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CITY
OF CITY
COUNCIL MEETING M-2002-R-021 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 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. 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 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 Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. requested
that city staff look into allotting one of the City’s days at the 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 Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.
expressed his thanks to Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, for the completion
of the striping work at the 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 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 Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano
thanked the citizens of 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 IX. GENERAL
COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS 8. A.
Request by Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores 1.
2002-R-099 Expressing the
opposition of the City Council of the City of
Laredo to
the increase effective November 1, 2002 in the non immigrant visa fee for
securing a machine readable visa (MRV) from $65.00 to $100.00 by the U.S.
Department of State, noting the deleterious impact of such increase on border
economies of the adjoining four states; and directing the City Secretary to transmit a copy of this resolution to Colin
Powell, Secretary of State, and other relevant Federal Officials and the
Governors of the States of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. Motion
to approve Resolution # 2002-R-099. Moved: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 B. Request by Council Member John C. Galo 1. Discussion
concerning the large amounts of trash throughout the community especially on
IH 35, with possible action. Larry
Dovalina, City Manager, reported that each year a project is assigned to the
new Leadership Class. This year, the
class has taken up the litter problem and trash problem throughout the city. He stated that they have made attempts in
having discussions with retailers, some retailers such as Wal-Mart have been
very receptive to the suggestions made.
They have had initial discussions with H.E.B. over this issue and have
talked about eliminating plastic bags throughout the city. He added that part of the group that is
working with the Leadership Class has created an education
sub-committee. He explained that there
are programs out there that the public needs to be aware of. For example, there is a DPS web page that
allows an individual to report a motorist caught littering. It will enter the vehicle owner’s name in a
database and issues a letter to the vehicle owner stating that the vehicle
has been reported as littering on the highway. 2. Discussion
regarding vagrancy in town, with possible action. Agustin Dovalina, Police
Chief, reported that for the past three months, they have had the Ordinance
Enforcement Team Officers conduct periodic checks at different
intersections. They have arrested
about five vagrants and issued about ten citations. He mentioned that the officers have also
cleaned up a camp site with the assistance of Public Works. He stated that they will be meeting with
individuals who have a problem with vagrants on their property and try to
make some more arrests. C. Request by Council Member Eliseo Valdez, Jr. 1. Discussion with possible
action regarding repairing the concrete channel slabs at Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported that the channel was built some time in 1977. With time, the dowels holding the joints have corroded. When there is a heavy flow of water, the water does get under them and they become dislodged. He mentioned that he has spoken to John Orfila, Public Works, who stated that as soon as the weather clears up they are going to repair those slabs. He predicts that they will probably begin some work within the next two weeks.
2. Status report regarding COPS program with possible action to set a date for a workshop to discuss locations of COP stations throughout the community. (Co-sponsored by Jose Alberto Valdez, Jr. and Council Member Hector J. Garcia) Agustin Dovalina, Police chief, reported that they previously submitted to City Council a status report regarding the status on COPS workstations for the future. He mentioned that he is prepared to schedule a workshop at the City Council’s convenience. Larry
Dovalina, City Manager, suggested that the date of the workshop be set for
3. Status report regarding Alta Vista/Vista Hermosa. Dr.
Hector Gonzalez, Health Director, reported that the City Manager’s Office has
been strategizing from a public health perspective. He stated that the Health Department has
developed a health assessment which is to be conducted among a random
sampling of 50 families. This survey
will reveal whether there are any health issues to be concerned about. He mentioned that they have done 12 assessments
so far of families in the area. If any
of the findings show that the department needs to proceed with further
action, then they will present this information to the City Manager. He added that he is pleased that the City
of
D. Request by Council
Member Jose A. Valdez, Jr. 1. Discussion with possible action on
the status of the identification of the drug free zones by the Laredo Police
Department. (Co-sponsored by Council Member Eliseo Valdez, Jr.) Agustin
Dovalina, Police Chief, reported that this issue came up some time last year
regarding concerns over vandalism at the parks. He stated that they are exploring some new
ways to combat this problem. The task
force officers that were assigned to this unit suggested designating some
areas as drug-free zones and weapons-free zones. They have identified about 75 parks around
the city and almost 120 schools, including day-care facilities where they
might be able to designate these areas as such. He mentioned that the department is ready
to go forward with it and put it in the form of an ordinance. They have met with the Planning Department
as well in order to coordinate the mapping of these zones. He added that he would like to come back to
City Council and propose an ordinance at the first meeting of December. 2. Discussion with possible action
regarding the status of park improvements for District VII. Horacio
De Leon, Parks and Recreation Director, reported that he has submitted a
report to City Council. He mentioned
that 3. Discussion with possible action
regarding a water billing complaint. Motion to
postpone. Moved: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. Second: Cm. Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 E. Request by Council
Member Juan Ramirez 1. Discussion with possible action on a
permit for Bridge II to convert the walkways to vehicle traffic lanes. Rogelio
Rivera, City Engineer, stated that he has submitted a report where he
provided some background on the project.
He mentioned that a consultant is assigned to this project who is
working on the feasibility of converting the sidewalk areas into travel
lanes. The department has had several
meetings with the consultants and they have been provided the bridge plans
together with the existing utilities.
He added that the consultants are putting together a conceptual plan
which will then be presented to the Utilities Committee for its review. 2. Discussion with possible action regarding
new street lights on the 100 and 200
blocks of
Convent. Roberto Murillo, Traffic
Director, reported that his department is installing a total of eleven lights
for those first two blocks which includes one block on 3. Discussion with possible action on
re-routing the traffic on Roberto
Murillo, Traffic Director, stated that what they are looking into is changing
one block of
(Recess) (Press Availability) X. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES 9. Closing of public easements those
sections of: City of Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 10. Closing
of public easements those sections of: B. Louisiana Avenue between Mier and Lane Streets, including the intersections; Division, City of date. Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 11.
Closing as public easements those sections of: situated in the Eastern Division, City
of providing for an effective date. Ordinance Introduction: City Council 12. Approving
the donation of an approximate 3.03 acre tract (surface only) of
non-aeronautical use of land located at the Laredo International Airport to
the Board of Regents of the University of Texas for the public purpose of
establishing and operating an extension campus of the University of Texas
Health Science Center at San Antonio in accordance with section 272.001 (j)
of the Local Government Code and authorizing the City Manager to execute all
necessary documents. This conveyance
completes a donation of approximately 12.003 acres with a fair market value
of $2,617,000.00. Ordinance Introduction:
City Council XI. FINAL
Motion to waive final
readings of Ordinance # 2002-O-272; # 2002-O-273; # 2002-O-274; # 2002-O-275;
# 2002-O-276; # 2002-O-277; # 2002-O-278; # 2002-O-279; # 2002-O-280; #
2002-O-281; # 2002-0-282; # 2002-O-283; # 2002-O-284; # 2002-O-285; #
2002-O-286; and # 2002-O-287. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2002-O-272 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-272. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm.
Agredano For: 8 Abstain: 0
Against: 0 2002-O-273 Amending the sections of the Laredo Land
Development Code pertaining to manufactured homes space leasing, Section
24.63.2, Permitted Uses and Section 24.93.2, Manufactured Housing Park, and
providing for publication and effective date.
Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-273. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Abstain: 0 Against: 0 2002-O-274 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of Laredo and Ordinance 2001-O-133 which authorized the issuance a
Conditional Use Permit for a used car lot on Lot 2, Block 292, Eastern Division, located at 413
Clark Blvd., by revising the conditions of the permit; providing for
publication and effective date. (As amended)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-274. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm.
Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2002-O-275 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit to Jose Leandro
and Susan Garza for an outdoor children’s amusement service business on Lots
7 and 8, Block 305, Eastern Division, located at 818 and 820 Clark Blvd.;
providing for publication and effective date.
(As amended) Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-275. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2002-O-276 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-276. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2002-O-277 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-277. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2002-O-278 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 6.16 acres, as
further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A”,
located south of Emerald Hills Subdivision, Phase I and southwest of Dorel Dr., from R-1MH (Single Family Manufactured Housing
District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial
District); providing for publication and effective date. Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-278. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2002-O-279 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit to
Fernando A. Salinas for a bus passenger terminal on Lot 1, Block 121, Western Division, located at 901 San
Agustin Avenue; providing
for publication and effective date. (As amended) Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-279. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm.
Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2002-O-280 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the
City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit to
Fernando A. Salinas for a nationalization of vehicles business on Lots 1 and
2, Block 72, Western Division,
located at 820 Farragut St.; providing for publication
and effective date. (As amended) Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-280. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2002-O-281 Amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003
Airport budget to recognize additional revenues received from the Federal
Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program in the amount of
$289,205.00 for the purpose of constructing a cargo apron at the Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-281. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2002-O-282 Authorizing
the City Manager to accept a grant in the amount of $42,500.00 from the Texas
Department of Transportation and to amend the City of Motion
to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-282. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2002-O-283 Authorizing the City Manager to accept a
grant in the amount of $81,250.00 from the Texas Department of Transportation
and to amend the City of Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2002-O-283. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2002-O-284 Authorizing the City Manager to grant a
license to Bestel USA, Inc., for the use of a
telecommunications PVC conduit located at the Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2002-O-284. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2002-O-285 Authorizing the City Manager to execute an
Assignment of lease of that lease agreement entered into between the City of Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2002-O-285. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2002-O-286 Authorizing the City Manager to execute an
assignment of that Rental Car Agency Concession and lease agreement entered
into between the City of Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2002-O-286. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2002-O-287 Amending the City of Laredo, Code of
Ordinances, Chapter 33, Article II, and III entitled “Storage Handling and
Transfer of Hazardous Materials” and Transportation of Hazardous Materials
respectively; changing administration to the Environmental Services
Department; adding and deleting definitions in 33-20; increasing the late
payment penalty $200.00 in 33-43; adding 33-56 and 33-56 and 33-57 entitled
“Hazardous Waste Management Plans and “Hazardous Waste Management Inventory
Statements” respectively; deleting Article III entitled “Transportation of
Hazardous Materials” and moving it to Chapter 19 entitled “Motor Vehicles and
Traffic” by adding Article XIII;
providing for severability, publication and effective date. Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2002-O-287. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XII. RESOLUTIONS 14. 2002-R-093
Ratifying 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 purchase
appreciation items for volunteers and participants of the
City’s Household Hazardous
Waste Collection
Program. Motion
to approve Resolution # 2002-R-093. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 15. 2002-R-094
Authorizing
the City Manager to accept a grant from the U. S. Department of Justice,
Local Law Enforcement Block Grant in the amount of $95,235.00 with the City
of Motion
to approve Resolution # 2002-R-094. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XIII. MOTIONS 16. Consideration to
award contract number FY03-007 to the low bidder, Valu
Care Cleaners, laundry and dry cleaning services for
Police Department uniforms. The
contract pricing is approximately 5% less than
the previous contract amount. The City
must provide dry cleaning service for
police uniforms as a condition of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Funding is available in the Police
Department's budget. Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 17. Consideration to authorize the purchase of
Police and Fire Department entrance and
promotional
exams from the sole source vendor, Wollack and
Associates, Redmond, WA, in the
estimated amount of $50,000.00. This
contract will cover all exams needed for this
fiscal year. The City is charged only
for those exams used on the test day. Funding is
available in the Police and Fire Department budgets. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 18. Consideration to award a professional
services contract to Bexar County Forensic
criminal
investigation and laboratory services for the Police Department. All services are
requested on an as needed basis.
Services include arson, controlled substances, DNA,
firearms, tool marks, toxicology, serology, and other services required for criminal
investigations. Funding is available
in the Police Department operational budget. Motion to
approve. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 19. Consideration to award annual contract
number FY03-006 to the low bidders, Al &
Rob Sales, trousers,
and Galls, Inc., purchase of
shirts for Police Department personnel.
All items will be purchased on an as needed
basis. Funding is available in the
Police Department budget. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 20. Consideration to authorize the City
Manager to extend the contract with Border
Maintenance
Services, Inc. for a three month period in the amount of $12,996.00 to provide
janitorial services at six City of locations
throughout the city for the period of 2002. Funding is available in the WIC
Grant-Health Department budget. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 21. Consideration to authorize the City
Manager to enter into a renewed Interlocal Agreement
for FY 2002-2003 between the City of amount of
$133,000.00 for locally supported public health services to non-Laredo residents of
Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 1 Cm.
Amaya 22. Consideration to ratify the purchase
contract authorized by the City Manager in the amount of $28,131.00 to Bradley’s
Inc., repair of two, high service, raw water
intake pumps. Both pumps needed repair
and were put back into service at the repairs are available in the 2002
fiscal year budget of the Utilities Department - Water Treatment Division. Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 23. Consideration
to authorize the purchase of five heavy duty trucks, and five Pak-Mor high compact rear garbage loaders,
through the Houston Galveston Area Council of Governments (HGAC) - Cooperative
Purchasing Program, in the total amount of $665,394.35. Delivery is expected within ninety to one
hundred twenty days. Funding is available in the Solid
Waste Fund budget. Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 24. Consideration to authorize the
City Manager to enter into a sixty month lease contract with Pitney Bowes,
Inc., Motion to
approve. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 25. Consideration for approval of
final change order no. 6 a decrease of $4,856.30 for the balance of
quantities actually constructed in place, acceptance of the Laredo
International Fire and Motion to
approve. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 26. Consideration to ratify change
order no. 2 an increase of $15,723.39 to add 4 city blocks, approval of final
change order no. 3 a decrease of $50,258.39 for the balance of quantities
actually constructed in place, acceptance of the CDBG sidewalks City-wide
Project No. 19C and approval of final payment in the amount of $22,494.02 to
J. Solis Maintenance & Welding Services, Laredo, Texas. Final contract amount is $193,260.15. Funding is available in the Sidewalks 26th Action
Year-Community Development Department Budget. Motion to
approve. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 27. Consideration
to approve the project plaque for the Motion
to approve and include the year “2000”; include special recognition of all
committee members; Jaime Flores, City Attorney; Noe
Hinojosa, Financial Advisor; and citizens of Moved: Cm. E.
Valdez, Jr. Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 28. Consideration to authorize the
City Manager to amend the contract with Carter & Burgess to change the
scope of services to include the recently awarded Environmental Protection
Agency grant funded restoration project for the Chacon Creek. The contract amount will remain the same at
$748,032.00. Motion to
approve. Moved: Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 29. Consideration to award a
professional services contract to Severn Trent Laboratories, Inc., Motion to
approve. Moved: Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 30. Consideration
to secure advertising in the Texas Monthly magazine in the amount of
$59,246.00 for a one year period with sole source vendor, Texas Monthly
Press, Austin, Texas. This contract
includes eight monthly ads and two additional ads in the Texas Monthly Travel
Guides. Funding is available in the
Convention and Visitors Bureau budget. Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 31.
Consideration to award a construction contract the lowest bidder Price
Construction, Inc., Laredo, TX, for the Laredo International Airport
Northeast Cargo Apron and Access Road in the amount of $4,755,652.04 which
includes the base bid concrete and alternate no. 1 to construct an additional
cargo apron area. The Federal Aviation
Administration Airport Improvement Program is providing 90 percent of the
funding. Funding is available in the
Airport Construction Fund. Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. Second: Cm. Belmares For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 1 Cm.
Galo 32. Authorizing
the City Manager to enter into a one year service agreement with H.T.E, Inc.,
Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 33. Consideration to authorize the purchase of telecommunication and
networking equipment in the amount of
$141,352.00, through the State of Texas – Department of Information Services
contract. The telephone and networking
equipment will be installed at the following locations: Planning Department - Bruni Library
building, new Municipal Court building, and the Environmental Services
building. Funding is available in the
respective departmental budgets. Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 34. Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Lease
Agreement with Laredo Sport City for a twelve (12) month period commencing on
the date of the signing of this Agreement, to rent 1,024 sq. ft. of building
space located at La Ladrillera Neighborhood
Facility at 2100 Pinder for the purpose of
providing such services as Homework Assistance, Tutoring and Soccer
Instruction and any other related services. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Galo Second:
Cm. Agredano For:
8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 35. Consideration
to award a contract for a Tennis Professional in an amount of $26,400.00 for
a twelve (12) month period commencing October 1, 2002 to September 30, 2003,
with Carlos Ortiz, individually and d/b/a Tennis Professional, to provide
professional tennis lessons at the Market Street Tennis Courts. Funding in the amount of $26,400.00 is
available in the Parks and Recreation Department budget. Motion
to approve. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 36. Authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the
privatization contract between the City of Motion to approve. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 37. Motion to approve
twenty-nine general fund third party contracts for the fiscal year 2003 for a
total $781,063.00. The contracts are
listed as follows: Bringing Everyone Special
Together $ 14,063.00 Border Area Nutrition
Council
$ 35,000.00 Boy’s & Girls Club of
Laredo $ 90,000.00
Casa de Misericordia
$ 15,000.00 Catholic Social Services $ 15,000.00 Children’s International
Advocacy $ 60,000.00 Club Communities in Schools $ 15,000.00 Community Action Agency –
Elderly Nutrition Program $ 20,000.00 Community Action Agency – Meals
on Wheels $ 19,000.00
Girl Scouts Paisano
Council $ 10,000.00 LISD Campus Crime Stoppers $
7,500.00 Laredo Webb County Food
Bank
$ 30,000.00 Laredo/Webb Child Welfare
Board $
4,500.00 Laredo Veteran’s Coalition
$ 60,000.00 Literacy Volunteers of Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation
Center $ 75,000.00
Sacred Heart Children’s
Home $
5,000.00 Serving Children and
Adolescents in Need $
36,000.00 Special Olympics $ 4,500.00 Motion
to approve. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 38. Motion
to approve seventeen contracts payable from the hotel/motel tax fund. These contracts are for fiscal year 2003
and total $441,170.00. The contracts are listed as follows: LULAC #7
$ 5,000.00
LULAC #12 $ 5,000.00 Society of Martha
Washington
$ 10,000.00 Washington’s Birthday
Celebration Association $ 20,000.00 Laredo Children’s
Museum
$ 50,000.00 Latin American Sports Hall
of Fame $ 5,000.00 L.C.C. Dance/Music
Community Productions $
32,815.00 T.A.M.I.U. Dance
Productions $ 10,000.00 Border Olympics $ 12,000.00 Streets of Mexican Cultural Motion to
approve. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XIV. STAFF REPORTS 39. Report by
Joe A. Guerra, Transit Interim General Manager on the El Lift Program. Joe Guerra, Interim Transit Manager, reported that staff
had detected a problem with the Automated Call Distribution (ACD)
equipment. He stated that there was a
computer glitch with the ACD equipment.
The problem was corrected with the assistance of outside consultants. He has reviewed the lift calling system
with the technology committee and it is now operating efficiently. He added that this should reduce the
complaints that were being received.
On the concern over El Lift pickups, he mentioned that the pickup
service for customers is working efficiently as far as dispatching the van drivers. 40. Status report by Arcadis Engineering on the
Water Park Feasibility Study with presentation by William Haralson, Economic
Consultant on the draft submittal of the Market Study and consideration of
approval to negotiate a professional services contract for Phase II,
evaluation of potential sites and water park schematic. Funding is available
in the Capital Improvement Fund (District VIII Discretionary Fund). Alfonso Garza, of Arcadis
Engineering, gave a presentation before City Council along with William L.
Haralson, Economic Consultant. Mr.
Haralson reported on their findings in Phase I for a proposed water
park. He stated that in a market
study, there are several factors that are considered. The most important of these is the
demographic profile of the market area.
The major market for the water park is the resident market within a
15-mile radius. This market area
contained 196.5 thousand persons in 2000, and is projected to have 227.5
thousand by 2005. He added that
another important factor is age distribution.
The target market for the water park is preteens, young teens and their
parents. He stated that almost 29% of
the population falls in this category within the major and secondary
markets. He stated that based on
market support, weather, and competitive environment, attendance at the
proposed water park is projected to reach 96,000 in 2004, increasing to
100,000 in 2005, and 125,000 by 2006. Motion to proceed to negotiate a professional services
contract for Phase II. Moved: Cm. Ramirez Second: Cm. E.
Valdez, Jr. For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XV. RECESS
AS THE Motion
to recess as Laredo City Council and convene as the Laredo Municipal Housing
Corporation. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. J.
Valdez, Jr. For: 7
Against: 0 Abstain:
0 41. Presentation
by representatives of Southwest Housing Development Corporation to propose a partnership with Laredo Municipal
Housing Corporation for the construction of a 160 multi-family unit
residential development to be located at Cielito Lindo Subdivision, southwest of Cielito
Lindo Blvd and St. David. Brian Potashnik, President of Southwest Housing, made a brief
presentation before City Council. He
stated that their company is the largest developer of affordable housing in
the state. They have partnered with
several housing finance corporations as well as cities in the past. He added that the development in this
subdivision has been approved by the Texas Department of Housing and
Community Affairs and has received tax credits and was the only project
approved for tax credits in XVI. RECESS AS THE LAREDO MUNICIPAL HOUSING
CORPORATION AND RECONVENE AS
THE Motion to adjourn as the
Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation and reconvene as the Laredo City
Council. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain:
0 XVII. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn. Time:
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain:
0 I, Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary, do hereby certify that
the above minutes contained in pages 01 through 28 are true, complete and
correct proceedings of the City Council meeting held on ________________________ Gustavo
Guevara, Jr. City
Secretary |