CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
M2000-R-34
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS 78040
DECEMBER 18, 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, City Manager
Cynthia Collazo, Assistant
City Manager
Jaime Flores, City
Attorney
IV. MINUTES
None.
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
None.
Invitations
None.
Recognitions
a. The Laredo Public
Library recently participated in the El Jugueton 2000 International
Christmas Toy Drive.
Christina Fracchia, Volunteer Coordinator for the Nonprofit Management
and Volunteer Center, led the toy drive for the Library, collecting over 500
toys for the children of Laredo. Ms.
Fracchia also recruited and coordinated over 60 volunteers for the event.
Mayor Flores and the City Council publicly recognized Christina
Fracchia for her diligent work in coordinating this event and ensuring its
success.
b. Recognition of the City
of Laredo's Excellence Award by the American Concrete
Institute San Antonio Chapter for the City's contribution to the
World Trade Bridge and Border Facilities.
Mayor Flores congratulated all those involved in the World Trade
Bridge project.
c. Recognizing 14 students
from local middle schools who have been chosen as "Eighth
Grader of the Month" for December by the Laredo Police
Department Community Relations Unit and local school counselors.
Mayor
Flores, the City Council, and Police Chief Agustin Dovalina congratulated these
outstanding students for their high scholastic achievement and presented them
with Certificates of Recognition for the distinction earned at their respective
campuses.
d. The South Texas Blood
and Tissue Center would like to recognize the City of Laredo as
its winner of the "Cup of Life" in the Best Little Blood
Drive on the Border for a second year in a row. Making the presentation on behalf of the STBTC is Gabriella Zinna
Miller and Jo Cox, Donor Recruiters.
The South Texas Blood and Tissue Center presented the “Cup of
Life” award to Mayor Flores for the overall participation by employees of the
City of Laredo. Ms. Gabriella Zinna Miller
pointed out that the City’s generous contribution has the potential of saving
736 lives. She further thanked Lita
Vasquez, City Employee Health Nurse and Blasita Lopez, Public Information
Officer, for all their hard work during this blood drive.
e. Recognizing the United
South High School Junior ROTC U. S. Marine Corps for its
outstanding performance and awards received at the 4th Annual
Drill and Physical Fitness Competition held in Plaquemine, Louisiana.
Mayor
Flores and the City Council recognized the group of students, members of the
Junior ROTC U.S. Marine Corps, and presented each of them with Certificates of
Appreciation for their remarkable achievements and awards received at the JROTC
Military Skills Competition in the following divisions: Male Color Guard – second place in
performance and second place in inspection; Female Color Guard – first place in
performance and first place in inspection; Unarmed Drill Team – first place in
inspection, first place in regulation drill, and second place in exhibition
drill; Armed Drill Team – first place in inspection, first place in regulation
drill, second place in exhibition drill, and first place in individual drill;
Physical Fitness – second place in female physical fitness, Gold Medal for Top
Female Performer, and Silver Medal for Second Best Female Performer; Shooting
Team – second place in marksmanship; and first place winner of Sweepstakes
trophy.
f. Recognition of Anita
Stanely, Parks and Recreation Program Coordinator, who recently
received the Programmers Choice Award for Best Adult/Senior
Program for the event of The Senior Egg Hunt at the National Recreation and
Park Association Conference. Ms.
Stanley attended the conference in mid-November and had the opportunity to
submit samples of Laredo's most effective recreational programming to a panel
of judges from across the nation. Ms.
Stanley was one of only ten programming-award recipients named at the
conference in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Motion to table item.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tem Guerra
Second: Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
g. Recognizing Fernando
Rubio for rendering aid to Mark Agredano, age 7, during a
vehicle/pedestrian
accident while waiting for the paramedics to arrive.
Cm.
Agredano presented a Certificate of Recognition to Fernando Rubio for his
compassionate nature in providing aid and comfort to the injured child while
medical assistance arrived.
h. Recognition of the
participants in the Southgate Boulevard and Highway 83 Graffiti
Removal campaign that was held on December
9, 2000.
Mayor
Flores and the City Council recognized the students for providing of their time
and energy to beautify the city through their involvement in the Southgate Sign
Reconstruction and Graffiti Removal campaign.
Communiqués
None.
VI. APPOINTMENTS
TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
a. Appointment by Council
Member Louis H. Bruni of Dr. Kimberly Folse to the Library
Advisory Committee.
Motion
to approve.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
b. Appointment by Council
Member Eliseo Valdez, Jr. of Steve Jackson to the Cemetery
Committee.
Motion to approve.
Moved:
Cm. Agredano
Second:
Cm. Amaya
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public hearing amending
Chapter 21 of the Laredo Code of Ordinances to include
Article XIV to prohibit the sale of and/or use of "Liquid
String" and "Snappers" at parades and imposing a fine in an
amount not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200.00); providing for severability,
publication and effective date.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending Chapter 21 of the Laredo Code of Ordinances to include
Article XIV to prohibit the sale of and/or use of "Liquid String" and
"Snappers" at parades and imposing a fine in an amount not to exceed
two hundred dollars ($200.00); providing for severability, publication and
effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tem
Guerra
Second: Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
2. Public hearing
concerning an application by Hotel Operations Company amending the
Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 13.6475
acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located north of Calle Del
Norte and east of Mall Del Norte, from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4
(Highway Commercial 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 13.6475 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located north
of Calle Del Norte and east of Mall Del Norte, from B-3 (Community Business
District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for publication and
effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ron Whitehawk, representing Hotel Operations Company, stated that
he would like to amend the application as originally submitted. Due to some concerns voiced by the Belmont
Plaza residents who attended the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, they
are now amending the application to rezone only the easterly portion of four
acres of the property. He stated that
the designated acreage does not adjoin or abut Belmont Plaza but rather the
Jacaman property. He mentioned that
this would constitute the minimum amount of acreage needed to be added to the
existing acreage that the hospital already owns and has properly zoned.
Melissa Guerra, resident of Belmont Plaza, commented that there is
no objection on her part to the rezoning application as amended.
Motion to close the public hearing, override Planning and Zoning,
and introduce with amendment.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tem
Guerra
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra
3. Public hearing amending
Chapter 19, Motor Vehicles and Truck Traffic, Article XI
Truck Traffic by specifically amending Section 19-410 by allowing
truck traffic east bound on Scott Street
between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., designating Loop 20 as a truck
route from the intersection of IH 35 to the World Trade Bridge, designating Killam
Industrial Blvd. as a truck route from the intersection of Mines Rd. to IH 35,
Section 19-433 reducing the gross weight for oversize permits from 84,000 lbs
to 80,001 lbs, Section 19-434 requiring
weight tickets for oversize loads also prior to issuance of permit, Section
19-435 setting the limits/tolerance for loads at each international bridge, and
Section 19-439 reducing the gross weight in pounds from 84,000 lbs to 80,001
for overweight permits; providing for severability and an effective date.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending Chapter 19, Motor Vehicles and Truck Traffic, Article XI
Truck Traffic by specifically amending Section 19-410, Section 19-433, Section
19-434, Section 19-435 and Section 19-439.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tem
Guerra
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 1 Abstain: 0
Cm. Ramirez
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
4. Public hearing amending
the City of Laredo's 2000-2001 annual budget in the amount of
$69,411.00 to fund the COPS MORE 2000 grant project. The U.S. Department of Justice, Community
Oriented Policing Service will designate $52,058.00 and the City of Laredo will
designate $17,353.00 to fund this project.
Funding will be used to hire three (3) Clerk III Support Staff members.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the City of Laredo's 2000-2001
annual budget in the amount of $69,411.00 to
fund the COPS MORE 2000 grant project. The U.S. Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing
Service will designate $52,058.00 and the City of Laredo will designate
$17,353.00 to fund this project.
Funding will be used to hire three (3) Clerk III Support Staff members.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
For: 8 Against: 0
Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
5. Public hearing amending
Chapter 19, Article XII - Transit System, of the Laredo Code
of Ordinances; specifically Division 2 - Charter Service, Section
19-562, subparagraph (b) to include current City employees and current El Metro
employees to be charged the charter "base rate"; providing for an
effective date.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending Chapter 19, Article XII - Transit System, of the Laredo
Code of Ordinances; specifically Division 2 - Charter Services, Section 19-562,
subparagraph (b) to include current City employees and current El Metro
employees to be charged the charter "base rate"; providing for an
effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
VIII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND
PRESENTATIONS
6. A. Request by Council Member Louis H. Bruni
1.
Status report from Mr. Ed Walker of the SouthWest Texas Rain Enhancement
Association (SWTREA) on the results of the year 2000 project and
the upcoming 2001 Rain Enhancement Project, with possible action.
Mr. Walker, Manager for the Southwest Texas Rain Enhancement
Association (SWTREA), expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to move
this project forward. He mentioned that
they have recently added Zapata County for a total of five counties and are
currently servicing 5.5 million acres.
He reported that they have completed their second year of operation and
did it as a self-owned operated project as opposed to the first year when it
was handled through a contractor. He
drew some comparisons in the handling of operations by a contractor as opposed
to the self-owned operations. The
contractor in 1999 flew 55 missions and treated 110 thunderstorms. In contrast, the self-owned operation flew
77 missions and treated 209 thunderstorms in 2000 which reflects the
aggressiveness the project has taken.
He mentioned that the SWTREA has initiated an assessment program that
reviews all cloud seeding projects in Texas.
The SWTREA has looked at some of the initial data from our project and
the group is indicating a 22.9% increase in rainfall over what would naturally
occur.
Cm. Bruni mentioned that the addition of pilots, aircraft, and
equipment have served to enhance the effectiveness of the project. He stated that the group would be far more
effective if the three aircraft were based in Cotulla, Texas, where the radar
and maintenance crew is set up, versus having two aircraft in the Cotulla
airport and one in Laredo.
Motion to place the Laredo aircraft in Cotulla, Texas, prior to
resuming the cloud seeding activity, which is scheduled to begin February 1,
2001.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: J. Valdez, Jr.
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Status report on truck route
violations, with possible action.
Police Chief Agustin Dovalina reported that the city has seen a
19% increase in the number of citations issued as compared to 1999. In 1999, the department had issued a total
of 896 truck tractor traffic violation citations. For the current year, the department has issued 1,103 truck
traffic violation citations up through October 31st. He mentioned that these include the DOT inspections and
additional violations of a varied nature.
He stated that his department has been issuing citations throughout the
entire city, including the area of Mines Road, the span of I-H 35, Zapata
Highway, and Arkansas Avenue. He
commented that his department’s Ordinance Enforcement Section has been actively
enforcing violations regarding truck tractor traffic along Santa Maria Avenue
by the Mann Road intersection, down Calton Road, to the truck stop location all
the way up to Del Mar Boulevard. He
mentioned that he previously presented to the City Council and received
approval for acceptance of a state funding source called the Safe Streets grant
which would provide an additional $37,500.00 for additional truck traffic
violation enforcement. He stated that
there are twelve certified DOT inspectors within the Traffic Division that
continuously monitor this type of activity and enforce violations committed by
truck drivers around the city.
3. Status report on the possibility of placing
signalization on the corner of US Hwy 59
and the entrance to Casa Blanca golf course.
Roberto
Murillo, Transportation and Traffic Safety Director, stated that he had
received a report from Mr. Paul Young regarding the suggestions for possible
improvements to the intersection. He
mentioned that although this particular intersection falls under TxDOT
jurisdiction the City will, nevertheless, have to initiate a traffic study. In order for his department to initiate the
study, he will have to guarantee that they will obtain accurate numbers. Being that there is still significant road
construction in the area, he is suggesting that the city postpone any traffic
count until construction in the area is completed. He recommends scheduling a meeting with TxDOT representatives and
Mr. Young in order to get input from them on this issue. Once reliable results are obtained, they can
submit an accurate count to TxDOT.
Mayor
Flores inquired as to the timeline on the property improvements being made.
Mr.
Paul Young stated that he received the construction plans today and the
specific purpose of their proposed property improvements are to realign their
roadway to meet up with the Casa Blanca golf course entrance and, in that way,
comply with TxDOT’s requirement in order to have them conduct the requisite
traffic study.
Cm.
Bruni inquired as to the projected cost to have a signalization in place.
Roberto
Murillo stated that it would roughly cost $75,000.00 for that particular
signalization.
4. Status report on the continued congestion
around Lamar Middle and Ryan
Elementary, with possible action.
Police
Chief Agustin Dovalina stated that he has a School Resource Officer assigned
to Lamar Middle School who is working
together with the school principal to educate the parents and motorists to be
exercise caution and to be cognizant of the traffic and students attempting to
leave the campus. He mentioned that at
Ryan Elementary they have the assistance of the Webb County Constable’s Department
which has been very cooperative and has been able to control the traffic
flows. He mentioned he would like to
have a presence at Lamar Middle as well, but for now he has advised the patrol
officers assigned to that area to be mindful of the traffic congestion during
peak hours.
City
Manager Larry Dovalina mentioned that they are trying to schedule a Metro
Committee meeting after the holiday season because they have many concerns
regarding the proposed construction projects to be built and the limited area
these projects would be occupying.
Roberto Murillo, Transportation and Traffic Safety Director,
mentioned that his department has as many signs posted around those two schools
as it possibly can. He suggested that
the schools attempt to work on a solution for the handling of motorist
circulation within the campus itself.
He stated that he obtained information from Lamar Middle in terms of
when they plan to begin and complete construction on campus. They will be going out on bid in early Fall,
2001 and possibly begin construction next December. They have gone out for Request for Qualifications with the
traffic engineering firms. He reiterated the city’s concern and requirement to
them that for all the designs receiving consideration, the school district must
have a traffic engineer on board to provide input and recommendations. He mentioned that the school district would
be holding a meeting on December 27, 2000, to select the engineering firms and
they have invited a representative from the city to be part of their selection
committee.
Cm. Jose A. Valdez, Jr. commented that he would like the Traffic
Department to look at the design for Farias Elementary as well. He wants the
loop constructed by the city to be incorporated into the school’s design plans
students’ access in and out of campus rather than using Santa Maria as a
drop-off point. He stated that the city
has made a significant investment in this project and they need to begin
utilizing it.
IX. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
7. An ordinance
authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Jett Racing and
Sales, Inc., for approximately 12,000 square feet constituting
Hangar No. 123 located at 4617 Maher Avenue at the Laredo International
Airport. Lease term is for ten (10)
years commencing on January 1, 2001 and ending on December 31, 2010. Monthly rent shall be $3,910.00 and will be
adjusted annually according to changes in the Consumer Price Index; providing
for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
8. An ordinance
authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Jett Racing and
Sales, Inc., for approximately 18,000 square feet constituting
Building No. 104 (former passenger terminal) located at 4805 Maher Avenue at
the Laredo International Airport. Lease
term is for ten (10) years commencing on January 1, 2001 and ending on December
31, 2010. Monthly rent shall be
$4,690.00 and will be adjusted annually according to changes in the Consumer
Price Index; providing for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
9. An ordinance
authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Aero JBR - Laredo,
Inc., for approximately 5,980 square feet constituting Hangar No.
1307 located at 4400 Maher Avenue at the Laredo International Airport. Lease term is for ten (10) years commencing
on December 1, 2000 and ending on November 30, 2010. Monthly rent shall be $2,400.00 and will be adjusted annually
according to changes in the Consumer Price Index; providing for an effective
date.
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
10. An ordinance authorizing the
City Manager to execute a lease with Maria Elena Salinas
d/b/a Casas y Caminos Realty for approximately 252 square feet
constituting Suite No. 10 of Building
No. S-1 located at 1718 E. Calton Road at the Laredo International
Airport. Lease term is for one (1) year
commencing on December 1, 2000 and ending November 30, 2001 and may be extended
for one (1) year ending on November 30, 2002.
However, it is agreed by the parties that the lease may be terminated by
either party on not less than thirty (30) days written notice from the party
terminating to the other. Monthly rent
shall be $315.00 and will be adjusted annually during the primary and extension
term of this lease according to changes in the Consumer Price Index; providing
for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
11.
An ordinance designating as a one-way that section of road to include:
Vidaurri
Avenue, Southbound, Block Number South 100, between Water Street
on the North and Ventura Street on the South; Ventura Street, Eastbound, Block
Number 1900, between Vidaurri Avenue on the West and Santa Rita Avenue on the
East; Santa Rita Avenue, Northbound, Block Number South 100, between Ventura
Street on the South and Water Street on the North; providing for the
installation of appropriate signs to indicate one-way traffic in the designated
direction and providing for publication and effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
X. FINAL
READINGS OF ORDINANCES
Internet available:
//www.cityoflaredo.com
Motion to waive final reading of
ordinances # 2000-O-308, # 2000-O-309, #2000-O-310,
# 2000-O-312, # 2000-O-313, # 2000-O-315, # 2000-O-316, #
20000-O-317, # 2000-O-318, # 2000-O-319, # 2000-O-320, # 2000-O-321, #
2000-O-322, # 2000-O-323 and # 2000-O-324.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
12. 2000-O-308 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 on September 18, 2000. (City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-308.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2000-O-309 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). (Council Member Jose Valdez, Jr.)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-309.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2000-O-310 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). (City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-310.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2000-O-311 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 R-1 (Single-Family Residential District).
(Council Member Louis H. Bruni) (As Amended)
Motion to adopt Ordinance
# 2000-O-311.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2000-O-312 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). (City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-312.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0