CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2002-R-012

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

JUNE 17, 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,                                                                    Mayor Pro Tempore, District I

            Hector “Tito” Garcia,                                                                Council Member, District II

            John C.  Galo,                                                                          Council Member, District III

            Johnny Amaya,                                                                         Council Member, District IV

            Eliseo Valdez, Jr.,                                                                     Council Member, District V

            Gene Belmares,                                                                        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 May 7, 2002, May 8, 2002, May 13, 2002, and June 4, 2002.

 

            Motion to approve.

 

            Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

            Second:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

            For:    8                                                Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

Announcements

 

None.

 

Invitations

 

None.

 

Recognitions

 

None.

 

Communiqués

 

Cm.  Ramirez mentioned the removal of submerged concrete components around the Bridge I area. 

 

Cm.  Valdez congratulated the Parks and Recreation Department for the success of their summer program for children.      

 

Cm.  Belmares notified the public that there will be a meeting in his district for residents that reside on Del Mar from Fenwick to Candlewood.  He said that staff would be there to answer any questions. 

 

Cm.  Galo notified the residents in Santa Rita of an up-coming project where Code Enforcement would be inspecting their subdivision for violations.    

 

Cm.  Garcia thanked the voters of District II for their support in the recent election.  He went on to say that he looked forward to working with the Mayor, City Council Members, City Manager and staff.   

 

Cm.  Agredano thanked individuals for attending a flag raising ceremony at Hidalgo and Flores.  He also invited the public to attend the ground breaking for the Laredo Community College in South Laredo.    

 

Mayor Flores mentioned that has she recently returned from a conference at Madison, Wisconsin.  She noted that Dodge and Chrysler named their new truck “Mayor of Truckville” in honor of all mayors across the country.  She also noted that the U. S. Conference of Mayor’s mirrored the Council’s resolution opposing the one stop inspection facilities across border bridges.  Finally, she noted that the U. S. Conference of Mayor’s voted to elect Laredo Mayor Elizabeth Flores to serve as a trustee for the U. S. Conference Mayors.  Trustees provide leadership and guidance to the development and implementation of conference policy and programs.  She read the following statement from Tom Cochran who is the Executive Director for the Conference,

 

“I am honored to welcome Mayor Flores as a new conference trustee.  Her presence and experience will help ensure that the nation’s mayors establish and promote a strong agenda that addresses the needs of the American’s working families.” 

 

 

 

 

 

She continued by saying that the U. S. Conference of Mayors is the official non-partisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more.  Each city is represented in the conference by a chief elected official “the Mayor”.  The primary rolls of the Conference of Mayors are to promote the development of effective national urban and suburban policy; strengthen federal and city relationship; ensure that federal policy meets urban needs; provide mayors with leadership and management tools; and create a form in which mayors can share ideas and information” 

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

1.  Appointments by Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores to City Council Committees

   

     Audit Insurance Committee

     Cm.  Amaya

     Cm.  E.  Valdez

Cm.  J.  Valdez

     

     Nominating Committee to the Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Committee

     Cm.  Garcia

     Cm.  Ramirez

 

     Community Action Agency Advisory Board

     Cm.  Agredano

     Cm.  E. Valdez

     Cm.  Ramirez

 

      El Metro Transit Systems Committee

      Cm.  Agredano

      Cm.  Ramirez

      Cm.  Amaya

 

      Engineering Review Committee

      Cm.  Galo

      Cm.  Valdez Jr.

Cm.  Amaya

 

 Health and Benefits Issues Committee

 Cm.  Garcia

 Cm.  Amaya

       Cm. E.  Valdez

 

       Laredo Metro Incorporated

       Cm.  Agredano

       Cm.  Amaya

       Cm.  Juan Ramirez

 

       Legislative Liasion Committee

       Cm.  Garcia

       Cm.  E. Valdez

  Cm.  Belmares

 

  Metro Government Committee

  Cm.  Galo

  Cm.  E.  Valdez

  Cm.  Belmares

 

       Oil & Gas Review Committee

  Cm.  Galo

  Cm.  E.  Valdez

  Cm.  J.  Valdez

 

 Protocol Procedures and Customer Service Committee

 Cm.  Galo

 Cm.  Agredano

 

 Rail Policy Committee

 Cm.  Galo

 Cm.  J. Valdez

 Cm.  Ramirez

 

 South Texas Development Council

 Cm.  Agredano

 Cm.  E.  Valdez

                  Cm.  Amaya

 

 Alternates by the City Manager

 

 Street Committee

 Cm.  Garcia

 Cm.  Amaya

 Cm.  Ramirez

 

      Veterans Affairs committee

      Cm.  Agredano

      Cm.  Belmares

      Cm.  J.  Valdez Jr.

 

      Water issues Committee

      Cm.  Galo

      Cm.  Amaya

                  Cm.  Belmares

   

     Motion to confirm the appointments.

 

     Moved:  Cm.  Galo

     Second:  Cm.  Amaya

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

 

2.  Appointments by Council Member Johnny Amaya of:

 

     John Charles - Citizens Environmental Advisory Committee.

 

     Motion to confirm the appointment.

 

     Moved:  Cm.  Galo

     Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     Carmen Ramirez - Plaza Theatre Renovation Committee.

 

     Motion to confirm the appointments.

 

     Moved:  Cm.  Galo

     Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

      

3.  Appointments by Council Member Hector J. Garcia:

 

     Rick Garza - Airport Advisory Committee

     Roberto Santos - Board of Adjustment Committee

     Carlos D. Garcia - Citizens Environmental Advisory Committee

     Aurora Juarez - Library Advisory Committee

     Alfredo Espinoza, Jr. - Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee

     Mercurio Martinez, III - Planning and Zoning Commission

     Victor Garcia - Telecommunications Advisory Committee

     Imelda Navarro - Third Party Funding Advisory Committee

     Calixto Sandoval - Transportation and Traffic Advisory Committee 

     Minita Ramirez - Laredo Commission for Women

     Diana Garcia - Laredo Commission for Women

     Dr. Cecilia May Moreno - Charter Commission

     Erica Garcia - Plaza Theater Renovation Committee

 

     Motion to confirm the appointments.

.

     Moved:  Cm.  Galo

     Second:  Cm.  Amaya

     For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

                       

4.  Appointments by Council Member Gene Belmares:

 

     Beto Trevino - Airport Advisory Committee

     Tony Trevino - Board of Adjustment Committee

     Jud Giplin- Citizens Environmental Advisory Committee

     Violet Marlowe- Library Advisory Committee

     Henry Mejia- Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee

     Orlando Navarro- Planning and Zoning Commission

     Raul Perales- Telecommunications Advisory Committee

     Dan Ryan- Third Party Funding Advisory Committee

     Rolli Ortiz- Transportation and Traffic Advisory Committee

     Bibi Flores- Laredo Commission for Women

     Lynn Nava- Laredo Commission for Women

    Jeff Puig- Charter Commission

    Tommie Gutierrez-Plaza Theater Renovation Committee

    Michael Yoder - Tree Advisory Committee

    Susan Carlson - Historic District and Landmark Board

    Jimmy Deliganis - Cemetery Advisory Committee

 

    Motion to confirm the appointment.

 

    Moved:  Cm.  Galo

    Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

    For:     8                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

VII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the

City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit to Larinco, Ltd. for a mini-storage facility on 3.47 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit "A", located south of Jacaman Road and west of Saldaña Avenue; providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed Special Use Permit with conditions.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Henry Mejia, representing the applicant, spoke in favor of the zone change.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

 

2.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the

City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 1 and 2, Block 408, Eastern Division, located at 519 East Saunders Street from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change.

 

 

 

 

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ron Whitehawk, representing the applicant, noted that the applicant wishes to amend the application to a Conditional Use Permit.  He asked Council to postpone the item for 30 days.   

 

Motion to close the public hearing and postpone for 30 days.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Amaya

Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

3.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the

City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit to East Country Limited for a mini-storage facility on 3.8955 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit "A", located at the 3500 Block of Del Mar Blvd.; providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed Special Use Permit with a condition.

 

Motion to postpone for next City Council meeting.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

4.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the

City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 7 and 8, Block 1149, Eastern Division, located at 2020 Chihuahua St., from R-O (Residential/Office 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 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:  Cm.  Galo

 

5.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the

City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 7, Block 251, Eastern Division, located at 1802 Cedar Avenue, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change and approval of the Conditional Use Permit with conditions.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Paula Avila, applicant, explained that she has seven machines but they are not used at the same time.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce as a Conditional Use Permit without the restriction limiting the number of sewing machines.   

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Galo

 

6.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the

City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 8, Block 364, Western Division located at 1819 San Eduardo Avenue 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 denial of the proposed zone change and approval of a Conditional Use Permit with conditions.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Galo

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Eleonor Coronado spoke against the zone change but would agree to a conditional use permit.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce as a Conditional Use Permit.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Ramirez

Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Ramirez

 

7.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002

budget by appropriating additional revenues in the amount of $8,190.00 for the Tuberculosis Prevention/Control Federal Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning January 1, 2002, through December 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:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Ramirez

 

8.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002

budget by appropriating additional funds in the amount of $41,836.00 for the HIV/AIDS Health and Social Services Project of 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:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  o

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Ramirez

 

9.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Chapter 30 of the Code of

Ordinance of the City of Laredo, Texas to include Section  30-4 Credit Card Payment Processing Fee to establish a credit card payment-processing fee for the payment of property taxes.  The fee will be based on the amount of payment processed.

 

 

 

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Cm.  Galo expressed the desire for  each person to pay the same percentage regardless of the tax amount.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce with payment fee as amended.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

10.  Public hearing allowing interested persons to comment on the 2002 Consolidated Plan

which identifies the projects proposed to be funded by the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development through the 28th Action Year Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the 2002 HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), and the 2002 Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG).  The projects are as follows:

 

28th AY Community Development Block Grant

 

Community Development Administration                       $585,298

Housing Rehabilitation Administration                                        $219,464

Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program                                        $300,000

Code Enforcement                                                                                $315,819

Graffiti Removal Program                                                                      $  29,362

Hamilton Hotel Section 108 Loan Repayment                           $200,000

Sidewalk Approaches to Schools (Districts I-VIII, except VI)   $598,889

Chacon Creek Acquisition - Phase III (Includes program income           $78,668

of $78,667)

El Eden Recreation Center (design)                                                       $200,000

Santa Rita Park - Phase III                                                                   $500,000

Zacate Creek - Phases III, IV, V                                                          $580,000

South Laredo Park - Phase II                                                               $300,000

West Laredo Park (acquisition & design)                                              $400,000

El Cuatro Park - Phase II                                                                     $100,000

ADA Improvements (includes program income of $11,833)                  $50,000

 

Home Investment Partnerships Grant

 

 

 

 

 

HOME Program Administration                                                            $150,000

Down Payment Assistance                                                                    $825,000

Tenant-Based Rental Assistance                                                           $300,000

Community Housing Development Organizations                                   $225,000

 

2002 Emergency Shelter Grant

 

ESG Program Administration                                                                $3,000

Homeless Prevention Program                                                  $45,900

Homeless Shelter Program (Operations)                                                $104,100

 

  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.

 

  Moved:  Cm.  Galo

  Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

  For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

11.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002

Veteran's Field Fund annual budget by appropriating revenues in the amount of $18,000.00 from General Fund and appropriating the expenditure line item for the Tecolotes de Los Dos Laredos contract by $18,000.00.  The transfer is for the increases in Immigration and Naturalization fees, American Consulate fees, and Mexican Consulate fees pertinent to bridge crossings.

  Motion to open the public hearing.

 

  Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

  Second:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

  For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

  There was no public input.

 

  Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

  Moved:  Cm.  Galo

  Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

  For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

  Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

 

 

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

City of Laredo's 2001-2002 annual budget in the amount of $5,204.00 to fund the Laredo Multi-Agency Narcotics Task Force and amend the current number of grant funded Full-Time Equivalent positions from 11 to 11.5 with the addition of .5 for a Custodian.  The Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division will be designating $998,115.00, and the City of Laredo and participating agencies will designate $334,778.00 in matching funds for a total amount of $1,332,893.00.  Funding will be used to pay salaries, fringe benefits, direct operating expenses, and equipment from June 1, 2002 through May 31, 2003; and accepting the grant in the same amount.

 

  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:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

  Second:  Cm.  Belmares

  For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

  Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

13.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance accepting a grant awarded from the United

States Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services in the amount of $3,000,000.00 and amending the City of Laredo's FY2001-2002 annual budget in the amount of $5,308,520.00 to fund the COPS program.  The United States Department of Justice will be designating $3,000,000.00 and the City of Laredo will be designating $2,308,520.00 in matching funds for a total of $5,308,520.00 for a three year funding period of the "Universal Hiring" program beginning March 1, 2002 through February 28, 2005.

 

  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:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

  Second:  Cm.  Amaya

  For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

  Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

14.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance accepting a grant awarded by the Criminal

Justice Division, Office of the Governor for the amount of $51,652.00 and amending the City of Laredo's 2001-2002 annual budget in the amount of $299.00 to fund the Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grant.  The Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division is contributing $51,652.00 with the City of Laredo designating $5,739.00 in matching funds.  This funding will be used to pay for the salaries and fringe benefits of an Administrative Assistant II position and to purchase the necessary equipment to expand information within its current intelligence database for its juvenile program.  Grant period is from August 1, 2002 through July 31, 2003.

 

  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:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

  Second:  Cm.  Valdez

  For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

  Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

VIII.    GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

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

 

1.  Discussion concerning the complaints regarding the new trash can system, with

     possible action.

 

Cm.  Galo expressed his concerns about the new trash can system. 

    

John Orfila, Recycle Coordinator, noted that staff issues one container per house hold. 

 

Joe Guerra, Public Works Director, added that the City is trying to reduce the amount of garbage for each household.  He said that a container holds 96 gallons which should be enough for a household of six people. 

 

Cynthia Collazo, Assistant City Manager, noted that families may obtain another container for an additional seven dollars a month.    

 

Mayor Flores encouraged individuals to recycle. She also asked the media to reach out to the public about the importance of recycling.    

  

 

                        2.  Discussion concerning the grass growing in the streets and standing water, with

     possible action.

 

     Joe Guerra, Public Works Director, noted that individuals waste extremely too

     much water.  He said that staff has issued citations to violators; however, certain  

     individuals are not conservative with water and corrective measures cost

     taxpayers money.     

 

                    B.  Request by Council Member Eliseo Valdez, Jr.

 

1.  Discussion with possible action on the maintenance of Casa Verde Road

Request to do road work, grading, leveling, and a coat of emulsion, and to initiate plans for paving the road.

 

Joe Guerra, Public Works Director, said that staff recently completed the project.  He went on to say he would pave the road once funding was identified. 

 

2.  Discussion with possible action on developing a plan to deal with the water table

problem at Calton Road and McPherson and the surrounding area. (Co-sponsored by Council Member John C. Galo)

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, gave a comprehensive report about the problems at Calton Road and McPherson.  He pointed out that the area used to be a creek until developers began building structures.  He added that the area is full of underground water.   He also stated that staff has been in touch with a business owner that is having problems and they have offered him several solutions, to no avail.

 

Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, explained the different proposals which have been explained to the businessman.  He mentioned that the property owner needs to meet the City half way. 

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, said he would continue to work with the property owner to search for a win-win situation.

 

3.  Status report regarding traffic lights studied and scheduled for installation; and

discussion on the criteria established by Council for the study, installation, and prioritizing of such lights, with possible action.

 

Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, mentioned that he provided the Council Members a list of all the signals that staff is currently working on in their packet.  He said that the prioritization criterion was established in 1997.

 

Cm.  Valdez expressed concern for the funding needed for traffic lights. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, acknowledged the importance of a traffic light project.  He said that he has directed the Traffic Director, to give a presentation to Council regarding traffic lights, synchronizations and other issues that affect the issue.  He also directed him to come up with the capital funds necessary to fund particular lights.  He added that the lights were originally funded from the bridge revenues and that was not possible at this time. 

 

                  C.  Request by Council Member Gene Belmares

 

1.  Discussion with possible action regarding the creation of a Resolution for an

Interlocal Agreement between the City of Laredo and the Texas Department of Transportation for the conveyance of two radar speed units.

 

Cm.  Belmares discussed the following conditions from the Texas Department of Transportation for the conveyance of two radar speed units:

 

1.  A monthly schedule submitted where the units will be used.

2.  They are to be relocated every two weeks to different school locations. 

3.  Texas Department of Transportation is notified when the units are not used   

     and where they are parked.

4.  City allows Texas Department of Transportation to inventory the equipment

     on a yearly basis. 

 

Cm.  Belmares also asked staff for policemen detail for enforcement and that the Transportation and Traffic Safety Committee be an intricate part in creating the schedule for the radar units. 

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, suggested setting up an initial formula for creating a schedule.

 

Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, noted that there will be areas that require permission to place the radar units.   

 

Cm.  J.  Valdez suggested working with the Metro Government Committee for special permission to place the radar units.

   

                  D.  Request by Council Member Jose A. Valdez, Jr.

 

1.  Discussion with possible action regarding the implementation and expansion of a   

     neighborhood watch program in District VII.

 

Agustin Dovalina, Police Chief, noted that Community Relations, from the Police Department, has been in touch with the interested residents from District VII and they are ready to initiate the program. 

 

Cm.  J.  Valdez requested staff to reach out to the public to advise them of the neighborhood watch program.   

 

 

                  E.  Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez

 

1.  Discussion with possible action regarding improving the Civic Center pool and

     discussion on the number of people allowed into the pool area.

 

Horacio De Leon, Parks Director, reported  that the 250 occupancy for the pool area was established by City staff based on criteria provided by Texas Municipal League.  He then informed the Council Member that TML will be reevaluating the pool facilities next week.  He said that he would be working with TML for suggestions.  Finally, he said that a feasibility report is currently underway for the water park and that staff may be able to get ideas from the report. 

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, said that the proposed Inner City Park will alleviate waiting lines at the pools.

 

Cm.  Ramirez requested repairs to the pool area.  He also requested more lawn chairs and swimming pampers and a shade port with a back drop curtain.      

   

     Motion to get cost estimates on the items for the pool.

 

     Moved:  Cm.  Ramirez

     Second:  Cm.  Agredano

     For:     8                              Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0     

           

2.  Status report on the removal of debris from the old bridge.

 

Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported that the employees from A & R Demolition are carefully stock piling big pieces of concrete for removal.  The project will be complete in five weeks

 

3.  Status report on the property north of the railroad tracks on Juarez, Lincoln,

     Convent and Flores.

 

Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, said that staff provided a map identifying the areas from Davis to San Agustin.  He noted that the empty areas are the ones that has been vacated and are owned by Tex-Mex. 

 

4.  Status report on the reconstruction of Santa Maria.

       

Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, informed that the reconstruction of Santa Maria is a very difficult project.  He went on to say that staff had to reconstruct 30 blocks because all the utilities had to go underground.  Finally, he said that the project is 50% complete. 

 

IX.       INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

 

16.  Closing as public easements those sections of:  Mendiola Avenue between Palo Blanco

and Bayard Street, excluding the intersections; and Thurman Street between Tapeyste   and Mendiola Avenues all situated in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas; and providing for an effective date.

 

  Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 17.  Closing as public easement that section of Urbahn Avenue between Palo Blanco and

Thurman Streets situated in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, and providing for an effective date.

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

18.  Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to effectively convey

fee simple title to the "Surface Only" at its market value of  $7,494.00.00, for certain property described as a 4,654.82 sq. ft. tract of land, more or less, out of the south 83.78' of McDonnell Avenue between Ryan and Taylor Streets to Manuel Patiño, Jr. and wife Margarita G. Patiño said tract of land situated in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas; being described on Exhibit "A"; and providing for an effective date.

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

19.  Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Aura Inc., d/b/a The Education

Center for approximately 4,308 square feet constituting Building No. 1169 located at 4407 Foster Avenue located at the Laredo International Airport.  Lease term is for six (6) months commencing July 1, 2002 and ending on December 31, 2002.  Monthly rent shall be $2,100.00; providing for an effective date.

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

20.  Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Dairy Process, Inc. for

approximately 2,600 square feet constituting Building 1006 located at