CITY OF LAREDO

                                                     CITY COUNCIL MEETING

                                                                   M2001-R-10

                                                   CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

                                                      1110 HOUSTON STREET

                                                       LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

                                                                APRIL 16, 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 March 5, 2001, and March 19, 2001.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

Announcements

 

a.  Special announcement from Mayor Flores to the City Council and the people of

     Laredo concerning an invitation by Secretary Of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld.

 

                 Mayor Flores mentioned that she received an invitation from Defense Secretary Rumsfeld to participate in a Joint Civilian Orientation Conference.  She read the following excerpt from the letter:

 

                 “The program which will be held next week, April 21st-29th, will give participants an opportunity to learn firsthand about U.S. military personnel, equipment, and capabilities and national defense strategies.  The JCOC is a weeklong, multi-service orientation program in which the Secretary of Defense takes a personal interest.  It is the oldest existing Pentagon program having been held at least once every year since 1948.” 

 

                 Mayor Flores went over the itinerary for the trip which included meetings with senior Department of Defense officials and consisted of trips to the Pentagon’s National Military Command Center, Andrews Air Force Base, and U. S. Naval facilities.

 

            Invitations

 

            Mayor Flores read a letter from the Chairman of the Railroad Commission of Texas:

 

            “The State of Texas has a unique and storied history.  We have been blessed with great natural resources and an advantageous location and a wealth of human capital.  Though our history is unique and our many resources afford most Texans a good quality of life, policy makers must look beyond the past and the present to prepare for our future. 

 

With our state’s future in mind, Chairman Johnny Johnson of the Texas Department of Transportation, Chairman Robert Houston, of the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, and I would like to invite you to a Transportation Round Table we are hosting where panelists will address the question:  Should rail play a bigger part in Texas transportation policy?  In seeking the answer to this question, we will discuss air quality and congestion concerns, highway maintenance, passenger and freight alternatives, and other relevant topics.

 

The panelists invited will include representatives from the trucking industry, railroads, shippers, environmental interests, light rail, and regional transportation representatives.  The meeting is scheduled from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 26th in Room 100 of the first floor of the William B. Travis State Office Building on 1701 N. Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas.  If you have any questions, please contact my office.”

 

            Sincerely,

 

            Michael L. Williams

Chairman

 

            Mayor Flores invited interested citizens to attend the Community Development Block Grant public hearings that provide the public with dollar figures and the types of projects that the city is able to embark upon through this government funding source.  She mentioned that since 1975, the City has received over $84,000,000.00 through block grants.  However, because the census figures do not accurately reflect our city’s population size, it is estimated that the City is probably leaving another $34,000,000.00 on the table.  Some of the projects under way are:  construction of public parks, ADA sidewalks, street paving improvements, building of recreational centers, COPS stations, street lighting, and providing affordable housing.

 

            Mayor Flores announced that there would be several ribbon-cutting ceremonies throughout the city for this week:

 

q       SCAN will be holding its ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 17, 2001 at 2:00 p.m. for its new facility at 1901 Pita-Magana Road

 

q       The City of Laredo will be holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 18, 2001 at 4:00 p.m. for its newest recreational facility, the East Hachar Recreational Center at 1102 North Smith

 

q       The City of Laredo will be holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 19, 2001 at 10:00 a.m. for La Ladrillera Elderly Center at 2100 Pinder

 

Mayor Flores also mentioned that the City will begin with public meetings tonight for the 2001 Consolidated One-Year Action Plan that will outline how funding made available throughout the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will be utilized.  All these meetings will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the following locations:

 

On Monday, April 16, 2001, Tarver Recreational Center at 2902 Tilden Ave.

 

On Tuesday, April 17, 2001 at the Cigarroa Recreational Center, 2201 Zacatecas.

 

On Wednesday, April 18, 2001, at the Farias Recreational Center, 1601 Farias.

 

On Thursday, April 19, 2001, at the La Ladrillera Elderly Center, 2100 Pinder.

 

            Mayor Flores announced that the City of Laredo would be conducting a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event and Tire Roundup on April 21, 2001, at the El Metro Park and Ride Facility.   For further information, interested citizens may call 727-7794.

 

            Mayor Flores announced that Consolidated Freightways is inviting the City Council to the grand opening of their recently completed 15,000 sq. foot Laredo facility on April 27, 2001.  The facility at 13145 S. Unitec Drive is a staging terminal for cargo moving through the Mexico gateway and is the largest LTL trucking terminal on the U.S.-Mexico border. 

           

            Rudy Valdez, of the Webb County TRIAD program, together with Anita Stanley of Parks and Recreation Department, extended an invitation for a Senior-Junior Olympics intergenerational event involving senior citizens and youth of the community.  It is scheduled for April 19, 2001, at the First Assembly of God Church starting at 9:00 a.m.

 

            Bill Skeen, Monica Martinez, Yolanda Garcia, Griselda Salas, Yvette Iruegas, and Claudia Villarreal appeared before City Council to thank them for the traffic light installation at the entrance to Concord Hills Boulevard.

 

            Recognitions

 

a.  Recognizing Officer Andres Maldonado and his K-9, Arak, for placing first in

the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association competition held in El Paso, Texas, on April 6, 2001.  Placing sixth was Officer Gerardo Lerma and his K-9, Daisy.  A total of 140 teams participated in this event consisting of several law enforcement agencies.

 

                  Officer Andres Maldonado was recognized for bringing this national recognition to the police department and the City of Laredo. 

 

b.  Recognizing 14 students from local middle schools who have been chosen as

     "Eighth Grader of the Month" for April by the Laredo Police Department

     Community Relations Unit and local school counselors.

 

     Mayor Flores and the City Council presented Seven Flag Certificates to students for being selected as “Eighth Grader of the Month”.

 

     The following students were presented with certificates:

 

     George Washington Middle                                                 Jessica Benavidez

     St. Augustine                                                                       Annalie Miravete

     United South Middle                                                            Annette DeLuna

     Los Obispos Middle                                                            Veronica Aleman

     Salvador Garcia Middle                                                       Jesus Garcia                

 

                 The following students who did not attend also received certificates:

 

                 Mary Help of Christians                                                       Alina Martinez

     Clark Middle                                                                       Guillermo Pescador

     L. J. Christen Middle                                                           Itzett Romero

United Day                                                                          Kelly Burrows

     Lamar Middle                                                                      Marlyn Arriaga

     United Middle                                                                     Sonam Jaggi

                 Memorial Middle                                                                 Yesenia Barrera

Cigarroa Middle                                                                   Jose Cruz

                 Trautmann Middle                                                                Michelle Elizondo

 

Communiqués

 

a.  Presentation of the 2000 Employee Leadership Development Class.

 

     Dan Migura, Administrative Services Department Director, introduced the city employees who comprise this year’s leadership development class.  Mr. Migura mentioned that there have been three classes that have completed the program and the fourth class is in the process of completing its assignment.  The group recently accomplished an activity utilizing their problem-solving skills to meet a set goal for the benefit of the entire community, which is beautification of the City of Laredo.  The city’s new Training Coordinator, Jerry Elizondo, mentioned that he will be managing the Leadership Development program and that this fourth class will be completing its assigned duties in June.  The newest members of the class were introduced to Council:

 

     Rene Ramos – Public Works Department

     Ruth Silva – City Manager’s Office

     Javier Pena – Community Development Department (Code Enforcement Division)

     Sylvia Arellano – Health Department

     Alejandra Santana – Tax Department

     Rhonda Herd – Public Library

     Jessica Hein – Utilities Department

     Mary Perez – Police Department

     Raul Sanchez – Utilities Department

     Sam Hinojosa – Parks and Recreation Department

     Jerry Pina – Finance Department (Purchasing Division)

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

a.  Appointment by Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores to the STDC Board of Mayor Pro

Tempore Joe A. Guerra, Cm. Eliseo Valdez, Jr., and Cm. Alfredo Agredano as the representatives of the City elected officials.  Also Gil Lopez and Evan Quiros as the "non-governmental" appointees representing business and community based organizations.  The following staff members are to be considered alternates for the elected officials: Keith Selman, City Planner; Erasmo Villarreal, Community Development Director; and Oscar Medina, Public Works Assistant Director.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

b.  Appointment of Rolando Gallegos by Council Member Johnny Amaya to the

     Third Party Funding.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

VII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1.  Public hearing amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances Chapter 12,

entitled Fire Protection and Prevention, by amending Section 12-2, Fire Prevention Code-Adopted, and adopting the 2000 Edition of the International Fire Code; Section 12-3 same amendments, by adopting four supplementations to the 2000 Edition of the International Fire Code as adopted in Section 12-2; creating Section 12-6 Life Safety Code 101 and Handbook-Adopted; providing for severability; publication and effective date.

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances Chapter 12, entitled Fire Protection and Prevention, by amending Section 12-2, Fire Prevention Code-Adopted, and adopting the 2000 Edition of the International Fire Code; Section 12-3 same amendments, by adopting four supplementations to the 2000 Edition of the International Fire Code as adopted in Section 12-2; creating Section 12-6 Life Safety Code 101 and Handbook-Adopted; providing for severability; publication and effective date.

 

Motion to open the public.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

There was no public hearing.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

VIII.    GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

2.  A.  Request by Council Member Alfredo Agredano

 

1.  Request by the Veterans Coalition for additional Third Party Funding

to cover veterans' services under the current contract for the rest of the fiscal year.

 

Rosario Cabello, Finance Director, reported that $60,000.00 was awarded this fiscal year to the Veterans Coalition.  She stated that the Finance Department was asked to look at possible Third Party Funding savings but have not found any prospective surpluses that would provide for that.  She reported that the Veterans Coalition has a balance of $9,900.00 along with receipts totaling $3,800.00 which they will be submitting to the department.  She mentioned that the department would keep City Council up to date and continue to review the account to see if there are any savings in the future.

 

Mayor Flores stated that she reviewed correspondence from Third Party Funding stating what was pending from the organization and also that they were not in compliance with the Third Party Funding requirements.

 

Janice Weber, Library Director, mentioned that under the contract with Third Party Funding, the organizations are required to provide certification for each client that they provide funding to and this has not been done over the last six months.  There are certain criteria in the contract that they must provide this certification. 

 

Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. inquired as to when City Council could revisit this item because the Veterans Coalition is anticipating needing more money.

 

Rosario Cabello, Finance Director, stated that the department reviews these accounts on a monthly basis to make sure that there is money being spent. 

 

Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. inquired as to how soon after the fact that the organization failed to meet these requirements was someone informed of the noncompliance. 

 

Janice Weber, Library Director, stated that they were advised when she found out about the noncompliance which was approximately two weeks ago.

 

Cm. Galo inquired as to how it is that the City is paying receipts if they are not meeting the requirements.

 

Janice Weber, Library Director, stated that she became aware of the situation when they had a personnel change in the Center for Non-Profit Management. 

 

                B.  Request by Council Member Louis H. Bruni

 

1.  Discussion on changing Ejido Avenue as a one-way street going north

     from Market Street to Guadalupe Street, with possible action.

 

     Cm. Bruni stated that he would like city staff to inform the City Council whether this change is feasible.

 

Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, reported that the request entails a three-block area to be converted to a one-way street.  Upon inspection of the location, his department noticed that there is only room for one vehicle.  They would like to make the road a one-way street, however, in this instance, they would like to conduct some traffic counts prior to making a presentation to the Transportation Committee with their recommendations. 

 

2.  Status report on the signalization at Del Mar Blvd. and Loop 20 and at

     Jacaman Road and McPherson, with possible action.

 

     Cm. Bruni mentioned that traffic on Loop 20 is very heavy now with traffic going north and south on Loop 20 that motorists going east on Del Mar Blvd. are having difficulty getting onto Loop 20.  He stated that the motorists traveling on Jacaman Road at McPherson are also creating traffic congestion.

 

     Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, reported that in regards to the Del Mar Blvd. at Loop 20 intersection he was able to contact TxDOT.  The TxDOT staff stated that they have included this intersection as part of their widening project.   They will begin construction on this project in October, 2001.  In regards to the Jacaman Road and McPherson Road intersection, he agreed that, as a result of the  increased growth, there should be signalization installed at that intersection.  He proposes that the City provide funding in the new fiscal year for a traffic signalization. 

 

     Cm. Bruni requested that the department provide a cost estimate to City Council to determine how much it would cost to install a traffic signalization now.

 

     Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, stated that they would be conducting the traffic count within the next week or two. 

 

     Cm. Bruni also requested feedback from the Traffic Department regarding the traffic signalization on Hwy. 59 that he was given assurances on when District I was provided with a signalization for its elementary school.

 

     Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, mentioned that the previous time this item was being considered was over a year ago.  There were some traffic signs placed by TxDOT at that time because the signalization was not warranted. 

 

3.  Request for a report from the Airport Director on information and

discussion at the Airport Advisory Committee meeting dated April 4, 2001, with possible action.

 

Cm. Bruni stated that there had been some discussion at this meeting regarding decreases in passengers and cargo.  He had been approached by the media to comment on this particular issue addressed at the committee level, and he had no knowledge of the discussions that took place regarding such an important issue.

 

Jose Flores, Airport Director, stated that he plans to utilize the vehicle that the City Manager makes use of every Friday in getting information to City Council to keep them apprised of important issues. 

 

4.  Discussion on the power outage incident by Southwestern Bell and

CPL and discussion on procedures by staff in such incidents.  (Co-sponsored by Mayor Pro-Tempore Joe A. Guerra)

 

                             Cm. Bruni stated that he wants to prevent this type of incident from taking place again and he wants to work together with staff in isolating the 911 system for these types of emergency situations. 

 

                             Larry Dovalina, City Manager, mentioned that representatives from both  Southwestern Bell and Central Power & Light Company attended the Telecommunications meeting and they provided some detailed descriptions of the problems at hand.

 

                             Elvia Gonzalez, Director for External Affairs with Southwestern Bell, stated that the outage was an extremely rare event and they took all precautions to ensure that the services were up and running.  She reported that this situation prompted them to bring in a team of experts to identify the root cause of the problem.  They identified the problem and are now working to find a solution.  She stated that this was an internal problem within their central office and emphasized that this was not an occurrence that the city would encounter again.  As for the 911 system, she stated that the service was not in operation because the local service in their office was down.  However, the South Texas Development Council, together with Larry Dovalina and other city representatives have contingency plans in place to handle power outages of a different nature.  They have provided assurances to the Telecommunications Commission during their last meeting held on Wednesday that they would be meeting again with the Commission to provide them an update once they determine the root cause of the problem. 

 

                             Olga Maldonado, General Manager of Community Services for Central Power and Light, mentioned the transmission grid.  They had their Manager of Technical Analysis present at the Telecommunications Commission meeting who mentioned that there are three things that they explore on the transmission grid that are important for a transmission grid to be reliable. One is adequacy which examines whether the system is able to support the load.  As a result of Senate Bill 7, there was an Independent System Operator (ISO) established and they are in charge of determining the adequacy of the grid to connect buyers and sellers.  The second criteria they explore is security concerns.  In this instance, it refers to whether the transmission grid can remain stable if there is a short circuit on the grid and if it can prevent from causing damage to generators.  The third criteria that they look for is reliability.  This refers to the frequency and the duration of the outages experienced.  They track reliability under both of these scenarios and have geared up for this type of occurrence over the last few years.  She mentioned that CP&L has constructed or reconductered transmission lines over the last few years in the Laredo area. 

 

                              Mayor Flores inquired whether there was a problem with CP&L that triggered something to malfunction at the Southwestern Bell end.

 

                              Olga Maldonado replied that CP&L did not believe it was an equipment problem on the part of CP&L. 

 

                              Mayor Flores mentioned that there are feelings of frustration and concern being expressed by citizens throughout Laredo in connection with billing errors made by CP&L.  She inquired from Ms. Maldonado whether some type of relief could be offered to the customers who are being required to pay for previously unbilled charges.

 

                              Mrs. Maldonado stated that all customers are experiencing higher fuel bills as a result of the recent fuel increases.  They are contemplating to start a communications campaign for the summer.  Central Power and Light understands that aside from the established fuel increases, its customers will be experiencing higher electrical usage during the summer months.   She stated that if there is an error in their monthly bills, customers are urged to call in and schedule an appointment with a representative in order to review the bills.  

 

                              Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. requested that Ms. Maldonado clarify the reliability issue.

 

                              Olga Maldonado stated that she was referring to the amount of time that is required to restore the customers’ service. 

 

                              Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. inquired as to how CP&L establishes the established criteria and how does the company fare with other electric power suppliers.

 

                              Olga Maldonado stated that on the frequency side, they are able to keep on track on a twelve-month rolling average.  She mentioned that in the last two months, the highest number reported on average has been 1.3 interruptions per customer.

 

                              Ben Hinojosa, Supervisor of Customer Design, stated that in their report to the Public Utility Commission, the NDC’s are showing a downward trend in their outages on the distribution system which shows their increased reliability.

 

                              Cm. Guerra inquired as to the protocol that must be followed whenever events of this nature take place.

 

                              Mayor Flores stated that the fire and police departments do have established plans for disseminating timely and adequate warnings to government and public officials in the event of an emergency situation.

 

                              Cm. Galo inquired as to what is the procedure being followed at this point to contact the Mayor and Council Members being that the telephones and cellular phones were not working.

 

                              Larry Dovalina responded that everyone would be notified in person.

                             

                              Cm. Galo inquired whether the power outage that occurred was caused by a breaker that tripped.

 

                              Elvia Gonzalez confirmed that there were two circuit breakers that caused the outage along with a failure in their alarm system signal.  She stated they are now working with the team of experts to determine why it is that those circuit breakers tripped.

 

                              Bruce Miller Earle of the Telecommunications Commission stated that all the members at the commission voiced citizen comments at the last meeting regarding this critical communications issue.  He mentioned that all the facts were brought forth as far as the outages that have occurred, the most recent networks that have been built and upgraded within the city; the possibility of catastrophic failures, etc. before the members of the commission.  He stated that it is the Telecommunications Commission’s recommendation that, since AEP / Central Power & Light is the industry’s provider of services, they should become aware of the number of outages that have occurred, they should examine the malfunctions within the system; and they should submit a report to the Commission to explain what is wrong with the individual components of the system.  Mr. Earle stated that he, together with all the members of the Telecommunications Commission, would like to make an inspection of the Southwestern Bell Central Office to view these breakers and try to familiarize themselves with what occurred.  He extended an invitation to the City Council to join the Commission members to see first hand the magnitude of what they are talking about in regards to the equipment.

 

                 C.  Request by Council Member John C. Galo

 

1.  Staff report on a traffic study to be conducted at Gustavus St. and

Marcella St. that will indicate the type of signalization needed, with possible action.

 

Cm. Galo mentioned that he had been contacted by several constituents who were reporting traffic accidents, especially when the middle school lets out.

 

Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, stated that it would take approximately four weeks for his department to conduct a traffic study.  They have inspected the area and there are existing speed limit signs and crosswalks in the area so they will consider the installation of the traffic signalization. 

 

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

 

1.  Status of the privatization and secondary water issue at the Utilities

                 Department, with possible action.

 

                 Pablo Martinez of the Utilities Department reported that as far as the privatization issue is concerned, the department is still reviewing the proposals.  The department has provided copies to all the division heads for them to be aware of what the companies are proposing and to see how the city’s operations and maintenance departments can replicate the same objectives they are proposing.  The department would also like to identify areas that they are not currently handling or that the consultant is not specifying and the department is handling.  The Utilities Department has asked that each division head submit their numbers, listings, and questions by April 20, 2001, in order to review all their considerations before the presentation to be made on May 7, 2001.

 

                 Cm. Galo read a portion of a letter from the consultant.  Cm. Galo reiterated that the department is a month overdue on its report to the consultant and he would like to provide the Utilities Director with a time limit in which to follow up with its considerations to the consultant.

 

                 Mayor Flores inquired from the City Manager whether this lengthy process affects the city staff in moving forward with the City Council’s objectives.

 

                 Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that he was not sure whether the exchange of questions between the Utilities Director and the consultants had occurred. 

 

                 Mayor Flores inquired whether the department would encounter some type of problems if they were to submit their questions to Mr. Skip Stitt so he can proceed to do the work at his end.  

 

                 Pablo Martinez stated that there is no problem other than the fact that the questions will not reflect the knowledge that the Utilities Director has gained from his personal discussions with Mr. Skip Stitt.

 

                 Motion to instruct staff to direct the Utilities Director to forward the preliminary questions to Mr. Skip Stitt by Friday, April 20, 2001 for his review.

 

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

                 Second:  Cm. Bruni

                 For:     7                                          Against:  1                                Abstain:  0

                                                                        Cm. Amaya                             

 

                 Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that in regards to the secondary water source, the local newspaper has made three references to the tug of war over the Certificate of Convenience and Necessity and the letter he has written to the TNRCC requesting a hearing.  He mentioned that he would be bringing a formal resolution to the City Council for its consideration on that particular issue.

 

                 Mayor Flores requested that he explain to the citizens why this CCN is a matter of concern to the City Council. 

 

                 Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated it is a matter of procedure that when anyone attempts to amend an existing CCN, the people adjacent to the CCN must be notified by process that this is going to occur.  There is usually a need that must be expressed by the party, and the City is merely asking for clarification as to who this party is that is expressing a need in the area that they are attempting to amend into.  The City’s concern is the trend of development in the city in the areas of the path of development and whether the most capable or the nearest supplier is the city or the county and where the location of the facilities is.  He mentioned that city staff knows that the City has facilities at all cardinal points of the city where that is not the case with the county’s application. 

 

Cm. Bruni inquired as to why the County would want to encircle the City with a CCN when they do not have the capability of providing water or sewer system to the entire county. 

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, responded that he would not want to speculate as to what their motives are. 

 

Cm. Galo stated that the City began this secondary water source issue because the City was concerned over state legislation and now the City is facing a fight from the County.  He mentioned that he does not see the County’s need for altering the CCN.

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that he has provided City Council with a report from Fernando Roman where he states that the vendors will obtain the documents by May 1, 2001.  These documents will be returned two weeks later for completion by June 1, 2001, and the City should receive all proposals by July 1, followed by evaluations by August 1, 2001, with the recommendation to work with the firm which  presentation will be made by the first council meeting in August.

 

                             Cm. Galo inquired whether the City Manager has discussed with Fernando Roman the consultant’s proposal regarding the water supply corporation, to see if City Council can instruct city staff to form this corporation. 

 

                             Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that the City has hired an attorney, Mr. Doug Caroon, to work on the secondary water source.  The City Manager’s office will ask him to draft the Articles of Incorporation for the Water Services Corporation. 

 

                             Motion to request that attorney Doug Caroon draft the Articles of Incorporation for the Water Services Corporation.

 

                             Moved:  Cm. Galo

                             Second:  Cm. Bruni

                             For:     8                                          Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

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

 

1.  Discussion with possible action on Parks & Recreational Equipment for

     District VII.

 

     Cm. Valdez, Jr. mentioned that he is referring to the equipment that was approved for the parks.

 

     Horacio De Leon, Acting Parks & Recreation Director, stated that in regards to the playground equipment at Father McNaboe Park, he met with the vendor of the playground structure, and they have come to an agreement as to meeting the standards under the American Disabilities Act.  One of the proposals is to pour the foundation for 50% of the structure and wait for the other 50% to come in so they can finalize the project.  Mr. De Leon further stated that in regards to the Mother Cabrini Park, the same thing applies.  With reference to the status on the soccer and football fields, the department needs to develop a grading plan.  He will be working with the Engineering Department to produce this plan promptly for submission to the International Boundaries and Water Commission.  They are looking at 30-45 days for initiating plans on the fields.   As far as the concrete steps at Father McNaboe Park, there is no design at this time.  He stated that he would be working with the Engineering Department to develop a design in order to begin construction on those steps.  The lighting at the Father McNaboe Park is also a concern, and he was expecting to receive necessary materials and supplies today.  He has checked with the Traffic Department and some supplies have not come in, but are expected to come in some time tomorrow.  The Traffic Department foresees that they would start with the foundation and trenches this week with the placement of the lights some time next week.

 

2.  Discussion with possible action on traffic improvements in District VII.

   

     Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, reported that to alleviate the traffic congestion at Finley Elementary, he is proposing to install school flashers.  His department has already poured the foundation and they should be getting the flasher antennae within the next week.  In reference to the Boys Club, the installation of flashers in that area is nearly complete.  The department should have that in operation within the next week or so. 

 

     Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. inquired whether there is anything that can be done about the speeding traffic on Eagle Pass between Baltimore St. and Chicago St.  He mentioned that the same situation develops on Lowry Road and Rancho Viejo Drive between Center Road and Riverbank. 

 

     Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, stated that he would look into these concerns.

 

                  F.  Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez

 

1.  Discussion with possible on the repair and operation of water fountain

     at Bruni Plaza.

 

     Larry Dovalina, City Manager, mentioned that three years ago the City conducted a study to try to get lighting for the water fountain.  He reported that it would take approximately $45,000.00 to install the new pumping mechanism. He stated that the tile work is still in good shape, but it needs to be re-grouted.  They need to replace some of the wiring and lighting that is available there. 

 

     Mayor Flores inquired whether the City would have any type of liability from having a water fountain running at that location.

 

     Larry Dovalina, City Manager, reported that one of the issues in the past was that homeless people have used the fountain for bathing purposes.   He mentioned that the way to prevent that would be to police the area. 

 

     Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. inquired whether there would be any possible funding available through the State being that it is a historical fountain.

 

     Larry Dovalina, City Manager, replied that it would not meet the requirements for state funding.

 

2.  Discussion with possible action on the AD Hoc Transit Committee.

 

     Motion to table item.

 

     Moved:  Cm. Ramirez

     Second:  Cm. Bruni

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

3.  Discussion with possible action on Police Station #5, located 1000

block of Farragut at the HEB Supermarket with regards to the lack of restroom facilities, and transfer of the Police Station to area near Bridge I (Export Lot).

 

Fructuoso San Miguel, Assistant Police Chief, stated that the department would look into it; and once they look into the parking area, the visibility, as well as ease of accessibility, the department will come back to City Council with a report regarding the feasibility of moving the substation.

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, mentioned that there is one concern over relocating the substation.  He stated that the substation was developed with private money in a public-private partnership and the City would not want to offend anyone.  He wants to look at allowing that location to continue to be a mini-station so that the money invested in remodeling the space would not go

to waste.

 

4.  Status report on the 2 ambulances approved by council, and status on

     the applicants for Fire Chief, with possible action.

 

                             Cm. Ramirez mentioned that he brought this before City Council because he recalls from past meetings that City Council approved the replacement of ambulances and what he had requested was additional ambulances. 

 

                             Rodolfo Sepulveda, Acting Fire Chief, reported that they have ordered two replacement ambulances which should be arriving some time in August, 2001.  They are replacements for Station No. 3 at the Civic Center and Station No. 5 on Bartlett St.

 

                             Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that they did not fund the two new ambulance units that would require actual staffing of a brand new company to take care of those ambulances.  What did get approved under the budget were two replacement vehicles.

 

                             Cm. Agredano inquired as to what would happen to the two ambulances that were on reserve.

 

                             Rodolfo Sepulveda, Acting Fire Chief, mentioned that the department only has one ambulance on reserve and it is always breaking down.  He stated that they would need at least one additional reserve unit. 

 

                             Cm. Ramirez stated that he is concerned with the number of ambulances that are available to respond to an emergency situation.

 

                             Rodolfo Sepulveda, Acting Fire Chief, stated that at the present time they have seven ambulances on line with one on reserve.  He mentioned that this coming year they are requesting one more unit for Station No. 9 on the Mines Road.

 

                             Mr. Rangel, Chief of EMS, mentioned that under ordinance, the Laredo Fire Department is the only service that would provide emergency response when needed.  The private ambulances do not provide emergency response, they do assist when the fire department requires resources for transportation purposes.

 

                             Cm. Bruni inquired about units available for the new Fire Station in District II.

 

                             Rodolfo Sepulveda, Acting Fire Chief, responded that funding for EMS units would be available two years from now.

 

                             Cm. Galo inquired whether the two units that the U.S. Border Patrol is adding provide transportation assistance to the Fire Department.

 

                             Rodolfo Sepulveda, Acting Fire Chief, stated that the Border Patrol is sponsored by the City as first responders.  They do not transport victims, they only provide basic stabilization. 

 

                             Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. inquired whether there is some type of plan in place to call in private companies as well if all the units are being dispatched at once. 

 

                             Rodolfo Sepulveda, Acting Fire Chief, stated that they will they have the option to call private ambulances if they were to be inundated with an extraordinary number of emergency calls.

 

IX.       FINAL READINGS OF ORDINANCES 

 

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