CITY OF LAREDO

                                           CITY COUNCIL MEETING

                                                         M2001-R-11

                                          CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

                                              1110 HOUSTON STREET

                                               LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

                                                       APRIL 23, 2001

                                                            5:30 P.M.

 

    I.    CALL TO ORDER

 

            With a quorum present, Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra called the meeting to order.

 

   II.    PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

            Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

  III.    ROLL CALL

 

            In Attendance:

 

            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

            Jose 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

            Jaime Flores,                                                                City Attorney

 

            Motion to excuse Mayor Flores.

           

            Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

            For:     7                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra was chairing the meeting.

 

  IV.    MINUTES

 

            None.

 

   V.     COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

Announcements

 

None.

 

Invitations

 

            None.

 

Recognitions             

 

            None.

 

Communiqués

 

Cm.  Bruni submitted the South Texas Rain Enhancement reports to be on file at the City Secretary’s Office.  

 

Cm.  Bruni read the following excerpts from a letter from Kenneth A.  Oleson from H. B. Zachry Company:

 

“The initial request for proposals by the City of Laredo was announced on October 19, 1999.  Over one and a half years have past, which is my personal judgment, has lead to a broader understanding of the need and the issued of finding water in sufficient quantity to meet the growth needs of Laredo.  However, an unfortunate by-product of the passage of time is 1)  the loss of a variety of opportunities to those who, in fact, hold the rights to such water resources, 2)  the ultimate right to sell and transport such reserves from an underground source in an area and 3)  the uncertainty of payment for the reservation of water rights.

 

While I believe that the City of Laredo should continue in its efforts, I must advise you that the San Lorenzo Water Partners, the source of our water supply for our project, has advised us that they no longer are content to be bound by an earlier expressed interest to reserve their resources for the City of Laredo.  The two reasons for withdrawing their commitment is the amount of time for which they have already reserved their resources and prospectively would need to ensure until final resolution and the uncertainty of the quantity of resources that might need to be proven on the over one hundred thousand acres they have reserved irrespective of the preliminary studies by CH2M Hill.

 

It is only fair to advise you that any proposal we might now make consistent with the RFP that is being developed would be without a commitment by Lorenzo Partners.  We would have to proceed on the basis that the same landowners would be willing to reconsider if the outcome was consistent with their earlier desires. 

 

Cm.  Bruni expressed his concerns about the delay in the Secondary Water Source issue. He directed staff to schedule a Water Issues Committee Meeting on Friday.  He also directed the City Manager to place the Water Issues on the next agenda with Cm. Galo and Mayor Pro Tempore as co-sponsors for the item.

 

Cm.  Galo submitted an article from the Houston Chronicle in reference to a water war that Houston is facing.  He stressed the importance of expediting the issue in the City of Laredo.

 

Cm. Ramirez recognized Roy Garcia, Code Enforcement Supervisor, and Javier Pena, from Community Development, for supervising a group of young men that cleaned up the downtown area.  The men are as follows: 

 

Saul Rodriguez                                                 Jose Lozano

Valentin Ocha                                                   Armando Cantu

David Hannies                                                  Alberto Soto

Jacob Espinoza                                                 Chris Perez

Jose Viegas                                                      Pedro Medrano

Jose Cruz                                                         Gerardo Salinas

 

Mayor Pro Tempore read the following report from the Environmental Services Department:

 

City of Laredo thanked the citizens of Laredo for the Household Hazardous Waste Collection and Tire Roundup event on April 21, 2001.  The following is a summary of the waste collected at the event:

 

q       13,837 lbs.  of Household Hazardous Waste Collected (which is almost 1,600 lbs more than the previously most successful event).

q       2,145 used tires collected.

q       400 gallons of used oil collected.

q       100 used oil filters.

q       178 used batteries.

 

During this event more than 700 people participated in keeping Laredo clean.  Furthermore, this event would not have been possible without the help from the following entities:

 

q       United High School AFJROTC

q       Alexander High School

q       Rio Grande International Study Center

q       City of Laredo

q       Library Non- Profit and Volunteer Center

q       Public Works

q       Engineering

q       Environmental

q       Traffic

q       Finance

q       El Metro

 

Moreover, the following corporate sponsor should be recognized:

 

q       Southern Distributors

q       HEB Company, (specifically, HEB Del Mar)

 

Finally, We would like to commend the efforts of students at Juarez Lincoln Elementary for collecting over 160 used tires for this event.

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra gave an update on the Mayor participation at the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference. 

  

  VI.    APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

            None.

 

 VII.    PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1.  Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 3.1915 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located north of Hwy. 359 and west of the City of Laredo Landfill, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change. 

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 3.1915 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located north of Hwy. 359 and west of the City of Laredo Landfill, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District); providing for publication and effective date.

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Galo 

                 Second:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Bruni 

                 Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Bruni

 

2.  Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 3.20 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located north of Hwy. 359 and east of Coronado Ave., from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 3.20 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located north of Hwy. 359 and east of Coronado Ave., from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District); providing for publication and effective date.

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

                 Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close public hearing and introduce.

                

                 Moved:  Cm.  Bruni 

                 Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Bruni

 

3.  Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1C, Block 2, Jacaman Ranch-Unit I Subdivision, located north of Jacaman Rd. and west of Bartlett Ave., from B-3 (Community Business District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1C, Block 2, Jacaman Ranch-Unit I Subdivision, located north of Jacaman Rd. and west of Bartlett Ave., from B-3 (Community Business District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District); providing for publication and effective date.

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Bruni 

                 Second:   Cm.  Galo

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

                 Henry Mejia from Sherffey Engineering spoke in favor and was present to answer any questions from Council.

 

                 Motion to close public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

                 Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Bruni

 

4.  Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1B, Block 2, Jacaman Ranch-Unit I Subdivision, located north of Jacaman Rd. and west of Saldana Ave., from B-3 (Community Business District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1B, Block 2, Jacaman Ranch-Unit I Subdivision, located north of Jacaman Rd. and west of Saldana Ave., from B-3 (Community Business District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District); providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

                 Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

                 Henry Mejia from Sherffey Engineering spoke in favor of the zone change.

 

                 Motion to close public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

                 Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Bruni

           

5.  Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning the South 93.8 ft. of Lots 7 and 8, Block 87, Eastern Division, located at 102 Rosario St., from M-1 (Light Manufacturing District) to R-O (Residential-Office District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning the South 93.8 ft. of Lots 7 and 8, Block 87, Eastern Division, located at 102 Rosario St., from M-1 (Light Manufacturing District) to R-O (Residential-Office District); providing for publication and effective date. 

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

                 Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

                 Henry Mejia with Sheffey Engineering, representing the applicant spoke in favor. 

 

                 Motion to close public hearing and introduce.

 

 

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Galo

                 Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Galo

           

6.  Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 30.81 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located north of Hwy. 359 and west of Bob Bullock Lp., from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 30.81 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located north of Hwy. 359 and west of Bob Bullock Lp., 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.  Agredano

                 Second:  Cm.  Galo

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

                 Henry Meja with Sherffey Engineering, representing the applicant, spoke in favor of the zone change.

 

                 Motion to close public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

                 Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Bruni

 

7.  Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 6, Block 1088, Western Division, located at 4402 Vidaurri Ave., from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 6, Block 1088, Western Division, located at 4402 Vidaurri Ave., from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Galo

                 Second:  Cm.  Bruni

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

                 Omar Cavazos spoke against the zone change request.

 

                 Isabel Martinez, applicant, spoke in favor of the zone change for a restaurant-kiosk.

 

                 Motion to close public hearing and table to send to Planning and Zoning for review and recommendation as a Conditional Use Permit.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

                 Second:  Cm.  Bruni

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain: 

                

8.  Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, and the west varas of Lot 2, Block 48, Eastern Division, located at 201 Market St., from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission has 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, and the west varas of Lot 2, Block 48, Eastern Division, located at 201 Market St., from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Agredano 

                 Second:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

                 Sylvia Marie, property owner, spoke in favor to develop it as a possible day care or doctor’s office or offices. 

 

                 Motion to close public hearing and introduce with an amendment to the Introduction of the Ordinance to read “and the west three varas of Lot 2, Block 48, Eastern Division.”

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo 

                 Second:  Cm.  Bruni

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Galo

 

9.  Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 7, Block 1456, Eastern Division, located at 2510 Norton St., from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 7, Block 1456, Eastern Division, located at 2510 Norton St., from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential District); providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

                 Second:  Cm.  Bruni

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

                 Second:  Cm.  Bruni

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Agredano

 

10. Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 5 and 6, Block 2026, Eastern Division, located at 3220 Ligarde St., from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change, but recommended approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a term of ten days.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 5 and 6, Block 2026, Eastern Division, located at 3220 Ligarde St., from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Galo

                 Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

                 Irma Liendo, property owner, stated that she would like to table this item until she is able to submit an updated plan to Planning and Zoning.

 

                 The agenda should read ten years rather than ten days.

 

                 Motion to close public hearing and table.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

                 Second:  Cm.  Bruni

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

11. Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning the N1/2 of Lots 7 and 8, Block 580, Eastern Division, located at 3204 McClelland Ave., from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning the N1/2 of Lots 7 and 8, Block 580, Eastern Division, located at 3204 McClelland Ave., from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

               Moved:  Cm.  Amaya 

               Second:  Cm.  Bruni

               For:     7                                            Against:  0                                            Abstain:   0

 

               Maria Del Rosario Niño, property owner, spoke in favor of the zoning change for a child daycare center. 

 

               Motion to close public hearing and introduce as a Conditional Use Permit subject to the eight parking spaces and all daycare requirements.  

 

               Moved: Cm.  Amaya

               Second:  Cm.  Galo

               For:     7                                            Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

               Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Amaya

 

12. Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 15.34 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located south of Clark Blvd. and east of Ejido Ave., from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change, but recommended approving a zone designation of B-3 (Community Business District) for the first 175 ft. from the south R.O.W. line of Clark Blvd. and a zone designation of R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) for the remainder of the site.