexing additional territory of 228.6075 acres, located in Porcion 31 as
further described by metes and bounds, specifically the Tex-Mex Railway Tract,
providing for the effective date of the ordinance, adopting a service plan for
the annexed territory, and establishing the initial zoning of M-2 (Heavy
Manufacturing District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Pete Saenz, Jr., attorney for Tex-Mex, Ron Whitehawk, Arturo
Dominguez and Manuel Zulaica spoke before the Council requesting denial of the
annexation.
Mayor Flores read part of the following letter:
Dear Madam Mayor and
members of City Council:
As some of you may know, and as I explained to Mayor Flores, Mr.
Larry Dovalina and Councilman John Galo at a meeting held on Friday, December
1, 2000, at the City Manager’s Office, I was recently named General Manager of
the Texas Mexican Railway Company.
Although I am new to this Company and community, I am committed to
working closely with all of you to fairly and reasonably address all matters
that are currently pending between the City of Laredo and the Texas Mexican
Railway Company. I want to assure you
that my company will not shy away from its responsibilities. It has been operating in this community
since the 1880’s and feels that it is significantly contributed and continues
to contribute to the growth and success that Laredo is new experiencing. It is wonderful to see so much change. But as we all know, change comes with a
price, a price which both the private and public sectors must share in,
tempered with mutual cooperation, patience and a true understanding of each
other’s needs and resources.
Last year we moved all of our train switching operations to the
Serrano Yard. This as you know
alleviated much traffic congestion within the City limits. My Company has also cooperated with the City
of Laredo in other ways, some of which are stated in the attached Exhibit.
With the above in mind, let me memorialize those matters discussed
at last Friday’s meeting:
1. Tex-Mex
and the City of Laredo will share reasonable surveying costs for purposes of
identifying and/or defining boundaries to various mutually pre-selected
adjoining tracts:
Once
the subject tracts of lands are surveyed and identified, this will facilitate
each entity to clean, mow and maintain the respective tracts in compliance with
city ordinances.
2. Tex-Mex
will comply with parking lot paving ordinance.
The
City of Laredo will allow Tex-Mex a reasonable period of time to evict Tex-Mex
tenants who are in breach of such paving obligations and shall insure that such
parking lot sites must be paved prior to use by new tenants.
3. Tex-Mex
will remove silos:
Tex-Mex
will cause the removal of various silos located East of Arkansas Street
alongside the north side of The Texas Mexican Railway Company’s lands within
six months from data hereof.
4. Tex-Mex’s
land for city streets:
The
parties will continue to negotiate a land exchange or other similar arrangement
whereby Tex-Mex will dedicate to the City of Laredo, its rights (with
reservation and condition that such lands be used for street purposes only) to
surface lands necessary to connect Arkansas St. to New York St. Any grant
and/or exchange of lands will require approval from Tex-Mex’s Board of
Directors.
5. Vidaurri
Street tracks:
Both
parties will continue to negotiate the abandonment by Tex Mex of all or part of
the Vidaurri Street Railroad track.
6. City
of Laredo will survey and present offer to purchase Zacate Creek Lands:
the
City of Laredo, within six (6) months will survey the Zacate Creek Sewer Plant
lands and other adjoining Tex-Mex lands within the Zacate Creek and alongside
the Rio Grande River. Upon doing so,
the City of Laredo will present to Tex-Mex an offer to purchase such lands.
7. Closing
of the Loring and Jarvis Street crossings and opening of the Bartlett St. Crossing
Both parties will continue to negotiate
the above opening and closing of crossings as
well as any other possible sights.
If the above accurately reflects what was discussed at our
December 1, 2000 meeting, then please confirm same in writing at your earliest
convenience.
Furthermore, in the future and so that I may be fully aware of any
ordinance violations and citations, I ask that you please refer all such
matters to Mr. Arturo Dominguez, Real
Estate Manager for the Texas Mexican Railway Company.
Very truly your,
Manuel Zulaica
General Manager
Cm. Bruni mentioned that
the silos that are to be demolished are located in District II on Arkansas and
Guadalupe Street. He also stressed the
importance of expediting the approval of Tex-Mex Board of Directors on grant/or
land exchanges.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 7 Against: 1 Abstain: 0
Mayor
Pro Tempore Guerra
Ordinance Introduction:
Cm. Bruni
4. Public hearing
concerning an application by Hurd Urban Development, Ltd., altering and
extending the boundary limits of the City of Laredo, annexing
additional territory of 124.6586 acres, located in Porcion 19 as further described
by metes and bounds, specifically the Hurd Tract, providing for the effective
date of the ordinance, authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract
adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and establishing the initial
zoning of M-1 (Light Manufacturing District).
The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the
proposed annexation with the initial zoning.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Altering and extending the boundary limits of the City of Laredo,
annexing additional territory of 124.6586 acres, located in Porcion 19 as
further described by metes and bounds, specifically the Hurd Tract, providing
for the effective date of the ordinance, authorizing the City Manager to
execute a contract adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and
establishing the initial zoning of M-1 (Light Manufacturing District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo
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
5. Public hearing
concerning an application by Killam Development Corporation, altering
and extending the boundary limits of the City of Laredo, annexing
additional territory of 194.8842 acres, located in Porciones 28 and 29 as
further described by metes and bounds, specifically the Killam Ponderosa Tract,
providing for the effective date of the ordinance, authorizing the City Manager
to execute a contract adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and
establishing 108.3589 acres as R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District),
15.0592 acres as R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District), 29.1943 acres as B-3
(General Business District), and 42.2718 acres as M-1 (Light Manufacturing
District). The Planning and Zoning
Commission has recommended approval of the proposed annexation and against the
proposed initial zoning of M-1.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Altering and extending the boundary limits of the City of Laredo,
annexing additional territory of 194.8842 acres, located in Porciones 28 and 29
as further described by metes and bounds, specifically the Killam Ponderosa
Tract, providing for the effective date of the ordinance, authorizing the City
Manager to execute a contract adopting a service plan for the annexed
territory, and establishing 108.3589 acres as R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area
District), 15.0592 acres as R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District), 29.1943
acres as B-3 (General Business District), and 42.2718 acres as M-1 (Light
Manufacturing District).
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 and concur with
staff.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
Cm. Bruni
6. Public hearing
concerning an application by Killam Industrial Development Partnership,
Ltd., altering and extending the boundary limits of the City of
Laredo, annexing additional territory of 207.4636 acres, located in Porcion 18
as further described by metes and bounds, specifically the Killam Industrial
Tract, providing for the effective date of ordinance, authorizing the City
Manager to execute a contract adopting a service plan for the annexed
territory, and establishing the initial zoning of M-1 (Light Manufacturing
District). The Planning and Zoning
Commission has recommended approval of the proposed annexation with the initial
zoning.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Altering and extending the boundary limits
of the City of Laredo, annexing additional
territory of 207.4636 acres, located in Porcion 18 as further
described by metes and bounds, specifically the Killam Industrial Tract,
providing for the effective date of ordinance, authorizing the City Manager to
execute a contract adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and establishing
the initial zoning of M-1 (Light Manufacturing District).
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
7. Public hearing
concerning an application by Ramsa Properties, Inc., altering and
extending the boundary limits of the City of Laredo, annexing
additional territory of 169.195 acres, as described by metes and bounds,
specifically the Dolores Ranch Tract, providing for the effective date of the
ordinance, authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract adopting a service
plan for the annexed territory, and establishing the initial zoning of M-1
(Light Manufacturing District). The
Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed
annexation with the initial zoning.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Altering and extending the boundary limits of the City of Laredo,
annexing additional territory of 169.195 acres, as described by metes and
bounds, specifically the Dolores Ranch Tract, providing for the effective date
of the ordinance, authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract adopting a
service plan for the annexed territory, and establishing the initial zoning of
M-1 (Light Manufacturing District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. J.
Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0
Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. J.
Valdez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
Cm. J. Valdez
8. Public hearing
concerning an application by the City of Laredo, altering and extending
the boundary limits of the City of Laredo, annexing additional
territory of 14.817 acres, located in Porcion 14 as further described by metes
and bounds, specifically the Mines Rd. Tract, providing for the effective date
of the ordinance, adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and
establishing the initial zoning of M-1 (light Manufacturing District). The Planning and Zoning Commission has
recommended approval of the proposed annexation with the initial zoning.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Altering and extending the boundary limits of the City of Laredo,
annexing additional territory of 14.817 acres, located in Porcion 14 as further
described by metes and bounds, specifically the Mines Rd. Tract, providing for
the effective date of the ordinance, adopting a service plan for the annexed
territory, and establishing the initial zoning of M-1 (light Manufacturing
District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ron Whitehawk, representing Laredo Sand and Gravel, requested a
Special Use Permit.
Keith Selman, City Planner, assured the Council that the use
itself would retain its non-conforming status indefinitely.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. J.
Valdez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
Cm. Valdez
9. Public hearing
concerning an application by the City of Laredo, altering and extending
the boundary limits of the City of Laredo, annexing additional
territory of 5.9861 acres, located in Porciones 33 and 34 as further described
by metes and bounds, specifically the Wormser Rd. Tract, providing for the effective
date of the ordinance, adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and
establishing the initial zoning of R-1A (Single-Family Reduced Area
District). The Planning and Zoning
Commission has recommended approval of the proposed annexation with the initial
zoning.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Altering and extending the boundary limits of the City of Laredo,
annexing additional territory of 5.9861 acres, located in Porciones 33 and 34
as further described by metes and bounds, specifically the Wormser Rd. Tract,
providing for the effective date of the ordinance, adopting a service plan for
the annexed territory, and establishing the initial zoning of R-1A
(Single-Family Reduced Area District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. J.
Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
Cm. Agredano
10.
Public hearing authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo
FY 2000-2001
annual budget by
appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $94,409.00
for the HIV/AIDS
Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Project.
The Texas Department
of Health has awarded $94,409.00 grant to the City of Laredo for
the period beginning
February 1, 2001 through January 31, 2002. (Approval of
Resolution 2000-R-163
needed before Public Hearing)
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo FY
2000-2001 annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the
amount of $94,409.00 for the HIV/AIDS Housing Opportunities for Persons with
AIDS (HOPWA) Project. The Texas
Department of Health has awarded $94,409.00 grant to the City of Laredo for the
period beginning February 1, 2001 through January 31, 2002.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore
Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. J.
Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
11. Public hearing
authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001
annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the
amount $5,000.00 for the Border Health
Project. The Texas Department of Health has awarded a $5,000.00 grant to the
City of Laredo for the period beginning October 1, 2000 through September 30,
2001. (Approval of Resolution 2000-R-164 needed before Public Hearing)
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo FY
2000-2001 annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the
amount $5,000.00 for the Border Health
Project. The Texas Department of Health has awarded a $5,000.00 grant to the
City of Laredo for the period beginning October 1, 2000 through September 30,
2001.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm.