CITY
OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
M2001-R-24
LAREDO, TEXAS
78040
SEPTEMBER 17, 2001
5:30 PM
I. CALL TO ORDER
With
a quorum present, Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores called the meeting to order.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor
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
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, Asst.
City Manager
Jaime
Flores, City
Attorney
IV. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
Cm. Agredano expressed his condolences to the
firefighters in New York City and their families for the countless lives lost
during the tragic events of September 11th.
Cm. Bruni explained the symbolism behind the Ribbon
of Prayer which has been distributed as a prayer for the entire nation in this
time of great sadness. He mentioned that
the ribbon colors symbolize unity, courage, peace, and purity of heart. The ribbon campaign has been adopted at the
request of the Aleman Family and is being displayed around the city as a symbol
of unity and strength for all Americans during the recovery effort.
Cm. Galo expressed his sympathy and offered
condolences to all families who have lost loved ones during this tragic event.
Cm. Amaya expressed his condolences to all those who
have lost family members and trusts that whoever is responsible for this
tragedy is brought to justice.
Mayor Pro Tempore E. Valdez, Jr. stated that as
citizens and fellow Americans the best thing that we can do is to keep these
families in our prayers to help them through this sadness.
Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. offered his prayers and
condolences to all those who lost loved ones during this tragedy.
Cm. Ramirez stated that the only other times he has
felt this great sorrow and shock was on hearing the news of President Kennedy’s
assassination and the Oklahoma City bombing.
He expressed his condolences to all those families who have suffered a
loss.
Mayor Flores stated that on Friday, she called Mayor
Giuliani of New York City in response to an invitation to attend a conference
to be held on October 22nd and 23rd at the World Trade Center. The topics were to include: bioterrorism, business-media relations,
interagency coordination, and building collapses to name a few.
Mayor Flores read a letter from the City of Santiago
de Queretaro:
“Por medio de la presente y en nombre de los
habitantes de la ciudad de Santiago de Queretaro, nos permitimos expresar
nuestras condolencias por los atentados terroristas susitados el dia de hoy en
various puntos de la union Americana.
Asi mismo expresamos nuestro apoyo al pueblo de los Estado Unidos de
Norte America y condenamos energicamente la violencia de estos actos.”
Mayor Flores read a letter from the Mayor of San
Miguel de Allende:
“Dear Mayor Flores:
By this, we let you know that this municipality of
San Miguel de Allende and my government, in this moment, join our American
brothers and categorically disapprove these terrorist acts. We express to you our solidarity and express
our deepest condolences. We are in your
order at any time you need and made votes for the peace coming to the world.”
Mayor Flores added that all Laredoans are stunned by
these tragic and cowardly acts of terrorism.
She empathizes with all the families of those victims whose lives were
tragically taken from them who are now grieving. She mentioned that mayors across the country have moved quickly
to increase security and ensure the safety of the people in their cities. She stated that everyone applauds the
heroism of the numerous rescue workers and volunteers across the country. She especially thanked the local
firefighters for mobilizing quickly to collect donations and the health
department for contacting the blood banks to mobilize the local blood drive in
the community. She also thanked our
friends across the border for their show of sympathy and support.
Invitations
None.
Recognitions
A.
Recognition of the Honorable Judith Zaffirini for her continued support
of
Texas
Libraries.
Mayor Flores announced that Senator Zaffirini was not able to
attend but wanted to publicly thank her for her continued support of Texas
Libraries.
B. Recognition and appreciation of Laredo’s Media and the Public
Information Officers in the community
for their cooperative efforts in handling the September 11th tragedy
in the United States.
Mayor Flores presented a Certificate of Appreciation
and Recognition to the following media representatives for their remarkable
proficiency in providing accurate and informative news accounts.
KLDO Univision 27 Terry
Elena Ordaz – General Manager
KVTV Channel 13 Larry Sanchez – General Manager
KGNS Pro 8 News Mary
Nell Sanchez – General Manager
Laredo Morning Times Bill
Green – Publisher
El Mañana Juan Reynaldo Lucio – Coordinator
for
Section
E (Laredo)
San Antonio Express-News Bonnie Pfister
(Border Bureau Office)
Rodriguez Communications Ruben Villarreal –
Operations Manager
(KQUR/KLNT/KNEXT)
Guerra Communciations Roberto Estrada – General Manager
Catholic Radio KHOY Bennet
McBridge – General Manager
Radio Manantial KBNL Pablo
Bell – General Manager
La M – KBDR Victor
Alvarez – General Manager
Laredo Police Department Juan Rivera; Tony
Reyes
City of Laredo Blasita
Lopez
United ISD Susan Carlson – Communications
Director
Laredo ISD Marco
Alvarado
C. Recognition of Rafael Garcia and Jennifer Ortiz for participating
and completing the Internship Program with the City of Laredo in conjunction
with Texas A&M International University.
Mayor Flores and the City Council presented Certificates of
Recognition to TAMIU students Rafael Garcia and Jennifer C. Ortiz for their
participation in the City’s internship program.
D. Recognition of Julian Mendoza, Jr., a United South High School
athlete, selected to be a member of the United States People to People Sports
Ambassadors Program.
Mayor Flores presented Julian Mendoza, Jr. with a Certificate
of Recognition for his accomplishments in track and field oversees and for
winning the Gold Medal in the 800 and 1500-meter race at the Dutch Challenge in
August.
Communiqués
None.
V. PUBLIC
HEARINGS
1. Public Hearing amending the City of Laredo Code of
Ordinances as follows: Chapter 2
Article II, Division 3, Section 2-58 (a), Holidays, of the Code of Ordinances
of the City of Laredo by adding one additional holiday, a personal holiday, for
all City of Laredo employees, except as otherwise stated in a collective
bargaining agreement.
INTRODUCTION
OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances as
follows: Chapter 2 Article II, Division
3, Section 2-58 (a), Holidays, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Laredo
by adding one additional holiday, a personal holiday, for all City of Laredo
employees, except as otherwise stated in a collective bargaining agreement.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Guerra was not present.
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
2. Public hearing amending the
zoning ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Blocks 14, 46, and 75,
Eastern Division and those portions of Willow St. and Cedar Ave. which were
previous public right -of-ways, located at 420 Logan Ave., from M-1 (Light
Manufacturing District) to M-2 (Heavy Manufacturing 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 Blocks 14, 46, and 75, Eastern Division and those portions
of Willow St. and Cedar Ave. which were previous public right-of-ways, located
at 420 Logan Ave., from M-1 (Light Manufacturing District) to M-2 (Heavy Manufacturing
District); providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and postpone to
the 2nd meeting in October.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
3. Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Blocks 56, 67, and 68, Eastern Division and those portions
of Cedar Ave., Piedra China St., and Logan Ave. which were previous public
right-of-ways, located at 301 Logan Ave., from M-1 (Light Manufacturing
District) to M-2 (Heavy Manufacturing 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 Blocks 56, 67, and 68, Eastern Division and those portions
of Cedar Ave., Piedra China St., and Logan Ave., which were previous public
right-of-ways, located at 301 Logan Ave., from M-1 (Light Manufacturing
District) to M-2 (Heavy Manufacturing District); providing for publication and
effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and postpone.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
4. Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lot 5, Block 527, Western Division, located at 2615 San
Agustin Ave., from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial
District). The Planning and Zoning
Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change.
INTRODUCTION
OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lot 5, Block 527, Western Division, located at 2615 San
Agustin Ave., from B-1 (Limited Commercial 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: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and follow
Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation to deny the proposed zone
change.
Moved: Cm.
J. Valdez, Jr.
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
5. Public hearing authorizing an increase in the bridge toll rate
schedule for southbound non-commercial vehicles as further described in Exhibit
“A”, and authorizing a u-turn violation fee for southbound commercial traffic
as further described in Exhibit “A” and hereby repealing all conflicting
sections in all ordinances currently in effect.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Authorizing an increase in the bridge toll rate
schedule for southbound non-commercial vehicles as further described in Exhibit
“A”, and authorizing a u-turn violation fee for southbound commercial traffic
as further described in Exhibit “A” and hereby repealing all conflicting
sections in all ordinances currently in effect.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Jesus Sanchez stated that he opposed the rate toll
increase.
Miguel Conchas, Chamber of Commerce President, asked
that City Council reconsider the $0.50 rate increase.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
J. Valdez, Jr.
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
6. Public Hearing adopting the Comprehensive Plan of the City of
Laredo without amendment in compliance with Article IX, Section 9.03 of the
Charter of the City of Laredo.
ADOPTION OF
RESOLUTION 2001-R-095
Adopting the Comprehensive Plan of the City of
Laredo without amendment in compliance with Article IX, Section 9.03 of the
Charter of the City of Laredo.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and adopt
resolution.
Moved: Cm.
Bruni
Second: Cm.
Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain:
0
7. Public hearing amending Ordinance #98-O-279 by adopting the City
of Laredo Investment Policy and amending the City of Laredo Investment Policy
to comply with Public Funds Investment Act Chapter 2256, Texas Government Code.
INTRODUCTION
OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending Ordinance #98-O-279 by adopting the City of
Laredo Investment Policy and amending the City of Laredo Investment Policy to
comply with Public Funds Investment Act Chapter 2256, Texas Government Code.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Mayor
Pro Tem E. Valdez, Jr.
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
8. Public hearing authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of
Laredo’s FY 2000-2001 annual budget in the amount $169,525 for the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant from the U.S.
Department of Justice. This grant funds
the salaries, fringe benefits, overtime, and equipment for support
personnel. The U.S. Department of
Justice will designate $119,525 and the City of Laredo will designate $50,000
to fund this grant from October 1, 2001 through September 30, 2003.
INTRODUCTION
OF AN ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of
Laredo’s FY 2000-2001 annual budget in the amount $169,525 for the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant from the U.S.
Department of Justice. This grant funds
the salaries, fringe benefits, overtime, and equipment for support
personnel. The U.S. Department of
Justice will designate $119,525 and the City of Laredo will designate $50,000
to fund this grant from October 1, 2001 through September 30, 2003.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
VI. GENERAL COUNCIL
DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
9. A.
Request by Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores
1. Adoption of
Resolution 2001-R-099
Pledging
the support and cooperation of the citizens of the City Of Laredo,
Texas to
United States President Bush George W. Bush, and for his call for
unity
and national resolve in the face of terroristic attacks upon the United
States,
and for other purposes.
Motion to adopt resolution.
Moved: Cm.
Galo
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
B.
Request by Council Member Louis Bruni
1. Discussion with possible action on the lack of water and
wastewater services on the intersection of Highway 359 and Loop 20.
Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, reported
that there are water and sewer services available in the subdivision. He stated that all customers needed to pay
for a line extension in order to get the services on to their property. He mentioned that this is a standard
procedure that is applied city-wide to all customers. He stated that the prices that they quote reflect the costs that
are in place under the ordinance.
2. Status report on the proposed extension of Guadalupe to New York
on the Tex-Mex right-of-way with possible action.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported that he had
submitted a report on this item and his department has the warranty deed in its
possession. He has submitted the
preliminary plans to the Utilities Coordinating Committee as required for any
new construction project. He stated
that they are already coordinating the layout on the ground.
Cm. Bruni stated that since there is no money in the
General Fund, he would like to use some of the $50,000.00 balance in his
discretionary funds toward this project.
3. Status report on all existing and projected parks
for District II with possible action.
Horacio De Leon, Parks and Recreation Director, reported on the
projected parks under the Capital Improvement Plan with their proposed fiscal
year.
Airport Recreational Complex FY
2003
Newman Neighborhood Park FY
2003
Spur 400 Recreational Center FY
2004
Eastwoods Park * FY
2000
* He mentioned that this park is under contract with Hickey
& Associates and
the conceptual design should be completed some time in
November. He
further stated that he expects it to be under construction
by January, 2002.
He made mention of the Chacon Creek Master Plan
which includes District II. This is a
linear park that traverses District II along the creek area with park
improvements including hike and bike trails, ecosystem restoration, flood
control, etc. for a total Capital Improvement Plan of $23 million over the next
ten years. He also mentioned the Fred
Bruni Park which is a 6-acre tract of land to be donated by the San Jose
Subdivision principals to be developed by the City of Laredo in partnership
with the Lamar Bruni-Vergara foundation.
4. Status report on the secondary water supply with possible action.
Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, reported
that pursuant to the instructions given to him, he has sent a letter to all
three companies asking them to submit a proposal by December 19, 2001. He mentioned that two of the three companies
are expected to respond. He stated
that once the proposals are in, he would evaluate them and then bring the
matter up before City Council in early January, 2002.
C. Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore Eliseo Valdez,
Jr.
1. Discussion with possible
action regarding the flooding situation in
the Chaparral area.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported
that they have done significant improvements to the Chaparral area. They are currently in the process of
acquiring the last section of a creek south of Calton Road where the City can
improve the ditch for drainage. As far
as other inlets, they have made improvements to them through the years except
for the one in Chaparral and Pita which is only five feet in length. There is also one facility that has not seen
construction of inlets and that has now been included in the Capital
Improvement Plan for 2003. This is at
the corner of Pita and Calton Road where the water overflows and sends water to
Chaparral and Pita. He mentioned that
he is awaiting the results of the studies from Brown and Root.
Mayor Pro Tempore E. Valdez, Jr. stated
that the citizens in that area are entitled to more peace of mind and an
assurance that these concerns are being addressed by City Council.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that
the City did not have a storm water management plan in place before the one
implemented in 1999. As a result, there
was water runoff that would occur. Now,
the City is doing stop gap measures to try to control what had occurred
earlier. All the new developments in
the northern part of the city fall within that storm water management plan and
they must all adhere to that plan.
2. Presentation by Jesus Hernandez regarding the needs that GI Forum
still has with possible action.
Luis Diaz De Leon stated that he came before City Council on
behalf of Jesus Hernandez who is in the hospital. He mentioned that he did get feedback from the City and he agreed
to have a committee meeting set up to include Larry Dovalina, City Manager, in
order to work out the details with the Food Bank staff and the Parks and
Recreation staff.
D. Request by Council Member Joe A. Guerra
1. Requesting to re-classify sixteen (16) positions within the Laredo
Police Department with possible action.
Motion to postpone this item.
Moved:
Cm. Amaya
Second:
Cm. Ramirez
For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
E.
Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez
1. Status report on the condition
of fire engines and ambulances in the Fire
Department with possible action.
Luis Sosa, Fire Chief, reported that on Engine No. 3, there was
a defective fan clutch that required repairs.
The fire truck was repaired and it is back in service. As far as Engine No. 8, there was a
hydraulic booster that was damaged.
This fire truck was also repaired and it is back in service. He mentioned that all the fire trucks have
top of the line engines and he thanked City Council for it.
Cm. Ramirez mentioned that he has learned that the department
commonly experiences problems with the hydraulics on some ambulances.
EMS District Chief Rick Rangel reported that since
they do make a lot of runs, the wear and tear on some of these ambulances are
excessive. He stated that the
department has certified mechanics that provide maintenance to the units. He is expecting to receive the units that
were purchased last year by the City by October 1st at which time
they will be replacing two of the older units. For the new fiscal year, the department has received approval for
four more units and they will expedite these requests in order to bring them in
as soon as possible.
2. Discussion
with possible action regarding the 1100 Block of Zaragoza to
install a street light, clean-up area and remove the garbage dumpsters on the
weekend.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that
the City would address this issue of the dumpsters and street lights.
3. Discussion
with possible action regarding the flooding problems at
the
following intersections:
a. Callaghan St. and San Bernardo Ave.
b. Coke St. and Convent Ave.
c. Sanchez St. and Vidaurri Ave.
d. Garcia St. and Lee Ave.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported
that the drainage systems in these areas probably date back to the 1960’s or
1970’s and they do flood quickly when there are storm events. The only thing that could be done would be
to enlarge the inlets, but there would still be localized flooding because the
main lines do not carry great amounts of water that quickly.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that
all of the systems throughout the city are designed for ten-year floods and
there is no way to prevent the localized flooding during these brief storm
events.
Cm. Bruni stated that the Southwest Texas
Rain Enhancement Association stated that they are not allowed to seed over the
corporate city limits.
Cm. Ramirez mentioned that the pipe over
by Garcia Street that empties into Zacate Creek is always full of debris and
that is why the water flow is backed up.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, stated that
the system on Garcia Street goes on to Pinder and Coke streets and that system
empties into the river and not into Zacate Creek.
VII. INTRODUCTORY
ORDINANCES
10. Authorizing the City Manager to purchase from the Utilities
Department at fair market value, on lots number one (1) through four (4), block
number three hundred and eight (308) including improvements, in the Eastern
Division of the City of Laredo, also commonly known as the 600 block of
Reynolds in order to establish the centralized office for the Environmental
Services Department.
Ordinance Introduction:
City Council
11. Providing 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 $0.140480/$100 and for
the levy and the collection of General and Special Ad Valorem and Beverage
Taxes for the City of Laredo for the tax year 2001 and the fiscal year
2001-2002.