CITY OF LAREDO
CITY
COUNCIL MEETING
M2001-R-14
CITY
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110
HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS 78040
JUNE 4,
2001
5:30
P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
With a quorum present, 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., Mayor
Pro Tempore, District V
Joe A. Guerra, Council
Member, 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
The Mayor called a short recess at 5:05 p.m. for the Council
Members and the visiting public to watch the Peter Jennings Show, which
featured Laredo. The meeting reopened
at 5:58 p.m.
IV. MINUTES
Approval of the minutes of April 2, 2001 and April 16, 2001.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
a. Presentation on “Summer
Arts Splash 2001” by the Laredo Public Library and the
Laredo Center for the
Arts.
Motion to table.
Moved:
Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
b. Announcing an expansion
of services within the Fire Department with the receipt of two
new vehicles: a Freightliner 4 x 4 Brush Master
Pumper/Tanker, and an Engine/Pumper.
The Mayor, Council and
attending public went outside to view the new equipment.
c. Cm. Guerra read excerpt from the following
letter from a concerned citizen, Chuck
Owen.
“Since I have moved to 115 Village Blvd. six years ago, I have
addressed numerous communications regarding the need for more traffic control
at Springfield and Village. Each case
has come back with an answer that the traffic count does not warrant additional
devices. Well, in my opinion, traffic
has warranted better measures, but this is to ask you to look at it again.
Additional businesses keep being built on West Village. Now comes a new office building. More dramatically, a hotel is in completion
stage and another hotel is scheduled to be built. When these buildings are completed, the problem and hazards at
Springfield and Village will multiply, I believe. Now is the time to look at it.
I believe that, at least, it warrants a four-way stop at this
intersection.
I think there is some worry of northbound traffic coming around
the curve at the Tosoro Building not being aware of the stop sign. This could be handled, or improved by
additional signage and by the number of “rumble” cross-hatching on the pavement
before Village.
Getting onto Springfield has been a problem a lot of the time over
the past six years I have lived there, and it gets worse as time gone on. The problem is from both directions coming
off Village onto Springfield. As a
user, many times I sit and wait and wait and finally, jump out there, fearing I
am going to be hit by an oncoming Springfield automobile, which in most cases
is exceeding the speed limit, I would say.
I worry more about my family and other drivers without much experience
in “jumping out there.” When the new
buildings are complete, this fear will increase from me and all the others.
Also, with this message, Mr.
Guerra, I would like to appear before council in communications if this
request is denied or if I could add to the importance of taking action.”
d. Cm. Guerra stated that he had a letter and a
petition with over 70 names from residents
of the Country Club and the Plantation area requesting a traffic
control device to be installed at the intersection of Country Club Drive and
Del Mar Blvd. He informed the
individuals that a device has been approved and will be installed.
e. Cm. Agredano congratulated the employees of the
Post Office for an annual food drive
where over 12,000
pounds of food was collected for distribution to needy Laredo
families.
f. Cm. Agredano thanked individuals for their
assistance at the Memorial Day Service held
for the Veterans. He
especially recognized the United South Junior ROTC, Mr. Adolfo Aguilar, Nixon ROTC, and Ms. Joe Cisneros
g. Cm. Bruni submitted the South Texas Rain
Enhancement Report for the record to be on
file at the City
Secretary’s Office.
h. Cm. Galo wanted to inform the public that he had
an interview with Pro-8 News about
the current problems with railways. He asked Senator Judith Zaffirini and State Representative
Richard Raymond to create laws at their next legislative session pertaining to
railway companies and their lack of cooperation with the City. He added that the railroad companies have
too much power.
i. Cm. Amaya mentioned that he is impressed with
the Laredo COPS Program. He
especially thanked
Investigator T. J. Tinajero and Officer Gazinao for their participation
in the program.
Invitations
None.
Recognitions
a. Recognizing the
Honorable Judith Zaffirini, State Senator the Honorable Richard
Raymond, State Representative and the Honorable Tracy O. King,
State Representative for their continuing support on behalf of the citizens of
the City of Laredo.
Mayor Flores and the Council presented plaques to Senator Judith Zaffirini and State Representative
Richard Raymond. State Representative
Tracey O. King was unable to
attend.
b. Recognizing Christina
F. Guevara for initiating a successful district-wide recycling
program for United
Independent School District.
Mayor Flores and
Council presented Christina F. Guevara
with a plaque of recognition
and appreciation for
initiating a successful recycling program for United Independent
School District.
c. Recognition by the
Mayor and City Council Members of Mr. Raul P. Garcia, Jr., for his
twelve (12) years of faithful and devoted service to the Fire
Fighters’ and Police Officers’ Civil Service Commission.
Mayor Flores and Council presented Raul Garcia, Jr., with a plaque
for his 12 years of service with the Civil Service Commission.
d. Recognition by the
Mayor and City Council Members of employees that retired from the
City of Laredo with 20
years or more of service for the period of March 2001.
Mayor Flores and the
Council recognized the following retired employees:
Ruben De Leon Utilities
Department 29
years
Reynoldo Rodriguez Public Works
Department 31 years
Domingo Reyes Public
Works Department 25
years
e. Recognizing Laredo’s
Best Eighth Graders, fourteen middle school students chosen from
a group of students at 14 different campuses previously recognized
during the school year. This is a
culmination of the Police Department’s Community Relations Unit program where
students had to submit an essay detailing their thoughts on the “role of the
police department in the community.”
The Mayor and City Council presented a Seven Flags Certificate to
the following students:
Oscar Montemayor St.
Augustine
Jackie Stout Trautmann Middle
Jesus Garcia Salvador
Garcia Middle
Pablo Contreras Clark
Middle
Veronica Aleman Los
Obispos Middle
Jose Marcos Cruz Cigarroa
Middle
f. Recognition by the
Mayor and City Council Members of City Departments for their
contribution and participation to the United Way Campaign and
special recognition to Jerry Leal from the Public Access Channel, recipient of
the Dr. Billy F. Cowart Award; and
Daniel E. Migura, Jr., recipient of the Ramiro Sanchez Volunteer of the Year
Award.
Mr. Escudero recognized the following departments for
their 100% participation in the United Way Campaign: Legal Department, Budget, Building, Cemetery, Civic Center,
Convention and Visitors Bureau, Engineering, Fleet Management, MIS, Municipal
Court, Municipal Housing, Parks and Recreation, Planning, Public Access, City
Secretary and the Tax Office.
The departments that gave between $1000 and $4,999 to United Way
were Airport, Bridge, Community Development, City Manager’s Office,
Administrative Services, Public Library, Public Works and Traffic.
The departments that gave between $5000 and $9,999 were Health,
Police, and Utilities.
The Fire Department donated $10,000 plus to the United Way.
Mayor Flores was presented with the Blue Iceberg Award for the
donations from the City between $50,000.00 and $69,999.00.
Also recognized was Phyllis Colon for serving a six-year term on
the board.
The Ramiro Sanchez Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to
Dan Migura.
The Dr. Billy F. Cowart Award was awarded to Jerry Leal from
the Public Access Channel.
g. Mayor Flores recognized
Cm. Guerra for serving as Mayor Pro
Tempore from 5/2000
through 5/2001.
Communiqués
VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public hearing amending
the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 Airport Budget to recognize
additional revenues from a grant received from the Federal
Aviation Administration being grant project no. 3-48-0136-28-01 in the amount of
$2,500,000.00 for the purpose of implementing Laredo’s FAR Part 150 Airport
Noise Compatibility Program and appropriating said grant revenue and local
match to the appropriate expenditure accounts and authorizing the City Manager
to implement said budget amendment.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001
Airport Budget to recognize additional
revenues from a grant received from the Federal Aviation
Administration being grant project no. 3-48-0136-28-01 in the amount of $2,500,000.00
for the purpose of implementing Laredo’s FAR Part 150 Airport Noise
Compatibility Program and appropriating said grant revenue and local match to
the appropriate expenditure accounts and authorizing the City Manager to
implement said budget amendment.
Motion to open the public hearing
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Introduction Ordinance: City
Council
2. Public hearing amending
the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 Airport Budget to recognize
additional revenues from a grant received from the Federal
Aviation Administration being grant project no. 3-48-0136-29-01 in the amount
of $1,919,379.00 for the purpose of updating the Airport Master Plan, updating
the FAR Part 150 noise study, rehabilitate taxiways, acquire land for approaches
and construct a portion of service road and appropriating said grant revenue
and local match to the appropriate expenditure accounts and authorizing the
City Manager to implement said budget amendment. (APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 2001-R-062 NEEDED BEFORE PUBLIC HEARING)
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 Airport Budget to
recognize additional revenues from a grant received from the Federal Aviation
Administration being grant project no. 3-48-0136-29-01 in the amount of
$1,919,379.00 for the purpose of updating the Airport Master Plan, updating the
FAR Part 150 noise study, rehabilitate taxiways, acquire land for approaches
and construct a portion of service road and appropriating said grant revenue
and local match to the appropriate expenditure accounts and authorizing the
City Manager to implement said budget amendment.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
3. Public hearing
providing community residents an opportunity to comment on their
housing and community needs and the projects they wish to see
funded through the 27th Action Year Community Development Block Grant
($4,485,000.00), 2001 HOME Investment Partnership Program ($1,504,000.00), and
2001 Emergency Shelter Grant ($152,000.00) in support of the preparation and
submission of the 2001 Consolidated Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Abraham Rodriguez, Laredo Housing Authority Director, spoke on the
issue of inadequate water and sewer in the areas of the Azteca and San
Francisco Javier neighborhoods. They
are willing to help with any housing program.
Jose Ceballos, from the Homeless Coalition, stated the purpose of
the coalition is to look at ways to advocate for the homeless and for the
agencies. He asked the Council to partner with other entities to raise funds
for a Safe Haven for the homeless. The
shelter will be an entry point for homeless to gain services.
Motion to close the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
4. Public hearing amending
Ordinance 2000-O-065, Section 2-3(b) of Chapter 2 of the
Code of Ordinance of the City of Laredo providing for an
additional charge of $1.00 for death certificates, $1.00 for death records
(additional copy), and $8.00 for birth
or death records for genealogy purposes; deleting (6) Laminations and (7)
Relaminations; and including (6) Plastic Covers; providing severability,
publication, and effective date.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending Ordinance 2000-O-065, Section 2-3(b) of Chapter 2 of the
Code of Ordinance of the City of Laredo providing for an additional charge of
$1.00 for death certificates, $1.00 for death records (additional copy),
and $8.00 for birth or death records
for genealogy purposes; deleting (6) Laminations and (7) Relaminations; and including (6) Plastic Covers; providing severability,
publication, and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm. E.
Valdez
For: 7 Against: 1 Abstain: 0
Cm. Ramirez
Ordinance Introduction: City
Council
5. Public hearing amending
the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
the W1/2 of Lot 2, Block 248, Western Division, located at 918
Coke St. from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community
Business District). The Planning and
Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning the W1/2 of Lot 2, Block 248, Western Division, located at 918 Coke
St. from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business
District); providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Nora Madrigal, property owner, asked for approval of the zone
change to establish a used furniture and antique store.
Hugo Madrigal, property owner, also spoke in favor and stated that
they have complied with the parking spaces.
Motion to close the public hearing override Planning and Zoning
and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Ramirez
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
Cm. Ramirez
6. Public hearing amending
the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
Lot 1, Block 526, Western Division, located at 2002 Santa Rita
Ave., from M-1 (Light Manufacturing District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential
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 1, Block 526, Western Division, located at 2002 Santa Rita Ave.,
from M-1 (Light Manufacturing District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential District);
providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mr.
Paulin Torres, petitioner, spoke in favor of allowing the zone change
for use as a
residence.
Motion to close the public hearing override Planning and Zoning and
introduce.
Moved: Cm. Ramirez
Second: Cm. Agredano
Motion to table was made and approved, setting the previous motion null
and void.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 1 Abstain: 0
Cm. Ramirez
7. Public hearing amending
the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
Lot 7, Block 1578, Eastern Division, located at 2620 Bismark St.,
from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential
District). The Planning and Zoning
Commission has recommended approval of the zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 7, Block
1578, Eastern Division, located at 2620 Bismark St., from B-1
(Limited Commercial District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential District); providing
for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Agredano
8. Public hearing amending
the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
Lot 7, Block 7, Moreno Addition, located at 3420 Galveston St.,
from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential
District). The Planning and Zoning
Commission has recommended approval of the zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lot 7, Block 7, Moreno Addition, located at 3420 Galveston St., from
R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential District);
providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Bruni
9. Public hearing amending
the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
Lot 4, Block 1597, Eastern Division, located at 2619 Bayard St.,
from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Business
District). The Planning and Zoning
Commission has recommended denial of the B-1 zone change, and approval of a
Conditional Use Permit for a child daycare center.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lot 4, Block 1597, Eastern Division, located at 2619 Bayard St., from
R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Business District);
providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Esther Rodriguez, property owner, requested approval of the zone
change for a child day care center.
Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce as per Planning and Zoning
recommendations as a Conditional Use
Permit and add its ADA compliance provisions.
Moved:
Cm. Agredano
Second:
Cm. Galo
For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm.
Agredano
10. Public hearing
amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning 16.95 acres, as further described by metes and bounds,
located at 10852 Bob Bullock Lp., from R-1 (Single Family Residential District)
to B-3 (Community Business District).
The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the zone
change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning 16.95 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located at
10852 Bob Bullock Lp., from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-3
(Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Harry Jewett, representing Winfield LTD, requested Council’s
approval.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Guerra