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CITY OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING M2002-R-19 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 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 Garcia, Council
Member, District II Johnny Amaya, Council Member, District IV Eliseo Valdez, Jr., Council
Member, District V Gene Belmares, Council
Member, District VI Jose A. Juan Ramirez, Council
Member, District VIII Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City
Secretary Larry Dovalina, City Manager Cynthia Collazo, Assistant
City Manager Jaime Flores, City
Attorney Motion to excuse Cm. Galo. Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. J. Valdez,
Jr. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 IV.
MINUTES Approval of the minutes of Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS Announcements Cm.
Ramirez presented a Diamond Sponsor Certificate to the Mayor and City
Council Members from a Border Trade Alliance Conference held in Cm.
Agredano thanked the staff from several City
departments for cleaning two abandoned houses in his district. Cm.
Invitations Cm. Garcia invited constituents
from Villa Del Sol to attend a neighborhood meeting. Recognitions 1. Recognition of City's
Customer Service Representatives in observance of National Customer Service Week, which will be celebrated on The following Customer Service Representatives were given a
Seven Flags Certificate from the Mayor and Council in recognition of National
Customer Service Week: Kavita Idnani, Administrative
Services Francis Perez, Airport
Department Berta Rivera, Bridge
Department Raul Flores, Jr., Building
Department San Juanita De Los Reyes, City
Attorney’s Office Donna Copeland-Magnón, City
Secretary’s Office Osbaldo Guzman, Community
Development Department Monica Vidaurri, Laredo
Convention & Visitor’s Bureau Teresa Esparza, City
Engineering Department Janie Garcia, Finance
Department Belinda D. Sanchez, Fire
Department Syvia Arrellano, Health
Department Maria G. Soliz, Library
Department Sandra Aleman, Management
Information System John Porter, Environmental
Services Gloria Garza, Parks
and Recreation Department Rosie Cantu, Planning
Department Jose Biaza, Police
Department Gerardo Leal, Public
Access Alejandra Santana, Tax
Department Rosita Martinez, Traffic
Department Diana Soliz, Transit/El
Metro Yvonne Hinojosa, Utilities
Department Federico Flores, Utilities
Department Communiqués a. Recognition of Juan
Morales, Traffic Department Employee, for his honest act in returning a bank
deposit bag containing money to its owner. Mayor Flores and Council Members presented Juan Morales a Seven
Flags Certificate for his honest act in returning a bank deposit bag to its
owner. b. Gabriela Rodriguez,
Director of Bannum Place Halfway House, submitted
the following letter for the
record. “This document is
written as a Letter of Support for The
Director of Inasmuch as we have
been a part of the community since 1998, we are requesting your support for
this facility and its program. If you
feel you can support the CCC and its program, by acknowledgement, please sign
and date this letter below. If you have any
concerns or questions, please contact the director, at the above phone or fax
number. Sincerely,
Gabriela
D. Rodriguez” C. Ricardo
Trevino, representing Mayor Pedro Garza Trevino submitted the following
letter:
“Presente. – Sirva la presente para enviarle un cordial saludo, esperando se encuentre bien. En nombre
mio y del Ayuntamiento de
esta ciudad, me permito solicitar la venta de behiculos tipo Pick-up para uso y servidio
de esta Administraction;
y seguir dando un major servicio a nuestra comunidad. Le agradecere
hacer extensivo este reconocimiento al Ayuntamiento bajo su digno cargo asi Espero tener en breve la oportunidad de saludaria personalmente, mientras tanto me es grato
reiterarme de usted fraternalmente. “Sufragio
Efectivo, no reeleccion” CD. Guadalupe, N. L. A
7 de Octubre de 2002 C. President
Municipal Ing.
Pedro Garza Trevino” D. Richard Johnson,
Director of Operations for United Water, thanked the Mayor and Council Members for having confidence in their company. He noted that the United Water staff is
working very diligently to exceed Council’s expectations. VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES a. Appointment by Council
Member Jose A. Valdez, Jr. of Raul Valdez to the City Charter Revision
Commission. Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. 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 Ruben Cortinas, applicant, spoke in favor of the zone
change. He assured the Council Members
that he would restrict his business to indoors activities so the neighbors
would not be disturbed. Carlos Sanchez spoke against the zone change. He stated that he was against the zone
change even if it is changed to an indoor business because of the traffic
parking problem and the devaluation of their properties. Valentin Jorge Cuellar, a resident of Retama Park area, spoke against the zone change. Jose Rodriguez, a resident of Retama
Park, spoke against the zone change. Motion to close the public hearing and deny the zone change Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. J. Valdez,
Jr. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2. Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending Section 24-94, Appendix A, and Appendix B-3 of the Laredo Land Development Code, in order to
establish standards and procedures governing the issuance of Conditional Use
Permits; providing for publication and effective date. The Planning and Zoning Commission has
recommended approval of the proposed ordinance amendment. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Garcia For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Keith Selman, City Planner, announced the following changed to
the ordinance: 1. Section 24. 94.1 General General discussion of
conditional uses. 2. Section 24.94.2 Purpose A description of the
purpose of a conditional use permit. 3. Section 24.94.3 General Contents of a Conditional Use
Permit Application and Fees A description of the required contents of a conditional use
permit application and its accompanying fees. 4.
Section 24.94.4 Process A description of the process by
which a Conditional Use Permit may be granted. 5.
Section 24.94.5 Conditional Use
Permit Application Submittal Criteria A description of the criteria under
which a conditional use permit request may be submitted. 6.
Section 24.94.6 Conditional Use
Permit Review Standards A description of the review
standards for conditional use permit applications. 7.
Section 24.94.7 Authorization
to Impose Conditions A description of the powers of the
Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Planning and Zoning Department Director
to recommend conditions and the Council’s power to impose. Keith Selman, City Planner, also noted that under Section
24.94.5 staff needs to delete paragraph C and amend paragraph D where it says
“not denial” to “has not denied or approved.” Motion to close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. E. Valdez,
Jr. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction:
City Council 3. Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 27.7124 acres, as further described
by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit "A", located east of Los Presidentes Subdivision, Unit 7 and proposed Unit 9, from
AG (Agricultural District) and R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to
R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area 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. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 1 Cm.
Garcia There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Belmares For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 1 Cm.
Garcia Ordinance Introduction:
Cm. Agredano 4. Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 10.0 acres, as further described by
metes and bounds in attached Exhibit "A" located south of Cielito Lindo Blvd. and west of
St. David Lane, from R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area 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. Belmares Second: Cm. Agredano For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Garcia For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction:
Cm. Agredano 5. Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003 annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the
amount of $236,298.00 from the Texas Department of Health and $118,150.00 in
in-kind funds from the Laredo Independent School District for the Mi Futuro (My Future) Abstinence Education Program of the
City of Laredo Health Department from October 1, 2002, through September 30,
2003; and authorizing the City Manager to amend the current number of
full-time equivalent positions from 0 to .5 with the addition of .5 Public
Health Technician position which will be funded by this grant. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Garcia For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. J. Valdez,
Jr. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction:
City Council 6. Public hearing and
introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept and execute all documentation from the Texas Department of Health
for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program of the City of Laredo
Health Department. The City of Laredo
Health Department is expecting to be reimbursed an estimated $2,654,860.00
during FY 2002-2003. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Agredano For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Garcia For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction:
City Council 7. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending Ordinance 89-O-231 of the Code of Ordinances for the City of Laredo providing for an increase in
charge from $3.00 to $10.00 per client for the Influenza Immunization at the
Immunization Clinic of the City of Laredo Health Department and implementing
a charge of $16.00 for the pneumococcal vaccine;
providing for a sliding fee to persons unable to pay due to indigency; and providing for severability, effective date
and publication. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Agredano For: 6 Against: 1 Abstain: 0 Cm.
Ramirez Ordinance Introduction:
City Council VIII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND
PRESENTATIONS 8. A. Request by Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores 1. Report to Council
regarding the presentation made of Bridge V Project at the XXXII Meeting of the
US-Mexico Binational Group in San Diego, California
on October 1, 2002. The Mayor gave the
following presentation: Efforts to Insure Border Crossing Efficiency Construction of a
Fifth Bridge Utilization of the
World Trade Bridge as a Hazardous Material Crossing Placement of Truck
Safety Inspection Stations away from Border Crossing Facilities. Fifth Bridge Meet the demands of
population Growth (4.6% annually) Expedite and insure
safe border crossings. (4% annual
increase in non- commercial
crossings.) Promote economic and
educational opportunities on both sides of the border. Signs of Growth Building Permits Up Expansion of Higher
Education Facilities Opening of Laredo
Entertainment Center State of the Art
Medical Centers Security The City is the first responder in the
case of an emergency. Continued traffic
delays at our border crossings are a major security concern. Responsibility to
provide the infrastructure to the facilitate the movement of goods and people
rests upon the City. It is imperative that
the federal and state government streamline the process for the construction of
border crossings. City of Laredo International Bridge
Locations 1. Juarez/Lincoln Bridge 2. Gateway to the Americas 3. Colombia Solidarity Bridge 4. World Trade Bridge 5. Proposed South Laredo Bridge Financial Strength No additional
community tax burden/supported by Bridge System revenues. General Fund Balance
for FY 2002 of $13.4 million. Strong Credit
Ratings: Moody’s A2 Fitch A+ Standards &
Poor’s A Construction Financing The City of Laredo is
prepared to finance Mexico’s share of the cost of constructing the
City’s Newest International Connection. Fifth Bridge Status Complete Economic Feasibility
and Impact Study Complete Location and Traffic
Study Complete Environmental
Assessment (EA) Complete Approval of EA by TxDOT Pending Presidential Permit
Submittal November
2002 Efforts to Insure Border Crossing
Efficiency Hazardous Materials Crossing at World
Trade Bridge The Problem The
Colombia-Solidarity Bridge is designated as the only Hazardous Materials Crossing. The Haz-Mat containment facility is located only on the U. S.
Customs side. The additional 40-5-
miles traveled daily by over 200 trucks carrying hazardous materials creates a
safety burden. Security Measures The proximity of the
World Trade Bridge to emergency response units insures that any hazardous
material spills will be more quickly and better contained. The distance between emergency response units and the The City maintains a HAZ MAT Emergency Response Plan for the
River that includes protecting the
City’s water intake and haz-mat product
recovery utilizing specialized equipment and trained personnel. The Solution Amend the Presidential Permit to allow non-radioactive-hazardous
materials crossing at the Construct a hazardous containment facility capable of handling
any and all spill emergencies for both Northbound as well as Southbound
commercial traffic. Allow hazardous materials to reach their destination point as
quickly and safely as possible. The Location Proposed Haz-Mat Containment Facility Status City of Efforts to Insure
Border Crossing Efficiency Truck Safety
Inspection Stations Congestion, Congestion, Congestion “On May 27 at FMCSA’s inspection facility in the Transport
Topics 41% of all overland trade between the U. S. and North Bound Trucks 2001: 1,067,650 336,264 crossings Interpretation Regulation Public Law 107-87 states the desire of Congress to the Department
of Transportation inspect and certify Mexican commercial vehicles entering
the interior of the U. S. beyond the
commercial zone. Opinion FMCSA believes the intent of Congress to ensure safety at the
border would be best served if inspection facilities are places as a close as
possible to ports of entry. TxDOT is following this interpretation. Border vs. Non-Border
Truck Crashes Historical data shows that the number of truck crashes which
occur in non-border counties is far greater than the number for border
counties. Recommendation Build inspection stations outside the authorized commercial
zone. Respect the authority of municipal police to inspect local
drayage trucks. Trucks need to have a CVSA decal to travel into the interior of
the U. S. United Stance As attested to by the Governor of Tamaulipas, the Mayors of
Laredo, TX and “…los firmantes proponemos que se construya un punto de inspeccion mas alla de la milla 24 de la carretera 35 a San Antonio, Texas, toda
vez que de no ser asi se generarian una serie de ineficiencias, congestionamientos
y demoras, hecho que no queremos que en nuestras ciudades sucedan.” Opposition by Business
Community There were 139 businesses who testified and/or submitted written
testimonies at the TxDOT Public hearing held on The Executive Committee on Represented were the Cities of Pharr, The following letter was submitted by Texas Border
Infrastructure Coalition: Honorable Mayor Elizabeth “Betty” Flores City of Dear Mayor Flores, The TBIC supports the necessity for inspection stations, but the
issue is location. Several cities
participated in TxDOT’s public hearings on border
safety inspection stations and still conclude that bridges are not the best
locations for these facilities and that for reasons for trade, safety, and
national security, these facilities would be best located outside the
commercial zones of each respective port.
It has always been TBIC’s policy to support
issues unanimously. Therefore, before
we make a formal stand, the TBIC executive Committee respectfully requests
your community’s opinion on this matter.
Because this is a very critical issue for all of us, who live on the
border we ask for your input. Should you have any questions, please call Carla Mancha, City
Planner and TBIC Coordinator at (830) 773-1111, ext 7438, email cmancha@cityofeaglepass.com or write her at 100 Sincerely, Jose “Pepe” Aranda, TBIC Chair Cost Efficiency Both commercial bridges meet at mile marker 24 on IH 35 Mile marker 24 is presently the boundary of the commercial zone
in Estimated cost to construct each inspection station is
approximately $12.5 million. Building inspection stations outside the commercial zone will
save $12.5 million that can be used for infrastructure projects on the
border. Status The U. S. Conference of
Mayors on Congress passed legislation directing the Texas Department of
Transportation to consult with the City of TxDOT held two public hearings on the
proposed location of inspection stations.
City of We need continued State and Federal cooperation to succeed! B.
Request by Council Member Hector J. Garcia 1. Discussion with possible action regarding the steps taken to
improve the flooding on the 3100 block of
Ash. Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported that the Environmental
Division has already cleaned the inlets and flushed the lines on the 3100
block of Ash. He said the subdivision
itself has a system that carries the water into a pond south of the
subdivision. 2. Status on the Chacon
Creek clean-up at Highway 359 and possible action. Cynthia Collazo, Assistant City Manager, stated that staff has
been in contact with the TxDOT District Office to
obtain a permit to clean the area. She
noted that there had been some confusion about the issue; however, staff received
a call from TxDOT stating that they will clean up
the area. She went on to say that
certain areas will be cleaned by City
staff. C. Request by Council Member Eliseo Valdez,
Jr. 1. Comment regarding Alta Vista/Vista Hermosa. Cm. 2. Discussion with possible action on the
efficiency of the El Lift Program operations. Cm. Joe Guerra, Director of El Metro, noted that the next Board of
Director’s meeting will be held on October 15th and he would
include items of concern on the agenda.
He will report back to Council with viable solutions. D. Request by Council Member Gene Belmares 1. Staff report on the
damage claims and improvement efforts done to reduce flooding in those
areas, with possible action. Dan Migura, Administrative Services Director, reported that on Cm. Belmares asked what the City is
doing to address the issue. Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, said that staff is evaluating the
flooding problems and is working towards compiling a report with workable
solutions. 2. Discussion with
possible action on moving the traffic light at Alexander High School to the
intersection of Alexander and Winfield. Tony Garcia, employee of the Traffic Department, stated that the
traffic light at Alexander was installed in 1999 with 50% funding
participation by Larry Dovalina, City Manager, discussed several solutions to the
traffic congestion experienced at E. Request by Council Member Jose A. Valdez,
Jr. 1. Discussion with
possible action regarding
all construction projects in District VII to
include, but not limited
to: Rancho Viejo entrance,
sidewalks, Lafayette Linear Park,
Markley railroad improvements and Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, discussed the following
construction projects in District VII: The Rancho Viejo Culvert plans are complete and are being
submitted to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR) for review
on Improvements on The Lafatyette Project is a little
behind schedule due to rain and problems with building permits. Horacio De Leon, Parks and Recreation Director, gave a short
report on the activities at the Cm. J. Valdez informed staff that he appreciates
all the work they have done in District VII. IX. INTRODUCTORY
ORDINANCES 9. Authorizing the City
Manager to execute a lease with San Antonio MTA, L.P., d/b/a Verizon Wireless for space at the Airport Water
Tower located at 4903 Maher, Laredo, Webb County, Texas and being more fully
described in Exhibit "A" of lease agreement for the installation
and operation of certain antennae facilities for use with its communications
business and a parcel of land within the owned premises for the location of
an equipment building and related facilities associated with the antennae
facilities. Term of the lease is ten
(10) years commencing Ordinance Introduction:
City Council 10. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a
lease with for a 40' x 58' ground space at the Lyon Street Water Tanks
located at 1501 East Lyon Street, Laredo, Webb County, Texas and being more
fully described on attached Exhibit "A" of lease agreement to
construct on such premises an 80 ft. high monopole tower and related
equipment building for use with its communication business. Term of the lease is five (5) years
commencing Ordinance Introduction:
City Council 11. Authorizing the City
Manager to execute a lease with San Antonio MTA, L.P., d/b/a Verizon Wireless for ground space at the
McPherson Water Tower located at 8711 McPherson, Laredo, Webb County, Texas
and being more fully described on attached Exhibit "A" of lease
agreement to construct on such premises a 120 ft monopole and related
equipment building for use with its communications business. Term of lease is five (5) years commencing Ordinance Introduction:
City Council 12. Authorizing the City
Manager to execute a lease with Verizon Wireless for ground space at the Milmo Booster Station located at the corner of San Luis
and Milmo Laredo, Webb County, Texas and being more
fully described on Exhibit "A" of lease agreement to construct on
such premises a 100 ft. high monopole and related equipment building for use
with its communication business. Term
of this lease is five (5) years commencing Ordinance Introduction:
City Council 13. Authorizing the City
Manager to execute a lease with Catholic Charities Archdiocese of San Antonio, Inc., for approximately 300 square feet
constituting Suite No. 20 of Building No.
S-1 located at Ordinance Introduction:
City Council 14. Approving and
authorizing the City Manager to execute an underground utility easement conveying to the Texas Department of Transportation for
the purpose of installing fiber optic cable to integrate the City of Laredo
Traffic Management Center to the TXDot's Traffic
Management Center. Said proposed
utility easements are located at the Laredo International Airport on land
known as Lots 1, 2, 3 & west portion of 4, Block 1988; ED, and continue
onto Block 1965-B; ED and block 1965-A; ED; providing for effective date. Ordinance Introduction:
City Council 15. Closing as a public
easement the 1600 block of Benavides Street between Davis and Main Avenues situated in the Western Division, City of Laredo,
Webb County, Texas and providing for effective date. Ordinance Introduction:
City Council 16. Closing as a public
easement the 3100 block of Plum Streets situated in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo,
Webb County, Texas and providing for effective date. Ordinance Introduction:
City Council 17. Closing as a public
easement the 600 block of Eduardo Avenues situated in the Western Division, City of
Laredo, Webb County, Texas, and providing for effective date. Ordinance Introduction:
City Council X. FINAL Motion to adopt the final readings of Ordinance # 2002-O-247; #
2002-O-248; # 2002-O- 249; # 2002-O-250; # 2002-O-251; # 2002-O-252; #
2002-O-253; # 2002-O-254; # 2002-O-255; and # 2002-O-256. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 18. 2002-O-247 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of authorizing the issuance
of a Conditional Use Permit to Jose Maria Guardiola
for a used car lot on Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-247. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2002-O-248 Authorizing the issuance of System Revenue Bonds,
Series 2002, in the amount of
$710,000.00; and awarding the sale for
the bonds to the Texas Water Development Board and making provisions for
the security thereof; and authorizing the amendment to the
City's budget to appropriate such proceeds for the purpose authorized
herein; and ordaining other matters
relating to the subject. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-248. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2002-O-249 Authorizing the issuance of System Revenue Bonds,
Series 2002, in the amount of $741,000.00; and awarding the sale of
the bonds to the Texas Water Development
Board and making provisions
for the security thereof; and
authorizing the amendment to the
City's budget to appropriate such proceeds
for the purpose authorized herein; and ordaining matters
relating to the subject. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-249. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2002-O-250 Amending the City of in the following Funds:
Certificates of Obligation Series 1998 $40,754.00, DPW
Infrastructure Development $46,800.00
and Capital Improvements
$399,533.00 and appropriating expenditures by the same amounts in respective
funds. The funds will be appropriated
to fund the Alexander Park Project. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-250. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2002-O-251 Authorizing an increase in the bridge toll
rate schedule for southbound pedestrian traffic as
further described in exhibit "A" and hereby repealing all conflicting
sections in all ordinances currently in effect. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-251. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2002-O-252 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into
a contract with Development Council
(STDC) and amend the City of Laredo FY 2001- 2002 annual budget by
appropriating the amount of $107,754.00 for the HIV/AIDS Health and
Social Services Project of the City
of Health Department for
the period beginning Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-252. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2002-O-253 Amending the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002
budget by appropriating additional funds in the
amount of $5,400.00 for the Bureau of Women's Health, Breast and
Cervical Cancer Control Project (BCCCP) of the City of Laredo Health
Department and extending the contract period by one month from the period
beginning 2002 to Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-253. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2002-O-254 Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the City of FY 2001-2002 annual budget
by appropriating additional
funds in the amount of $70,000 from the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC), now
known as the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), to continue
the operation of the two continuous air
monitoring stations (CAMS)
by the City of Health Department, and
extending the contract period for one year from through Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-254. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2002-O-255 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a
lease renewal with Pinkerton's Inc. and Burns International
Security Services Corporation for
two office spaces totaling
approximately 500 square feet and located at International Bridges I and II. a.
Lease term is
for one (1)
year commencing on November 1,
2002 and ending on b. Monthly rent shall be $2,200.00 for both
properties. c. City of written notice. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-255. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2002-O-256 Amending Ordinance 2001-O-218 to adopt the
City of Policy and amending the
City of with the Public Funds
Investment Act Chapter 2256, Code. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-256. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XI. RESOLUTIONS 19. 2002-R-077 Accepting the donation of the "Surface
Only" of one parcel of land from Santa Fe Development, L.C., for the construction of a public park. Said parcel of land being Motion to approve Resolution # 2002-R-077. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 20. 2002-R-086 Endorsing the acceptance within the City of
Laredo, Texas of the identification card known as the "Matricula
Consular" which is issued by Consulates of the United Mexican States for
use by Mexican Nationals. Motion to approve Resolution # 2002-R-086. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 21. 2002-R-087 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into
an agreement with the Parks and Wildlife Department to accept a grant in the amount of
$48,150.00, a 10% match of the National Park Service Urban Parks and
Recreation Recovery Program grant for
the rehabilitation of
Seven Flags Park and certify
that local matching funds are available and further authorize the City
Manager to execute
any and all
documents pertaining to and/or resulting from this agreement. Motion to approve Resolution # 2002-R-087. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 22. 2002-R-088 Declaring the public necessity
to acquire the "Surface Only" of two
parcels of land for
the Riverfront Development Project. Said parcels being Parcel A: Lots 1, 2, 3, & 4, and Parcel B: part of Lot 8, Block 1109, Western
Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas,
as delineated on
attached copy of City Plat; and
authorizing staff to negotiate
for the acquisition of said parcels by purchase at a market value to be
established by a State
Certified Real Estate
Appraiser, and further authorizing the City Attorney
to initiate condemnation proceedings to acquire said parcels if staff is unable to acquire
through negotiations due to inability to agree to a purchase
price, conflict of ownership,
owner refusal to sell, and/or inability to locate owner. Motion to approve Resolution # 2002-R-088. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 23. 2002-R-089 Authorizing the
City Manager's submittal of
a grant application to South Texas Development Council (STDC) in the amount of $27,000.00 with no matching funds. Funds will be used to fund a tire
clean-up program to remove illegally dumped tires
from the city, which
will increase the
aesthetics of the city
as well as
remove support for
vectors that may transmit
dengue fever and Motion to approve Resolution # 2002-R-089. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XII. MOTIONS 24. Consideration to
award a two-year professional services contract to Wells Fargo Bank Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. Second: Cm. Agredano For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 25. Consideration for
approval of change order no. 1 an increase of $55,132.00 to the construction contract with Modern Construction, Inc. Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. E. Valdez Jr. Second: Cm. Agredano For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 26. Consideration for
acceptance of the removal of submerged concrete bridge components at Laredo International Bridge I and approval of final payment
in the amount of $94,475.00 to A & R Demolition, Inc., Del Valle,
Texas. Final contract amount is
$229,000.00. Funding is available in
the Bridge System-Bridge Construction
Toll Plaza Improvements. Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. Second: Cm. Agredano For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 27. Authorizing the City
Manager to submit the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) Stormwater Permit
Application to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) formally
known as the TNRCC. The City of Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. E. Valdez,
Jr., Second: Cm. Agredano For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 28. Authorizing the City
Manager to execute a professional services renewal contract with Victor D. Trevino, M.D. to provide public health services to
clients of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. Second: Cm. Agredano For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 29. Consideration to
authorize the purchase of three vehicles through the Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. Second: Cm. Agredano For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 30. Authorizing the City
Manager to enter into a contract with Catholic Social Services of Laredo, Inc. (CSS) in the amount of $120,360.00 to administer
the City's Fiscal Year 2003 General Fund Welfare Assistance Program through
which rental, utility, burial, transportation, ambulance, and health care
assistance is provided to indigent individuals and families residing in the
community. The contract would cover
expenditures for the period of Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. Second: Cm. Agredano For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XIII. STAFF REPORTS 31. Presentation of
City's NPDES Permit Assessment by the City's Consultant Carter & Burgess, Inc. Tom Mountz, Project Manager from Carter
& Burgess, Inc. gave the following
presentation before Council: What is Storm
Water? Why Control Storm Water? “When it rains or snows,
the water that runs off of city streets, parking lots, and construction sites
can wash sediment, oil, grease, toxics, pathogens, and other pollutants into
nearby storm drains. Once this
pollution has entered the sewer system it is discharged – untreated – into
local streams and waterways. Known as
storm water runoff, this pollution is a leading threat to public health and
the environment today.” From EPA Introduction
to NPDES/TPDES How did we get into this? Definitions Chronology of Regulatory Highlights NPDES Phase I Experience Storm Water Management Plan TPDES/Phase II Changes Definitions EPA – NPDES – National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination TPDES – TNRCC – TCEQ – MS 4 – Municipal Separate Storm Sewer
System SWMP – Storm Water management Program BMP – Best Management Practice Chronology
of Regulatory Highlights Clean Water Act Amendments of 1987 Phase I Rules issued 1990 TNRCC/TCEQ Receives Delegation of
NPDES/TPDES on NPDES
Phase I Phase I Regulated - Medium/Large Cities (over 100,000
population) - Construction Sites of 5 or More Acres
in Size - Many Industrial Activities NPDES
Phase I Phase I Emphasized - Date Gathering (Outfalls, Industries,
Pollutant Sources, etc.) - Extensive and Somewhat Overlapping
Monitoring Requirements - Development of Comprehensive
Management Program - Legal/ Fiscal Infrastructure Issues Using
the TPDES Permit Renewal Process for Desired Program Changes ·
Existing
Program Works Well, but Established Under Different Circumstances…setting has
changes. ·
EPA-TNRCC
(TCEQ) Transition Provides Window to Ease/Modify Program Requirements ·
TCEQ
Receptive to Fairly Significant Program Modifications ·
Phase
II Rules Provide Opportunities to Reevaluate Programs ·
Extensive
Program Experience in Place ·
Compare
Programs to other City Adopted SWMP
and Submitted Permit Application in 1996 NPDES MS4 Permit
Issued Permit Renewal
Application Required by NPDES Permit
Expires Current SWMP
Includes 15 Program Areas Permit Renewal Approach ·
Review
Existing Program vs. Permit
Requirements ·
Evaluate
Existing Monitoring Data ·
Examine
Legal issues ·
Establish
Regulatory Expectations without Establishing Regulatory positions ·
In-Depth
meetings with City Staff to define what works, what could be improved, ·
what’s
needed SWMP
Provisions of TPDES Permits 1.
Structural Controls 2.
Areas of New Development and Significant Redevelopment 3.
Roadways 4.
Flood Management Projects 5.
Pesticides, herbicides, and Fertilizers 6.
Illicit Discharges and Improper Disposal 7.
Spill Response and Prevention 8.
Industrial and High Risk Runoff 9.
Construction Sites and Site Planning 10.
Public (Storm Water) Education Program 11.
Field Screening Proposed
1.
Structural Controls I.I Subdivision
Storm Drainage Requirements 2.
Areas of New Development and Significant Redevelopment 2.1
Comprehensive Master Plan 3.
Roadways 3.1
Street Maintenance 3.2
inlet/Manhole/Outfall/storm Sewer Flood Management Projects 4.1
Flood Control/Stream Restoration Projects 4.2
Creeks & Drainage Structures Inspection and maintenance Program 5.
Pesticides, Herbicides, and Fertilizers 5.1
Pesticides, Herbicides, and Fertilizers (PHF) Management Program 6.
Illicit Discharges and improper Disposal 6.1 Illicit Connection Elimination Program 6.2
Illegal Dumping control Program and code Enforcement 6.3
Floatable Controls 6.4
Inlet Stenciling Program 6.5
Used Oil Recycling Program 6.6
Household Hazardous Waste Collection and Proper Disposal Program 6.7
Recycling Program 6.8
Pretreatement Program 6.9
Sanitary Sewer Spill and Overflow Containment Program 7.
Spill Response and Prevention 7.1
Hazardous Material management Permit Program
8.
Industrial and High Risk Run off 8.1
Industrial Storm Water Compliance Program (ISCP) 8.2
Landfill’s Storm Water Discharge Monitoring Program 8.3
Waste Water Treatment Plants’ Storm Water Monitoring Program 9.
Construction Sites and Site Planning 9.1
Land Disturbance Permit Administration 10.
Public (Storm Water) Education Program 10.1
Public (Storm Water) Education Program 11.
Field Screening 11.1
Dry Weather Screening 11.2
Wet Weather Screening 11.3
Wet Weather Monitoring TPDES Related Program Tasks GIS Mapping/Data Base Management Needs Assessment Report Public Education Program Children’s Web Page Storm Water Utility Rate Structure Analysis 32. Presentation by Nick
Reyna, activities of the
bureau. The Color of Cultures Patricia L. Taylor, Assistant Director LCVB Staff Nick Marks
Reyna, Director Ramon Hernandez,
Marketing Manager Michelle Romani, Project Coordinator Monica Vidaurri,
Administrative Assistant Dahlia Cardenas,
Travel Counselor Nora Bertani, Blas
Jasso, Custodian Sergio Zavalza, Director Selene
Rodriguez, Tourism Development Sergio Garcia, Business
& Trade Development Founded in 1975
under the auspices of the Laredo Chapter of Commerce Incorporated in
1993 as the City of Total operation
budget 2002-2002 = $1.3 million Funding provided by
the Hotel/Motel Tax revenues Enhance the Positioning Statement The Color of Cultures Visitors Group Leisure Travelers Meeting Market Direct Sales Advertising Public Relations Collateral Materials Fulfillment Process Sales & marketing Department Information Centers Special Events Communications Administration Administration Support Nick Marks Reyna Director Advertising Brochure Design Airline Marketing Birding Market Development Patricia Taylor Assistant Director Tour and Travel Groups Smerf Groups Leisure Market Local Tour Development Ramon Hernandez Marketing Manager Convention Sales Convention Services Sports Marketing U. S. & Michelle Romani Events/Communications Special Projects Coordination Community Events Convention Services Media Relations Open Sports Marketing Manager Sports Events Local Sports Events Coordination Sports Calendar Stakeholders Hotels Restaurants Attractions/Museums Shopping Centers Tourism Services Providers Community Regional Community Tourism Infrastructure 34 Hotel/Motels 3034 Hotel/Motel Rooms 13 Venues with Meeting facilities Nine Hotels TAMIU Library 3 Museums Republic of the Laredo Children’s
Museum 2 Golf Courses Numerous Independent and Franchise
Restaurants Mall del Norte Downtown Shopping $800 Million economic impact 5,170 Jobs Generated $5.1 Local Tax Receipts 22.1 Million State Tax Receipts 67.9%
Occupancy (56.9 State Average) Primarily Business Destination Primarily Leisure Destination Weekends
Performance
Measures “Challenge” Multitude of Stakeholders Multitude of measurements Local governments differ from
stakeholders needs Lack of Industry Standards Terminology What’s in it for me Methodology Not Selling Widgets Industry
Performance Overnight Visitors Visitor Spending Hotel Room Nights Occupancy Rates
Hotel ADR Airport arrivals Attraction Attendance Convention/Meetings Attendance Program
Effectiveness Sales Measurements §
Leads §
Room
nights Advertising Measurements §
Pre
& Post awareness studies §
Image
Perception studies §
Conversion
Studies Market Reports ·
Market
Share & Competitive Set Top Ten Cities Fort Worth 6% Other 25% Top Ten States Other 17% Purpose of visit Traveling to Visiting, Business,
Other 8% Vacation 15% Inquiries by Source TX Spring Insert 30% Website 26% Southern Living 2% Walk-ins CBV 2% Parade Mag 37% Tx
Spring Insert 30% Hotel Occupancy 2001-2002 October 70% November 73% December 70% January 71% February 78% March 78% April 80% May 71% June 77% July 82% August 75% September 72% Hotel ADR
2001-2002 October $69.00 November $72.00 December $73.00 January $71.00 February $71.00 March $75.00 April $72.00 May $71.00 June $71.00 July $74.00 August $76.00 September $70.00 LCVB Vision Premier Leisure
border destination Add visitor
attractions Centralized
Database Centralized
reporting through research department Customized reports
& analysis for stakeholders, local government and employees Visitor relationship
management Maximize ROI 33. Status report on the
outstanding water utilities reimbursement balance. Beto Ramirez gave
the following report: Beto Ramirez submitted a listing of nine reimbursements
contracts including their starting dates.
He referred to Ordinance 86-O-16 which calls for fifteen years so if
there have not been amendments, the contract will terminate in 2003. It states that the City Charter provides
that the cost of the Utility Expansion must be made by those requesting
expansion and the City Council will obligate any citizen by adjusting the
utility rate. In addition to that, the
City Council deems it necessary and appropriate to place and outer limit of
fifteen years on the opportunity of an applicant for extension to obtain the
reimbursement from subsequent beneficiary in addition to that there is an
interest that the ordinance places on the particular reimbursement contract. Larry Dovalina, City Manager, acknowledged that the current
Ordinance is weak and noted that staff is working to strengthen the
ordinance. Water Reimbursement Contracts
Sewer Reimbursement
Contracts
34. Status report on the Municipal Court
monthly fines, suspensions, collected and uncollected
revenues and community service hours used. Tommy Ochoa, Municipal Court Clerk, submitted the following
report: Municipal
Court Monthly Report I. Revenue
* Community Service for FY01-02 represents
138 defendants performing a total of 8,674 hours. XIV. EXECUTIVE SESSION The City Council hereby reserves the right to go into executive
session at any time during this public meeting, if such is requested by the City
Attorney or other legal counsel for the City, pursuant to his or her duty
under Section 551.071(2) of the Government Code, to consult privately with
his or her client on an item on the agenda, or on a matter arising out of
such item. 35. Request for Executive
Session pursuant to Texas Government Code 551.071(1) (A) to consult with City Attorney regarding pending litigation, Jose
Luis Martinez vs City of Laredo, et al, Cause No.
L-99-110, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of
Texas Laredo Division and Jose Luis Martinez vs. City of Laredo, et al, State
Cause No. 98-CVQ-00904-D1 (49th Judicial District, Webb County, Texas) on
removal, Federal Cause No. L-98-90, in the United States District Court for
the Southern District of Texas Laredo Division and return to open session for
possible action. Motion to go into Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government
Code 551.071(1) (A) to consult with City Attorney regarding pending
litigation, Jose Luis Martinez vs City of Laredo,
et al, Cause No. L-99-110, in the United States District Court for the
Southern District of Texas Laredo Division and Jose Luis Martinez vs City of Laredo, et al, State Cause No. 98-CVQ-00904-D1
(49th Judicial District, Webb County, Texas) on removal, Federal Cause No.
L-98-90, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of
Texas Laredo Division and return to open session for possible action. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 After the Executive Session, Mayor Flores announced that no
action was taken. 36. Request for Executive
Session pursuant to Texas Government Code 551.071 (1) (A) to consult with City Attorney to discuss pending litigation by some
of the residents of Los Obispos Subdivision Styled
Villarreal, Martin v. City of Laredo, The Laredo Affordable Housing
Corporation, M.G. Builders, and Frank Architects, Inc. Cause No.
2002-CVQ-001299D3 in the 341st District Court at Webb County, Texas, and
return to open session for possible action. Motion to go into Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government
Code 551.071 (1) (A) to consult with City Attorney to discuss pending
litigation by some of the residents of Los Obispos
Subdivision Styled Villarreal, Martin v. City of Laredo, The Laredo
Affordable Housing Corporation, M.G. Builders, and Frank Architects, Inc.
Cause No. 2002-CVQ-001299D3 in the 341st District Court at Webb County,
Texas, and return to open session for possible action. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 After the Executive Session, Mayor Flores announced that no
action was taken. XV.
RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO CITY WATER LOCAL GOVERNMENT
CORPORATION Motion to recess as City Council and
convene as the Laredo City Water Local Government Corporation. Moved: Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. Second: Cm. J. Valdez,
Jr. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 37. Authorizing the
President of the Laredo City Water Local Government Corporation ("LWC") to execute the fourth amendment to the
Advanced Authorization To Proceed Agreement ("AATP") with MWH
Americas, Inc. extending this agreement for one year for the purpose of
evaluating financial options and identifying and verifying the best location
for a secondary source of water. Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 5 Against: 2 Abstain: 0 Cm.
J. Valdez, Jr. Cm.
Ramirez Motion to adjourn as the Laredo City Water Local Government
Corporation and reconvene as the Laredo City Council. Moved: Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. Second: Cm. Belmares For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XVI. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn. Time: Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 |