CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
M2001-R-25
PLANNING AND ZONING MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS 78040
OCTOBER 1, 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 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, City
Secretary
Larry Dovalina, City Manager
Cynthia Collazo, Assistant
City Manager
Jaime Flores, City
Attorney
IV. MINUTES
Approval of the minutes of July 16, 17 and 23, 2001.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore
Valdez
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Agredano was not
present. He arrived at 5:50 p.m.
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
Invitations
Recognitions
Communiqués
Cm. Bruni submitted the South
Texas Rain Enhancement Association reports to be on file at the City
Secretary’s Office.
Cm. Galo expressed his
concern about deregulation for Central Power & Light. He also stated that
the Meadow Creek Bridge would be completed by the weekend.
Larry Dovalina stated that the effort for deregulation would be
implemented for some areas of Texas, but it is improbable that it will apply to
South Texas.
Cm. Amaya said it was an
honor and a privilege to attend a tribute to America held at the F. S. Lara
Annex.
Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez mentioned that he had the honor of
representing Council and the City of Laredo in the signing of a proclamation
for our Sister City Ceremony held in San Miguel De Allende. He presented the Mayor with a key to our
City.
Fire Chief Sosa reported he visited Salamanca where the local
firefighters were holding a reunion. He
encouraged the Director of Guanajuato to work with the City of Laredo in
leasing the City’s Training Center for the training of their firefighters. He also noted that Pemex holds an interest
in leasing the facility.
Cm. Guerra thanked City
staff for their hard work and diligence in the projects at District VI.
Mayor Flores asked the City Attorney, Jaime Flores, to read the
following letter into the record:
“Estimada Betty
“Los veteranos de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, Fuerza Aérea
Expedicionario Mexicana Escuadrón 201, nos dirigimos respectuosamente a usted y
a sus ciudadanos para hacerles patente nuestro mas sincero pésame, y dolor que
sentimos no solamente los veteranos y familiars de esta agrupación, sino
también todo el pueblo mexicano, por este infame y cobarde atentado por un
grupo terrorista contra victimas inocentes de su gran nación.
Nuestra unidad tuvo el honor de combatir en 1945 contra las
potencies del Eje, hermanados combatimos con el Ejercito Americano en los
frentes de Guerra del Pacífico, Islas Filipinas en el año 1945, en aquellos
tiempos también era un enemigo común que puso en peligro la paz y libertad de
nuestra nación y unidos con los ejércitos aliados, combatimos exitosamente en
contra de los ejércitos totalitarios saliendo victoriosos de esa contienda
mundial y derrotando al enemigo que atacó sorpresiva y cobardemente a nuestras
naciones.
Hoy nuevamente nos vemos amenazados por un enemigo que no da la
cara y que amenaza nuevamente La Paz Mundial pero confiamos en usted y en su
gran nación que erradicarán las menazas del terrorismo para que vuelva a reinar
la paz y libertad del mundo.
Nuestra más sinceras condolencias a la ciudadanía que, sufrió este
deplorable agravio, Los Veteranos y Familiares nos solidarizamos con La Nación
Americana donando sangre para ayudar a salvar a las victimas inocentes de este
genocidio.
Nuestras oraciones e incondicional simpatía y apolyo con la
sinceridad de poder ayudar a cicatrizar esa gran herida que sufre la heroica
Nación Americana.
Atentamente
Ing.
Fernando Nava y Musa
Ave. Temaulipas 117-503 Col. Condesa;
México”
Mayor Flores announced that she was named to serve on a Security
Airport Committee that was formalized nation wide by the President of the U. S.
Conference of Mayors.
Daniel Groselle, Regional Vice President of OMI, spoke in favor of
selecting OMI for the privatization. He
asked Council to consider the variables in privitilization and not just the
cost.
Jim Creeton, Senior Vice President of United Water, assured
Council that United Water guaranteed superior customer service and pledged a
smooth transition processes if Council chooses their company.
June Leyendecker read the following letter:
“My name is June Leyendecker.
I am here because I feel that perhaps Council does not realize the
impact of what you are doing to us and to our property. Neither my husband nor I realized the full
impact until I talked with our engineer, Michael Lucci, P. E. , a specialist in
drainage and development. My husband
and I are in our 70’s and inexperienced in development and drainage
issues. We only knew our property
will be divided if Springfield is cut thru diagonally as planned, no utilities
are near our property (or planned), we feel our property values will be
lowered, and that the City has virtually backed us up against a brick wall.
In September, 2000, you assured me the City would work with us to
try to find a route for Springfield that would not bisect our property. We were ecstatic. I hired Mr. Lucci to
assist us. We met with the City on
November 7, 2000, and again about two weeks later. At the second meeting we
were given a number of alternate routes to choose from and were given only a
few days to make this decision. On the
advice of our attorney and our engineer, we chose three, agreeing to donate our
property for the Springfield extension, if our property would remain
undivided. The City asked for and had
our answer in less than a week.
After waiting expectantly for eight months, we were stunned, when
at a meeting with the City officials (who kept us waiting for 45 minutes), on
August 9, 2001, we were told that Springfield would go thru as planned originally. I do not understand why the Council is
allowing this. We really tried in good faith to work with the City and were so
hopeful there would be a solution. We assumed the City would review a number of
alternative routes considering the equality of sharing the impact of the new
roadway with adjacent landowners and the fact that we are willing to donate our
property for Springfield extension if our property is not bisected.
The City did not try to work with us, as promised. There is no equality of sharing the burden
of the new road with adjacent landowners.
I have now learned from Mr.
Lucci there are plans for a very large drainage ditch approximately
eight feet deep and eight feet wide between the South part of our property
where we live and Springfield. This
will severely limit access to our Northern property as well as to the newly
constructed Springfield. Our Southern
Property would now be bordered by a “moat”.
On August 9th when Mr.
Selman advised us of the final decision, the reason given was “it is
less expensive”. He gave us a copy of
the cost of paving Springfield from the West border of the property to the East
side to connect with the existing pavement of Springfield on Dominion Del Mar. Being fair and to all property owners was
not mentioned. The “moat” (or cost of a
box culvert) was not mentioned.
I ask you to please reconsider all action you have taken on this
issue over the last two years. I only ask you to do what is fair.”
Sandra Leyendecker, daughter of Gilbert and June Leyendecker, said
she believes that her parents have experienced undue stress that has caused
health problems because of the Springfield Extension issue. In addition, she stated that her parents are
willing to work with the City. She said
that the issues should be dealt with honestly and fairly. Finally, she urged City Council to
reconsider their plans to bisect her parent’s property.
Luis (T. J.) Tinajero approached Council with a plea to promote 16
individuals who are on the list for sergeants.
He commented that there are times when the City is not adequately
supervised. He added that Council
should take the opportunity to improve the services provided by Laredo Police
Department and prepare for the future growth of the department by increasing
the number of first line supervisors or sergeants. Finally, he said long range planning and opportunity is the main
purpose of the proposal. He said
justification for this request is to ensure that the future department
operations will be adequate to meet the increasing demands that will come with
future growth of Laredo.
Benito Navarro, a City employee, approached Council in
reference to the privatization of the Utilities Department. He stated that staff has many questions that
they would like answered before a final decision is made.
VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES
a. Resignation of Leroy
Morin from Airport Advisory Committee with
appointment of Leroy
Morin to Planning and Zoning Committee.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
b. Appointment of Christi
Swisher to the Airport Advisory Committee.
Motion to approve
Moved: Cm.
Agredano
Second: Cm.
Amaya
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public hearing amending
the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 annual budget in the amount
of $613,344.63 to fund the Laredo Financial Disruption Task Force
from the Office of the National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) High Intensity Drug
Trafficking Area (HIDTA) at no cost to the City. Funds will be used to pay for personnel salaries, travel and
operational expenses beginning January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2001.
INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCE
Amending the City of Laredo FY 2000-2001 annual budget in the
amount of $613,344.63 to fund the Laredo Financial Disruption Task Force from
the Office of the National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) High Intensity Drug
Trafficking Area (HIDTA) at no cost to the City. Funds will be used to pay for personnel salaries, travel and
operational expenses beginning January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2001.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
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
2. Public hearing amending
the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
3.20 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached
Exhibit "A", located S. of Del Mar Blvd. and E. of Laguna Del Mar
Ct., 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.
INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning 3.20 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit
"A", located S. of Del Mar Blvd. and E. of Laguna Del Mar Ct., 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. Agredano
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:
Cm. Bruni
3. Public hearing amending
the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by
rezoning the M 1/3 of the W 1/2 of Lot 3 and M 1/3 of Lots 1 &
2, Block 500, Western Division, located at 1611 San Ignacio Ave., from M-1
(Light Manufacturing District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential District). The Planning and Zoning Commission has
recommended approval of the proposed zone change.
INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning the M 1/3 of the W 1/2 of Lot 3 and M 1/3 of Lots 1 & 2, Block
500, Western Division, located at 1611 San Ignacio 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
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Ramirez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
Cm. Ramirez
4. Public hearing
authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit to Michael Petroleum
for oil and/or gas extraction on 5.00 acres, as further described
by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit "A", located south of Concord
Hills Subdivision and east of Los Presidentes Subdivision, known as E.G. Ranch
No. 1 Gas Well. The Planning and Zoning
Commission has recommended approval of the proposed Special Use Permit.
INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCE
Authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit to Michael
Petroleum for oil and/or gas extraction on 5.00 acres, as further described by
metes and bounds on attached Exhibit "A", located south of Concord
Hills Subdivision and east of Los Presidentes Subdivision, known as E.G. Ranch
No. 1 Gas Well; providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: Abstain:
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:
Cm. Agredano
5. Public hearing amending
the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
91.899 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached
Exhibit "A", located west of the proposed Sinatra Parkway extension,
east of the Laredo International Airport, and south of the proposed Jacaman
Road extension, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-4 (Highway
Commercial District). The Planning and
Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed change.
INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning 91.899 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached
Exhibit "A", located west of the proposed Sinatra Parkway extension,
east of the Laredo International Airport, and south of the proposed Jacaman
Road extension, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-4 (Highway
Commercial 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
Ron Whitehawk spoke in favor of the zone change.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 8 Against: Abstain:
Ordinance Introduction:
Cm. Bruni
6. Public hearing amending
the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
1.592 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached
Exhibit "A", located south of San Lorenzo Drive and east of Mines
Road, from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing
District). The Planning and Zoning
Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.
INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning 1.592 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached
Exhibit "A", located south of San Lorenzo Drive and east of Mines
Road, from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing
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. J.
Valdez
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
Cm. J. Valdez
7. Public hearing amending
the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
Lot 6 and the W. 1/2 of Lot 8, Block 244, Western Division,
located at 1417 and 1419 San Eduardo 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.
INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lot 6 and the W 1/2 of Lot 8, Block 244, Western Division, located at
1417 and 1419 San Eduardo 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: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ron Whitehawk stated that the property owner asked Council to
withdraw his rezoning application without prejudice at this time.
Motion to close the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Ramirez
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: Abstain:
8. Public hearing amending
the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
Lots 3, 6, 7, and 8, Block 1491, Eastern Division, located at 2510
and 2516 Market St., from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway
Commercial District). The Planning and
Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change.
INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lots 3, 6, 7, and 8, Block 1491, Eastern Division, located at 2510 and
2516 Market St., 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. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ron Whitehawk, representing the Laurel Family, spoke in favor of the
zone change.
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
Lots 1, 2, 9, and 10, Block 1491 Eastern Division, located at 2502
Market St., from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial
District). The Planning and Zoning
Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change.
INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lots 1, 2, 9, and 10, Block 1491 Eastern Division, located at 2502
Market St., 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. 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. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
Cm. Bruni
10. Public hearing
amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning the S
51 ft. of Lots 4 and 5, Block 1491, Eastern Division, located at 2516 Market
St. (rear), from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial
District). The Planning and Zoning
Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change.
INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning the S 51 ft. of Lots 4 and 5,
Block 1491, Eastern Division, located at 2516 Market St. (rear), 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. 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. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction:
Cm. Bruni
11. Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City
of
Laredo by rezoning All of block 748, Western Division, located at
the 2400 block of Jefferson St., from M-1 (Light Manufacturing District) to R-3
(Mixed Residential District). The
Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone
change.
INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
All of block 748, Western Division, located at the 2400 block of Jefferson St.,
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
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. J.
Valdez
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. J.
Valdez
12. Public hearing
amending Subsection (b), "Amounts", Section 8-23, "Same
Fe