CITY OF LAREDO

                                         CITY COUNCIL MEETING

                                                       M2001-R-01

                                       CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

                                           1110 HOUSTON STREET

                             LAREDO, TEXAS 78040JANUARY 2, 2001

                                                           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

 

Approval of the minutes of November 20, 2000 and November 27, 2000.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

Announcements

 

            None.

Invitations

 

            None.

 

Recognitions

 

a.  Recognition of Anita Stanley, 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.

 

Mayor Flores and City Council publicly recognized Anita Stanley for her exemplary accomplishments achieved by her hard work and dedication.

 

b.  Recognition of the Health Department's Vital Statistics Registration Staff for being

awarded the 5-Star Vital Registration and Excellence Award from the Texas Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics.

 

The Mayor and City Council presented a Seven Flags Certificate to the employees of the Health Department’s Vital Statistics Registration Staff for being awarded the 5-Star Vital Registration and Excellence Award for the fourth consecutive year. 

 

Communiqués

 

a.  Presentation by Olga Maldonado, General Manager of Community Services of AEP, on

     AEP's Today Magazine featuring "Laredo: Economic Boom Town".

 

     Ms.  Maldonado gave a brief summary of the article that was in the AEP’s Today

     Magzaine.  She stated that Laredo is the fastest growing City in the AEP System.  She

     added that the quality of Customer and Community service they provide is the reason

     they are viewed as a solid company in the community.  

 

b.  Cm.  Bruni expressed his concerns about the lawlessness of people discharging firearms

     in the air on New Years Day.  He requested for staff to inform citizens of the dangers

     through the public access channel.

 

VI.  APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

a.  Appointment by Mayor Pro-Tempore Joe A. Guerra of Alberto Magnon to the

     Transportation and Traffic Safety Committee.

 

     Motion to approve.

 

     Moved:  Cm.  Galo

     Second:  Cm.  Amaya

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

b.  Appointment by Council Member Juan Ramirez of Frank Quesada to the Transportation

& Traffic Safety Committee, Ruben Longoria to the Parks & Recreation Committee, Graciela R. Garcia to the Redistricting Commission and Jose Salvador Tellez to the City Charter Commission.

 

     Motion to approve.

 

     Moved:  Cm.  Galo

     Second:  Cm.  Amaya

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

c.  Appointment by Council Member Louis H. Bruni of Alfredo Solis to the Redistricting

     Commission.

 

     Motion to approve.

 

     Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

     Second:  Cm.  Galo

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

VII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1.  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 $161,793.00 for the Tuberculosis Prevention/Control Federal Project.  The Texas Department of Health has awarded a $161,793.00 grant to the City of Laredo for the period beginning January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2001.  (Approval of Resolution 2001-R-003 is 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 $161,793.00 for the Tuberculosis Prevention/Control Federal Project.  The Texas Department of Health has awarded a $161,793.00 grant to the City of Laredo for the period beginning January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2001.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

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

 

2.  Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning

All of Block 45, Calton Gardens Subdivision, located at 510 W. Canal St., from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) and B-3 (Community Business District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the proposed zone change.  This is an appeal from an unfavorable recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning all of Block 45, Calton Gardens Subdivision, located at 510 W. Canal St., from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) and B-3 (Community Business District to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District); providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Cesar Cantu voiced his opinion against the zone change. 

 

Benjamin Hinojosa and Mike Villarreal voiced their opinion in favor of the zone change.

 

Olga Maldonado from AEP/CPL spoke in favor of the zone change.

 

Mr.  Hinojosa, Supervisor/ Customer Designer AEP/CPL, spoke in favor of the zone change.  He reassured Council that safety is not an issue. 

 

Motion to close the public hearing and table for the next meeting.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

Second:  Cm.  Bruni

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

3.  Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning

Lot 8 and the N 1/2 of Lot 6, Block 485, Western Division, located at 309 Park St. from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the proposed zone change and approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a soft drink distributor.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 8 and the N 1/2 of Lot 6, Block 485, Western Division, located at 309 Park St. from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and 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 as a Conditional Use Permit subject to Planning & Zoning Commission’s restrictions. 

 

Moved:  Cm.  Ramirez

Second:  Cm.  Bruni

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Ramirez

 

4.  Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning

0.403 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located east of San Dario Ave. and south of Lost Oaks Rd., from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 0.403 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located east of San Dario Ave. and south of Lost Oaks Rd., 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.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ron Whitehawk, on behalf of Sherfey Engineering, spoke in favor of the zone change.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

Second:  Cm.  Galo

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

 

5.  Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning

Lot 1, Block 5, Del Mar Village Subdivision, located at 102 W. Village Blvd., from R-O (Residential-Office District) to B-1 (Limited Business District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 5, Del Mar Village Subdivision, located at 102 W. Village Blvd., from R-0 (Residential-Office District) to B-1 (Limited Business District); providing for publication and 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:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

Second:  Cm.  Bruni

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

 

6.  Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning

0.010 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located east of Bob Bullock Loop and north of Del Mar Blvd., from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 0.010 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located east of Bob Bullock Loop and north of Del Mar Blvd., from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ron Whitehawk, on behalf of Sherfey Engineering, requested approval of the zone change.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

Second:  Cm.  Bruni

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

 

7.  Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning

14.0061 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located north of Cielito Lindo Blvd. and east of Hwy. 83, from AG (Agricultural District) to B-3 (Community Business District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the proposed B-3 Zone and approval of a B-1 Zone.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 14.0061 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located north of Cielito Lindo Blvd. and east of Hwy. 83, from AG (Agricultural District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Bruni

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce as a B-1 as per staff and Planning and Zoning Commission.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Bruni

For:    8                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Agredano

 

8.  Public hearing amending Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning

129.9939 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located north of Cielito Lindo Blvd. and east of Hwy. 83, from AG (Agricultural District) to R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 129.9939 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located north of Cielito Lindo Blvd. and east of Hwy. 83, from AG (Agricultural District) to R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District); providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

Second:  Cm.  Galo

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Bruni

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Agredano

 

9.  Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning

All of Block 29 and Lot 79B, Block 79, Calton Gardens Subdivision, located at 402 W.  Calton Rd., from B-3 (Community Business District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District) with a Special Use Permit for storage and handling of hazardous materials.  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the proposed zone change and Special Use Permit.  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 all of Block 29 and Lot 79B, Block 79, Calton Gardens Subdivision, located at 402 W. Calton Rd., from B-3 (Community Business District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District) with a Special Use Permit for storage and handling of hazardous materials; providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ernesto Longoria spoke against the approval of the zone change.

 

Reynaldo Rodriguez appeared to oppose the zone change.

 

Ron Whitehawk and Juan Flores, part owner of Dinastia, spoke in favor of the zone change request. 

 

Zulema Longoria, whose residence is behind of Dinastia, opposed the zone change request due to the safety of the children.

 

Mr.  Villarreal, adjoining neighbor, spoke against the zone change due to the fire hazards.

 

Socorro Bea spoke against the zone change.

 

Maria Teresa Rodriguez spoke against the zone change.

 

Humberto and Maria Solano spoke against the zone change.

 

David Cortez stated that it was not proper to place a warehouse with hazardous materials in a business and residential zone.

 

Kay Carmona spoke against the zone change.

 

De Ann Sweeper spoke against the zone change.

 

Reverend Billy Cummings spoke against the zone change. 

 

Motion to close the public hearing and deny the zone change.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

Second:  Cm.  Ramirez

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

10.  Public hearing amending Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning

Lot 5, Block 1018, Eastern Division, located at 1820 Bayard St., from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the proposed zone change and approval of a B-3 Zone.

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 5, Block 1018, Eastern Division, located at 1820 Bayard St., from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date.

 

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 as B-3.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Bruni

For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Agredano

 

11.  Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by

rezoning Lots 1, 2, 3 and 4, Block 3, San Isidro/McPherson No. 3 Subdivision, located at 9802 McPherson Rd., from B-1 (Limited Business District) to B-3 (Community Business District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

  Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, 2, 3

  and 4, Block 3, San Isidro/McPherson No. 3 Subdivision, located at 9802 McPherson

  Rd., from B-1 (Limited Business District) to B-3 (Community Business District);

  providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

 

Ron Whitehawk, representative from South Texas National Bank, spoke in favor of the

zone change.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

Second:  Cm.  Bruni

For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

 

12.  Public hearing authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for above ground fuel

storage on Lots 1 and 2, Block 101, Western Division, located at 520 Farragut St.  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the proposed Special Use Permit.  This is an appeal from an unfavorable recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for above ground fuel storage on Lots 1 and 2, Block 101, Western Division, located at 520 Farragut St.; providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Dr.  Julio  Gomez Rejon  spoke against the zone change.

 

Ricardo Tenorio spoke against the zone change.

 

Fern Fisher informed the Council about the safety precautions that have been taken for the ground fuel storage.    

 

Motion to deny.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Ramirez

Second:  None

 

Motion to close the public hearing; override Planning and Zoning; and introduce as a Special Use Permit.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

Second:  Cm.  Galo

For: