CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M-2002-R-021

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

NOVEMBER 4, 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 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

 

            Motion to excuse Cm. Garcia.

 

            Moved:  Cm. Agredano

            Second:  Cm. Amaya

            For:    7                                                Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            Cm. Garcia joined the meeting at 6:45 p.m.

 

IV.       MINUTES

 

            None. 

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

Announcements

 

Mayor Flores requested for a moment of silence in honor of those Laredoans who have contributed to our community and whom we have lost in the last few weeks.

 

Invitations

 

a.       Presentation by Texas Migrant Council, Inc., regarding El Dia de los Niños.

 

Mary Guevara-Capello, Chief Executive Officer of the Texas Migrant Council, made a presentation before City Council on behalf of the Laredo Organizing Committee for El Dia de los Ninos.  She reported that this event is based on the Day of the Child and is endorsed annually through Congress.  She added that this celebration is sponsored locally through the Texas Migrant Council.  The Laredo Organizing Committee is a dynamic collaboration of over 50 public and private entities, children, youth, and parents who participate in this event.  She stated that this event has grown from a gathering of hundreds to a peak attendance in 2001 of 6,500 children and adults on the grounds of the Laredo Public Library.   She explained that the organization is requesting the City Council’s declaration of Laredo’s El Dia de Los Ninos as an official City of Laredo celebration on April 30, 2003.   She added that it is an event that uniquely celebrates the worth, beauty, and grand potential of Laredo’s children. 

 

Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. requested that city staff look into allotting one of the City’s days at the Laredo Entertainment Center for their use of the facility on April 30th.  He also requested an estimate from staff on the net cost for the use of the facility on that day.  

 

Recognitions

 

None. 

 

Communiqués

 

Cm. Ramirez reported that the downtown merchants held a meeting last week.  The main topic was the merchants’ concern regarding the construction for the Iturbide project.  He also mentioned that tomorrow is the last day to make history in Laredo by exercising our right to vote and decide our future. 

 

Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. expressed his thanks to Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, for the completion of the striping work at the Big Bend entrance by Mines Road.  He also expressed his thanks to Community Development Director Erasmo Villarreal, Roy Garcia, and the crew from Community Development along with the volunteers from the Laredo Public Library who assisted in the graffiti cleanup.  Together they painted 16 block walls on Bristol Road from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. last Saturday.   He also thanked  Efrain Trevino, from Circle K, for providing the drinks and meals for the entire crew. 

 

Cm. Belmares complimented everyone who was involved in this weekend’s hockey game.  He stated it was a great success. 

 

Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. reminded all his constituents to exercise their right to vote.  He also thanked the citizens of Laredo for coming out in force this weekend in support of the Laredo Bucks hockey team.  He hopes that the City can sustain this kind of attendance.

 

Cm. Amaya thanked everyone who participated in the chicken plate fundraiser held this past weekend. 

 

Cm. Galo reminded everyone to go out and vote.  He stated that the numbers really matter and the best thing that Laredoans can do is show up in numbers.  He also thanked city staff and everyone else who worked on the arena project for the citizens of Laredo. 

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano thanked the citizens of Laredo for voting for completion of the arena project.  He also mentioned the importance of voting in tomorrow’s election.  He commented that the people of Laredo have awakened and he expects to reach the 40,000 in votes cast by tomorrow.  He also mentioned that the annual 5K Scholarship Run was held last Sunday in South Laredo.  He thanked the staff from the Parks and Recreation Department, Laredo Police Department, Traffic Department, Health Department, and Mercy Hospital for all the assistance they provided for the race. 

 

Mayor Flores urged everyone to go cast their vote tomorrow.  She mentioned that our voice can be heard if we decide to vote.  She stated that Laredo has a chance this time around to tell the rest of the state and the country, due to the momentum created by two Laredoans on the ticket, that we are a very loud voice.  

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

a.       Appointment by Council Member Hector J. Garcia of Beverly Cantu to the Tree Advisory Committee.

 

                  Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For:     7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

II.        PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1.   Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo 2002-2003 budget by increasing Texas Department of Health’s share of program income and expenditures for the Tuberculosis Elimination Program of the City of            Laredo Health Department for the period beginning September 1, 2002, through August 31, 2003.

 

      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. Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

2.   Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003 annual budget in the amount of $82,773.00 in additional funds from the Texas Department of Health for the Office of Public Health Practice Program of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning September 1, 2002 through August 31, 2003; and authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo’s full-time equivalent positions by creating three Community Service Aide positions.

 

      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. Galo

For:    7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

3.   Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend    the City of Laredo’s full-time equivalent positions by creating one Micro-Computer Specialist.  A transfer of funds will be initiated from the BioTerrorism Grant (226-6068) contractual services line item to the personnel line item to cover these expenses.  In addition, a transfer of funds will also occur from the Office of Public Health Practice Program (OPHP) (226-6088) and Immunization Action Plan (226-6086) program income (Texas Department of Health’s share) into the personnel line item.  The net budgetary impact is zero after line item transfers.

 

      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. Galo

Second:  Cm. Ramirez

For:    7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

     

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

4.   Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo’s FY 2002-2003 full-time equivalent positions by creating 13 part-time Community Service Aides (1.28 Full-Time Equivalent Positions - for a total of 2,664 hours) to conduct community health education and aerobic instruction at the City’s Parks and Recreation Centers.  These positions are currently paid as contractual, staff and to align with city operations, they are now being converted to full-time equivalent positions, and hence, this action does not impact the current budget.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For:    7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm. Agredano

Second:  Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.

For:    7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

5.   Public hearing and introductory ordinance accepting a grant awarded by the Criminal Justice Division, Office of the Governor in the amount of $99,862.00 and amending the City of Laredo’s FY 2002-2003 annual budget in the amount of $20,000.00 for the Criminal Justice Division Grant from the Office of the Governor.  The Office of the Governor is contributing  $60,000.00 with the City designating $39,862.00 in matching funds.  This funding will be used for the Domestic Awareness Response Team Program under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) for the period of December 01, 2002 through August 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. Amaya

For:    7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

6.   Public hearings for the voluntary annexation of five (5) tracts of land totaling 679.71 acres, more or less, and the unilateral annexation of one (1) tract of land totaling 607.02 acres, more or less, for a total of 1,286.73 acres, more or less, as described in the attached tract summaries as required by Section 43.063 of the Texas Government Code.

Voluntary Annexations:

Tract 2: E.G. Ranch Tract- 214.90 acres, more or less, located south of SH 359 and west of the City landfill. Petitioner: E.G.Ranch, Ltd.

Motion to open the public hearing.

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Edward Garza, with Crane Engineering, spoke on behalf of E. G. Ranch Limited and stated that they are in favor of this annexation. 

 

Motion to close the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm. Belmares

Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For:    7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

Tract 3: Las Misiones Tract- 83.0116 acres, more or less, located south SH 359 and west of the City landfill. Petitioners: Mr. Rene Soliz and Mr. A.R. “Tony” Sanchez

Motion to open the public hearing.

Moved:  Cm. Belmares

Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For:    7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing. 

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.

For:    7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

Tract 4: Piña Tract - 120.13 acres, more or less, located east of IH 35 and south of the IH 35/US 83 intersection. Petitioner: Librado Piña & Lilia Piña Family Partnership.

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.

 

Moved:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

Second:  Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.

For:    7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Tract 5: Treviño Tract- 5.00 acres, more or less, located east of Loop 20 and north of SH 359. Petitioner: Mr. Humberto Treviño, Jr.

Motion to open the public hearing.

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For:    7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For:    7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

Tract 6: Zachary Tract – 256.67 acres, more or less, located east of Ejido Avenue and south of Eistetter Road. Petitioner: H.B. Zachary Company.

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. Amaya

For:    7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

Unilateral Annexations:

Tract 7: IH 35 Tract - 607.02 acres, more or less, located along IH 35 from Uniroyal Drive to approximately ¼ mile south of the IH 35/US 83 intersection. Petitioner: City of Laredo.

 

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. 

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

VIII.    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.

 

7.   Request for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.074 to evaluate the performance and pay of City Manager Larry Dovalina; and return to open session for possible action.

 

      Motion to go into Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.074 to evaluate the performance and pay of City Manager Larry Dovalina; and return to open session for possible action.

 

      Moved:  Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.

      Second:  Cm. Amaya

      For:   8                                           Against:  0                                        Abstain:  0

 

      After Executive Session, Mayor Flores announced that no action was taken.

 

      Motion to grant City Manager Larry Dovalina a 6% salary increase.  A 2.8 % cost of living increase is included in the 6%.

 

      Moved:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

      Second:  Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.

      For:    7                                          Against:  1                                            Abstain:  0

                                                            Cm. Ramirez

     

                  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. submitted for the record a schedule reflecting pay scale and staff size for several City Manager’s offices throughout Texas.   

 

IX.       GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

8.   A.  Request by Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores