CITY OF LAREDO

                                            CITY COUNCIL MEETING

                                                         M2001-R-16

                                  PLANNING AND ZONING MEETING

                                          CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

                                              1110 HOUSTON STREET

                                               LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

                                                        JUNE 25, 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.,                                                         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

 

IV.       MINUTES

 

Approval of the minutes of May 21, 2001 and May 23, 2001.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm. Agredano

Second:  Mayor Pro Tem E. Valdez, Jr.

For:      8                                              Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

Announcements

 

Cm.  Ramirez thanked the Mayor, Council and City staff for their support and assistance on his projects to enhance District One during his first year as a Council Member.  

 

Cm.  J.  Valdez thanked United Independent School District for providing their facility for a summer recreation program at George Washington Middle School.  He also thanked the Parks and Recreation Department for expediting the program.

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez publicly thanked the Public Works Department and Code Enforcement staff for their job excellence in District V.

 

Cm.  Galo mentioned that Runner’s World Magazine listed Laredo as one of the top ten United States cities with the least ozone pollution. 

 

Cm.  Bruni submitted the South Texas Rain Enhancement reports to be on file at the City Secretary’s Office.  He also submitted an article from the San Antonio Express News about the depletion of water in the Rio Grande River.  He stressed the importance of expediting the Secondary Source of Water. 

 

Cm.  Agredano thanked the Police Department for their cooperation at a citizen’s meeting in his district held at Salinas Elementary School about some concerns that his constituents had regarding the safety of their neighborhood. 

 

Mayor Flores thanked Cm.  Agredano, Cm. Ramirez and Cm.  Guerra for attending a press conference announcing the City Vista, Henry Cisneros, and the C. B. Ronny Goodman Endeavor with the City of Laredo. 

 

Cm.  Agredano stated that he is looking forward to working with Henry Cisenero and

G. V. Enterprises on affordable housing in South Laredo. 

 

Cm.  Guerra announced the opening of the overpass at Unitec Industrial Park.

 

Mayor Flores informed Council and the public about the United States Conference of Mayors.  She led the discussion at the City and Borders Tasks Force, and she announced the speakers to the well-attended session.  The topics included the Canadian Border and how they intend to work with the United States and Mexico; present and future vision on International Trade; and a presentation about Laredo’s Bosom Buddies and the prevention of Prostrate Canter. 

 

The Mayor also attended the Transportation Committee where she belongs to the International Affairs Committee.  She noted that she was in partnership, and that Dennis Archer, Mayor of Detroit is co-sponsor.  They submitted the following three resolutions:

 

1st The entire Congress of Mayors passed a resolution that will urge Congress and

the President to inoculate legislation that will require the U. S. Department of Transportation to regulate, or is the alternative that will allow state or local jurisdictions to regulate the length of time that a train may block a roadway in the interest of public health and safety.

 

2nd  A resolution affecting the actual inspections of the United States. 

 

3rd The United States Conference of Mayors will call upon the Federal  

Government to implement needs and initiatives in each department, agency and bureau. It was further resolved that the United States Conference of Mayors will call upon Congress to authorize and fund programs targeted towards removing obstacles to improve efficiency and increase ease in border trade process, as well as improving the quality of life in border cities and communities. 

 

Invitations

 

None.

 

Recognitions

 

            None.

 

Communiqués

 

None.

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

a.  Appointment by Council Member Alfredo Agredano of Juan Ramirez to the Vehicles for

     Hire Ad Hoc Committee.

 

     Motion to approve.

 

     Moved:  Cm. Galo

     Second:  Cm. Amaya

     For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

b.  Appointment by Council Member Johnny Amaya of Ruben Castillo to the Vehicles for

     Hire Ad Hoc Committee.

 

     Motion to approve.

 

     Moved:  Cm. Galo

     Second:  Cm. Agredano

     For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

c.  Appointment by Council Member Juan Ramirez of Juan Guerra to the Vehicles for Hire

     Ad Hoc Committee.

 

     Motion to approve.

 

     Moved:  Cm. Galo

     Second:  Cm. Agredano

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

VII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1.  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) and a Conditional Use Permit for a restaurant (Kiosk).  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change and a Conditional Use Permit.

 

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) and a Conditional Use Permit for a restaurant (Kiosk); providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Isabel Ramirez, petitioner, spoke in favor of a conditional use permit.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and accept Planning and Zoning Department’s recommendation to deny the zone changes.

 

Moved:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

2.  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. Ramirez

Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing; approve the zone change; and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm. Ramirez

Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

 

3.  Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning

Lot 5, Block 927, Western Division, located at 3616 Santa Maria Ave., from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the proposed zone change and approval of a Conditional Use Permit for an auto paint and body shop.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

 

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 5, Block 927, Western Division, located at 3616 Santa Maria Ave., from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial 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

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing; approve as a conditional use permit; and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

 

4.  Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning

Lot 2, Block 292, Eastern Division, located at 413 Clark Blvd., from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed B-3 zoning and recommended approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a used car lot.

 

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 2, Block 292, Eastern Division, located at 413 Clark Blvd., from B-1 (Limited Commercial 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

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and approve as a conditional use permit and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm. Amaya

Second:  Cm. Ramirez

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Amaya

 

5.  Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning

Lots 7 and 8, Block 1, Mims - Calton Gardens Addition, located at 219 W. Calton Rd., from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business 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 Lots 7 and 8, Block 1, Mims - Calton Gardens Addition, located at 219 W. Calton Rd., from B-1 (Limited Commercial 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

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm. Guerra

Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Guerra

 

6.  Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning

Lot 1, Block 1, Lago Del Mar Subdivision, Unit II, located at 3400 Del Mar Blvd., from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business 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, Block 1, Lago Del Mar Subdivision, Unit II, located at 3400 Del Mar Blvd., 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

 

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

 

7.  Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning

2.4347 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located at 3300 Del Mar Blvd., from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business 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 2.4347 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located at 3300 Del Mar Blvd., 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. 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. Amaya

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Galo

 

8.  Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning

Lots 9 and 10, Block 1079, Eastern Division, located at 1906 & 1908 Piedra China St., from R-1 (Single Family Residential 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 Lots 9 and 10, Block 1079, Eastern Division, located at 1906 & 1908 Piedra China 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. Agredano

Second:  Cm. Bruni

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and follow staff recommendation to deny the zone changes.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Bruni

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

VIII.    GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

9.  A.  Request by Council Member Louis H. Bruni

 

1.  Discussion and possible action on the privatization of the Utilities Department.

 

Bill Skeen, Chairman of the Laredo Builder’s Association Infrastructure Committee, stated that the potential savings from the privatization of the water system could be used to fund the secondary source of water and also cut water and sewer rates for Laredo Citizens.

 

Motion to set aside 50% of the cost savings that the City would acquire from the privatization to fund a secondary source of water.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni 

Second:  Cm.  Galo

For:     7                                          Against:   0                   Abstain: 0

 

2. Discussion and possible action on the alignment of Jacaman Road with Casa

    Verde Road.

 

Cm.  Bruni questioned the alignment of Casa Verde with Jacaman Road.

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that there has been a preliminary plat submitted by the Jacaman employees that illustrates the alignment. 

 

Juan Segovia, City Planner, confirmed that there is an approved Master plan by the Planning and Zoning Commission.  He stated that Phase VI, which illustrates the exact curvature with the alignment, is currently underway.  He added that the right-of-way would be dedicated via plat.  The plat assures that the developer is responsible for dedicating and providing improvements on the strip. 

 

Cm.  Bruni questioned the footage between Jacaman and Casa Verde.

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, informed Council that the developer is responsible for road improvements and water and sewer services.

 

Mayor Flores instructed staff to report any delays to Council.

 

Motion to assure residents that the Council and future Council shall be committed in acquiring the right-of-way for 250 feet. 

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni 

                             Second:  Cm.  Amaya 

                             For:  8                                   Against:  0                    Abstain: 0

 

3.  Discussion and possible action on providing water and wastewater services to the

     residents of Casa Verde Subdivision.

 

Javier Elizondo, Casa Verde Road resident, expressed his frustration to Council about the new development around the Casa Verde Subdivision.  He was extremely concerned about future road obstructions that would delay emergency vehicles to enter and exit in a timely manner.  He also made a plea for water and sewer services.      

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that staff met with financial advisories and discussed bond issues and Certificates of Obligation, and they identified some monies that would be available within the water and sewer bonds.  

 

Motion to use monies identified to bring water and wastewater service to the residents of Casa Verde and Milmo subdivision.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Bruni

Second:  Cm.  Galo

For:    8                                           Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                  B.  Request by Council Member John C. Galo

 

1.  Discussion on upgrading the Lumens around Ryan Elementary School and

     Market St. Tennis Courts, with possible action.

 

Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, stated that the area was upgraded two years ago.  At that time, staff installed six new lights with 16,000 lumens, and they added two more lights with lumens of 27,000 at the intersection of Guatomozin and Stone and Loring and Stone.  He informed council that he could change the 16,000 to 27,000; however, neighbors may complain about the upgrade.

 

Mayor asked staff to survey the neighborhood about the affect of more lumens.

 

Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, stated that they would survey the residents and come back to Council with a cost analysis. 

 

2.  Discussion on ways to save taxpayer monies associated with the 5th Bridge

including the action taken last week, with possible action. (Co-sponsored by Council Member Johnny Amaya)

 

Cm.  Galo was concerned about the duplication of the studies that the County is doing in regards to the 5th Bridge.  He stated that the City is pursuing a separate path and didn’t know if it was legally possible since the taxpayers are funding both County and City.  He questioned if it is possible for the City to team up on the report.  The party awarded the permit would then own the report, or it could be owned jointly.  

 

Mayor Flores stated that the community should be aware that the City is looking at different locations; therefore, the City will have to do its own environmental study on the locations. However, if there is something that we can partner in, the City would employ the County to partner.  She stated that the integrity of our applications is very important. 

 

3.  Staff update on the Chacon Meadow Bridge repairs.

 

Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, noted the delay for repairing the Chacon Meadow Bridge is due to non-arrival of the beams.  The manufacture has not delivered the beams as agreed.  He has been unsuccessful in determining a reason as to the delay.  Repairs will continue to a certain point and will cease until they get the beams. 

 

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

 

1.  Discussion and possible action requesting a cost estimate and preliminary

schematic drawing for a widening of the entrance located at Rancho Viejo Dr. and FM 1472.

 

Cm.  Valdez suggested widening the entrance of Rancho Viejo Drive to the west side.  He requested staff to construct the entrance similar to Bristol Road.  He wants to see a preliminary schematic drawing for the widening of the entrance. 

 

Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported that he would consult with Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, in creating a safer vehicular entrance to Rancho Viejo Drive that would allow traffic to flow more freely. 

 

2.  Update on the results of the traffic improvements study that includes stop signs,

flashing beacons, etc. in District VII, specifically on Lowry, Rancho Viejo, Eagle Pass and Lafayette St.

 

Roberto Murillo, Traffic Engineer, informed the Council that he installed four speed limit signs in each direction on Eagle Pass and Layfaette to try to minimize the speed there.  On Lafayette and Pinder they installed four way stop signs.  An analysis is currently underway on Bristol Road.

 

               D.  Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez

 

1.  Discussion with possible action on the improvements on St. Peters Plaza,

requesting an extra light on northwest corner of the plaza, jungle gym and also a basketball backboard.

 

Horacio De Leon, Parks Director, reported that they have placed a basketball pole at St.  Peters, and staff is waiting for the backboard to be delivered.  Staff is consulting with AEP/Central Power and Light in regards to repairs and upgrading the lighting.  

 

                             Cm.  Ramirez asked about the jungle gym set.

 

Horacio De Leon, Parks Director, replied that they will install a jungle gym when funding is obtained.

                             

2.  Discussion and possible action on improvements at the Civic Center pool,

     proposing a shade on the west side of the pool.

 

Horacio De Leon, Parks and Recreation Director, noted that the cost for a 20 x 40 portable shade is $6,000.  He stated that the renovation cost for the Civic Center Recreation Center is $185,000 and is in the Capital Improvement Plan for next year.

 

Cm.  Ramirez directed staff to go out for bids on the portable shade and use his appropriation of funds for the shade.  He also asked staff to install a more benches. 

 

3.  Status report on the rehabilitation of the water fountain at Bruni Plaza.

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, informed Council that staff is working on a proposal for the rehabilitation of the water fountain. 

 

Mayor Flores suggested adding the rehabilitation of the water fountain to the Capital Improvement Plan.

 

Cm.  Bruni stated that the Historical Landmark Board should look at restoring it.  The fountain should be restored to its natural beauty. 

 

Janice Weber, Librarian Director, informed the Council that the estimated cost of rehabilitation would be approximately around $200,000.  

  

4.  Status report on the requested water park.

 

     Motion to postpone.

 

     Moved:  Cm.  Ramirez

     Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

     For:    8                                           Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

       

X.         FINAL READINGS OF ORDINANCES 

 

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

 

Motion to waive final reading of ordinances # 2001-O-125, # 2001-O-126, # 2001-O-127,

# 2001-O-128, # 2001-O-129 and # 2001-O-130.

 

            Moved:  Cm. Bruni

            Second:  Cm. Agredano

            For:      8                                              Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

           

10.  2001-O-125  Accepting a bequest by Sam H. Sullivan (deceased) and amending the

City of Laredo FY2000-2001 Annual Budget in the amount of $26,408.46, providing for effective date.  (City Council)

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2001-O-125.

 

Moved:  Cm. Bruni

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:      8                              Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

           

  2001-O-126  Authorizing the City Manager to amend the 2000-2001 annual budget in

the amount of $63,600.00 for the Laredo Multi-Agency Narcotics Task Force.  Funding is available from the opening balance of the Narcotics Task Force Fund (224) and will be used to pay overtime and benefits for the period of March 1, 2001 through May 31, 2001.  The Governor's Office, Criminal Justice Division approved this adjustment on May 29, 2001.  (City Council)

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2001-O-126.

 

Moved:  Cm. Bruni

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:      8                              Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

 2001-O-127  Amending the City of Laredo's 2000-2001 annual budget in the amount of

$1,333,870.00 to fund the Laredo Multi-Agency Narcotics Task Force.  The Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division will be designating $998,115.00, the City of Laredo will designate $299,769.00, the Webb County Constable's Office will designate $32,550.00 and the remaining $3,436.00 will be designated out of opening fund balance.  Funding will be used to pay salaries, fringe benefits, direct operating expenses, and equipment from June 1, 2001 through May 31, 2002.  (City Council)

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2001-O-127.

 

Moved:  Cm. Bruni

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:      8                              Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

2001-O-128  Amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances, Chapter 31, Utilities,

Section 31-16, Definitions, by adding "Illegal Connection", Section 31-133 by adding paragraph (e) to establish a connection fee of $500.00 (Five Hundred dollars) for any person attempting to establish an account for a property after an illegal connection has been discovered and removed by the City at that same location; and paragraph (f) written notification to City of an illegal connection; providing for an effective date.  (City Council)

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2001-O-128.

 

Moved:  Cm. Bruni

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:      8                              Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

2001-O-129  Amending the FY 2000-2001 Annual Budget by transferring $8,000.00

from General Fund to the Veterans Field Fund and appropriate revenues and expenditures in the amount of $8,000.00 in the Veterans Field Fund to fund an amendment to Section 3, Sub-Section A, Item IV of the contract between the City of Laredo and Grupo Vision Empresarial, Nuevo Laredo, S.A. de C.V., a Mexican corporation operating the Tecolotes de Los Dos Laredos of the professional "Triple-A" Mexican Baseball League, and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget.  (City Council)

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2001-O-129.

 

Moved:  Cm. Bruni

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:      8                              Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

 2001-O-130  An ordinance closing as a public easement that section of the 2900 block

of South Buena Vista Avenue between Norton and the East right-of-way line of U. S. Highway 83, situated in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo, County of Webb, Texas; and providing for an effective date.  (City Council)

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2001-O-130.

 

Moved:  Cm. Bruni

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:    8                                Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

XI.       RESOLUTIONS

 

11.  2001-R-073  A resolution authorizing the Fire Chief and the Police Chief to

furnish to the City Attorney any and all information from their personnel and internal affairs files, pursuant to Texas Local Government Code, Section 143.089 (g).

 

Motion to approve Resolution # 2001-R-073.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Bruni

For:      8                              Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

XII.     MOTION

 

12.  Consideration to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Competitive

Government Strategies in the amount of $40,000.00 for Phase II of the Utilities Department privatization to present an evaluation matrix, conduct site tours and reference checks, and resolve internal City issues.  Funding is available in water and sewer reserves.

 

Skip Skitt from Competitive Government Strategies made the presentation before the Council:

 

Process Milestone to Date:  Where Have We Been?

 

Milestone                                                                                                Date

 

Release RFP                                                                                 August 8, 2000

Proposals Received                                                                       December 8, 2000

1st Round Questions Released                                                        April 24, 2001

Responses                                                                                     May 4, 2001

2nd Round Questions Released                                                       May 21, 2001

Responses                                                                                     June 1, 2001

Oral Presentations                                                                         June 11, 2001 

 

Cost Savings Opportunities:                              What’s on the Table?

 

1.  Annual Operation and Maintenance Savings:

 

o       United Water Proposal - $4 million

 

o       OMI – Thames Proposal - $2.8 million

 

2.  Minor Capital Fund Savings:

 

o       $900,000 - $1.7 million annually

 

3.  Revenue Enhancement (lost water, improved collections)