CITY OF LAREDO

                                               CITY COUNCIL MEETING

                                                             M2002-R-016

                                             CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

                                                1110 HOUSTON STREET

                                                 LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

                                                       AUGUST 19, 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 Flores led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

III.       ROLL CALL

 

            In attendance:

 

            Elizabeth G.  Flores,                                                                 Mayor

            Alfredo Agredano,                                                                    Mayor Pro Tempore, District I

            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

            Jaime Flores,                                                                            City Attorney

 

            Motion to excuse Cm. Garcia.

 

            Moved:  Cm. Agredano

            Second:  Cm. Amaya

            For:    7                                                Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

IV.       MINUTES

 

Approval of the minutes of July 15, 2002, July 29, 2002, August 8, 2002 and August 12, 2002.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm. Agredano

Second:  Cm. Belmares

For:    7                                                Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

            Announcements

 

            Cm. Galo offered his condolences to the families of Margaret Peterson and Daniel Wyers          for their losses.            

           

            Communiqués

 

a.  Proclamation recognizing the affiliation between the City of Laredo, Texas and Zixing,

     Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China, as sister cities.

 

      Mayor Flores and Council Members recognized the affiliation between the City of Laredo and the City of Zixing, Hunan Province, China as a sister city.  The following officials were present:

 

      Huang Xiang E                               Mayor, People’s Government of Zixing

      Wang Dong                                    Vice-Mayor, People’s Government of Zixing

      Zhu Chengwang                              Foreign Trade and Economic Bureau Director

 

            Invitation

 

            None.

 

            Recognitions

 

a.  Recognition of Connie de los Reyes for placing 1st runner up and Jeff Michael Banda for

placing third runner-up at the GI Forum’s 54th National Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

 

Mayor Flores presented Connie de los Reyes and Jeff M. Banda with a Certificate of Recognition for placing 1st runner-up and 3rd runner-up, respectively, at the speech competition during the GI Forum’s National Convention.

 

b.  Recognition of Romeo R. Macias for being selected one of the top 10 Hispanic Scholars

     in the country.

 

      Mayor Flores presented Romeo R. Macias with a Certificate of Recognition for his high academic achievement, involvement in extracurricular activities, and community service.      

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

           

            None.

 

VII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Land Development Code to

provide for permitted use in M-1 and M-2 Zones for sexually oriented businesses subject to the conditions specified in sections 24.65.15 and 24.65.16; to amend the Section 24.63.2 in order to delete references on pages IV-14, IV-15, and IV-28 to any kind of sexually oriented businesses; to amend Section 24.62.5 by deleting reference to sexually oriented businesses; to delete Section 24.93.1(b) which mentioned sexually oriented businesses; to delete Section 24.93.7 pertaining to special subsections 34.93.71 to 24.93.28 inclusive , dealing with licensing and regulation of sexually oriented businesses; providing for publication; and providing for effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Keith Selman, Planning Director, stated that they are taking the provisions that currently exist in the ordinances for a special use permit for a sexually oriented business and establishing it as a standard condition and a clearly expressed provision of the ordinance. 

He further stated that they are adding a provision that the Board of Adjustment shall have no authority to grant any variance to location criteria and providing for signage. 

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm. Agredano

Second:  Cm. Galo

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

2.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance adding Chapter 18A to the Code of

Ordinances to provide for the regulation and licensing of sexually oriented businesses; to provide for definitions; to provide for classification of said businesses; to provide for an annual licensing fee; to provide for Police Chief as the enforcement authority in granting, refusing, suspending or revoking licenses; to provide for appeal to the City Manager from adverse decision of the enforcement officer; to provide penalties for violation; providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

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

2001-2002 annual budget in the amount of $92,866.00 for the Laredo Multi Agency Narcotics Task Force.  Funding is available from the opening balance of the Narcotics Task Force Fund (224) and will be used to pay overtime and benefits for the period of September 3, 2002 through May 31, 2003.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 9 and the west ½ of Lot 8, Block 1262, Eastern Division, located at 2218 Lyon Street, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential 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. Agredano

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Manuel Benavides, owner and developer, spoke in favor of the zone change. 

 

Keith Selman, Planning Director, stated that from the 24 letters sent to the surrounding property owners, six voted in opposition and one voted in favor of the zone change. 

 

Motion to close the public hearing and deny the proposed zone change.

 

 

 

Moved:  Cm. Amaya

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 4, Block 179, Eastern Division, located at 3518 and 3520 McDonnell Avenue from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential 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:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:    7                                                       Against:                                                Abstain:

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning the R-3 (Mixed Residential District) designated portion of Lot 6, Kahn Subdivision, located at 9505 Mines Road, 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 approval of the proposed zone change.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

Second:  Cm. Belmares

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

 

7.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the

City of Laredo by amending Ordinance 95-O-014 and authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit to R.C. Kahn Enterprises, Ltd. to revise the site plan of the existing manufactured housing park on Lot 6, Kahn Subdivision, located at 9505 Mines Road; providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed Special Use Permit.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

Second:  Cm. Ramirez

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

 

8.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the

City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 1, San Isidro Monarch Subdivision, Unit 1, located at 2445 Monarch Drive, from B-3 (Community Business District) to R-2 (Mutli-Family Residential 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. Agredano

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Mr. Edward Garza spoke in favor of the zone change.  He stated that they are proposing to develop a town home project on the site.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm. Belmares

Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Belmares

 

9.  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 Vaquillas Windsor, Ltd. for town homes on Lot 1, Block 1, San Isidro Monarch Subdivision, Unit 1, located at 2445 Monarch Drive; providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed Special Use Permit.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Mr. Edward Garza spoke in favor of the zone change. 

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm. Belmares

Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Belmares

 

10.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the

City of Laredo by rezoning all of Block 687, Western Division, located at the 2300 block of Bruni Street, from M-1 (Light Manufacturing District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential 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. Agredano

Second:  Cm. Galo

For:    7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm. Ramirez

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:    7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Ramirez

 

11.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the

City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 1 and 2, Block 1215, Eastern Division, located at 2101 Chihuahua Street, 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 denial of the proposed zone change.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ron Whitehawk spoke on behalf of the property owner, Ms. Martinez.  He provided City Council with copies of letters from property owners in the area that support the proposed zone change.  He stated that the property owner’s intent is to take this residential property and remodel it into a variety of small office/retail spaces.  He added that the owner is asking to amend her zoning request from a B-3 zoning designation to a B-1 for expanded commercial use. 

 

Motion to close the public hearing and approve a zoning change to a B-1 designation.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Galo

 

12.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the

City of Laredo by rezoning the east 13.89 feet of Lot 1, Lots 2 and 3, and the west 13.89 feet of Lot 4, Block 524, Eastern Division, located at 903 and 917 East Taylor Street from R-3 (Mixed Residential 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. Agredano

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

R. L. Keilton spoke against the proposed zone change. 

 

Ruben Cortinas requested a postponement.

 

Motion to postpone item for 30 days.

 

Moved:  Cm. Amaya

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:    7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

13.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the

City of Laredo by rezoning the north 50 feet of the north ½ of Lot 12, Block 307, Eastern Division, located at 2407 Cedar Street from R-3 (Mixed Residential 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:    7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Mr. Rene Bernardini, property owner, is asking for a place to park the trucks overnight.

 

Jesus Cantu spoke against the proposed zone change.  He mentioned that there is daily traffic of school age children walking through O’Kane to Buenos Aires Elementary. 

 

Motion to close the public hearing and allow as a conditional use permit with a restriction as to the hours of operations and the clean-up process of hazardous material.

 

Moved:  Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.

Second:  Cm. Ramirez

For:    6                                         Against:  1                                            Abstain:  0

                                                     Cm. Agredano

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.

 

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

contract with the Texas Department of Health by extending the grant period for the Mi Futuro (My Future) Abstinence Education Program of the City of Laredo Health Department from September 1, 2001, through August 31, 2002, to September 1, 2001, through September 30, 2002.  No additional funds are involved.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

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

budget by increasing revenues and expenditures in the amount of $17,430.00 from the Texas Department of Health for the Tuberculosis Community Health Worker-Promotora Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning June 1, 2002 through December 31, 2002.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm. Agredano

Second:  Cm. Belmares

For:    7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

16.  Public hearing and introductory amending the City of Laredo’s FY 2001-2002 annual   

budget in the amount of $509,614.00 to fund the Laredo Auto Theft Task Force.  The Governor’s Automobile Theft Prevention Authority will be designating $399,292.00, the City will be designating $78,858.00 in matching funds, and Webb County will be designating $31,464.00 for a total of $509,614.00 for a one year funding period program beginning September 1, 2002 through August 31, 2003.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm. Agredano

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm. Agredano

Second:  Cm. Belmares

For:    6                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

Cm. Ramirez not present.

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

     

VIII.    INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

 

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

fee simple title to the “Surface Only” at its combined adjusted market value of $4,848.00, for certain properties described as follows to their respective abutting property owners and providing for an effective date.

Parcel A - consisting of a 900.32 sq. ft. parcel of land, more or less, to Jesus Villanueva Blanco, Petra Vega de Villanueva, Jesus Villanueva Vega and Francisco Villanueva Vega at its total adjusted market value of $2,094.00; said parcel being out that former section of Malinche Avenue between Pecan and San Salvador Streets; being described on attached Exhibit “A”;

 

Parcel B – consisting of a 1,140.27 sq. ft. parcel of land, more or less, to Cesar Santos at its local adjusted market value of $2,754.00; said parcel being out of that former section of Malinche Avenue between Pecan and San Salvador Streets; being described on attached Exhibit “B”; said parcels being situated in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas.

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Galo 

 

IX.       FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES 

 

Motion to waive the final readings of Ordinance # 2002-O-181; # 2002-O-182 ; # 2002-O-183; # 2002-O-184; # 2002-O-185; # 2002-O-186; # 2002-O-187 ; # 2002-O-188 ; #2002-O

189; # 2002-O-190; # 2002-O-191; # 2002-O-192; # 2002-O-193; # 2002-O-194; # 2002-O  195; # 2002-O-196; # 2002-O-197; # 2002-O-198; # 2002-O-199; # 2002-O-200; # 2002-O-201; # 2002-O-202; # 2002-O-203; # 2002-O-204; # 2002-O-205;  and #2002-O-208. 

 

Moved:  Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                                                Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

18.  2002-O-181  Accepting and appropriating a grant awarded by the U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency in the amount of $138,767.00 with the City of Laredo designating $46,192.00 as a local match and amending the City of Laredo’s FY 2001-2002 NPDES Fund annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures.  The grant monies will be used for the Chacon Creek Restoration Project from HWY 359 South to the Rio Grande River.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-181.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:     7                               Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                 2002-O-182  Authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant in the amount of

   $1,000,000.00 from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic

   Development Administration (EDA) for the Calle Iturbide Project, also

   known as the Streets of Laredo Urban Mall, to execute all related

   documentation and to amend the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002 annual

   budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of

   $1,450,000.00, which includes previously budgeted CDBG funds of

   $450,000.00 used as program match.

 

   Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-182.

 

   Moved:  Cm. Galo

   Second:  Cm. Agredano

   For:     7                                Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                 2002-O-183  Amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2001-2002 Recreation Fund

   annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount

   of $5,800.00 for the administration of recreation programs and authorizing

   the City Manager to implement said budget amendment.  Excess funds are

   available from the collection of fees from classes and lessons over Fiscal

   Year 2001-2002 budgeted revenues.

 

   Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-183.

 

   Moved:  Cm. Galo

   Second:  Cm. Agredano

   For:     7                                Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                 2002-O-184  Authorizing the City Manager to accept and execute all documentation by

   increasing revenues and expenditures in the amount of $1,350,586.00 in

   direct funds and $227,690.00 in program income from the Texas

   Department of Health for nine grants:  La Familia Health Care Program,

   Tuberculosis Elimination Program, Immunization Action Plan Project,

   Office of Public Health Practice, Hepatitis C Screening Project, Maternal

   and Child (and Dental) Health Program, Family Planning Services, and the 

   Laredo Obesity Prevention and Control Project of the City of Laredo

   Health Department for the period beginning September 1, 2002, through

   September 30, 2003, and amending the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002

   budget in the amount of $112,548.00 for the period beginning September

   1, 2002 through September 30, 2003.  The remaining grant award in the

   amount of $1,238,037.00 will be executed in Fiscal Year 2002-2003.

 

   Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-184.

 

   Moved:  Cm. Galo

   Second:  Cm. Agredano

   For:     7                                Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                2002-O-185  Authorizing the City Manager to amend and appropriate the FY 2001-2002

 annual operating budget by accepting the donation of   $2,350.00 from State

 Farm Insurance Company for the purchase of one (1) 911 bilingual

 emergency simulator.  This 911 bilingual emergency simulator will be used

 to train school children in fire safety, an educational program that the

 Laredo Fire department promotes in the Laredo community.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-185.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:    7                                    Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

             2002-O-186  Amending the City of Laredo’s Fiscal Year 2001-2002 Colonias Fund annual

                                   budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of

           $6,231.450.00.  The Border Environmental Infrastructure Fund through the

           North American Development Bank is granting said amount to the City of

           Laredo for construction in support of improvements to water and wastewater

           services to 15 colonias in the City of Laredo and Webb County.

 

           Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-186. 

 

           Moved:  Cm. Galo

           Second:  Cm. Agredano

           For:    7                                     Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

        2002-O-187  Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning  9.9237 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A” located west of McPherson Road and south of Ranchway Drive from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District); providing for publication and effective date. 

 

     Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-187.

 

     Moved:  Cm. Galo

     Second:  Cm. Agredano

     For:    7                                     Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

       2002-O-188 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for a tire sales and repair business on Lot 1, Block 806, Eastern Division, located at 402 South Meadow Avenue; providing for publication and effective date.  (As Amended)

                           

                                    Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-188.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:    7                                    Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

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