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.
a.
Plans to repair and maintain Calton Rd.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, stated that the department has an
estimated cost of recycling Calton Rd. from Santa Maria to McPherson. He added that Calton Rd. would be recycled
in phases. The first phase will be
McPherson to Springfield.
Cm. E. Valdez requested a timetable and a plan of action.
b. Status of the proposed
french drain for Calton Rd. at the intersection of
McPherson and Calton
Rd.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, informed Council that his
department is working on a remedy, and the plan is about 80% complete.
c. Status on the steps to
be taken to remove Calton Rd. from the truck route along
with a timetable.
Keith Selman, City Planner, affirmed that his department would be
consulting with the Traffic Committee on possible alternatives for the routing
of the trucks. He added that he would
report possible alternatives to Council within a month.
2. Request for TxDot to
review the unsafe design currently in place at the southbound turn
around at IH-35 and
Lafayette.
Keith Selman, City Planner, stated that his department advised the
Technical Committee of the MPO and TxDot of the issue. He encouraged Council to send a formal
letter requesting a response.
3. Status report on the
improvements to parks in District V. (Proposed Gonzalez Park,
Community Park, Zacate
Creek Linear Park)
Motion to Table.
Moved:
Cm. E. Valdez
Second:
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
C.
Request by Council Member Jose A. Valdez, Jr.
1. Discussion with
possible action on the implementation of a computer purchase program
for City Employees.
Rosario Cabello, Finance Director, requested time to complete an
employee survey and to check on various options that may be offered that would
be acceptable to the City Manager and the Council.
2. Discussion with
possible action regarding street vending regulations.
James Stemple, concerned citizen, voiced his concern about the
unfair treatment to vendors by city employees.
He stated that a City employee who demonstrated rude behavior had cited
him.
Mayor Flores requested a copy of the citation.
Cm. Valdez expressed his
desire to assure the public that all street vendors are treated equally and
fairly. He requested that staff contact
other cities to see how they handle the street vendors issue.
Rogelio Garcia, Health Director, explained the Ordinance that
refers to street vendors who sale food items.
He added that his department aggressively enforces the ordinance.
Assistant Police Chief San Miguel, explained the procedures for
soliciting for donations at intersections.
D. Request by Council
Member Juan Ramirez
1. Status report on the
unfinished construction repair done on Hidalgo Street, Main
Avenue, and Iturbide
Street.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, mentioned that the temporary
patches are not effective; therefore, Engineering will be requesting permanent
patches. He added that he would return
to Council with a report on the situation.
2. Status report on the
regulations of shuttle vans.
Jose Escalante, concerned citizen, appeared before the Council
complaining about shuttle van service being provided throughout the city, which
vans are not regulatory and do not have valid city permits.
Roberto Murrillo, Traffic Engineer, discussed the ordinance in
reference to shuttle vans.
Juan Morales, representing the Traffic Safety Department, stated
that the department is very aggressive in identifying and citing illegal
shuttle vans. He requested time to
conduct research in reference to the shuttle vans, and he will report back to
Council.
IX. FINAL READINGS OF ORDINANCES
Internet availability: //www.ci.laredo.us.tx
Motion to waive the final reading of ordinances 2001-O-018,
2001-O-026, 2001-O-027, 2001-O-028 and 2001-O-029.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
14. 2001-O-018 Amending the contract with the Texas Health
and Human Services
Commission and FY 2000-2001 budget in the amount of $30,850.00 in
additional funds for the Children's Health Insurance (CHIP) Outreach Project of
the City of Laredo Health Department for the fiscal year 2000-2001 ending
August 31, 2001. (City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-018.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-026 Amending Chapter 31, Utilities, Article II
Sewer and Sewage Disposal,
Division 4 Private
Sewage Disposal, of the Laredo Code of Ordinances,
Section 31.81 and
31.82, authorizing an on-site sewage facility permit
fee; and authorizing a
penalty for violation of this ordinance; and
providing for effective
date and publication. (City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-026.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-027 Amending Chapter 25, of the City of Laredo
Code of Ordinances entitled
Plumbing, specifically, Section 25-3, code adopted, by adopting
the 2000 Edition of the International Plumbing Code and modifying Appendix A,
Sections 101.1, 106.5.2., 106.5.3., 108.4., 108.5., 305.6.1, and 904.1. of said
Code in order to tailor it to the specific needs of the City of Laredo;
deleting Section 25-65; repealing all other ordinances and parts of any
ordinance in conflict herewith; providing for publication and effective date. (City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-027.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-028 Amending the
Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for an electric
substation on all of Block 45, Calton Gardens Subdivision, located at 510 W.
Canal St.; providing for publication and effective date. (AS AMENDED) (Mayor Pro-Tempore Joe A. Guerra)
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-028.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-029 An Ordinance
authorizing the City Manager to execute a License
Agreement with Nextel Partners, Inc. for a 35' x 40" ground
space located at 1101 Garden St., Laredo, Webb County, Texas, and being more
fully described in License Agreement; for the installation and operation of a
temporary mobile mini-cell site, for use with its communications business. Term of the lease is 90 days commencing
January 22, 2001 and ending April 21, 2001.
In lieu of rent Licensee will construct a 6ft, 35' x 40', heavy duty
chain link fence, with double-drive gate and a man gate, all posts set in
concrete, with 3 strands of barbed wire as described in License Agreement;
providing for effective date. (City Council)
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-029.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
X. RESOLUTIONS
15. 2000-R-173 A resolution authorizing the acceptance of a
donation from Antonio De
Llano and Guillermo Cavazos of 2 tracts of land containing .99
acre, and 1 acre, more or less both situated in Porcion 22, Abstract 277,
Leonardo Sanchez, original grantee, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, both
for the use as 100' wide drainage easements.
Said tracts being out of a larger 33.0 acre tract of land deeded to
Antonio De Llano, as recorded 1219, Pages 018-022, Webb county Deed Records,
Webb County, Texas, and both being more particularly described by metes and
bounds.
Motion to approve Resolution 2000-R-173.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
16. 2001-R-008 A resolution authorizing the acceptance of a
donation of a tract of land at
fair market value containing 23.50 acres and the dedication of the
right-of-way to a tract of land containing 9.37 acres, and a tract of land
containing 5.20 acres described more specifically in the "Donation Deed
and Right-of-Way Dedication" and the exhibits thereto and incorporated for
all purposes within Resolution No. 2001-R-008. The tracts are donated and dedicated to the City of Laredo by
Laura G. Jacaman, Laura Jacaman f/k/a Laura Jacaman Sanchez, John S. Jacaman
Cattle Co. Ltd., Joe John Jacaman, Eduardo A. Jacaman, Patricia Jacaman, and
Joseph Jacaman.
Motion to approve Resolution 2000-R-008.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 1 Abstain: 0
Cm. Ramirez
XI. MOTIONS
17. Consideration to
authorize the City Manager to submit FY2002 Transportation and
Community and System Preservation Pilot Program Discretionary
Grant Applications to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in support of
the design and planning of El Portal Riverfront Park and Scenic Road and the
development of the Zaragoza Corridor east of Convent Avenue to Santa Maria Avenue
in the amount of $1.5 million each; and further authorizing the City Manager to
execute any and all documents pertaining to and/or resulting from these
submissions.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
18. Consideration to
authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract agreement with the
Texas Department of Transportation for the Ryan Street Railroad
Bridge Conversion and Zacate Creek Pedestrian and Bicycle Facility
Project. The Texas Transportation
Commission selected the project and awarded a maximum of $571,200.00. The City's estimated contribution is
$142,800.00. Funding is available from
the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
19. Consideration to amend
a contract with Laredo Development Foundation for economic
development services to include governmental relations and
legislative services for fiscal year 2000-2001 for an amount not to exceed
$72,400.00. The total amount of the
contract will be $357,400.00. Funding
is available in the General Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Galo
No action was taken due to tabling motion.
Motion to table for February 5, 2001.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. J.
Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
20. Consideration to
authorize improvements to the Benavides Softball Complex in the
total amount of $90,000.00.
These improvements include the construction of a perimeter trail,
walkway, landscaping, installation of a playground module, bar-b-que pits,
football and soccer goals, fencing and other related improvements. These improvements will be done
in-house. Funding is available in the Benavides
Park Improvement.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XII. STAFF REPORT
21. Update report on the
possible privatization of the Utilities Department, with possible
action.
Fernando Roman gave the following presentation:
Analysis of Privatization Proposals for
the Utilities Department
Responses Received
q American Water Services, Inc.
q OMI/Thames
q United Water Services
q U. S. Filter
Broad Range of Opinions
q American Water: “operational
improvements…not material enough….to add value and earn a reasonable return”
q U. S. Filter: from 1997: $2 million in
savings, employee surplus; 35….no
proposal however, unless tied to groundwater
q OMI:
$3 million, employee surplus: 75
q United Water: $5 million, employee surplus:
82
Concerns
q Second fastest growing city in U. S. (first year price probably not fixed)
q Apples to apples
q Capital improvements or capital outlay not
included
q Some O & M expenses only partially
accounted for
q Power savings: 25 percent difference among proposals
q Not just meet permit
Due Diligence
q Finalize staff review of proposals
(identify all areas of concern)
q Discuss proposals with consultants
($20,000 available) and prepare list of question for proposers
q Discuss questions with proposers for
clarification purposes
q Check references and visit with cities
recently privatized by proposers (telephone, e-mail, or in person) for
evaluation tips
q Redefine proposals after clarification of
questions
q Prepare apples to apples comparison
Evaluation
q Division by division analysis (addition
and subtraction to offers depending on apples to apples comparison)
q Definition of employee issues including
timetable for reduction of staff (critical for firm-saving determination)
q Definition of capital outlay and capital
improvement issues and timetable (critical for creation of reserves)
q Definition of reserve and contingency
requirements
Where is the Money?
q Operation and Maintenance
q Minor Repairs under $15,000
q Capital Outlay and Improvements
q major Repairs and Rehabilitation
q In-house Construction Services
q Contingencies and Reserves
Cm. Bruni voiced his
frustrations in the delay of securing a second water source.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, informed Council that he would
review the contract to see what is called for, and he would put the item back
on the agenda for the approval of $20,000.
XIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The City Council hereby reserves the right to go into executive
session at any time during this public meeting, when it deems it necessary to
consult privately with its attorney about any item upon this agenda, pursuant
to the provisions of Section 551.071(2) of the Texas Government Code.
XVI. RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MASS
TRANSIT BOARD
Motion to recess as City Council and reconvene as the Laredo Mass
Transit Board.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
22. Status report on the
purchasing of El Lift Vans.
Peter Berhman, Transit Manager, reported that they are going to
replace eight vans, and that they would be delivered in eight months. He explained the difference between the
current vans and the low floor vans.
Motion to recess as Laredo Mass Transit Board and reconvene as
City Council.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn. Time: 10:20 p.m.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
I hereby certify that the above minutes contained in pages one
through 19 are true, complete, and correct proceeding of the City Council
Meeting held on the 22nd day of January, 2001.
_________________________________
Gustavo
Guevara, Jr.
City
Secretary