CITY OF LAREDO

                                             CITY COUNCIL MEETING

                                                            M2001-R-08

                                            CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

                                                1110 HOUSTON STREET

                                                 LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

                                                        MARCH 19, 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

            Homero Martinez,                                                        Assistant City Attorney

           

IV.       MINUTES

 

Approval of the minutes of January 22, 2001.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Amaya

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

Announcements

 

            None.

 

Invitations

 

Cm.  Amaya invited the Mayor, and Council and the public to the 1st annual District IV Scholarship Fund Raiser at the American Legion on Saunders from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

 

Luis Diaz De Leon invited the Mayor, the Council and the public to the Primavera to be held on the 24th day of March from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Los Dos Laredos Park. 

   

Recognitions

 

a.  Recognition of twenty five (25) City of Laredo Firefighters for being the first class to

receive the Haz Mat Technician Certification now required by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.

                

                 The following firefighters were presented with certificates for being members of the first class to become certified as Haz-Mat technicians:

 

                   1.  Fernando Alarcon, Jr.                                                   13.  Joseph Mayers

       2.  Ricardo F. Briseno                                                        14.  Manuel M. Moke

                   3.  Oscar Cabello                                                               15.  Gabriel D. Perez

                   4.  Ricardo Castillo                                                            16.  Daniel A. Pottin

                   5.  Roberto De Hoyos, Jr.                                                  17.  Arnoldo Puente

                   6.  Angel A. Garcia                                                            18.  Gilberto Ramos

                   7.  Pedro Garcia                                                                19.  Gerardo Rangel

                   8.  Raul Garcia                                                                   20.  Roberto Reyna

                   9.  Sergio Gonzalez, Jr.                                                      21.  Luis Rubalcaba, Jr.

                 10.  Luis A. Guzman                                                            22.  Lauro R. Salinas, Jr.

                 11.  Jose G. Izaguirre                                                           23.  Jorge Sanchez

                 12.  Steve E. Landin                                                             24.  Luis F. Sosa, Jr.

                                                                                                            25.  Lee C. Thornton

 

Communiqués

 

            None.

 

VII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1.  Public hearing establishing a 15% penalty on the 2000 delinquent tax accounts as of July

1, 2001 to defray costs of collection pursuant to section 33.07 (a) of the Texas State Property Tax Code; providing for publication and effective date.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Establishing a 15% penalty on the 2000 delinquent tax accounts as of July 1, 2001 to defray costs of collection pursuant to section 33.07 (a) of the Texas State Property Tax Code; 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.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

2.  Public hearing amending the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 budget in the amount of

$7,500.00 in additional funds for the Chronic Disease Prevention Program, Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Project (BCCCP), of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning September 1, 2000, through August 31, 2001.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 budget in the amount of $7,500.00 in additional funds for the Chronic Disease Prevention Program, Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Project (BCCCP), of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning September 1, 2000, through August 31, 2001.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Galo

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

3.  Public hearing authorizing the City Manager to execute a Budget Amendment to

appropriate State Funds from the Texas Department of Transportation State Project No. VCR 0101 (22), Contract No. #5112256004 in the amount of $574,793.00 providing for a local match of $166.00 from the Transit Sales Tax Proceeds Budget Reserve Account No. 518-5162-584-9900.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Authorizing the City Manager to execute a Budget Amendment to appropriate State Funds from the Texas Department of Transportation State Project No. VCR 0101 (22), Contract No. #5112256004 in the amount of $574,793.00 providing for a local match of $166.00 from the Transit Sales Tax Proceeds Budget Reserve Account No. 518-5162-584-9900.

           

     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.  Agredano

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

VIII.    GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

4.  A.  Request by Council Member Alfredo Agredano

 

1.  Discussion with possible action on placing a traffic signal at the intersection of

     HWY 83 and Cielito Lindo Road.

 

Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, reported that they have had several meetings with United Independent School District, TxDot and the people representing the developer to address particular concerns in that area.  He added that TxDot would base their decision on projections from a study analysis in that area.  Finally, he stated that funding is in question for the traffic signal.  The cost for the light is $90,000 if it is performed in house. 

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra stressed that Council  be pro-active and correct the problems before the results from the analysis are in. 

 

Mayor Flores stated that the area in question is a state highway, and they have stringent regulations that would not allow the Council to place a traffic light without a warrant.

 

       B.  Request by Council Member Johnny Amaya

 

1.  Status of traffic signal at Saunders St. and Buena Vista St., with possible action.

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, informed the Council that the City had set up the traffic signal without a warrant, and they were not allowed to utilize it until the study was complete.   

 

Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, stated that the light will be activated and synchronized before the end of the week.

   

2.  Discussion on complaints of water runoff to the intersection of Lyon St. and

     Tilden St., with possible action.

 

Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, reported that the City has reactivated the water patrol and informed him that they did issue a citation in reference to the water runoff at the intersection of Lyon St. and Tilden St. 

 

Motion to instruct staff to construct a concrete valley gutter across Lyon Street and direct the flow of water along these gutters.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Amaya

Second:  Cm.  Galo

For:     8                              Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                   C.  Request by Council Member Eliseo Valdez, Jr.

 

1.  Status report on the notice to proceed for the creek-cleaning contract at Zacate

     Creek Linear Park, with possible action.

 

Francisco Meza, Purchasing Agent, reported that the original bidder rescinded his contract.  He recommended that the City award the bid to the second lowest bidder. 

 

Motion to instruct staff to award the job to the Nick Benavides, second lowest bidder.

 

     Moved:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

     Second:  Cm.  Amaya

     For:     7                              Against:  0                                            Abstain:  1

                                                                                                            Cm.  Bruni

 

2.  Status of the improvements to the Eistetter Park, Cruz Field Park, and other Rio

     Grande Little League Fields, with possible action.

 

Sergio Tijerina, Parks Superintendent, reported that the plans for Eistetter Park were complete in February and were forwarded to TNRCC for approval.   

 

He added that the construction at Cruz field would be completed in the next three weeks. 

 

Finally, he stated that the Rio Grande Little League Fields were graded and they were pending the backstops.      

 

3.  Status report on the police initiatives to curb vandalism to city parks, with

     possible action.

 

Police Chief Agustin Dovalina reported that his department is working closely with Crime Stoppers to encourage the public to report acts of vandalism.  He stated that the vandals are not residents of the neighborhoods but a transient that  traverses through the area that has the mentality to cause destruction.  He reemphasized the need for citizens to be civic minded enough to call and report vandalism.

 

Sergio Teierina, Parks Superintendent, stated that the agenda for the Parks and Recreational Board would include “park police” on the agenda.  

 

                   D.  Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore Joe A. Guerra

 

1.  Status report on the traffic conditions along Shiloh Blvd. as a result of the

     meetings with the various neighborhood groups, with possible action.

 

Roberto Murrillo, Traffic Director, reported that on February 28th they held a meeting to discuss safer traffic conditions on Shiloh.  He informed the Council of the desires of local residents and United Independent School District.  He mentioned several different options that will be considered and said that they are currently doing traffic counts to see if the area warrants traffic signals. 

 

Police Chief Agustin Dovalina stated that they are conducting random extra surveillance of the area, and they have issued over 50 citations to area residents.  They need to slow down.

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra requested that the item to be placed on the agenda in two weeks.

 

2.  Status report on the Speed Hump Program as it concerns District VI, with

     possible action. 

 

Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, reported that the procedures for the speed humps have been implemented.  It requires that the residents to submit an official request for a speed hump to the Traffic Department.  He added that when the request is submitted  there are two preliminary studies that will determine decision. The Traffic Department will notify the property owner if the area meets the requirements for a speed hump.

 

                   E.  Request by Council Member Jose A. Valdez, Jr.

 

1.  Requesting staff to prepare a cost estimate for the widening of the entrance to

     Rancho Viejo Subdivision, also known as Rancho Viejo Drive.

 

Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported that the cost estimate for the widening of the entrance to Rancho Viejo Subdivision would be approximately $120,000 to $130,000.  He added that it is on a TxDot right of way and the City will have to get their approval.  

 

                   F.  Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez

 

1.  Motion to reconsider rescinding the action of Council regarding the traffic light

on Garden St. and Salinas St. in front of Leyendecker Elementary School, with possible action.

 

Mr.  Rolando Sauceda, representing the Leyendecker School PTA organization, presented a petition with 41 signatures who are against the removal of the traffic light on Garden and Salinas.

 

Motion to reconsider.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Ramirez

Second:  Cm.  Bruni

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

Motion to rescind the action of Council regarding the traffic light on Garden St. And Salinas St. in front of Leyendecker Elementary School.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Ramirez

Second:  Cm.  Galo

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

2.  Status report on the construction around the San Agustin Plaza, with possible

     action.

 

Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported that the majority of the work is done by the Utilities, and they are replacing their lines and enhancing their systems.  They are working at a very slow pace.

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that we currently have a franchise agreement with Entex.  The City and Entex will have a meeting this week to discuss strengthening the proposed franchise.  Entex stated that the City’s requirements are burdensome.  Finally, he stated that the construction will be completed in April.

 

3.  Status report on the old G.S.A. Property (old import lot), with possible action.

 

Cynthia Collazo, Assistant City Manager, stated that they would address the issue when they attend the meeting in Washington in two weeks.  They will inform the new Commissioners of Public Buildings of the City’s opposition in allowing any type of business that will allow 18-wheelers in the downtown area.  She informed the Council that the City is interested in leasing the building.

 

4.  Discussion with possible action regarding the traffic study on the downtown area.

 

Roberto Murrillo, Traffic Director, informed the Council that the study would be completed by the middle of March.  The consultant will give a complete presentation to the Council on April 2, 2001. 

   

X.        FINAL READINGS OF ORDINANCES 

 

            Internet availability:  //www.ci.laredo.us.tx.

 

Motion to waive the final reading of ordinance 2001-O-061, 2001-O-062, 2001-O-063, and 2001-O-064.

 

            Moved:  Cm.  Galo

            Second:  Cm.  Bruni

            For:     8                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

5.  2001-O-061  Amending the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 budget in the amount of

$148,672.00 for the HIV/AIDS Ryan White Title II Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning April 1, 2001, through August 31, 2001.  (City Council)

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-061.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

 2001-O-062  Amending the City of Laredo 2000-2001 Annual Budget in the amount of

   $20,000.00 to appropriate the consideration fees paid by proponents at the 

   time of their proposal submittal to defray the cost of the privatization

   study.  (City Council)

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-062.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                 2001-O-063  An ordinance amending Ordinance #99-0-165 by authorizing the City

   Manager to execute a Site Ground Lease Agreement Addendum to that

   certain Ground Lease between the City of Laredo and Omni America

   Development Corp., dated June 21, 1999 for additional ground space of

   approximately 250.0 square feet located at the City of Laredo Calton Road

   Fire Station.  Annual Rent will be increased by $3,850.00 prorated to

   coincide with the anniversary of the lease commencement date and on the

   first day of each year of the lease commencement anniversary date

   thereafter.  All other terms and conditions of the lease remain in full force

   and effect.  (City Council)

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-063.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

 2001-O-064  An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Laredo

Independent School District for approximately 9,216 square feet constituting Building No. 1325 located at 4103 Maher Avenue at the Laredo International Airport.  Lease term is for one (1) year commencing on March 1, 2001 and ending on February 28, 2002, and may be extended for one (1) year ending on February 28, 2003.  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 $2,305.00 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.  (City Council)

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-O-064.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

XI.       RESOLUTIONS

 

6.  2001-R-030  A resolution amending the City of Laredo International Airport Noise

Compatibility Program Policy Guide, to include a provision that, for homes purchased under the City of Laredo International Airport Noise Compatibility Program, a person selling his/her property to the City of Laredo, shall be eligible for one (1) month rent-free on the acquired property, and that thereafter; he/she shall be required to enter into a rental agreement, unless the replacement housing unit will be newly-constructed, in which case the seller may have up to three (3) months rent-free.

 

Motion to approve Resolution  2001-R-030.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Bruni

For:     8                                 Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

7.  2001-R-031  A resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application to

the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division in the amount of $80,000.00 with the City designating $35,000.00 in matching funds for a total of $115,000.00 for funding a Domestic Violence Grant under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) for the period of June 01, 2001 through May 30, 2002. 

 

Motion to approve Resolution  2001-R-031.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Bruni

For:     8                                 Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

 

 

8.  2001-R-033  A resolution declaring the City of Laredo's opposition to the proposed

  Regional Landfill on Highway 359.     

 

Motion to approve Resolution  2001-R-033.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Bruni

For:     8                                 Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

XII.     MOTIONS

 

9.  Consideration to cancel the City Council meeting of March 26, 2001 due to the

     Washington D.C. trip by Mayor, Council Members and the City staff.

 

     Motion to approve.

 

     Moved:  Cm.  Galo

     Second:  Cm.  Bruni

     For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

10.  Consideration to refund the property tax to the following taxpayers and companies:

 

1.  A refund in the amount of $534.51 payable to NETS Electronic Tax Service due

     to an overpayment.

 

2.  A refund in the amount of $2,496.53 payable to Burlington Coat Factory due to a

                 District Court Order #C-95-01161-D2.

 

3.  A refund in the amount of $724.06 payable to First American Real Estate due to

     a payment made in error on behalf of First Nationwide Mortgage.

 

4.  A refund in the amount of $880.56 payable to Laredo National Bank due to a

     double payment on behalf of Border Title Abstract Company and Laredo

     National Bank.

 

5.  A refund in the amount of $559.95 payable to International Bank of Commerce.  

     The bank paid the account in error; therefore, they are requesting the refund.

 

6.  A refund in the amount of $1,444.57 payable to National Bank of Commerce due

to an account paid in error.  The bank paid in error; therefore, they are requesting a refund.

 

              Motion to approve.

 

              Moved:  Cm.  Galo

              Second:  Cm.  Bruni

              For:     8                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

11.  Consideration to approve monthly adjustments to the tax roll.  The amount to be adjusted

for the month of February 2001, which represents a decrease in levy, is $6,058.39.  These

adjustments are determined by the Webb County Appraisal District and by Court Order.

 

              Motion to approve.