CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2002-R-05

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

MARCH 11, 2002

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 February 11, 2002.

Motion to approve.

Moved: Cm. Amaya

Second: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

Announcements

None.

Invitations

None.

Recognitions

a. Recognition of the International Soccer League President and Board for their 2nd year

youth soccer games at the Father McNaboe Park.

Mayor Flores and the City Council recognized the League President and Board Members for promoting positive youth activities within our community. The individuals recognized were: Cesar Merla, President of the International Soccer League together with Board Members Victor Manrique, Martin Serrano, and Efrain Galindo.

b. Recognition of the Laredo Police Department Community Relations Unit for winning

1st place honors in the WBCA Youth Parade (Best Commercial Float).

Police Chief Agustin Dovalina stated that he was extremely proud of this outstanding group for the diligent work they continuously do and for their countless hours of public service. He mentioned they are under the direction of Sgt. Efren Chavez and introduced the participants: Ofcr. Hector Rodriguez, Ofcr. Mario Casarez, Ofcr. Cesar Gutierrez, Ofcr. Frank Salas, Ofcr. Jerry Gonzalez, and El Protector Ofcr. Abraham Diaz.

c. Recognition of the American Heart Walk participants.

Dan Migura, Administrative Services Department Director, mentioned that 66 city employees participated in this year's campaign and that is what made it successful. The total funds raised for 2002 were $5,759.45. He recognized the city employees who were involved at the planning stage of this event:

DAN MIGURA – Administrative Services

BLASITA LOPEZ – City Manager’s Office

LUCIA ANTU –Administrative Services

ANITA STANLEY – Parks and Recreation

DONNA COPELAND – City Secretary's Office

LINDA C. TENIENTE – Administrative Services

ROSALINDA GARZA – City Secretary's Office

RUTH SILVA – City Manager’s Office

JERRY ELIZONDO – Administrative Services

EDDIE ZAVALA – City Manager’s Office

Mayor Flores presented trophies for top winners at the American Heart Walk.

Elisa Flores -- Third Place Walker

Bertha Infante -- Second Place Walker

Patricia Campos -- First Place Walker

The Health Department was recognized for the most funds raised by a city department.

The City Secretary's Office and the City Manager's Office were both recognized for the highest percent participation by a department. Keith Selman, City Planner, was recognized for the most funds raised by an individual.

Communiqués

a. Certificate presented to Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores by the New York Fire Department in

appreciation to the contributions of the people of the City of Laredo.

Mayor Flores read and displayed the special commendation awarded to the City

of Laredo by the New York City Fire Commissioner. She mentioned that this special

commendation was made in recognition of our city's support of the New York City Fire Department and expressed their deepest appreciation for our community's help.

b. Brief report on meetings held in Washington, D.C. on March 4, 2002 through March 6,

2002 by Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores, Council Member Alfredo Agredano, and Council Member Johnny Amaya.

No presentation was made. The item will be placed on the next council agenda.

VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

None.

VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS

Motion was made to move up Items 31 and 35.

Moved: Cm. Galo

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

1. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo fiscal year 2002

General Fund and Fire Training Facility Fund Budget by appropriating $1,500,000.00 for a transfer out to Fire Training Facility Fund from the General Fund and appropriating a transfer in and expenditure in the Fire/Law Enforcement Training Facility in the amount of $1,500,000.00 for the purpose of completing the Fire/Law Enforcement Training Facility. The amendment will draw down $1,500,000.00 from the General Fund opening balance as authorized by Section 6.04 of the City Charter that states "Excess carry over funds from a prior fiscal year may be appropriated in the ensuing fiscal year for a one time appropriations only."

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.

Moved: Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Agredano

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

Ordinance Introduction: City Council

2. Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept and

execute all documentation from the Texas Department of Health for the HIV Ryan White Title II Project of the City of Laredo Health Department in the amount of $151,764.00 for the period beginning April 1, 2002, through August 31, 2002, and amending the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002 budget in the same amount.

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.

Moved: Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

Ordinance Introduction: City Council

3. Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend

Chapter 19, Motor Vehicle and Traffic, Article XI, Truck Traffic, Division 5, Truck Stopping, Standing and Parking, by adding two (2) new sections namely, Section 19-489 Controlled Access Parking Lots and Section 19-490, Parking Lot Rates and Hours of Operation, of Code of Ordinances, City of Laredo; authorizing the establishment of parking rates, enforcement regulations, and hours of operation at the Colombia Solidarity Bridge Export Lot, providing for effective date and publication.

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.

Moved: Cm. Amaya

Second: Cm. Agredano

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

Ordinance Introduction: City Council

4. Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept and

execute the Federal Transit Administration Grant, section 5307, in the amount of $3,511,128.00 for Fiscal Year 2001-02 and amending the Transit Systems Operating budget by increasing the Federal Transit Administration Operating Grant contribution from $3,500,000.00 to $3,511,128.00 and decreasing the sales tax match for operating expenses from $2,733,648.00 to $2,722,520.00 and providing for grant funds to be deposited in the City of Laredo Transit Fund.

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.

Moved: Cm. Galo

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

Ordinance Introduction: City Council

5. Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend the

City of Laredo's FY 2001-2002 Full Time Equivalent positions by amending the budget and creating one district chief and one captain for the International Fire Training Facility Division in the Fire Department. Funding for these positions is available in the reserve appropriations and will be transferred to the International Training Facility Division in the amount of $40,454.00.

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.

Moved: Cm. Agredano

Second: Cm. Galo

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

Ordinance Introduction: City Council

VIII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

6. A. Request by Council Member John C. Galo

1. Status on Chacon Creek clean up and Texas Parks & Wildlife Grant.

Motion to postpone.

Moved: Cm. Galo

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2. Operation Clean up for District III.

Motion to postpone.

Moved: Cm. Galo

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

3. Authorizing allocation of $25,000.00 from discretionary funds for playground

equipment for Santa Fe Park.

Motion to postpone.

Moved: Cm. Galo

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

B. Request by Council Member Johnny Amaya

1. Status report on the Inner City Park.

Motion to postpone.

Moved: Cm. Galo

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

C. Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore Eliseo Valdez, Jr.

1. Discussion with possible action regarding Casa Verde water sewer extension

project. (Co-sponsored by Council Member Louis H. Bruni)

Motion to postpone.

Moved: Cm. Galo

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

D. Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez

1. Discussion with possible action on the use of Las Palmas Park for the Easter

Sunday Holiday.

Motion to postpone.

Moved: Cm. Galo

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2. Status report on the two city blocks owned by the City at River Drive Mall on

Ventura and Piedregal.

Motion to postpone.

Moved: Cm. Galo

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

3. Status report on 2615 San Agustin.

Motion to postpone.

Moved: Cm. Galo

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

IX. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

7. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Corpus Christi SMSA Limited

Partnership, dba Cingular Wireless, by its general partner, Southwestern Bell Wireless, L.L.C. for ground space at the Fire Station located at 5210 Highway 359 Laredo, Webb County, Texas and being more fully described in exhibit "A" of lease agreement to construct on such premises a 100 feet high monopole and related equipment building for use with is communications business. Term of the lease is ten (10) years commencing March 25, 2002 and ending March 24, 2012 with three (3) successive renewal terms of five (5) years. Annual base rent shall be $8,400.00 each year during the term of the lease and will be adjusted by four percent (4%) on each anniversary of the commencement date, providing for publication and effective date.

Ordinance Introduction: City Council

8. Amending Ordinance 98-071 by authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment

to that certain ground lease between the City of Laredo and ATC Tower Services, dated October 20, 1998, for the purpose of correctly describing the property that the City of Laredo is leasing to ATC Tower Services. All terms and conditions of the lease remain in full force and effect.

Ordinance Introduction: City Council

X. FINAL READINGS OF ORDINANCES

Internet availability: www.ci.laredo.tx.us

Motion to waive the final readings of Ordinance # 2002-O-037, # 2002-0-038, # 2002-O-039, # 2002-O-040, # 2002-O-041, # 2002-O-042, # 2002-O-043, # 2002-O-045, # 2002-O-046, # 2002-O-047, # 2002-O-048, and # 2002-O-049.

Moved: Cm. Galo

Second: Cm. Bruni

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

9. 2002-O-037 Authorizing the City Manager to amend FY 2001-2002 budget in the

amount of $17,833.00 in additional funds for the Tuberculosis Elimination

Program of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning September 1, 2001, through August 31, 2002.

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-037.

Moved: Cm. Galo

Second: Cm. Bruni

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2002-O-038 Authorizing the City Manager to accept and execute all documentation

from the Texas Department of Health for the HIV/AIDS Housing

Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Project of the City of Laredo Health

Department in the amount of $55,072.00 in additional funds for the period

beginning February 1, 2002, through January 31, 2003, amending the City

of Laredo FY 2001-2002 budget in the same amount.

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-038.

Moved: Cm. Galo

Second: Cm. Bruni

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2002-O-039 Establishing a fee structure for Tecolote Baseball Game ticket prices at

Veteran's Field, including special rates for senior citizens age 55 and over

as well as children 12 and under.

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-039.

Moved: Cm. Galo

Second: Cm. Bruni

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2002-O-040 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning

4.06 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in

attached exhibit "A", located south of Mines Road and approximately 5

miles west of La Bota Ranch Subdivision, from AG (Agricultural District)

to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District); providing for publication and

effective date. The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended

approval of the proposed zone change.

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-040.

Moved: Cm.Galo

Second: Cm. Bruni

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2002-O-041 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning

Lot 252, Block 13, Del Mar Hills Subdivision, Section 1, Area "A", located at #2 Lindenwood Drive, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-O (Residential-Office District); providing for publication and effective date. The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change.

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-041.

Moved: Cm. Galo

Second: Cm. Bruni

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2002-O-042 Authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit to Harry E. Sames, III for

an above ground fuel storage tank on Lot 1, Block 1, TXDOT-IH-35

Subdivision, Phase I, located at 6105 San Dario Avenue; providing for

publication and effective date. The Planning and Zoning Commission has

recommended approval of the proposed Special Use Permit.

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-042.

Moved: Cm. Galo

Second: Cm. Bruni

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2002-O-043 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning

Lot 9, Block 1108, Western Division, located at 117 Houston Street from

B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business District);

providing for publication and effective date. The Planning and Zoning

Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-043.

Moved: Cm. Galo

Second: Cm. Bruni

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2002-O-045 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning

0.0145 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached exhibit

"A", located east of the Bob Bullock Loop and north of Del Mar Blvd.

from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-4 (Highway

Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date. The

Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the

proposed zone change.

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-045.

Moved: Cm. Galo

Second: Cm. Bruni

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2002-O-046 Amending the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002 General Fund Budget by

transferring $22,000.00 from the General Fund Reserve Appropriation.

The amendment will withdraw $22,000.00 and transfer the monies to the

Veterans Field Fund amending the Professional Services-Tecolotes