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