CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2001-R-03

PLANNING AND ZONING MEETING

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

JANUARY 22, 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

 

            None

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

            Announcements

 

Mayor Flores asked the audience to observe a moment of silence for the passing of Mayor Pro Tempore’s father, Joe A. Guerra.

 

 

            Invitations

 

            a.  An invitation from the Streets of Laredo Urban Mall inviting the Mayor and the City

                 Council Members to the annual "JAMBOOZIE" Mardi Gras, Noche de Carnaval                      Festival to be held on Friday, February 9, 2001.

 

Roberto Gonzalez, President of The Streets of Laredo, formally invited the Mayor, the City Council members and the public to attend the “Noche de Carnaval, Mardi Gras” to be held on February 9, 2001.  He asked Mayor Flores to be the Festival Marshal.

 

            Recognitions

 

a.  Recognition of Luis Torres by Council Member Alfredo Agredano for his participation

in Community Projects since 4th grade, as a member of the South Laredo Youth Alliance since 1995, and selected as the Border Patrol Youth for the month of October.

 

Cm.  Agredano presented the Certificate of Recognition to Luis Torres for his outstanding achievements and for his unyielding service to our community.

 

Communiqués

 

Cm. Galo reminded the residents of District III and District I about the Chacon-Meadow Bridge closure due to construction.  He stated that a meeting is to be held at Daiches Elementary, 1401 Green St. on January 24, 2001, at 6:00 p.m. to inform the public of the particulars such as construction timelines, as well as the temporary street detours to be taken during its closing.

 

Cm. Bruni extended his congratulations to Richard Raymond, newly elected State Representative for District 42.  He stated that he will not only be making an outstanding addition to the state legislature due to his previous experience, but that our city will be able to enlist his help in advancing our community’s concerns when need be.

 

Mayor Flores also extended her congratulations and best wishes to Representative Richard Raymond as he embarks on this challenging legislative post.

 

Mayor Flores made a brief report to City Council regarding her meeting at the U. S. Conference of Mayors.  She commented that the key speaker was the Mayor of London, who related to the conference participants the various concerns and issues that a large city such  as his must address.  She also mentioned that the International Affairs Committee received a promising report regarding trade with China, and she will continue to keep the City Council appraised of any developments.  She also reported on her participation in the Urban Affairs Committee, which entails promoting the elimination of unfounded mandates and the exercising of more local control over spending.  She further reported that she was selected to be the Chair of a newly formed committee called the Cities and Borders Committee.  She said the focus of this particular committee would be to remind everyone that the northern and southern borders are not bookends.  In fact, most border cities interact and are responsible for a great deal of flourishing economic development within all cities of the United States. 

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra submitted a letter for the record in reference to a water bill.

 

Ms. Maldonado, General Manager for CPL, and Benjamin Hinojosa from CPL reported on the electrical outage which occurred on Sunday in the Del Mar area.

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

1.  Appointment of Eduardo Rodriguez by Mayor Pro-Tempore Joe A. Guerra to the

     Redistricting Commission.

   

     Motion to approve.

 

     Moved:  Cm.  Galo

     Second:  Cm.  Amaya

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

2.  Appointments to the Plaza Theater Renovation Project Committee by each Council

     Member.

 

     Motion to approve.

 

     Mayor                                                                                 Yolanda Gutierrez-Garcia

     Cm.  Eliseo Valdez, Jr.                                                        Patricia Davila

     Cm.  Alfredo Agredano                                                       Jose R.  Perez

     Cm.  John C.  Galo                                                              Lisa G.  King

     Cm.  Johnny Amaya                                                            J. C. Trevino

     Cm.  Jose Valdez, Jr.                                                           Ronny Goodman

                                               

     Moved:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

     Second:  Cm.  Agredano

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

3.  Appointment of Patricia Davila by Council Member Eliseo Valdez, Jr. to the Plaza

     Theater Renovation Project Committee.

 

     Motion to approve.

 

     Moved:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

     Second:  Cm.  Agredano

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

VII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1.  Public hearing regarding the submission of a Texas Recreation and Parks

Account/Outdoors Grant application in the amount of $500,000.00 to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in consideration of funding improvements for the Zacate Creek Linear Park.  

ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 2001-R-007

A resolution authorizing the submission of a Texas Recreation and Parks Account/Outdoor Grant application in the amount of $500,000.00 the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in consideration of funding improvements for the Zacate Creek Linear Park as matched by previously allocated Community Development Block Grant and Transportation Enhancement Funds; designating the City Manager as being responsible for, acting for and on behalf of the City of Laredo in dealing with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and further authorizing the City Manager to execute any and all documents pertaining to and/or resulting from this submission; certifying that the City of Laredo is eligible to receive Texas Recreation and Parks Account Outdoor Grant Program Assistance and has readily available the required 100% match; and dedicating the Zacate Creek Linear Park for permanent public park and recreational uses.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Bruni

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

John Vidaurri, Parks & Recreation Director, gave a presentation before the Council.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce and adopt Resolution 2001-R-007.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Bruni

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

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

authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for a plug back of Richter No. 1 gas `well on 2.0 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located north of Masterson Rd. and west of Hwy. 83.  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the proposed Special Use Permit for a plug back.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for a plug back of Richter No. 1 gas well on 2.0 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located north of Masterson Rd. and west of Hwy. 83; providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce as a Special Use Permit with recommendations of the Committee and staff.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Agredano

 

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

authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for a plug back of Ervin #1 gas well on 3.0 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located north of Masterson Rd. and west of Hwy. 83.  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the proposed Special Use Permit for a plug back.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for a plug back of Ervin #1 gas well on 3.0 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located north of Masterson Rd. and west of Hwy. 83; 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 Special  Use Permit with recommendations of Committee and staff.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Bruni

 

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

authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for a plug back of H.B. Zachry Unit #2 gas well of 5.0 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located east of Hwy. 83 and south of Southgate Blvd.  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the proposed Special Use Permit for a plug back.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for a plug back of H.B. Zachry Unit #2 gas well of 5.0 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located east of Hwy. 83 and south of Southgate Blvd.; 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 a Special  Use Permit with recommendations of Committee and staff.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Bruni

 

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

Lots 4, 5, and 6, Block 794, Eastern Division, located at 1419 Market St., from R-O (Residential-Office District) to B-1 (Limited Business District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the proposed zone change and approval of a Conditional Use Permit for an adult day care.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 4, 5, and 6, Block 794, Eastern Division, located at 1419 Market St., from R-O (Residential-Office District) to B-1 (Limited Business 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

 

Andrew Smith, with South Texas Development Council, spoke in favor of the zone change request and was in agreement to the conditions specified by the Commission.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce as a Conditional Use Permit with conditions specified by Planning and Zoning Commission.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Galo

 

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

Lot 200, Block 10, Del Mar Hills Subdivision, Section I, Area "A", located at 618 Idylwood Ln., from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Business District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the proposed zone change and approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a child day care center.

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 200, Block 10, Del Mar Hills Subdivision, Section I, Area "A", located at 618 Idylwood Ln., from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Business 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

 

Monica Calles and Sylvia Holguin spoke in favor of the zone change.

 

Ana Luisa Bella, 609 Idylwood, spoke against the zone change request.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and send back to staff for the next meeting.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

Second:  Cm.  Bruni

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

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

Lot 1, Block 1, Eagle Ridge Subdivision, located on the northeast corner of Country Club Dr. and McPherson Rd., from RSM (Residential Suburban Multi-Family District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential 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 1, Eagle Ridge Subdivision, located on the northeast corner of Country Club Dr. and McPherson Rd., from RSM (Residential Suburban Multi-Family District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential 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

 

Val Namis, Architect of the project, appeared to answer any questions.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce as R-2 zone.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

 

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

3.206 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located on the southwest corner of Bartlett Ave. and Jacaman Rd., from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the proposed B-4 Zone and approval of a B-3 Zone. 

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

 

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 3.206 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located on the southwest corner of Bartlett Ave. and Jacaman Rd., 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 Sherffey Engineering, spoke in favor of allowing a B-3 zone instead of the initial request of a B-4 zone.

 

Cm.  Bruni requested the developer of Jacaman Rd to develop the south side of Bartlett as well as the north side.    

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce as B-3 zone.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Bruni

           

9.  Public hearing amending sections of the Laredo Land Development Code pertaining to

manufactured housing, specifically Section 24.63.3, Non-Conforming Uses or Buildings; Section 24.63.2, Permitted Uses; Section 24.65.7, R-3 Mixed Residential District; Section 24.65.6, R-1 MH Single Family Manufactured Housing District; Section 24.77.1, Dimensional Standards; Section 24.93.2, Manufactured Housing Park; and Appendix A; providing for publication and effective date.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending sections of the Laredo Land Development Code pertaining to manufactured housing, specifically Section 24.63.3, Non-Conforming Uses or Buildings; Section 24.63.2, Permitted Uses; Section 24.65.7, R-3 Mixed Residential District; Section 24.65.6, R-1 MH Single Family Manufactured Housing District; Section 24.77.1, Dimensional Standards; Section 24.93.2, Manufactured Housing Park; and Appendix A; providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Cm.  J.  Valdez, Jr. expressed concerns about Section 24.65.7 and requested that they add the following language “unless otherwise prohibited by law”, and to change the wording to read “existing material for wall and roofing”.

 

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

 

10.  Public hearing amending Subsection 24-84.5(a) Exceptions, of Section 24.84 Sidewalk

Standards of the Laredo Land Development Code clarifying conditions for exemptions; providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the proposed ordinance amendment.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending Subsection 24-84.5(a) Exceptions, of Section 24.84 Sidewalk Standards of the Laredo Land Development Code; providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the proposed ordinance amendment.

 

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.  Bruni

For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

11.  Public hearing designating as one-way westbound the 1100 Block of Grant Street

between Flores Avenue on the east and Convent Avenue on the west; providing for the installation of appropriate signs to indicate one-way traffic in the designated direction; approval of this ordinance is contingent and subject to the Downtown traffic analysis study approval and providing for publication and effective date.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Designating as one-way westbound the 1100 Block of Grant Street between Flores 

Avenue on the east and Convent Avenue on the west; providing for the installation of appropriate signs to indicate one-way traffic in the designated direction; approval of this ordinance is contingent and subject to the Downtown traffic analysis study approval and providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Galo

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

 

12.  Public Hearing amending Chapter 19, Motor Vehicle and Traffic, Article VIII.

Stopping, Standing or Parking of the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances, specifically creating section 19-361 Parking Meters. Secured Controlled Access Parking Lots and section 19-362, Parking Lot Rates and Hours of Operation and providing for publication and  effective date.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending Chapter 19, Motor Vehicle and Traffic, Article VIII. Stopping, Standing or Parking of the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances, specifically creating Section 19-361 Parking Meters. Secured Controlled Access Parking Lots and Section 19-362, Parking Lot Rates and Hours of Operation and providing for publication and  effective date.

 

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.  Bruni

Second:  Cm.  Galo

For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

VIII.    GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

13.  A.  Request by Council Member Johnny Amaya

 

1.  Status report on the construction of the Skate Park, with possible action.

 

John Vidaurri, Parks & Recreation Director, reported that weather conditions have delayed the project. 

 

       B.  Request by Council Member Eliseo Valdez, Jr.

 

1.  Status report on the plan of action to be taken to remedy the problems of the

     deterioration of Calton Rd., with possible action.