CITY OF
LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
M2001-R-23
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON
STREET
LAREDO,
TEXAS 78040
SEPTEMBER
4, 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 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 June 25, 2001 and July 2, 2001.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
A. Presentation of the
State of Texas Architectural Barriers Certificate of Substantial
Compliance Submitted by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for the East Hachar
Recreation Center.
Invitations
A. On Wednesday, September
5, 2001, the Laredo Fire Department expands its service
with the opening of Fire Station #12 at 10:00 a.m. Everyone is invited to attend the morning
event scheduled to take place at 9402 N.E. Bob Bullock Loop near Texas A&M
International University.
Recognitions
Communiqués
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
authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for a sexually
oriented business on Lot 1, Block 11, Unitec Industrial Center Subdivision,
Phase 2, located at 13502 Regional Drive.
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
authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for a sexually oriented
business on Lot 1, Block 11, Unitec Industrial Center Subdivision, Phase 2,
located at 13502 Regional Drive; providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to close the public hearing, introduce and deny the Special
Use Permit
Moved: Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
Cm. Guerra
2. Public Hearing to adopt
the Annual Budget for fiscal year 2001-2002 appropriating the
estimated revenues, expenditures and balances reported therein for
the year beginning October 1, 2001 and ending September 30, 2002, consistent
with the financial plan described in said Annual Budget; and authorizing the
City Manager to implement said Annual Budget.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Adopting the Annual Budget for fiscal year 2001-2002 appropriating
the estimated revenues, expenditures and balances reported therein for the year
beginning October 1, 2001 and ending in September 30, 2002, consistent with the
financial plan described in said Annual Budget; and authorizing the City
Manager to implement said Annual Budget.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
3. Public hearing for the
adoption of a tax rate of $0.576358/$100 value with a
Maintenance Operation rate of $0.435878/$100 and an interest and
Sinking fund Rate of $0.14048/$100.
Motion to set a date of September 17, 2001 to introduce an ordinance for
the adoption of the tax rate.
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. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
4. Public hearing amending
the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 Annual Budget by
reclassifying nine (9) firefighters to three (3) Captains, three
(3) drivers and three (3) assistant drivers to man Fire Station Number Twelve
(12) as authorized by City Council to
be effective upon adoption and authorizing the City Manager to implement said
budget.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 Annual Budget by
reclassifying nine (9) firefighters to three (3) Captains, three (3) drivers
and three (3) assistant drivers to man Fire Station Number Twelve (12) as
authorized by City Council to be
effective upon adoption and authorizing the City Manager to implement said
budget.
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. Agredano
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
5. Public Hearing amending
the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances as follows: Chapter 2,
Article II, Division 6 (Pay Administration), Section 2-87.7
(12)(a) except as otherwise stated in any collective bargaining agreement and
providing for an effective date of September 30, 2001.
INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCE
Amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances as follows: Chapter 2, Article II, Division 6 (Pay
Administration), Section 2-87.7 (12)(a) except as otherwise stated in any
collective bargaining agreement and providing for an effective date of
September 30, 2001.
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:
City Council
6. Public Hearing
authorizing the City Manager to establish the position of Sanitarian II in
the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) Grant
to continue the operation of the two Continuous Air Monitoring Stations (CAMS)
by the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning September 1,
2001 through August 31, 2002.
INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager to establish the position of
Sanitarian II in the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC)
Grant to continue the operation of the two Continuous Air Monitoring Stations
(CAMS) by the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning
September 1, 2001 through August 31, 2002.
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:
City Council
7. Public hearing
authorizing the City Manager to accept funds and amend the City of
Laredo FY 2000-2001 annual budget in the amount of $10,000 in
additional funds from the Texas Department of Health, Office of Border Health
for the Border Health Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the
period beginning October 1, 2000, through September 30, 2001. These funds were awarded specifically for
the Binational Health Conference that will be held on September 6-7, 2001 at
Texas A&M International University.
INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager to accept funds and amend the City of
Laredo FY 2000-2001 annual budget in the amount of $10,000 in additional funds
from the Texas Department of Health, Office of Border Health for the Border
Health Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning
October 1, 2000, through September 30, 2001.
These funds were awarded specifically for the Binational Health
Conference that will be held on September 6-7, 2001 at Texas A&M
International University.
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:
City Council
8. Public Hearing
authorizing the City Manager to accept and execute all documentation
for four grants from the Texas Department of Health in the amount
of $3,222,093 for the Community Health Education Program, Maternal and Child
Health (MCH-Title V), Women Infants and Children "WIC" Program, and
Los Dos Laredos of the Laredo Health Department for the period beginning
September 1, 2001, through August 31, 2002, and October 1, 2001, through September
30, 2002, respectively; and amending the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 budget in
the amount of $47,269.42.
INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager to accept and execute all
documentation for four grants from the Texas Department of Health in the amount
of $3,222,093 for the Community Health Education Program, Maternal and Child
Health (MCH-Title V), Women Infants and Children "WIC" Program, and
Los Dos Laredos of the Laredo Health Department for the period beginning
September 1, 2001, through August 31, 2002, and October 1, 2001, through
September 30, 2002, respectively; and amending the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001
budget in the amount of $47,269.42.
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. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
9. Public hearing and
consideration of an appeal of an order of the Historic
District/Landmark
Board regarding the installation of doors on the Convent elevation at:
Location: Lots 3 and E 15 Varas of 2, Block 2 WD
Commonly known
as: 1112 Grant
Petitioner: Luis
Lidsky
San Agustin Historic
District
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to close the public hearing, introduce, and open new doors
and work with committee on closing other doors.
Moved: Cm. Ramirez
Second: Cm. J.
Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
Cm. Ramirez
10. Public Hearing and
adoption of Resolution No. 2001-R-091 adopting the 2002-2006
Capital Improvement
Program for the City of Laredo.
ADOPTION OF
RESOLUTION 2001-R-091
Adopting the
2002-2006 Capital Improvement Program for the City of Laredo.
Motion to open the public
hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Agredano
Second: Cm.
Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to adopt
Resolution # 2001-R-091.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
11. A Public Hearing
authorizing the City Manager to amend Chapter 14, Garbage, Trash
& Refuse, Article II, Section 14-9, Rates, subsection (a)
service fee for individual residences, by changing the garbage collection fee
of $7.00 per month to $8.50 per month; amending subsection (e)(5) fees, by
changing the fees for any residences being utilized in whole or in part as a
commercial establishment or business; and adding subsection (h) branch and
debris pick-up; and amending subsections i-n to alphabetize each subsection
correctly; providing for severability, effective date and publication.
INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCE
An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend Chapter
14, Garbage, Trash & Refuse,
Article II, Section 14-9, Rates, subsection (a) service fee for individual
residences, by changing the garbage collection fee of $7.00 per month to $8.50
per month; amending subsection (e)(5) fees, by changing the fees for any
residences being utilized in whole or in part as a commercial establishment or
business; and adding subsection (h) branch and debris pick-up; and amending
subsections i-n to alphabetize each subsection correctly; providing for
severability, effective date and publication.
Motion to open the public
hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Valdez
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: 6 Against: 2 Abstain: 0
Cm. Guerra
Cm. Ramirez
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council except
Cm. Guerra and Cm. Ramirez
12. Amending the City of
Laredo Fiscal Year 2001 General Fund Annual Budget by
appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of
$49,005.72 for the Lease Purchase Agreement to finance the acquisition of a
multimedia messaging system (phone voice mail) for the City Hall Phone System.
INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCE
An ordinance amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2001 General
Fund Annual Budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of
$49,005.72 for the Lease Purchase Agreement to finance the acquisition of a
multimedia messaging system (phone voice mail) for the City Hall Phone System.
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.
Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: City Council
VIII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND
PRESENTATIONS
13. A. Request by Council Member John C. Galo
1. Discussion with
possible action on the status of the opening of
Bartlett Avenue at
Market Street and the proposed street closures.
B. Request by Council Member Joe Guerra
1. Discussion and possible
action to authorize the City Manager and Competitive
Government Strategies (Consultants) to commence contract
negotiations for privatization of the City's water and wastewater utilities
operations (as outlined in the City's amended Request for Proposals) with
United Water, the apparent responsible lowest bidder.
Motion to postpone for September 24, 2001.
Moved: Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
C. Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez
1. Discussion with
possible action regarding amending the Code of Ordinances to
add a section authorizing staff to place a fence with the
appropriate noticing requirements around abandoned, vacant and substandard
homes in the City to prevent trespassing by the general public as well as
safeguarding the health and general welfare of the neighborhood residents. The cost of the fence would be recovered
through the placement of a lien or any other legal authority available to the
City.
2. Discussion with
possible action to request that staff initiate a feasibility study to
consider the
construction of a water park.
Motion to fund $50,000
to provide a feasibility study from his appropriated fund.
Moved: Cm.
Ramirez
Second: Cm.
Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IX. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
14. Authorizing the City
Manager to execute a lease with M & M Air Cargo and Delivery
Service, Inc., for approximately 11,988 square feet constituting
Sections 2 and 3 of Building No. 170 located at 5103 Maher Avenue at the Laredo
International Airport. Lease term is
for five (5) years commencing on May 1, 2001 and ending on April 30, 2006.
However, it is agreed by the parties that the lease may be terminated by either
party on not less than ninety (90) days written notice from the party
terminating to the other. Monthly rent shall be $4,795.20 and will be adjusted
annually according to changes in the Consumer Price Index; providing for an
effective date.
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
15. An ordinance
designating one-way road sections to include Maher Avenue northbound
from Bustamante Street to Hillside Road, Thomas Avenue southbound
between Hillside Road and Pappas Street, Pappas Street westbound between Thomas
Avenue and Daugherty Avenue, and Daugherty Avenue southbound between Pappas
Street and Bustamante Street; providing for the installation of appropriate
signs to indicate one-way traffic in the designated direction and providing for
publication and effective date.
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
16. An ordinance closing a
public easement a 2,479.88 sq. ft. tract of land, more or less, out
of the southeast section of San Jose Street between Milmo and
Jarvis Avenues, dedicated as a public easement as per the McMillan Park
Subdivision Replat recorded in Volume 2, Page 156 of the Webb County Plat
Records, situated in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo, County of Webb,
Texas, being more particularly described on the attached Exhibit "A";
and providing for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
17. An ordinance
authorizing the abandonment and vacating of a 17.7 foot wide alley
dedicated for public use in Block 631, Eastern Division, City of
Laredo, Webb County Texas; and providing for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
X. FINAL READINGS OF ORDINANCES
Internet availability: //wwwci.laredo.tx.us
Motion to waive the final readings of Ordinance # 2001-O-198,
2001-O-199, 2001-O-200, 2001-O-201, 2001-O-202 and 2001-O-203.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
18. 2001-O-198 An ordinance amending the Street Name Map of
the City of Laredo by
changing the name of a portion of Killam Industrial Boulevard from
the intersection of FM 1472 thence west and south to the intersection of Loop
20 with the future River Bank Drive, from Killam Industrial Blvd. to River Bank
Drive; providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2001-O-198.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2001-O-199 An ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning 8.795 acres out of Lot 3, Block 1, Del Mar
North Filing No. One, as further described by metes and bounds, located at 302
Eden Ln., from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community
Business District; providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2001-O-199.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0