CITY OF LAREDO

                                               CITY COUNCIL MEETING

                                                              M2001-R-12

                                             CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

                                                 1110 HOUSTON STREET

                                                  LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

                                                            MAY 7, 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

            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

            Valeria Gutierrez,                                                          Assistant City Attorney

                       

            Motion to excuse Cm.  Galo.

 

            Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

            Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez, Jr.

            For:     7                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

IV.       MINUTES

 

            None

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

Announcements

 

a.  Recognizing the affiliation between the City of Laredo, Texas USA and the City of

     Chenzhou, Hunan Providence, China as sister cities.

 

Mayor Flores and the Council recognized the affiliation between the City of Laredo and the City of Chenzhou, Hunan Providence, China as a sister city.  The following officials from China were present:

 

     Liu Zhenghua                                   Vice Mayor Chenzhou People’s Government

     Yang Zhongmou                              Secretary-general Ghenzhou People’s Government

     Pan Wangsheng                               Director Chenzhou Foreign Affairs Office

     Li Xuefei                                         Translator Chenzhou Foreign Affairs Office

    

Invitations

 

The Mayor invited Council and the public to attend a special proclamation in honor of the Jewish Community at the City Council Chambers at 9:30 a.m the next day.  She added that the Jewish Community would be joining her in remembrance of all the victims of the Holocaust. 

 

Recognitions

 

a.  Recognizing the Health Department's Children's Health Insurance Outreach Program

staff for being awarded the "High Hurdle Champion" Gold Award for counties with a population of 100,000 to 200,000; for exceeding the county challenge goal of having 67 percent of uninsured children in their county apply for the TexCare Partnership Program.

 

Roger Garcia, Interim Health Director, recognized the following employees from the Health Department:  Rosario Rocha, Margarita Janhunen,  Martha Vela,  Diana Flores and Eduardo Barrera.  He congratulated staff for their hard work and diligence in assisting 7,900 children in the CHIP program, plus and additional 2000 in Medicaid and 1000 in the Healthy Kid Program. 

 

b.  Recognition of Nye Elementary School for winning the $10,000.00 "Make a Difference

     Day" award for adopting the Casa Hogar Elim Orphanage in Nuevo Laredo. 

 

Mayor Flores and Council recognized the students from Nye Elementary School for winning the $10,000.00 “Make a Difference Day” award.   

 

c.  Recognition of Laredo Development Foundation's Small Business Development Center

and the Small Business Administration San Antonio District to announce the following winners:

 

Araceli Lozano, Director for the Laredo Development Foundation Small Business Development Center, thanked the Mayor and the Council for their support.  She recognized the following individuals for winning the following awards:

 

1.  Eloy Rodriguez, CPA

                 Accountant Advocate of the Year

                 SBA San Antonio District  

                 

2.  Gilberto Sanchez

                             Falcon National Bank

                             Financial Services Advocate of the Year

 

3.  Charles W. Owen

                             Laredo Morning Times

                             Small Business Journalist of the Year

 

4.  Susana V. Garcia

                             Friends Association, LLC "Skating Palace"

                             Small Business Person of the Year

 

d.  Recognition of the Laredo Fire Department and the U.S. Border Patrol on their

certification as Emergency Medical Technicians by the State of Texas.  This training provided by the Fire Department initiated a partnership with the Border Area Rescue Team Program provided by the U.S.  Border Patrol as First Responders.

 

The Mayor and City Council presented a Seven Flag Certificate to the following individuals for obtaining their certification as Emergency Medical Technicians:

 

Laredo Fire Department                                                      Border Patrol

 

Ricardo Cedillo                                                                   Joseph Borowski

Jesus Flores                                                                         Mark Dawson

Bino Z.  Gonzalez                                                                Craig Lackey

David Gonzalez                                                                   Dane Rasmussen

Pedro Gonzalez                                                                   Andres Rodriguez

Jesus J.  Guerra                                                                   Mario A.  Rodriguez

Juan Hinojosa                                                                      Jesus Hernandez

Adrian Huizar                                                                      Meredith David

Henry Jolomna

Edgar Martinez

Armando Martinez

Jose Monez

Beltazar Ramirez

Ramon Rojas

 

Communiqués

 

a.  Presentation by representatives of Sony on their Sony Global Volunteer Day scheduled

for May 9, 2001, which will include tree planting by over 100 Sony employees in City parks.

 

Salvador Ortiz, representing Sony Corporation, informed the Council that Sony would be celebrating their Sony Global Volunteer Day by planting over 50 trees in City Parks.    

 

Cm.  Agredano informed the Mayor that while she was in New York, he represented her by reading a proclamation at the HOST Program.  He added that they presented her the Mil Gracias Award for their appreciation of her support and generosity at the U. I. S. D. Host Program for the year 2000 – 2001. 

 

Cm.  Bruni submitted the South West Texas Rain Enhancement Association reports for the record.  A complete report can be viewed at the City Secretary’s Office. 

 

Cm.  Valdez congratulated Larry Dovalina, City Manager; Beto Ramirez, Budget Director; and Rosario Cabello, Finance Director, for their hard work and diligence in preparation for the comprehensive presentations given in New York for the bond payment.  He added that their efforts contributed as much as a $400,000 savings on the bond payment each year.  

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra also congratulated the Mayor for her extra efforts on the presentations.  

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra congratulated Captain Steve Landin of the Fire Department for completion of his Bachelor Degree in Fire Administration.  Also, he recognized Captain Landin for his efforts in assisting Webb County’s Quad Cities in obtaining their new fire truck.  He submitted two newspaper clippings that can be seen at the City Secretary’s Office.

 

     Mayor Flores acknowledged Teachers’ Appreciation Week. 

 

     Mayor Flores congratulated all mothers for Mother’s Day.

 

Mayor Flores thanked A. J.’s  1st Grade Class at San Augustine for asking her to read a   book to his class. 

 

Mayor Flores mentioned a press release that was sent on May 7th about Congressman Henry Bonilla in reference to a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration in the amount of $2,500,000 to be used for the City’s FAR Part 150 Airport Noise Compatibility Program.

 

Mayor Flores announced that Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse would be coming to Laredo.  She stated that they will employ 175 people. 

 

 VI.      APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

a.  Appointment by Council Member Jose A. Valdez, Jr. of Albert Muller to the

     Transportation Traffic Safety and Advisory Committee.

 

                 Motion to approve.

 

                 Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

                 Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

b.  Appointment by Mayor Pro-Tempore Joe A. Guerra of Richard Perez and Fernando

     Cantu to the Redistricting Advisory Committee.

 

     Motion to approve.

 

                 Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

                 Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

VII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1.  Public hearing amending the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 Annual budget and

appropriate revenue and expenditure upon the acceptance of a donation of $3,000.00 from Clark Hardware, Inc. for sponsorship of the Famous Chicken and $1,270.00 from Conoco for the sponsorship as well as purchase of Tecolotes logo baseballs to be given away at the park for promotional purposes.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 Annual budget and appropriate revenue

and expenditure upon the acceptance of a donation of $3,000.00 from Clark Hardware, Inc. for sponsorship of the Famous Chicken and $1,270.00 from Conoco for the sponsorship as well as purchase of Tecolotes logo baseballs to be given away at the park for promotional purposes.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Gregoria Lopez, Program Coordinator for Parks & Recreation, thanked the private sector for supporting the Tecolotes.   

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

2.  Public hearing amending the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 annual budget by creating

the following positions: one (1) Parks & Recreation Assistant Director, and one (1)   Administrative Assistant II at a cost of $40,000.00 including fringe benefits and a one-time capital outlay request of $7,450.00 for a total of $47,450.00 which will be funded by anticipated salary line item savings from the Parks & Recreations Department, and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 annual budget by creating the following positions: one (1) Parks & Recreation Assistant Director, and one (1) Administrative Assistant II at a cost of $40,000.00 including fringe benefits and a one-time capital outlay request of $7,450.00 for a total of $47,450.00 which will be funded by anticipated salary line item savings from the Parks & Recreations Department, and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

Second:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

VIII.    GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

3.  A.  Request by Council Member  Alfredo Agredano

 

1.  Status report on five parks in District I,  (Los Obispos Park, Sta. Rita Park,

     Century City Park, South Laredo Park, George Washington Park)

 

Horacio De Leon, Interim Park and Recreation Director, informed the Council on the status of the following parks:

 

Los Obispos Park, which is also known as El Eden Park, is located next to Perez Elementary.  The ownership of the property has not been conveyed and the funding is not in place. 

 

Santa Rita Park consists of 22.14 acres in the Santa Rita Subdivision.  The ownership of the park  property was deeded over on April 3, 2001, and the funding source for the park is through CBDG 25th action year.  Three responses were received for the request for qualifications and they will seek approval from the Council in the first meeting of June.

 

Century City Park consists of 2.6 acres in Century City Phase IV.  The ownership has been deeded over to the City and the funding source is recognized in the Capital Improvement Plan for $300,000 for the years 2002, 2003, and 2004. 

 

South Laredo Park consists of two blocks adjacent to the Housing Authority.  Funding is through CDBG 26l action year.  He reported that they are currently out of RFQ’s. 

 

George Washington Park consists of .5 acres in the George Washington Subdivision.  Funding is through the Council Members discretionary funds in the amount of $47,000.  The improvements will include a basketball court, walking trail, irrigation system and landscaping. 

 

 

 

2.  Status report with possible action on the paving of Zacatecas St. and Hwy. 359

     on the east and west side, with possible action.

 

     Cm.  Agredano stated that there was an error on the agenda.  It should read Hwy. 

     83 and not Hwy. 359.

 

Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, stated that the property is on the TxDOT right-of-way and their short term goal is to patch up the pot holes and their long term goal is  to create a turning radius that would be safer for vehicular traffic.

    

3.  Status report on the Cops Station at Los Angeles and Los Obispos Subdivision.

 

Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, read the following letter from the Class One Builders, Contractor for the Cops Station at Los Angeles:

 

“This is to inform you that the above project was vandalized at night before May 7, 2001.  It is very sad that we encountered this response from certain members of the community.  It is my opinion that the investigating officers that the vandalism and the attempted arson was directed to this construction company but to the institution which is the Police Department.

 

Among the damage was the destruction of the electrical temporary pole, water faucets, electrical fixtures and sheet rock damage.  No structural damage was done to the building.  We had scheduled to have some sites substantial completion on May 30 but since the vandalism is beyond our control we foresee a delay of approximately 20 working days to June 29 , 2001. We will reactivate construction as soon as the investigation is complete and recognition of the electrical service.”

                       

Agustin Dovalina, Chief of Police, stated that there is an ongoing investigation and his department is following up on some very positive leads.  He stated that the Grand Opening would be cancelled do to the vandalism.

 

Mayor Flores encouraged the Police Department to continue to hold a celebration for the COPS Station to celebrate the commitment and support that the Council has made to the neighborhood. 

                             

    B.  Request by Council Member Louis H. Bruni

 

1.  Status report on the Eastwoods Subdivision Park, with possible action.

 

Horacio de Leon, Interim Parks and Recreation Director, stated the department is negotiating with the Architect/Engineering Contract because the proposals that were received were too high.  He expressed his desire to complete the project in-house.  He added that the area for the gate will be graded with the assistance of Public Works and the design would take an additional 30 days.

 

Cm.  Bruni stressed his desire to expedite the project.

              

                C.  Request by Council Member Johnny Amaya

 

1.  Status report on the Albert Ochoa Park with possible action to appropriate

     $30,000.00 for proposed improvements.

 

Horacio De Leon, Interim Parks and Recreation Director, explained that there was a request for a playground structure and improvements to the walk-way.  He added that the project needed $30,000 for completion.   

 

Motion to appropriate $30,000 for proposed improvements from Cm.  Amaya’s discretionary funds. 

 

     Moved:  Cm.  Amaya

     Second:  Cm.  Galo

     For:     7                              Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

  

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

 

1.  Discussion with possible action regarding access by residents living on properties

     between the Union Pacific Railroad tracks in District VII.

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, commented that the City has hired several attorneys from Austin and they are reviewing deeds of particular tracts and the problem will be resolved. 

 

Cm.  J.  Valdez questioned the time line needed for solutions.

 

Cm.  E.  Valdez recommended for staff to search for ordinances in other cities that will assist the City in creating a stringent ordinance that will force the railway companies to comply. 

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, explained that the City would continue to enforce the issues and look at different methods of taking care of the problems that have existed for years.

 

Mayor Flores stated that she would submit a resolution about the railroad and their lack of cooperation with the City at the U. S. Conference of Mayors.  She added that there must be a balance reached between the railroad companies and cities. 

 

2.  Discussion with possible action regarding improvements to parks in District VII.

 

Horacio De Leon, Interim Parks and Recreation Director,  stated that the department is pending the estimate from Engineering on the ADA Compliance; however, the estimated value will be $30,000.   

 

Motion to approve the appropriation of $30,000 from the discretionary fund of Cm.  J.  Valdez. 

 

                             Moved:  Cm.  J. Valdez

                             Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                             For:     7                                          Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                E.  Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez

 

1.  Discussion and possible action in reference to the May 26th Tecolotes game to

honor the Veterans by allowing them and the general public to enter the game at 1/2 price and children under 12 free of charge when accompanied by an adult for the remainder of the season starting with the game of May 26, 2001.

 

Motion to allow children of 12 and under that are accompanied by an adult free admission to all Tecolotes games;  that the general public be allowed to enter the game at ½ price and  that Veterans will pay no admission fee for the game of May 26, 2001.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Ramirez

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     7                              Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

2.  Discussion and possible action regarding the applications for the Fire Chief

     position.

 

Dan Migura stated that the position was posted March 5, 2001, and the position is still open.  The City has received 17 applications (15 are local residents).   He stated the committee will be screening the applications for minimal qualifications and submit five applications to the management review committee.  He added that the committee met last week and went over the definition of the qualifications and will meet again this week to screen the applicants and will have an idea of which applicants  they will bring in to interview.  Finally, he stated that the interview process will be completed in two weeks.  

 

3.  Discussion and possible action regarding the Ad Hoc Committee dealing with

     taxi transportation.

 

Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, informed City Council of the committee which was formed back in 1997.  He mentioned that the former City Manager had requested to have ten members from different backgrounds as part of the original committee.  The Ad Hoc Committee was composed of three taxi cab permit holders along with a representative from the Laredo Police Department, the Terminal Manager from Greyhound Bus Lines, a representative from the Hotel-Motel Association, the Airport, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and then two staff members from the Traffic Safety Department.  This group was taken before the Transportation Advisory Committee and the members approved the composition of the committee at that time.  In January 2001, there were additional requests by committee members to make additional changes.  There have been several meetings held, some changes are approved as requested by a permit holder, but they still need to go before the Transportation Advisory Committee to get approval.

 

Cm.  Ramirez inquired as to who is the current Chairman of the Committee.

 

Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, responded that the new Chairman is Mr.  Juan Morales.

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that the reason this committee was formed was because there was an urgent need to have regulations in place.  He mentioned that the City wanted members from the entire industry being served to provide input in the decision making process, and that explains the rationale behind the committee’s make up.  He emphasized that if there are any more committee meetings that need to be held, they should be held within the committee structure. 

 

Cm.  J.  Valdez mentioned that it would be best to have people that are neutral and not part of the industry on board.

 

Cm.  Ramirez suggested that the members should be composed of people that are impartial and not part of the service industry.  He stated that the makeup of the committee should change to replace those sitting members that are part of city administration.

 

Motion to make a change to the makeup of the existing Ad Hoc Committee.

 

Cm.  Bruni inquired whether they would be keeping the same committee members that are currently on the Ad Hoc Committee and would be forming a sub-committee.

 

Mayor Flores responded that this motion would do away with the Ad Hoc Committee’s membership, as it exists today.  She stated that the City Council would be allowed to appoint someone that has been serving on the committee.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Ramirez

Second:  Cm.  Bruni

For:    7                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Mayor Flores requested that Roberto Murillo provide City Council with a follow up report and to allow City Council some time to come up with names for consideration on the new Ad Hoc Committee. 

 

4.  Discussion and possible action on the progress report of the parking lot at the

     former U.S. Customs Export Lot.

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that he instructed Roberto Murillo to temporarily install parking meters.

 

Cm.  Ramirez disagreed with the recommendation of parking meters because of the current City Ordinance which states that the City can only charge from Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.    He wants the parking lot to be manned. 

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that Council would need to amend the Ordinance; however, it would be and additional 30 to 60 days before they could actually collect a fee.

 

Motion to obtain the equipment to have the parking lot manned and to amend the Ordinance which will allow the City to collect parking fees 24 hours a day at the  U. S. Customs Export Lot.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Ramirez

Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

For:     7                              Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

           

IX.       INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

 

4.  An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to

effectively convey fee simple title to the "Surface Only", at its adjusted market value of $19,576.00, for certain property described as a 13,890.00 sq.ft., more or less, tract of land out of that former section of Poggenpohl Street between Vidaurri and Sta. Isabel Avenues to Hector Zuniga; provided that the City of Laredo retains a 12 foot wide utility easement; said tract being situated in the Western Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas; and hereby approving the submitted Improvement Plans, and in compliance with Section 10 of the Street Closing/Sales Policy Handbook, as approved as per Resolution No. 97-R-140; and providing for effective date.

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

5.  An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a Lease Agreement with Webb

County, Texas, for and on behalf of the City of Laredo for approximately 1,820 sq. ft. of building space situated at La Ladrillera Elderly Center, 2100 Pinder, block 684, Western Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, for the purpose of operating the Elderly Nutrition Program and any other social service that will benefit low and moderate income people for a term of one (1) year with annual rent of $500.00 per month and the payment of 25% of all utility costs including electricity, gas and the monthly charge of an alarm monitoring service.

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

Cynthia Mares, Executive Director of the Webb County Community Action Agency, spoke on the lease agreement between the City Of Laredo and the Webb County Community Agency.  She urged the Council to give consideration to possible further negotiations of the amount that is being stated in the lease agreement as the monthly rent payment. 

 

Motion to execute a lease agreement with an amendment allowing the Elderly Nutrition Program to lease the building at no charge and the payment of 25% of all utility cost until December 31, 2001.  Beginning January 1, 2002 the lease should be $300.00 a month and utilities according to the square footage of the building.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Ramirez

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     4                                          Against:                                                Abstain:  3

Cm.  Bruni                                                                                                   Cm.  Amaya

Mayor Pro Tempore Guerra                                                                        Cm.  E.  Valdez

                                                                                                                   Cm.  J.  Valdez

 

6.  An ordinance closing as a public easement that section of the 1700 block of South

Malinche Avenue between Pecan and San Salvador Street situated in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo, County of Webb, and providing for an effective date.

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

7.  An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Border City Rods, a

non-profit organization, for the El Metro Park & Ride Lot, located at 4600 Daugherty for the purpose of holding an auto show.  The lease term is for two days, beginning 8:00 a.m. on September 1, 2001, and ending at 3:00 p.m. on September 2, 2001.  Rental fee shall be $1.00.

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

           

8.  A